TAKE A PEEK
Although you might have been under the impression I was slaving away
writing my columns this last week or so, truth be told, I sent them in
advance to sneak out to the French Riviera for a birthday celebration.
All because some fabulous fellow surprised me with the treat of a
relaxing stay with European friends at their lovely seaside villa
complete with infinity pool. Poised somewhere between the walled
medieval village of Ramatuelle, overlooking ancient vineyards and olive
groves, and St. Tropez, honey, life doesn’t get any better than this.
However, dear readers, despite the glorious laid-back days spent
sunning, swimming and enjoying lingering conversations over absolutely
delicious meals, I assure you that shopping was never far from my mind.
Indeed, I found myself in a shopaholic heaven in the local markets
where I purchased an enchanting, tissue-thin, black cotton,
Moroccan-inspired wrap dress and the ubiquitous but classic striped
French sailor tee while wandering past intoxicating offerings of local
lavender, honey, olives, figs, cheeses and sausages. Then there were
the ultra-posh boutiques catering to the international jet setters that
dock their luxury yachts in the Bay of St. Tropez, do a bit of shopping
and then recover from the ordeal by lingering hours over an exquisite
lunch at one of the many cafes lining the famous waterfront. Alas, the
only downside to my Mediterranean sojourn was how much I missed little
Kippee. Everywhere I went it seemed the French had their cherished dogs
in tow, tucked under arms while they shopped, trotting alongside them
at the shore or sitting patiently in laps while their owners sipped and
savored their espressos. Fortunately (and bringing no small amount of
calm to my traveling heart) there was someone I trusted who was more
than capable and willing to take on the role of adoring caretaker in my
absence. Still as you might suppose, after a week and half apart,
despite the beauty of where I’d been, I found her an awfully sweet
sight to come home to.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
STAY HEALTHY: With all the planes, trains and automobiles involved in my recent transatlantic trip, in order to avoid having my fun marred by some flu or cold bug, you better believe I brought a hand sanitizer along to keep germs at bay. Taking my cue from what celebs at the recent Emmy awards ceremony found tucked into their swag bags, I picked up a bottle of alcohol-free, non-toxic, foaming Pre-Frenz. Not only was the bottle perfectly sized for air travel, given its claim to kill germs for up to 24 hours and stay active though up to 10 hand washings, I only had to use it once a day. Apparently, its unique “glove-like” protection stands firm against staph, strep, E. coli, MRSA and lots of other bacteria. So with flu season just around the corner and the kids back in school, whether you’re traveling or not, it’s probably a good thing to have on hand. Available at Whole Foods and REI. For more info, visit prefenzbotanicals.com.
BUY AMERICAN: Highlighting homegrown style and quality, the fifth-annual Milwaukee Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show
being held in The Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum Oct. 1-3 offers
shoppers the unique opportunity to buy some pretty awesome handcrafted,
American-made furniture, home accessories and art directly from the
artisans responsible for creating it. Coinciding with the beginning of
American Craft week, shoppers will find an excellent selection of work
by more than 75 American designers and artists, many of them hailing
from Wisconsin. Hours: Friday 4-8, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5. Adults
$10, any two days $15. 400 Canal St., finefurnishingsshow.com.
BUY MORE AMERICAN: Celebrating American Manufacturing Week, Allen Edmonds
helps ease shoppers though a tough economic climate with its Rediscover
America Collection. Now through Oct. 12, they’re peeling back pricing
big time (29-42 percent) on a selection of its best-selling shoes,
belts, cedar shoetrees and casual socks. Got your eye on something
outside the collection? In honor of Columbus Day, they’ll also be
shaving 14.92 percent off original pricing on lots more. For more info, visit aerediscoveramerica.com. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd. Brookfield, 262-785-6666, allenedmonds.com.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN AWFUL ACT OF NATURE: That powerful lightening strike that took out Percy’s Fine Linens
apparently has a silver lining for shoppers. Held at an off-site
location, the Lighting Fast Sale Sept. 30-Oct. 2 (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) offers
shoppers a terrific opportunity to purchase all store merchandise,
including fine bed and bath linens at amazing prices. W68 N171
Evergreen Blvd, Cedarburg.
MAKE A CARD: As Oct. 2 is National Card Making Day, it only makes sense that Artist and Display
will have seven “Make It & Take It” demonstration areas set up
throughout the store (noon-3 p.m.) where shoppers can pick up great
ideas as well as try out lots of interesting stamping, cutting,
embellishing and scoring techniques to fashion creative correspondence
of their own. Come in for the fun, the door prizes and special pricing
and while you’re at it, help make some cards to send to the troops
overseas. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
HEAD TO BRADY STREET FOR WEEKEND FUN: On Oct. 2 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Harvest Fest,
shoppers can exchange donations of non-perishable foods to the
Riverwest Food Pantry for “Brady Bucks” to cash in at participating
stores, bars and restaurants during the neighborhood’s super sidewalk
sale. And then on Oct. 3 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), anyone with a pooch they’d
like to show off is invited to register at Dragonfly (1117 E. Brady St., 414-271-1244. dragonflyvintagegoods.com)and
be part of the ninth-annual Brady Street Pet Parade & Blessing.
Although Kippee chooses to go au natural, it’s always great fun to see
all the dogs dressed up (or down) vying for prizes in the annual
event’s costume contest. Proceeds of the event to benefit the Wisconsin
Humane Society. bradyst.com.
BID ADIEU at shoestringhome.com:
After this cool little shop closed its brick-and-mortar doors in
downtown Waukesha, customers were happy to continue to shop its
eclectic assortment of hand selected housewares, linens, adult and kid
fashions and fine products from Caldrea and Lucia online at shoestringhome.com.
Well, sorry to say the fun is over. Sure we’ll miss this locally
operated gem, but fortunately there is a slight silver lining. Now (but
not for long) shoppers can save 35 percent on all existing inventory
simply by entering promo code SAVE35 at checkout.
ATTEND
A TRADITIONAL FASHION EVENT: The Goddess 2010 Style Show and luncheon
Oct. 6 (9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) at the Wilson Center will feature classic
fashions from Lafayette 148 New York, courtesy of Zita and Faye’s, along with footwear from Picardy Shoe Parlor.
Of particular interest to local fashionistas is the event’s auction,
featuring sculpture by Susan Falkman, a Lyle Husar diamond necklace,
lunch with author Jackie Mitchard, a fashionista weekend in NYC, a
pampering day at Neiman Marcus Northbrook, dinner at Flemings
Steakhouse and lots more fabulous treats with proceeds to benefit the
center’s arts and education programming. Tickets $75 & $125. For
more info, call 262-373-5032 or visit wilson-center.com.
ZERO IN ON LOCAL DESIGNERS: Throughout the month of October, Lounge Boutique will
spotlight local designers with special events and trunk shows amped up
with complimentary beverages and gifts. On Oct. 8 (3-6 p.m.), for
instance, they’re hosting a trunk show launch of super-soft, handmade,
leather handbags, clutches, belts and cuffs for men and women created
by Nailah, who’ll be offering shoppers the option of custom fitting or
detailing. 534 N. Water St., 414-220-8799
CHECK OUT
Oct. 1-3 at Goldi: Take advantage and save during a trunk
show of stylish yet comfy and practical Merrell shoes and boots. Plus,
throughout October, shop a month-long trunk show featuring Baggallini’s
super-organized fashion totes, handbags, backpacks, purses, wallets and
accessories. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
Through Oct. 2 at Lounge: Save 10 percent on easy breezy
jogging suits and cool jewelry, 20 percent off basic tees and thermal
tops, 30 percent off jeans and 50 percent off basic layering pieces to
ease you through the season. 534 N. Water St., 414-220-8799.
