TAKE A PEEK
Given its vibrant energy and taste, is it surprising that one of the city’s oldest retailers manages to keep things looking fresher than ever? This Sept. 20-25, shopaholics across the city are invited to help George Watts & Son celebrate its 140th birthday with a storewide Buy More, Save More Sale. But hold on, there’s a whole lot more going on to mark the occasion, including an Open House Sept. 23 with representatives of the fine tabletop and gift world on hand to chat along with store demos, samples, treats, prizes and special sales throughout the day plus free gifts to the first 140 who arrive. Whew. Later that night, it’s all about the Gala Party (5-7:30 p.m.), as the family owned store invites its loyal public to join in the celebration. Then the guys get their turn on Sept. 24 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) with the grand opening of Mister W, a stylish gentleman’s shopping area where the Groom Barberettes will be on hand, passing out gifts. Need more? How about a Pandora Charm Trunk Show that runs Sept. 23-24 and gives shoppers access to exclusive designs and a free gift with purchase. For more details, visit wattsteashop.com/events. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Whether you like ’em flared, straight legged, skinny, cropped or boot cut, with more than 17 brands and 600 pairs of jeans in stock, women on the hunt for a great pair of jeans will find a treasure trove at NextDoor. Not only is the staff expert at helping you find your most flattering fit, if they’re too long (and let’s face it, they usually are, right?), the store excels in the tricky art of hemming denim and does it for free on all store purchases (or for a tailoring charge on jeans you bought somewhere else). If you haven’t yet checked them out, you might want to stop in Sept. 17-18 during the store’s Not Your Daughter’s Jean trunk show. With show specials and a company representative on hand to advise, it’s a fine opportunity to learn more about the fashion line that promises to banish bellies, do away with muffin tops and make you look a full size smaller. Or how about a Mother Daughter Denim Shopping event benefiting First Stage? On Sept. 23, the store welcomes performances by the kids of First Stage while treating attendees to food, fashion, fun, special sales and a silent auction (the store is taking bids as we speak) of cool stuff donated by Brookfield businesses, including a $500 gift certificate to NextDoor. Sendiks Towne Centre. 18915 N. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-781-0737, shopatnextdoor.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
MAKE A BID: Due to a move out of state, we bid adieu to Fashion Ninja. Although we’re sorry to see this creative force go, shoppers can look forward to a great auction of stuff on Sept. 18 (9 am.-2 p.m.). Items up for bid include fabric, Viking sewing machines, industrial machines, thread, clothing racks, hangers, large work tables, mirrors, scissors, sewing tools, pattern paper, clothing, paintings, art, cork boards, office supplies, dress forms, mannequins, house plants, vintage chairs, lamps and more. Cash only. 1200 E. Russell Ave., 414-481-3865.
SUPPORT FASHION REVOLUTION: On Sept. 17 (8-10 p.m.), Hyde Bar (906 S. Barclay St.) hosts a party to launch the marketing, advertising and countdown to the May 2011 Fashion Revolution runway show. Interested in becoming a part of the stylish team that pulls together this exciting fashion event each spring? With free admission, a red carpet entrance (featuring live interviews and photography), promotional unisex tees by Kinu Binu for the first 20 guests, a free photo booth, complimentary bottle of champagne for groups of five or more, a runway show featuring the independent designers of Boutique Revolution, Project M and Coca Mocha of Chicago, plus the opportunity to win a VIP Fashion Revolution seating package, you’ll have lots of fun finding out more about modeling or working behind the scenes to present the event’s three major runway shows next spring. For more info, visit thefashionrevolution.com.
LEARN SOMETHING: Boswell Book Company presents landscape architect M. Caren Connolly and architect Louis Wasserman, authors of Wisconsin’s Own: Twenty Remarkable Homes, during a presentation Sept. 16 (7 p.m.) at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum (2220 N. Terrace Ave.). If you have any interest in historic homes or local history, this event’s definitely for you. Gleaned from a potential list of more than 1,500 carefully researched public and private homes built between 1854 and 1939, you can learn more about a glorious variety of architectural styles with an intimate tour of residences, each with its own intriguing story to tell. boswell.indiebound.com.
CHECK OUT
Now at Olive (in store & online): Save 25 percent on already reduced organic cotton, bamboo tencel, hemp, silk and denim women’s skirts. The same discount applies to soft, sustainable pure fiber bamboo, organic cotton linens, including sheets, blankets, duvet covers and kitchen and bath towels. 10910 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, 262-241-8063, oliveorganic.org.
Sept. 16 at Lounge: Goddess Day event trims 25 percent off all denim, purses and jewelry, and grants complimentary beauty services, drawings for shopping parties and store gift certificates, plus a free sale item with the purchase of $100 or more. 534 N. Water St., 414-220-8799.
Sept. 17-19 at Goldi: Fans of comfy and classic Dansko clogs will find plenty (including vegan options) to choose from at this full line trunk show. They’ll also find lots of updated and sassy styles from the company’s new designer, so come meet the rep, shop the show, put in a special order, save 10 percent on show purchases and get free gift. 4114 N. Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
Sept. 18-19 American Science & Surplus: A huge tent sale has thousands of incredible, practical and just plain 
curious products for the home, lab and family up for grabs at unbelievable pricing. Be sure to bring the kids. Even if you don’t buy a thing (but believe me you will), it’s worth it just to poke around. 6901 W. Oklahoma Ave., 414-541-7777, sciplus.com.
Through Sept. 28 at Design Within Reach: Dig into smart style during the seating and dining sale. Buy any combination of four or more dining tables, chairs or barstools and save 15 percent. Although a few lines are excluded (Knoll, Herman Miller, Fritz Hansen and Bassam Fellows), there’s plenty more to fall in love with.167 N. Broadway St., 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Through Sept. 30 at Luci: Mention Shopaholic and save 20 percent off all new fall fashions, including dresses for women of all ages, 40-70 percent on reduced summer goods, plus get a free sale item on purchases of $50 or more. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Through Sept. 30 at White Star: Mention Shopaholic and save 15 percent on cool and affordable men’s fall fashions, and 20-60 percent on all summer stuff. 524 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, facebook.com/shopwhitestar.
