If I told my mother what I’m about to share with you, I have a pretty good idea of what her response would have been. But if you ever wondered what happens to all the stuff that people steal after they’ve been caught, you can wonder a little less because a lot of it goes to PropertyRoom.com. If the rightful owners can’t be located, this website, founded almost 10 years ago by a former police detective, works with over a thousand law enforcement agencies, auctioning off hundreds of confiscated stolen or lost goods daily. It’s not unusual to find fashions and accessories, guaranteed to be authentic, from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Fendi, and Rolex (and need I say, lots of jewelry). While my mother certainly would have been uncomfortable profiting from someone else’s loss, for those who can jump that hurdle, there’s no denying there are some real bargains to be had.
For women who live to pull it together with a capital T, fashion is a definite draw for Sex and the City – THE MOVIE. Fittingly, local shops have gotten into the action. For instance Fred and Red Heel are hosting a Sex and the City Premier shindig 9 pm till 1 am Thursday June 5 at the Times Cinema. And you can expect it to include plenty of fun events – like a battle of the hair salons that pits stylists from Dicarlo, Beauty, Erik of Norway, M Salon and Exclusivia against one another to see who can come up with the best cut and style in 25 minutes, a celebrity look-a-like competition for those who feel they’re the spitting image of Carrie or any of her celebrity friends and needless to say, there’s going to be a fabu fashion show. As if all of this and seeing the movie wasn’t enough, there’ll also be plenty of giveaways and free flowing drinks – Cosmos of course. Plus, a charitable silent auction will benefit WMACC. Fred, 524 N. Water St., 414-273-3733 & 4405 N. Oakland Ave. Shorewood, 414-967-5664, Red Heel, 522 N. Water St., 414-755-8139
As I understand it the vibe of Sex and the City was one of the original inspirations of Lela, a store that’s certainly no stranger to the art of pulling together fashionable statements laced with personal style, so it’s no surprise they’ve caught the movie fever. The store won’t open until 1 pm on Friday June 6 to allow gals to catch the first screening of the hotly anticipated big screen version of the small screen series but when it does, they invite fans to shop, sip cosmos and chat about the movie right up until 8 pm. Plus, if you show up in the store now through June 9 with a movie stub from the movie they’ll give you a 10 percent discount off your entire purchase. 321 N Broadway, 414-727-4855
Looking for what to wear to the movie? Find something fun and fabulous at Ess Elle Style Studio. Either stop in for their weekly Thursday night 4-7pm Happy Hour where a roll of the dice can earn you 10 – 50 percent off anything in the store or come to this month’s Friday Fling on June 6 between 7 and 9 pm. Offered to city fashionista’s the first Friday of every month, this time the store teams up with Lovely Salon and Tommy Dallace to offer complimentary eye brow waxing, hair touch ups and massages and of course, yummy desserts and refreshments. 1919 E. Kenilworth Pl., 414-271-3775, esselleonline.com
On June 8 it’s T-Shirt Sunday over at Faye’s and Faye’s @play. See what’s cute from Lilla P, Michael Stars, Three Dots and Majestic and get $5 off each and every one that catches your fancy. Need another reason to stop by the shop? How about this? Not only is Faye’s the only store in the state to carry M Missoni, it’s the only store in the country to host the kind of M Missoni Event you’ll find going on through June 8 at the Brookfield store. What’s so special? Just the opportunity to shop dozens of new and wonderful pieces just in from this famed Italian design house known for its signature bright colors and beautiful silhouettes. Unlike a trunk show, there’s no ordering and no waiting. If it’s there, you love it and it fits, buy it and take it home immediately. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., 262- 241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-432-0070, fayes123.com
Talking of fun fashion and fresh trends. Goldi is having a much-anticipated Warehouse Sale that is seriously loaded with big time markdowns -anywhere from 20 to 80 percent. Or as they say “We’re talking bring out the racks to bring on the bargains!” If you’re in the market for expressive shoes, ready to wear, handbags and accessories, make sure to hit this sale before June 8. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832
If you swim for sun, fun or fitness, you need to stop in at Walters Swim now. The store holds only two sales a year and the one going on now through July 4 is a biggie. Enough said. 14155 W. Capitol Dr., 262-790-9199, waltersswim.com.
Celebrating its renovations, Vieux et Nouveau (a boutique that knows a thing or two about throwing a party) is hosting a Grand Re-Opening beginning at 11 am Friday June 6 and continuing on right into the evening hours. Be among the first 25 customers of the day and get treated to gift bags filled with lots of coupons for beauty supplies, concert tickets and other keen stuff. Look for lots of discounts, live music featuring Sarah Gilbert and not one but two ‘Street Beat’ fashion shows (6:30 and 7:30). Earn prizes for answering fashion trivia questions correctly all while enjoying complimentary nibbles, wine and soda. And feel good too since a percentage of all sales benefits The Milwaukee Women’s Center. 1688 N. Franklin Place, 414- 287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com
Looking for something cool to do Thursday night? How about hanging out in the Historic Village of Wauwatosa? Start at Underwood Gallery which will resonate with even more color and good cheer than usual during the June 5 opening of “Attempts at a Unified Theory,” an exhibition of contemporary woven tapestries by nationally renowned, award winning artist Sheila Held. The artist will be on hand at 6 and 9 pm chatting about the thoughtful, emotional, political and spiritual statements she weaves into her intricate colorful and moving work. And while you’re there, make sure to pick up a gift card good for a free desert should you decide to dine at Firefly Urban Bar & Grill before or after the show. To add a the flourish to the evening, stop in at Vino 100 for a bit of good music and a glass of wine . Along with selling lots of great wines for less than $25 a bottle, the store hosts live music every Thursday night between 7 and 9 pm. This week’s treat is an earful of country and delta blues by singer and guitarist Jim Price made even more soul searching by the heartfelt harmonica stylings of Rich Sternkopf. Oh, before you head out, check out villageofwauwatosa.com to print out the coupons good for purchases at the cool stores in the neighborhood. 1430 Underwood Ave., 414- 476-1255, underwoodgallery.com
This weekend’s Brookfield Towne Centre Field Days are designed to entertain and engage the whole family. Held outside in front of North Star Bistro the lineup goes like this. A fashion show Friday and Saturday between 1 and 2 pm. Catch comedy performances presented by Giggles Comedy Pub Saturday at 7pm, enjoy live jazz from the Ben Hans Quintet both Friday and Saturday afternoon and 80’s and 90’s rock by cover band Rhythm Method on Saturday night. Between 10am -2 pm on Saturday bring the kids to play on a pint sized rock wall, inflatable bouncer and see a special appearance by the children of the Milwaukee Ballet. Also starting at 4pm on Saturday, the Taste of Towne Centre food event offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase sample sizes of food presented by Towne Center restaurants. Corner of Capitol Drive and Brookfield Rd., Brookfieldtownecentre.com
