Now that you know Kippee, I thought you’d want to know that last week just as we were about to sit down to lunch on the patio of a popular East Side restaurant, I caught just a glimpse of a dog coming around the corner of a nearby table. On a leash that no one was holding, the 
dog lunged (totally unprovoked, I assure you) and, within a nanosecond, had Kip’s front leg between his teeth. What followed was an agonizing blur of spinning fur as Kippee, yelping, tried desperately to flee. Fortunately, because she was wearing her little red harness I recently purchased at the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Animal Antics shop, I was able (in my protective mother bear furor) to yank her by the leash up into my arms just as the dog came in for another assaulting bite. Long story short, after a lot of calming down and a $200 emergency vet visit, I’m happy to report that with the aid of anti-inflammatory pain meds and antibiotics, my sweet darling of a dog is on the mend and handling the whole awful episode like a somewhat dazed little trooper. Me? I’m pretty angry. This shouldn’t have happened and most certainly wouldn’t have if the dog’s owner had responsibly kept it properly leashed while in a public place where food is served. The owner also should have been on top of his obvious food guarding behavior. Trying to stay positive, however, I’m just grateful things didn’t turn out as badly as they could have. I’m nowhere near ready to do without dear Kippee’s company. 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-431-6222, wihumane.org/shop.
Also wanted to mention how sorry I was to learn about the lightning attack on the East Towne Square Shopping Center and all the fire, smoke and water damage it suffered as a result. Shoppers are already missing Picardy Shoe Parlor for its glorious selection of shoes, handbags, accessories and gifts (remember the Brookfield store is still open and is currently holding its Annual Summer Sale with savings of up to 60 percent on footwear, apparel and accessories); Percy’s exquisite and tasteful linens, bed and bath products; all the fun, comfy and trendful fashions offered up at Gossip; the many options available at The Great Frame Up and scads of sports-related merchandise at Stefan’s Soccer. I’m sure I join many who are hoping all shops come back in full force soon and maybe even some new ones? 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-784-3434, picardyshoes.com.
OK, onto brighter things. Like the fashions at Viktor Viktoria. I stopped in this week and found the store chock-full of basics and trends, including an entire wall of stockings and leg wear such as textural sheers. I was also amazed at the rainbow of colorful jeans, tank tops and leggings that shoppers can choose from. With tons of graphic T-
shirts, sexy club wear (including flirty, sheer tutus) and lots and lots of accessories, it’s little wonder how this independently owned local store manages to survive so well in a mall surrounded by big name nationals. Upper level Mayfair, 414-479-9860, viktorviktoriashop.com.
Forgot to mention that when Kip and I were strolling the village of 
Wauwatosa last week, we stopped in at French Country Pine & Design. Frankly I love this tiny shop, which also serves as designer Kirsten Termuehlen’s office. As someone proficient in the charm and appeal of European country living, she presents a well-edited selection of furnishings and home accessories chosen with a discerning eye that fans of this comfortable decorating style are sure to fall in love with. Kippee, in particular, was enamored with a huge antique reproduction wire birdcage that was all atwitter with a trio of lovely live birds. Chatting with Kirsten, I was pleased to hear of her plans to extend the store and offer even more treasures later this year. 1423 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-302-1382.
While tooling about, I also stopped in at Gigi’s Rack, which is unquestionably home to some of the
most fabulous fashion finds around town. Basically offering a bevy of always-fashionable past-season cocktail, evening, bridal and designer ready-to-wear fashions at drastically reduced pricing helps owners Jessie Freshl and mom Bev Berson keep their other store, the legendary Gigi of Mequon, filled with a steady stream of new seasonal offerings. I spied an Angel Sanchez jeweled top cocktail dress originally priced $3,450 on sale for $850 and a $1,990 floral Carolina Herrera day dress going for just $500. Both typical examples of the treasures that await. All in all, if you’ve got the taste as well as the means, mark this shop as serious bargain-hunting ground. 1556 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-7315, gigiofmequon.com.
Speaking of bargains, Faye’s huge Summer Sale is going on right now, and, believe me, there’s some great stuff on the racks. As you shop (this sale or any other), keep in mind a few of Faye’s tips. Don’t pass up basics like T-shirts, cardigans, blazers, skirts or pants that eventually you’ll need to replace. Because lots of things end up on sale because of fit, be sure to check your size as well as the next smallest and largest. And finally, when it comes to jewelry or anything else, remember sales are the perfect time to pick up gifts to give now or later. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, 262-432-0070 & 1505 W. Mequon Rd, Mequon, 262-241-8386, fayes123.com.
OK, I started on a rant, and it looks like I’m gonna end on one. Even though I love the quiet civility of the area, I think I’ve got a bone to pick with someone in Elm Grove. Stopped in at Boutique B’Lou on Watertown Plank Road this week. Speaking with owner Barbara Berg (who also has a store in the Pfister and will soon open a third in Shorewood’s new Cornerstone), I was complimenting her on how she always manages to have so much to ooh and aah over and how well I thought her space supported the wonderful mix of fashion and accessories she has such an eye for. I was stunned to hear the store is about to be torn down. Why? Apparently to make room for a Subway sandwich shop parking lot. When her standalone shop goes bye bye, Barb says she’ll probably move back to her original location next door, which houses several businesses. Although I’m sure she’ll bring it on like she always does, I’m hoping as the village moves forward with downtown renovations, she’ll eventually land in brand new digs worthy of her sense of style. Not to dish Subway, but seriously, when it comes to fast food vs. fabulous fashion, as dear old Dr. Phil would say, I got a dog in this fight. 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-226-0112; 807 Genesee St., Delafield, 262-646-4281;13410 Watertown Plank Rd., 262-785-0909.
CHECK OUT
Now through July 15 at Olive: Save 20 percent on Simple’s stylish flip-flops for men and women featuring biodegradable soles and colorful webbing straps made of recycled PET fabric. Because a percentage of all the store’s July sales goes to the Gulf Relief Foundation to help out those affected by the oil disaster, you can walk your talk and treat your feet all at the same time. 10910 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8063, oliveorganic.org.
July 8-11 in East Town: If Kips feeling up to it, we’ll probably take in Bastille Days’ exuberant tribute to French culture, food and wine. With lots of marketplace shopping, live music, entertaining street performers, culinary demonstrations, more than 25 sidewalk cafés, a French Mass, both a waiter/waitress race and 5K run/walk, maybe we’ll see you there. Jefferson Street at Cathedral Square, easttown.com.
July 8 at George Watts & Son (3-5 p.m.): Chef Jason Stevens kicks off the first of the store’s free monthly cooking demos with a traditional French menu prepared with Revol porcelain cookware. Shoppers will also save 20 percent on purchases of the featured French line. And pssst, the day also treats shoppers to a special store surprise featuring colorful Vera Bradley products. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
July 10 at Tadpoles: Save a whopping 50 percent on summer dresses, swimwear, shorts, tops, raincoats, sandals and much more during the store’s Beat the Heat sale. 708 Genesee St., Delafield, 262-646-5556.
