Ready for a super style fix? Hoping to immerse yourself in hip? Might I suggest making a trip to Fashion Focus Chicago? Held October 22-25, this huge annual event offers up a bevy of professional runway shows, special shopping events and educational industry seminars all across the city. Making chic oh so easy, downtown hotels are offering special shopping packages and exclusive event amenities to help create truly personalized experiences. For fabulous particulars on options like boutique tours, fashion consultations, admission to VIP runway shows and after-party passes, visit chicagofashionresource.com.
On October 3 and 4 it’s time again to take in the annual Fine Furnishings Show, which only gets better each year. Held in the exhibit hall of the Harley-Davidson museum, shoppers and lovers of fine craftsmanship won’t want to miss this opportunity to see and purchasefine traditional, contemporary and eclectic home furniture and accessories all handmade by American artists. Garage Exhibit Hall. 400 Canal St., finefurnishingsshow.com.
Since it’s expected to draw about 1,000 people, buy your tickets now for the October 17 (5 p.m. – midnight) RunUp to the Runway event. Benefitting the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Art Museum, this spectacular spectacle promises an innovative design competition, complimentary beauty style bar, a fashion show extravaganza, hors d’oeuvres and music plus an after party at Zen Den. For more info and tickets ($10 – $35) visit mam.org.
Unfortunately it’s a measure of our country’s girth that BrylaneHome is seeing great success with its new Plus Size Living Collection. Yup, that’s right. Americans are getting so big that shoppers can now purchase King Kong Chairs built to withstand weights of up to 800 lbs., Big John toilet seats offering 75 percent more sitting surface, pillows designed to accommodate sleep apnea and super huge bath towels. Perhaps we should be focusing on other ways to address the country’s weight problem? brylanehome.com.
As an unabashed fan of the fabulous pillows, scarves and throws created by Laura Goldstein for Grotta & Co., I’m happy to report she has a Studio Sale going on October 1 and 2 (9 a.m.- 4 p.m.). Along with new designs of her gloriously hand dyed silk creations, shoppers will find savings up to 75 percent on closeouts of past seasons. A perfect excuse to start holiday gift shopping early. 207 E. Buffalo St., 414-273-8066, grottaco.com.
Though I’m totally immune to Packer fever, I know there are plenty of fans who might enjoy a trip to the Boswell Book Company on October 2 (7.p.m.) to hear Phil Hanrahan, author of Life After Favre, speak candidly about the year he spent getting the scoop on everything from tailgating to sprucing up the stadium during the team’s 2008 season. 2559 N. Downer Ave., 414-332-1181, boswellandbooks.blogspot.com.
Now that Nancy Rappaport has decided to reshape Urban Accents into a Wisconsin artist co-operative, she’s on the hunt for artists creating one-of-a-kind home furnishing, accessories and decoratives who are interested in showing their work on a consignment basis. Sound like a fit? Give her a call. Meanwhile, as the store makes the transition, shoppers will save 50 percent on all current inventory. 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., 414-220-5050.
Finally, thanks to Dan S. for emailing me that England’s award-winning, premium all-natural Fever-Tree Tonic Water is finally available in the city. As the British know a thing or two about gin & tonic, it’s no surprise it’s made with superior quality quinine derived from the fever tree. The cocktail mixer as well as the company’s Bitter Lemon and Ginger Ale are available in 4 packs of 6.8 oz. bottles at Sendik’s on Oakland. For more info visit fever-tree.com. 4027 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-2140, sendiksoakland.com.
CHECK OUT
October 1 (5:30 p.m.) at Timothy J Kitchen & Bath: Grand Opening features Chef Joel of Sub-Zero/Wolf, refreshments, door prizes and lots of style. 225 S. Second St., 414-224-8552, timothyjkitchenandbath.com.
Through October 3 at Detour: Save 30 percent off select fall fashions. 1300 E. Brady St., 414- 273-5156, shopdetour.com.
October 3 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) at Brady Street Harvest: The street closes to usher autumn in with a sidewalk sale complete with street performers, break dancers, fire spinners, chalk and balloon artists, jugglers and music. And be sure to come back October 4 (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) for smiles and guaranteed giggles as canines show up for a costume contest and a blessing of pets. bradyst.com.
Sat. and Sun. in October (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at The Shops at Woodlake: A hay fort, corn maze, petting zoo, wagon rides, pumpkin contest and tons more family fun awaits at the First Annual Harvest Days. 800-344-2838, shopsatwoodlake.com.
Through October 4 at Faye’s: Purchase any sweater, everything from basic turtlenecks to fabulous Missoni, and save 50 percent off the price of a second sweater of equal or lower cost. While you’re there check out the stock of fab jewelry the ladies ferreted out during their last buying trip in NYC. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., 262- 241-8386; 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262- 432-0070, fayes123.com.
October 7 & 8 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) at Macy’s: Make a private appointment with personal shopper Joe Massimino to buy the contemporary American and European designer fashions he’s hand-picked from State Street’s legendary Chicago Oval Room. Call 414-471-3546 or email joe.massimino@macys.com.
At Neroli Salon & Spa: Schedule any facial with select team members and receive a complimentary Brow Wax. Also through October, schedule a Signature Service, Green Science Facial or Reflexology Pedicure and they’ll donate $5 to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition. 325 E. Chicago St., 414-227-2888, nerolispa.com.
At the Institute of Beauty and Wellness: Schedule a hair color service and receive a complimentary hair cut, with select students only. 342 N. Water St. 414-227-2889, institutebw.com
