Change is Good

Change is Good

At an age when NOTHING matters as much as how you look, tons of teens suffer from embarrassing acne. Luckily when a beloved niece experienced her bout with spotty skin, I knew just what to suggest for clearing up her complexion. She’d already tried Proactiv (a skin care system endorsed by celebrities on infomercials) but complained of its drying effects. So I directed her to the SpaTeen Blemished Skin Kit by Pevonia Botanica . Turns out she loved it! These professional home products, derived from organic sources, smelled better, were less irritating and delivered quicker results. So if giving a…

At an age when NOTHING matters as much as how you look, tons of teens suffer from embarrassing acne. Luckily when a beloved niece experienced her bout with spotty skin, I knew just what to suggest for clearing up her complexion. She’d already tried Proactiv (a skin care system endorsed by celebrities on infomercials) but complained of its drying effects. So I directed her to the SpaTeen Blemished Skin Kit by Pevonia Botanica . Turns out she loved it! These professional home products, derived from organic sources, smelled better, were less irritating and delivered quicker results. So if giving a boost to young self-esteem is on your agenda make note. An also remember that specific Pevonia Botanica treatments are available in salons and day spas across the city. Visit Pevonia.com for more info.

Hey, congrats to Deanna Inniss, founder and owner of freckle face who was recently tagged by consulting firm Downtown Works to spearhead building up the downtown retail landscape. Neglected for far too long, this once proud city center is sure to benefit and thrive from her bounty of energy and expertise.

When Laura Beuge and her partner closed Jilly & George, she wasn’t ready to hand in her retailer hat. Instead, May 1 marks the opening of Beuge’s new venture, Gracie’s on Harwood , where she’ll continue to offer her loyal customers the contemporary women’s accessories she’s known for – costume jewelry, hats, handbags, denim and t-shirts – all at some pretty good price points. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7487 Harwood, 414-258-2265.

So sorry to see Paper Boat Boutique & Gallery sink, especially with co-owner Faythe Levine receiving such international attention for her book and documentary, Handmade Nation. Those on the hunt for unique, well-crafted fashions, accessories, art and home décor have through May to shop while the items are on consignment. Save 10 percent on purchases made during the first two weeks of the month, 20 percent during the third, 30 percent the last week and finally 40 percent on Saturday May 31. 2375 S Howell Ave., 414) 483-8462, paperboatboutique.com.

Hemp is hot, especially in the dog world and NuHEMP has created a whole line of innovative products utilizing the versatile plant. Including healthy, holistic Fetch’erz Ballz. Packaged in an eco-friendly carton, these crunchy interactive ball-shaped treats, loaded with protein, omega oils, hemp meal, whole flax seeds and plenty of good grains like spelt, kamut, millet and barley are available in four dog-yummy flavors at Natural Pet. 2532 E. Oklahoma Ave., 414-482-7387, thenaturalpet.com and at newhemp.com.

CHECK OUT

May 2 at The Home Market : SPRING PREVIEW SALE rewards shoppers with 20 percent off all purchases including custom orders. 222 East Erie, 414-755-2165, thehomemarket.net.

April 30 – May 7 at Luci : Buy any dress or top and save 40, 20 and 40 percent off the purchase of a second, third and fourth one respectively. Remember too that May 30 is MARTINI NIGHT. Enjoy complimentary makeovers, massages and sushi at the downtown location 5 – 10 p.m. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, 1405 N. Oakland Ave., 414-967-1404, luciboutique.com.

Through May 2 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) at Miss Ruby : SPRING SALE has jewelry, gifts, invites, handbags and special occasion dresses marked down 30 – 70 percent. Stacy of JoBead is also offering special pricing for her one-of-a-kind bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings and will be taking orders for her summer collection. 522 N. Water St., Suite 203, 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com

May 4 at Percy’s : SPRING SALE saves shoppers 20 percent on luxurious in stock bed and bath products from Sferra, Matouk and Scandia Down and 15 percent off special orders including custom sizing, monogramming and embroidery work. Spend $150 and receive a complimentary fragrant gift set (retail value $36) from Yves Delorme. 11041 n. Port Washington, 262-241-9343.

May 7 (noon – 8 p.m.) at Mark Pasch Ltd .: TRUNK SHOW of Donald J. Pliner men’s shoes and Eton of Sweden shirtmakers offers discounts on summer fashion trends and a preview of what’s hot for fall. 333W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-351-5634, markpaschltd.com.

May 8 (5 – 8 p.m.) at MP/two : LADIES SHOPPING EVENT offers special discounts on spring fashions for women, complimentary massages and hair styling by Glow Salon, ‘mystery’ gift bags, appetizers and just plain fun. 825 Jefferson, 414-272-4672.

May 9 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) on Brady Street : FLOWER POWER focuses on green homes, gardens, fashion and health. Enjoy creative organic floral designs and lots of ‘Sunshine Sales & Specials’ at area shops and restaurants. For more info visit Bradyst.com.

At shoestringhome.com: show your mom how much she’s cherished with a cool charm necklaces with images, tokens and messages celebrating her role in life.

Don’t miss this week’s Culture Club Column for a review of the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of Brooklyn Boy.