With all the hours of writing I do at the computer, I’d love to be pounding it all out from the comfort of The Freedom Chair, designed by Niels Diffrient for Humanscale. Available at Design Within Reach, the self-adjusting and counterbalancing office-seating wonder makes finding perfect ergonomic support absolutely effortless. Purchase this or any other Humanscale saddle, task, stacking or headrest chair now through March 30 and you’ll save 15 percent. Me? Well, lets just say I’ll be jealous of your good fortune and leave it at that. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Last March, smack in the doom and gloom of economic reports, retail consultant Cinda Baxter of alwaysupward.com wrote about the importance of saving the “Brick & Mortar” independent retailers our country’s economy was built upon. She ended up sowing the seeds of a national movement. The 3/50 Project, which also includes the “Eat Down the Street’ campaign, urges shoppers to commit to spending just $50 a month at three locally owned businesses. As I notice more and more city retailers proudly sporting the logo of the buy local mission, it’s worth reminding shoppers that $34 dollars of every $50 spent locally is reinvested in the community, compared to $21.50 spent at a national chain and zilch if you shop online. Shoppers can find out more at the350project.net where retailers can also join and download ready-made flyers, brochures, signage, etc.
Forget dark cover-ups, splashy prints and shapeless sacks purchased on the down low. With the recent opening of Lydia Hamilton’s Boutique Larrieux, women sizes 12-24 can delight in a well-edited selection of stylish, modern, sophisticated dresses, denim, separates and accessories presented in a comfortable, contemporary and fashion-forward shopping environment. Frankly, my dears, isn’t it about time? 717 N. Milwaukee St., 414-520-4651, boutiquelarrieux.com.
If you’ve got a creative streak, are ready for a new craft project, feel like exploring your artistic soul or just want to engage in something expressive, be sure to stop in at the Make Your Mark event March 27 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Artist and Display. Along with free and interesting ongoing art demos to inspire creativity and highlight new art products and techniques, shoppers will be treated to door prizes and special savings throughout the day. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
There’s always something of note going on at Boswell Book Company, and this week’s no exception. On March 24 (7 p.m.), the store’s owner and independent bookseller extraordinaire, Daniel Goldin, hosts “A Special Book Club Evening” that offers his recommendations for great book club selections. The evening also includes giveaways and a reading with Valerie Laken, author of the novel Dream House, an intriguing exploration of what happens when a family renovates a historic house once the scene of a horrific crime. Meanwhile, on March 27 (7 p.m.), authors Patricia Durante and Betsy Tuxill (with cast members from the Boulevard Theatre production) present live readings from their play, It’s Your Mother, a charmingly hilarious exploration of the mother/daughter dynamic. 2559 N. Downer Ave., 414-333-1181, boswell.indiebound.com.
Made right in our backyard, the comfort and quality of Allen Edmonds shoes appeal to men of all tastes and lifestyles across the globe. The company’s spring introduction of its casual Weekend Collection and edgier, more fashion-conscious Italian Collection are sure to keep everyone happily in style. Add to that new additions to their Dress, Classic and Executive Collections and it looks like if poppa needs a new pair of shoes, now’s the time to shop. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-785-6666; 11043 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, 262-241-4266, allenedmonds.com.
Fred officially goes bridal as one of the featured vendors at the I DO event March 28 at Cuvee (177 N. Broadway). The intimate wedding event showcase is all about breezing through your super day stress free in super style without blowing your budget. Free valet parking, champagne, appetizers and the chance to win, among other things, a fabulous honeymoon are also on the agenda. Tickets $7 advance or $10 at the door, idotheevent.com, 522 N. Water St., 414-270-1009, fredboutique.com.
Meanwhile, Lela is seeking consignment new, vintage and designer wedding dresses, shoes, veils, handbags, hats and jewelry in preparation for its month-long April Bridal Blitz showcase. Got things you, your mom and even your grandmother wore you’d like to get some cash for? Bring them to the store (dry cleaned, of course) March 27 (8 a.m.- noon) for consideration. 321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
In honor of its second year in business, on March 26-28, Chartreuse will hold a huge Happy Chartreusary sale where shoppers can save an additional 50 percent on the shop’s already marked down, eco-friendly fashions for the whole family with the purchase of anything from the full-priced spring collection. 1224 E. Brady St., 414-277-8434, hellochartreuse.com.
See why celebrities love the bold, beautiful, edgy “rocker chick meets ladies who lunch” vibe during the Janis Jewelry trunk show running through March 29 at Faye’s Brookfield store. While there, shop the March Madness sale where shoppers spending $100-$1,000 can save between $25 and $300 on spectacular spring fashion at both locations. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262- 241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262- 432-0070, fayes123.com.
Celebrate the addition of Project M Boutique to the Riverwest neighborhood at their grand opening party March 26 (9:30 p.m.) at Stonefly Brewery (735 E. Center St.). The evening’s $5 cover charge translates to lots of live pop-punk music and rotating fashion presentations. The evening also offers a perfect opportunity for members of the local DIY craft community to learn more about selling their own fashions and accessories at the store. 801 E. Center St., 414-469-6464, facebook.com/projectmboutique.
Book your appointment now with talented makeup artists during the Laura Mercier Face-To-Face Event March 26 & 27 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Blush to receive a complimentary makeup lesson focused on tips and techniques for achieving spring’s new looks. The event includes nibbles and beverages, hair touch-ups by local stylists and a free gift with purchase of $100 or more of product. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
RSVP to treat the little ones to Breakfast with Benjamin Bunny and Jemima Puddleduck at Watts Tea Shop. Enjoy a delish meal and hear Martie Watts read the beloved Beatrix Potter story. Photos of the event will also be taken. $19.99 per person/child. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5720, www.wattsteashop.com.
Finally, short on time or decorating talent? Long known for well-designed imagery in stationery and paper goods, Grahique de France has come up with cool, easy to apply (and remove) wall decals perfect for adding instant style to children’s bedrooms, college dorms, homes or urban lofts. You’ll find them at graphiquedefrance.com.
CHECK OUT
Now at thefashionrevolution.com: Save 25 percent on general and VIP tickets for the Fashion Revolution show being held May 1 at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Windhover Galleria. Group rates also available.
March 25-28 at Macy’s: Save 25 percent on purchases of $100 or more on everything from socks and underwear to suits and spring fashions from the likes of Premium Denim, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Ralph Lauren, Boss and more. 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., 414-471-3700, macys.com.
March 26-28 at Goldi: Two side-by-side trunk shows offer a great selection of satchels, totes, shoulder bags, cross body, clutches and wristlets from Hobo Handbags as well as lots of comfy and cool shoes, boots and sandals from Merrell. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
Through March 29 at juxt: Storewide sale shaves 10 percent off everything that’s not already marked down, 20 percent off any vintage item, 20 percent off Pine Cone Hill pajamas, 20-50 percent off cool kid’s footwear, toys and fashions and 50 percent off durable yet stylish Dash and Albert rugs. 1504 Underwood Ave., 414-257-1710, juxthomebaby.com.
Through April 3 (midnight) at shoestringhome.com: Save 30 percent off orders of select housewares, linens, home care, toiletries, toys and treats totaling $60 or more, plus get free shipping by using coupon code: Save30.
Through March at Blush: See what the whole lust for eyelash extensions is all about during Lash Madness. Sample the technique with an appointment for the application of a corner set and save $100. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
March 31 (7 p.m.) or April 1 (7 p.m.) at Waterford Wine Company: Raise a glass to spring at one of the two Small Grower Champagne tastings and sample more than six superb examples of the famed fizzy stuff. $30 per person. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
