Just another reminder that on September 10 the Fashion’s Night Out celebration will be taking place at stores all over the city. Find details on all the special events going during this exciting event at fnomke.blogspot.com
The focus of Valentina’s new boutique, Factory, is definitely fashion-forward, hip, urban woman, though they plan to add men to the mix soon. Opening its doors officially on September 10, shoppers will find lots of contemporary style from By Malene Birger, Coven, Manish Arora, Rozae Nichols, See By Chloe, and Vivienne Tam alongside statement jewelry from Luis Morais and delicate baubles from Ten Thousand Things. 315 N. Broadway, 414-271-9100, factory314.com
I’ll admit when I first returned to Milwaukee after a long stint in NYC I missed its style vibe. To ease me out of my funk a friend suggested taking in a fashion show Lela was putting on in the Historic Third Ward. Designed to emulate Manhattan’s Fashion Week, the show, held within a huge tent set up on Broadway, was alive with great fashion, music and the energy of a savvy crowd. Finding my sweet spot, I got my first glimpse of just how much Milwaukee style had changed in my absence. On September 12 the store, which has earned national notice from no less than Women’s Wear Daily, will be at it again, presenting it’s 6th Anniversary Fashion show that promises to be bigger and better than ever. Featuring the always-fabulous creative offerings of designer Shanel Regier, fashions from Aala Reed Men’s and some pretty cool ‘70s stuff from Blonde Vintage, you better believe I’ll be there. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show runs 9 – 11 p.m. Tickets $25 at the door. 321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
Looking for something fun this weekend? How about wandering around Wauwatosa during Tosa Fest. This mother-of-all neighborhood parties takes place September 11 & 12 and offers up plenty of treats like a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) featuring deals from all the wonderful little shops tucked within the historic downtown; lots of live music; the Great Tosa Bake-off and Chili cook-off; the 5th annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Show; an Ultimate Frisbee Tournament; a Tosa Fest Soccer Tournament; and Nancy’s Run Rock ‘n’ Stroll in honor of Nancy Niese. For more info, visit tosafest.org.
Known for her classically inspired silhouettes, bold color and intriguing prints, Chicago Designer Jessica Audey will be on hand to assist customers in creating custom cocktail dresses during a trunk show at Miss Ruby on September 10 (6 – 9 p.m.). Not feeling creative? Don’t worry. Shoppers will also find plenty of the designer’s fresh and up-to-date feminine dresses all made and ready to go. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com, audey.com.
Heading up the corporate ladder? George Watts gets down to the business of fine taste with their Three Graces event on September 17 (5:30 – 7 p.m.), which has business etiquette experts giving advice on how to seamlessly soar to the top of an intensely competitive global marketplace. Maureen Costello of ImageLaunch will speak on the skill of selecting appropriate attire, Margery Sinclair on refining international dining skills and Chrisanne Robertson, Corporate Director of George Watts, will underscore the importance of conveying business savvy through gifts and personal correspondence. $35 includes wine and light hors d’oeuvres. RSVP required. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Nickelodeon Parents recently named Artist and Display their pick for offering the Best Art Classes in the city. Find out more about their basic drawing, watercolor and clay classes by checking out their Web site. You’ll also find details on the three-session Calligraphy class taught by Sue McConnell beginning September 12, the stores free super Saturday demos, and its BIG Back to School Fall Sale running through October 18, which will offer great deals on paints brushes, portfolios, sketch books and much more. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
This week, fans of popular Pandora bracelets get some incentive to design bracelets uniquely their own. Spend $100 on Pandora’s extensive selection of gold, silver, enameled and semi precious stone beads and charms during the Bracelet Event, going on September 10 – 12 at East Towne Jewelers, and you’ll receive a lobster clasp bracelet free (those spending $115 can upgrade to the Pandora clasp). On September 12, George Watts will also be offering a free lobster clasp bracelet to shoppers purchasing $100 of Pandora. 1515 W. Mequon Rd., 262-241-8007, eastownejewelers.com; 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Seen at Blue Lapin: For scent with a real sense of wit and sophistication, explore wondrously packaged bubble baths, triple milled soaps and candles from Tokyomilk featuring fabulous fragrances crafted from herbs, teas and botanicals. 7600 Harwood Ave., 414-443-0977.
Seen on the Red Carpet: Actress Tamara Braun won her Daytime Emmy wearing an ‘amazing backless’ gown designed by Lorena Sarbu. Hmmmm, wonder if she got it at the Milwaukee or the Beverly Hills location of the Lorena Sarbu Boutique? 310 E. Buffalo St., 414-273-9779, lorenasarbu.com.
CHECK OUT
September 9 – 19 at Stan’s: Fall Preview Sale offers savings of 10 – 30 percent off select seasonal styles. All locations, stansfootwear.com.
September 10 – 13 at Nextdoor: Place orders on all sorts of contemporary cool fashions or shop in-stock styles during A Free People Trunk show and save 15 percent. 18915 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-781-0737, shopatnextdoor.com.
September 11 at Goldi: Choose from a full line featuring shoes offered up in over 5000 colors and patterns during the Dansko Trunk show. Get a free gift with purchase and enter a drawing to win a free pair of these popular shoes. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
September 11 at Boutique B’Lou: Diva Night delights shoppers looking for fashion and fun with special treats and savings. 13410 Watertown Plank Rd., 262-785-0909.
September 11 – 22 at Zita: Save 10 percent on classic wedding dresses rendered in the finest silks and featuring museum quality beading and embroidery during the Anne Barge La Fleur Bridal trunk show. 211 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-964-5297 zitabridal.com.
September 13 at Williams-Sonoma: Foodies inspired by the movie Julie & Julia are invited to a complimentary Classic French Techniques: Braising & Sautéing cooking class. Class size is limited. Call for more details. 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., 414-771-3755; 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., 414-967-8879, Williams-sonoma.com.
September 17 – 19 at Salamander: Shop great fall fashions celebrating ageless expressive style during the Anac trunk. 7532 W. State St., 414-259-0970.
