Seriously, despite writing as often as I do about the significant upward shift in style and fashion offered to city shoppers, I’m beginning to get a little worried. Especially since in this venue, intended to draw attention to great sales or fun retail events, I have to make note of yet another closing of a cool store. This week it’s Jennifer Hemberger’s J. Bird Boutique. How does it happen that a young retailer who did everything right – from her offerings of comfy sexy lingerie, unique jewelry and accessories, style conscious wardrobe basics chosen with a eye for detail, fabric and fit along with plenty of innovative shopping events, geared to busy hip shoppers, finds herself closing the doors of her popular store a mere three years after its opening? Frankly, I don’t know, especially as I’ve been impressed with Jen’s retail savvy as well as how she followed her dream, opening a shop with both a focus and the determination that she could bring something vital to the city. I’ve admired the entrepreneurial energy she brought to the Third Ward and her generosity. Always supportive of her retail community, it wasn’t unusual for her to promote a sale or event even if it didn’t involve her own store. It’s been clearly evident she had a passion for what she was doing and while I’ll miss writing about the store, I’m certain she’ll be back with another venture and what ever it turns out to be, I’m confident she’ll deliver it with style. That said, you guys better shop quick since after holding a series of progressive sales, her plan is to close the store the last weekend in April. 415 E. Menomonee St., 414-727-6553
www.jbirdboutique.blogspot.com
While we’re on the subject, may I also emphasize this: It’s really the hard work and clear vision of individual merchants that ends up defining some of the city’s best shopping. The local retailers make it their business to know and understand city lifestyles, and follow national trends to find the right fit for their particular customers. Unlike huge national retailers with their massive advertising and marketing budgets, the success of these small stores depends wholly on your support. I talk to plenty of these shopkeepers and know that in an economy where everyone is feeling the pinch, its more important than ever for the public to remain loyal to neighborhood stores, to make an effort to purchase a gift, outfit a home or beef up a wardrobe from someone local rather than opt for the simplistic answer of popping in the car and heading out to the mall or local Target. Because in the end, countering the mass marketed selections available at national chains by supporting the efforts of local merchants is imperative to helping the city maintain and continue to develop it’s diverse retail landscape. Especially important, since when we do, a bigger percentage of retail dollars spent go directly back into the community.
Speaking of supporting local shopping, how about heading out to the Westside Artwalk taking place April 25 (5p.m. – 9 p.m. ) and Saturday April 26 ( 10am – 4 pm). The event is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse shopping neighborhoods of Wauwatosa, Washington Heights and Martin Drive laced with their many independently owned galleries and shops, artists, musicians and craftspeople. It’s an annual event that offers lots of inspiration, fun and creative exploration as shops and streets transform themselves into temporary galleries offering musical entertainment, artistic demos, refreshments and specials. Print an event brochure listing everything there is to see with a visit to geocities.com/westsideartwalk or villageofwauwatosa.com or stop in at just about any store in any of the tree neighborhoods. Also make note that there will be a Luncheon Fashion Show held on April 26 between 11 am and 2 pm at Ristorante Bartolotta. Because I’m always happy to support the local shopping scene, (especially when I end up dining on yummy Italian dishes when doing so) I’m looking forward to being the emcee of the show which features clothing and accessories from Jilly & George, Urban Laundry, Salamander, Heinsight, Magpie Jewelry & Metals Studio, Underwood Gallery, Magnolia & Co. Paper Perfique, Tres Chic Boutique, The Flower Lady, juxt home and baby along with creations from award winning up and coming local designers. Tickets ( $35 ) include a three course lunch plus complimentary glass of wine. Due to limited space be sure to call 414-771-7910 to reserve your spot.
Looking for a way to make a difference? How about utilizing Ecover plant and mineral based household products? Recently recognized in the book 50 Simple Steps To Save The Earth From Global Warming, the company has been manufacturing ecological cleaners that adhere to the World Health Organization’s definition of health and well being for more than 25 years. For more information, visit ecover.com. Available at Whole Foods 2305 N. Prospect Ave., 414-765-2333, wholefoodsmarket.com and Outpost Natural Foods, all three locations, outpostnaturalfoods.coop.
Over at Vieux et Nouveau, things are really stepping up now that the boutique presents hot, hot sexy leather heels ( 3 – 5” priced between $99 and $120). In stock and flying out of the stores right now are square toed sling pumps in mustard yellow trimmed in black and an oh so modern lime green based leopard open toe slings covered in sheer clear sequins from Paris Hilton. Expected in soon – a periwinkle blue leather open toe T-strap with buckle detail; turquoise and camel two tone t-strap open toe sling and black leather ‘corset tie’ open toe sling from Jeffery Campbell and sassy orange leather strapped cut out wedge, and black lace up all occasion open toe heel from Luchiney. Buy before April 15 and receive 10 percent off all shoe purchases. Members of the stores VIP Shopper email qualify for even more savings depending on what they spend. 1688 N. Franklin Pl., 414-287-904, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
Winning accolades for offering both respected brands and great customer convenience there are many who feel one day they’ll be as many Kohl’s in the country as there are Targets. From what I understand, currently there’s at least one in just about every state in the nation with 28 additional stores opening this Spring, including a second location in Grafton which officially opens its doors on April 9 with a 7:45 ribbon cutting ceremony. Expect the store’s grand opening ceremonies to continue on throughout the weekend with all Brewers and other Major League Baseball merchandise offered at a 20 percent savings, specials on exclusive brands like Simply Vera , ELLE™, Chaps and Food Network™ as well as Levi’s Carter’s and Cuisinart. Customers are encouraged to stop by with their cameras between 1 and 2 pm on April 12 and 13 to meet and get autographs from the Klements Racing Sausages and enter to win a Grand Prize in the Brewers Game Day Sweepstakes which includes 8 infield tickets for the June 22 game against Baltimore, two parking passes and a $20 gift certificate along with Brewers merchandise. Also of note, in addition to all new stores boasting the updated look of the national retailer, more than 30 existing stores will also be receiving a facelift this spring to celebrate the opening this fall of the 1,000th Kohls store, ,.
1050 Port Washington Road, Grafton, 262-375-1147, kohls.com.
Over at Detour, at the Thank God Winter’s Over? annual spring sale you’ll find lots of dresses, great tops for women and men plus a good chunk of the store’s renowned stock of fashionably terrific jeans marked 30 – 50 percent off till the end of the month. While you’re there check out the new collection of organic tees from Wet Cement Clothing. Designed by L.A. photographer Stef Z, it’s the only place in the city where you’ll find this cool line of edgy men’s and women’s tees featuring thought provoking screen printed images. 1300 Brady St., 414-273-5156, shopdetour.com
Now that the snows all melted and kids are ready to bolt this way and that on their bikes, check out the keen ‘bike helmet duvets’ for girls at goo goo gaa gaa. Fabulously fun and available in 3 eye popping color combinations the duvets, made of stretchy fabric embellished with a huge faux flower with a rhinestone center ( $25), are constructed like a shower cap to slip easily over bike helmets. Extremely popular, the store has already ordered more!
On Gallery Night this April 18 from 7 – 10 pm Fashion Ninja launches its third annual Handbag Expo offering up lots and lots of one of kind, handmade handbags by local designers including founder and boutique owner Areka Ikeler’s current collection of cool, modern yet practical totes featuring double layers of vintage fabric and leather straps. 2671 S. Kinnickinnic, Bayview, 414-481-3865, fashionninja.com.
Kudos to jeweler Steven Kistner , co –owner of Steven Paul Designs in Delafield, who recently won first place in the 18th annual Jewelers of America Design Competition in NYC. Kistner’s entry is a man’s ring in 14-karat white gold featuring black onyx and 12 diamonds ( .44 carats) fashioned in an innovative design of moveable geometric pieces. The award was based on craftsmanship, marketability, wearability and overall design in the jewelry $1,000 and under material cost category. 700 Genesee St. Delafield, 262-646-3310, stevenpauldesigns.com.
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Love, love, love Oli di Oliva. Not simply for all the incredibly flavorful olive oils and vinegars they’ve gathered up from around the world (I’m addicted to their basil olive oil). Not only because they offer up these culinary treasures for sampling before bottling them fresh upon purchase, but also for a really terrific Grand Opening Special they’re offering to you, dear readers, (which though I honestly think you deserve , I swear I had nothing to do with). Here’s the deal, mention you read about the shop in this Shopaholic column or in the Savvy Shopping feature in the April issue of Milwaukee Magazine and throughout the entire month of April, you’ll receive a whopping 50 percent off any one bottle of oil or vinegar you purchase – even their incredibly awesome 18 year old balsamic! Can’t decide? Not to worry, their six bottle gift selection is a great solution. Hmmm, now, if I could only get their hours extended beyond the current Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5 p.m. schedule, life would be triple sweet. 7606 Harwood Ave., (414) 256-8066, orodioliva.com.
