Got a yen to model for a national Kohl’s ad, guest host on CelebTV.com, own a Harley Davidson motorcycle signed by Willie J. Davidson, enjoy a Las Vegas NASCAR Extravaganza for four, an Ultimate Super bowl XLV package for two or trip to Paris for two (including a culinary Le Cordon Blue culinary demonstration)? Well lucky you. You’ve got till April 29 to bid on all that and more during the online Bal du Lac Auction, which benefits the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Friends of Art on charitybuzz.com/mam.
Join Mayor Tom Barrett and Trek president John Burke in celebrating the grand opening of DreamBikes April 24 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.). Aligned with The Boys & Girls Club’s Job Ready! Program, this unique concept community bike shop’s mission is to help teens build confidence, earn money and acquire job skills. Meet the staff and learn more while enjoyinga BMX show, bike rodeo, community bike ride, a raffle to win a Trek bike and complimentary chow from Café Hollander. 2021A N. Martin Luther King Dr., 414-763-0909, dream-bikes.org.
Artist & Display goes international April 24 (noon-3 p.m.) with its annual April in Paris event. Shoppers are invited to get creative with a la carte, clever, French-inspired projects like fashioning paper chapeaus, couture shoes, Eiffel Towers or making Matisse-inspired compositions and Parisian artist trading cards during the day’s Make It & Take It workshops. To keep energies flowing, it’s bon appétit as Le Rev Patisserie will also be on hand selling its delectable croissants and pastries. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
A French accent also graces this season’s Cedar Chic as the always-evolving temporary retail bazaar (open Thursdays through Sundays April 22 to May 16) embraces a delightful “Bon Appe-Chic” theme to present both its new and vintage jewelry, fashion, home accessories, candles, culinary and floral offerings. N50W5050 Portland Rd., in the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts Main Barn, 414-708-1470. For hours visit cedarchic.com.
Guys (and the girls who love ’em) are invited to the grand opening of White Star on April 29 (5 p.m.-12 a.m.). With pricing hovering in the $15 – $150 range, just like its sister store Luci, the focus of the new concept men’s boutique is offering an ever-changing selection of classic to ultra hip style thanks to the quick turnover of super affordable fashions. Look for lots of belts, watches, men’s jewelry, designer underwear, graphic tees and private-label denim coming in from both coasts as well as an emphasis on young Canadian designers. 524 N. Water St.
RSVP now for a pair of Spring Home Workshops The Home Market will offer in conjunction with Show and Tell Homes on the art of beautiful living May 6 (11 a.m.-2 p.m. or 5 p.m.-8 p.m.) at the builder’s Fox Point French Chateau showcase. Learn impressive home styling tips, how to create warm and inviting master bedroom suites and the secrets of successful entertaining while sampling gourmet offerings. Contact Kate Barrette at 414-755-2165 or katebarr26@hotmail.com,or visit thehomemarket.net for more info.
Frugal fashionistas and stylish shoppers will find not one but two great resale sales this weekend. From April 22-24, women can shop new and fine-quality used designer casual, career, cocktail, formal, active and maternity wear fashions, accessories, shoes and jewelry at 60-70 percent off original retail at Divine Consign (free admission, The Elm Grove Women’s Club, 13885 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove, divineconsignsale.com). On April 24, the fourth-annual Junior League of Milwaukee’s Grand Garage Sale will be loaded with fashionable clothing for the whole family as well as accessories, home décor, furnishings, books, DVDs, holiday items, electronics and much more. Pay a $2 admission fee to shop the best selection between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. or shop free 1-4 p.m. and get 50 percent off anything the opening horde leaves in its wake. (Parking $5, The Livestock Barn (Gate 5) at State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., jlmilw.org.)
Dedicated, sport or weekend motorcyclist? Get serious deals on new and used motorcycles, accessories, parts and apparel at the Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet April 25 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), plus link up with custom builders and painters, repair specialists, tattoo artists and just about anyone else who shares your passion. $10 adults, $3 children, Wisconsin Expo Center, State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., 800-968-4242, motorcycleswap.com.
Gather friends and family and get out to explore the Westside Artwalk April 23 (5-9 p.m.) and April 24 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Businesses throughout the historic Village of Wauwatosa and along Vliet Street will offer the chance to view and purchase affordable art from lots of local artists, including prominent favorites from the Milwaukee Artists Resource Network along with other event specials and surprises. For instance, Juxt teams up with photographer Stephanie Bartz to offer kids and adults alike nostalgic “photo booth strip” sittings at just $15 a pop (appointments recommended). Meanwhile, Magnolia & Co’s extended hours give shoppers more time to browse the intriguing jewelry of Kristin Tenant and hand-painted glassware from Mary Beth Keller. If you go, be sure to make a game of it by picking up “maps and passports” to have stamped as you pursue the Art Treasure Hunt in hopes of winning a grand prize to be announced at a special silent auction and Best in Show award reception. For more info visit villageofwauwatosa.com.
See what’s up with sustainable style as the Village of Kohler hosts an Earth Expo April 23-24 featuring free public presentations by eco-friendly design professionals such as HGTV’s Nicole Facciuto, host of the “Red Hot and Green” show, and triple Master Plumber Ed Del Grande. In addition to offering 35 percent discounts on the purchase of quality water-saving faucets, showerheads and toilets, the event promises lots of family-fun activities aimed at green living like hybrid car test driving, a tree giveaway, compost demos, an Organic Brat Fry and Beer Tasting, open-fire cooking demos, personal carbon footprint calculations and the opportunity to add a poem or painting to the Earthday River of Words mural. Also shop a Green Vendors Fairplus save with specials at the Kohler Waters Spa and Shops At Woodlake. For details visits destinationkohler.com.
At the free Telescope Workshop at American Science & Surplus on April 23 (6-7 p.m.) you might just find out more about the fireball that streaked across our sky this month. But even if you don’t, you’re bound to learn something because these guys don’t just sell telescopes of all sorts, they really know how to use them. And if you stick around afterward for the store’s always-interesting Star Party, they’ll even let you view the night sky, moon, Saturn’s rings, Mars, Venus, star clusters, nebulas and maybe even the Andromeda Galaxy though their telescopes. Or bring your own, just remember to dress warm in case it gets chilly. 6901 W. Oklahoma Ave., 414-541-7777, sciplus.com.
Finally, feel like spiffing up your car or boat with a super sound, security or mobile video system, eye-catching neon lighting, window tinting or other special visual effects? No matter what your budget, look no further than Captain Install. After 25 years of dedicated and energetic expertise, owner James Richey expanded his business to offer the state its largest car audio showroom. 2231 N. Humboldt Ave., 414-372-4556, captaininstall.net.
CHECK OUT
New to the Historic Third Ward Urban Trends Salon Spa: See what this sleek, contemporary salon has to offer and save money doing it with a visit first to prettycity.com for coupons good for $20 off any hair service, a complimentary express manicure ($20 value) with Spa Pedicure or $25 off any facial, body treatment or massage. 761 N. Broadway St., 414-276-2900, urbantrendsalonspa.com.
April 22-23 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Grotta & Co: Huge half-price sale of stunning, hand-silkscreened silk, linen and cotton pillows and scarves. 207 E. Buffalo St. Suite 209, 414-273-8066, grottaco.com.
April 22-24 at Harleys: At the semi-annual Trade In and Trade Up event, shoppers donating gently used garments and accessories to the nonprofit Diva/Divo will save 20 percent on the purchase of any like-new item. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
April 23-May 1 during The Channel 10 Great TV Auction: Join in on the bidding to garner antiques, art, collectables and a whole lot more during this award winning on-air fundraising event to benefit Public Television. greattvauction.com.
April 23-24 at Goldi: Shop stylish shoes supporting super fit, comfort and durability at the Keen trunk show. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
April 23-25 at Goldi: Women of all ages who’ve got curves will find great-fitting jeans that work with them rather than against them at the Beija Flor trunk show. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
April 23-25 at the International Gem and Jewelry Show: Shop quality, fine-finished and fashion jewelry, loose gemstones, beads and pearls from around the world at below department and jewelry store pricing. Admission $8 adults, children under 16 free with adults. Wisconsin Expo Center, Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., 414-727-8840, intergem.com.
Through April 24 at George Watts & Son: With new warehouse merchandise brought in, prices lowered even more, sale jewelry 50 percent off, the dollar table restocked and the price of plates dropping daily, even if you’ve already shopped the huge Blow-Out Sale, maybe it’s time to go again. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Through April 25 at the Knick Salon and Spa: Celebrating Earth Day, get complimentary deep-condition treatments with any cut or color service, free Intelligent Nutrients stress-relieving scalp, neck and shoulder massages and mini-facial treatments during shampoos. Also, 20 percent off all Spa Ritual Manicures and Pedicures, Intelligent Nutrients Facials and all Intelligent Nutrients, Phyto and Spa Rituals products, plus free gift with purchase. 1028 E. Juneau Ave., 414-312-7947, knicksalonandspa.com.
April 29 (5-10 p.m.) at Luci: Girls Night Out translates to a fun night of fashion specials, complimentary snacks and beverages, mini makeovers, massages and more. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Now through May 15 at Blush: Book a 75-minute airbrush tanning appointment with Laurel or Kayti for just $125 and save $25 or get a complimentary gift certificate for Cucumber Casaba Hand Paraffin treatment with your purchase of a beautifully packaged pampering MOR body care gift set. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
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Own a store? Work at a store? Got a great sale or store event coming up that you’d like shoppers to be aware of? Don’t be shy, simply e-mail the date, time and location to (savvystyle@wi.rr.com). I’d love to help get the word out.
