TAKE A PEEK
Like most of us, I get tons of chain e-mails. Recently I received one about Sears, and though I normally concentrate on independent stores, after verifying its accuracy, I felt it worth a mention here. As I understand it, whenever an employee of the big national chain is called up to active duty in the military reserves, the store not only adheres to the law that requires them to keep the position open, but they also extend the period in which they make up the difference between active duty pay and normal salary up to 60 months while also paying a portion of the employee’s medical, dental and life insurance and offering make-up 401K plans so employees avoid losing retirement benefits. Although I’m sure there must be other companies stepping up to help shoulder the financial burdens of those whose lives are disrupted by a call to active duty, I just thought because we hear so little of it lately, its act of corporate generosity deserved a gold star. Especially if you find yourself with shopping needs they might fill and wanted to help them keep the program going? Bay Shore Town Center, Southridge & Brookfield Square, sears.com.
Speaking of doing good deeds. Blush Beauty understands that service industry professionals (restaurant, bar, salon workers, etc.) can spend a lot of time on their feet, smiling and helping making others happy. So they’ve decided to do something for them. Every week those folks can take advantage of S.I.T. (service industry treatments) Mondays featuring a special menu of discounted pricing for indulgent beauty treatments. Simply book an appointment, flash a proper employee ID, pay stub or business card, and you’ll pay just $30 for a 30-minute facial, $60 for an hour-long facial, $10 for a la carte add-ons, $20 for upgrades and $50 for a body polish. Cool, huh? Speaking of polishing, time’s running out for the September facial of the month, which is a natural exfoliating Apple Peel designed to reveal your skin’s “sweet youthful glow.” 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
TAKE CENTER STAGE: If I’ve said it once I’ve said it, well … a lot. When it comes to generating stylish excitement, Lela knows how to toss a runway show. See for yourself at its 7th Anniversary Fashion Show Sept. 25. This year it will feature uber-feminine delights from Lorena Sarbu, cool menswear from Aala Reed and the always fabulous offerings of premier local designer Shanel Regier.And if I may be so bold, should you attend, dress to be seen, so pull together a statement of your own. Fashion’s all about attitude after all. So make a night of it and have some fun. Leave your comfy heels at home. The main stage action all takes place in a big tent set up outside the store (321 N. Broadway) on Broadway. Here’s the schedule: 7 p.m. doors open, cash bar starts to pour, 8:30 p.m. models hit the runway, After Party in the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel. Tickets $25 at the door. Pull together a fab outfit to wear at Lela. If you spend $250, they’ll toss in a ticket for free. 321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
ADORN A WALL: Perfectly ‘suited’ for a store skilled at making men look their absolute best, Harley’s is looking for participants for Men in Suits II, a photography show of commissioned portraits by Nicholas Grider. Up for the attention and accolades? The process is pretty painless. For $250 (which includes a $150 Harley gift certificate) you’ll be photographed in your home, in natural light, in your favorite Harley suit. In return, you get a professional finished 12 x 12 inch print and the fun of having your portrait hung in the store for all to admire. 3564 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CORE: Sign up for the Sept. 25 (1-2:30 p.m.) Middle Eastern Belly Dance workshop at A Woman’s Touch. As one of the world’s oldest forms of dancing, it’s a wonderful way to use grace and rhythm to build sensual confidence, get in touch with your feminine soul and celebrate your body no matter what shape you’re in. Added bonus? It’s a great workout. Class fee $30, women only, wear comfy clothing, belly need not be exposed. 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com.
MAKE MODERN: Because it only happens twice a year, if your tastes run cool and contemporary with a heavy accent on smart design, you best shop the biannual Knoll Sale at Design Within Reach Sept. 24-Oct. 4. That’s where you’re going to find great pieces to add instant panache to your pad thanks to the aesthetics of Saarinen, Platner, Bertoia, Nakashima and more. 167 N. Broadway St., 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
REPLACE YOUR CLUTCH LOCALLY: Miss Ruby Boutique is now featuring a line of clutch handbags (bridal & fashion & custom) by Milwaukee designer d. moss. Celebrating femininity, classic shape, contemporary style and vintage charm, they’re handmade and quite durable. Great for brides, wedding parties and adding a bit of snap to any outfit. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
LIVE GREEN: The Village of Wauwatosa sponsors the Village Green Street Fair Sept. 25 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) in an effort to promote global living and introduce more people to the ins and outs of going green with organic and eco-friendly products and services. Aimed at the entire family, there will be exhibitors and sponsors all along Underwood and Harwood avenues at State Street. Enjoy live music, activities, a fashion show, speakers, food tastings, demos, a green market and more. Donate gently used children’s books to Books for Kids and save 15 percent on a new eco-friendly book from Barefoot Books. For more info visit villagegreenstreetfair.com.
WALK GREEN: Shop the Jambu Footwear Trunk Show at Goldi Sept. 24-26. Inspired by preserving the beauty and mystique of the rain forest, look for environmentally and responsibly made shoes and boots, featuring partially recycled and reusable compressed rubber soles that are as stylish as they are comfortable. Don’t wear leather? Not to worry, they’ve got vegan styles, too. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
TRAVEL GREEN: In yet another interesting event, Boswell Book Company presents Pat Dillon and Lynne Diebel authors of Green Travel Guide to Southern Wisconsin: Environmentally and Socially Responsible Travel on Sept. 27 (7 p.m.) at the Urban Ecology Center. Learn all about what to do and where to eat, sleep and shop without leaving a muddy footprint behind. From inns that sponsor workshops on cheese-making to markets offering locally foraged mushrooms, find out more about what’s in our backyard. Free to the public. 1500 E. Park Pl. 414-964-1084, boswell.indiebound.com.
GET READY TO GET MARRIED: To see what neighborhood stores and businesses have to offer in the way of preparing for happily ever after, everyone’s invited to take a spin along Silver Spring Drive during the Whitefish Bay Bridal Walk Sept. 25 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Along with a fabulous Bridal & Wedding Fashion Show by Zita (11 a.m.) complete with stunning $77,000 tiara, there’s plenty of fun stuff on the agenda. For instance, you can check out custom invites at Winkies and Three Wishes, learn how to best display wedding photos at The Great Frame Up, get ideas for tasteful platters at Breadsmith, see the debut of Sarah Flanagan’s bridal jewelry at Patricia Shoppe, stop in for a Thief Wine and Winkies chocolate tasting at Gallery 505, relax with a free chair massage at Elements, have a bridal jewelry consultation at Schwanke-Kasten, get inspired by bridal hair and makeup demos at New Options Salon, see sophisticated menswear options at Simon Oliver, sample wedding cakes and treats at Regina’s and find out more about honeymoon packing and bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts at RedCap Luggage. Meanwhile the Whitefish Bay Farmer’s Market eases big day dancing jitters with performances by Fred Astaire Dancers. If you go, be sure to register for the free event in the courtyard of El Guapo restaurant, where Bartolotta’s will be highlighting catering and table styling. Who knows you could win an overnight stay with breakfast for two at the Intercontinental, Pfister or Hilton Downtown, a massage package from Elements, a $500 Zita gift card, a salon and boutique package from New Options or even a diamond from Schwanke-Kasten. For more specific information visit shopwhitefishbay.com or call 414-226-2113.
