Because of the energy entrepreneurs have invested in raising this city’s style quota over the last decade, it’s a shame to see the recent demise of so many of their shops. While word has it Ess Elle Style Studio will reopen in March under sole ownership, we’ve lost J.Bird Boutique, Shoestring Home, Barclay Gallery, Fran Hill and Hers (where you can find almost everything on sale for 20 to 80 percent off until they close at the end of the month). Certainly shoppers are expressing dismay, but I wonder if they realize they also bear some responsibility. Why? Because though we’ve envied the options for style available in other cities or lamented the bland selection offered by big block nationals, it seem sometimes when we get what we say we want – independent stores with fresh distinctive points of view – we don’t always patronize them. Who knows why? Maybe it’s because it’s easier to hit the malls, cheaper at Target or there’s less competition for parking spaces. Yet these small shops need us. Covering city shopping I see first hand how committed these storeowners are to their customers. In order to survive they wear lots of hats and put in plenty of hours just to meet their overhead. And yes, in an economic doom and gloom mood, belts are sure to be tightened, but remember buying locally keeps a larger percent of the shopping dollar in town, which eventually benefits everyone. Sluggish economy or not, the last thing we need is an increasing number of empty storefronts suggesting a lack of commitment to the city itself. Enough said.
Love luxurious bed and bath linens? Lucky you since January is one of the best months to shop and get some really great deals like 25 percent off both in-stock merchandise and special orders on brands like Matouk, Sferra And Abyss at Percy’s White Sale, January 12 – 31. 11041 N. Port Washington Rd., 262-241-9343.
Also, starting January 15 and running through the end of the month, Past Basket’s annual bed, bath and table linen sale is strewn with really wonderful deals like 40 percent off discontinued Yves Delorme patterns. 383 W. Brown Deer Rd. 414-247-9976, pastbasket.com.
Pick and choose from lots of artisan created crafts priced under $100 during the Cheap Thrills 2 event going on at Design Within Reach January 16 (5 – 9 p.m.). Showcasing artists, designers and craftspeople, you’ll find everything from fine art to clothing to home accessories, all served up with accompanying music and refreshments. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
If you haven’t checked out Fashion Ninja’s new digs, swing by January 17 when the store will be presenting Milwaukee’s Indie Fashion Market. Celebrating local designers, you can bet this one-of-a-kind shopping experience will be chock full of inventive fashions. 315 N. Plankinton Ave., 414-481-3865, fashionninja.com.
To facilitate moving her base of operations to a Racine Studio, artist, Wanakee Pugh is closing her eastside Art by Design gallery and offering a huge 50 percent savings on all existing inventory through January 21. Her work, which encompasses all sorts of painting styles from traditional to abstract, can be seen on her website or up close and personal by appointment. 1017 E. Brady St., 248-207-2586, artbydesignshop.com.
Due to popular demand, Blush re-introduces Master Classes in the art of Make-up. Students of all skill levels can spend an evening (6 – 8 pm) learning tips of the trade from industry experts through individualized consultations and step-by-step lessons plus be treated to beverages and light fare along with a limited edition gift from Laura Mercier. Hold your class date (February 5, May 6, July 2 or September 2) with a reservation fee of $250, redeemable in product. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Aala Reedtrims 50 percent off every bit of new merchandise that bears an original price tag of $50 or more, including clothing, denim, jewelry, handbags and neckties from Hugo Boss, Salvage, Melie Bianco, William Rast and Ted Baker London.1320 E. Brady St., 226-2252, aalareed.com.
At the Red Dot Sale going on at Picture Perfect save 30 percent off any item in the showroom marked with a red dot. This includes framed Warhol prints, movie and vintage posters. While you’re there check out new images of Milwaukee printed on canvas. 320 E. Buffalo, 414-271-3712, pp-art.com.
And finally, with the search is always on for sustainably made products adhering to fair trade standards enter a new line of ergonomically designed intimate/massage toys created from ecologically managed and farmed exotic hardwoods available at A Woman’s Touch. Sporting an aesthetically pleasing wood grain polished to silky smooth high quality finishes with food grade varnishes, the playthings are suitably safe for all sorts of pleasure seeking. 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com.
