Shoppers can find plenty to do during the chilly weeks of March: Fashion fun for big and little girls, opportunities to sip and savor, active in-store activities for little ones and bottom-line sales on clothing, furniture, lamps and sexy lingerie.
Fans of the designer’s comfortable modern lifestyle look are invited to Macy’s March 10 (10:30 a.m.) for the Eileen Fisher Fashion Presentation. See the Spring 2007 collection and get some personal wardrobe assistance from representatives of the line. Bring in clean, lightly worn business attire and accessories for donation to a local charity and receive 20 percent off any Eileen Fisher purchases made the day of the event. (2nd floor Mayfair RSVP 471-3527)
Also, mark your calendars for Macy’s March 15 Fashionista Shopping Party. Held in the 2rd floor IMPULSE department, the event sets off the spring season with style. You’ll be introduced to lots of great new looks and get expert advice and insider style tips on how to best outfit your spring fashion closet. Plan on mingling, entering a contest or two, hearing some great music and enjoying light fare and drinks. You’ll also get some special discounts while being treated to a trend show featuring fashions from Cynthia Steffe, Theory, Juicy Couture, I·N·C, Free People, C & C California, Velvet and others. Hey, it’s free but reservations are required. (Call 1-800-329-8667 by March 13; 5 – 8 p.m. Macy’s Mayfair)
On March 11 (1 – 1:30 pm), budding fashionistas will get a Spring Fashion Show of their own at Ragazza as young models 4 – 12 strut the store’s runway presenting cool, fun and just plain adorable play, school and dress-up outfits, perfect for (hopefully) warming temperatures. Yet another fun event from a shop that positions itself as the ultimate experience store for young girls. (9115 W Capitol Drive, 262-781-8186)
If you’re curious to find out precisely what you’re missing when it comes to wines you can’t afford to buy, call to reserve your spot at Grapes & Grain March 12 (7 – 8:30 p.m.) for the Reserve Room Tasting event ($50 per person). You’ll get a rare opportunity to sample some of the best wines the shop has to offer, like a Napa Valley Staglin 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, which retails for $134.99. (11301 N. Port Washington Road., 262-240-0206)
Skelton Enterprises offers shoppers low- to high-end home furnishings at liquidation sales all over the state. For a limited time, shoppers can visit a temporary Third Ward location to buy up what’s left from their last few sales – all at blowout pricing (at or just above cost). Look for bedroom pieces, sofas, cocktail tables, entertainment centers, a bit of leather and lots of other odds and ends. Sharing an adjoining space, Shady Lady unloads lots of discontinued, closeout and prototype wrought iron, handcrafted and weatherproof outdoor lamps. Known for their decorative rustic lakeside and cabin living appeal, you’ve seen them in Cabelas, Front Gate and L.L. Bean catalogs. Sale hours: March 8 – 11. Hours: Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m. – 4 p.m. (585 E. Erie – no phone)
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. With the March Madness Sale going on at A Woman’s Touch, wild discounts of up to 50 percent off men’s silk underwear, robes and pants, women’s camisoles, panties, teddies, bras, bustiers and “performance wear,” (i.e. gloves, feather fans, boas and pasties) are bound to give shoppers plenty of ideas for what to do if they find themselves stuck at home. (200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400)
And while we’re still in a cold snap, head to Vieux et Nouveau’s huge mark-down sale and take an additional 25 percent off already discounted cool winter fashions and select vintage bags. Deals like a $209 Silk Culture suede-trimmed tweed jacket for $123, large New York totes in assorted colors that were $75, but are now $34, or an $85 white tuxedo inspired blouse by Young Essence available for a mere $34. Shop the store’s Open House Shopping Party (5 – 9 p.m. Thursday, March 8) and along with last season deals, yummy “Spirits & Nibbly Bits” and a drawing for a $50 gift certificate, you’ll get discounts on purchases of new merchandise, too. P.S. While you’re there, make sure to ask about the store’s VIP shopping program, which translates to year-round shopping savings. (RSVP for party at Heidi@boutiquemilwaukee.comor call 287-9049; 1688 N. Franklin Place at Brady Street)
Boys and girls 4 – 7 get a taste of yoga at the Spring Poses Class ($12 per child) taught by Core Concepts March 10 (9 – 9:45 am) at Sprout! To introduce the value of staying limber, children will stretch away winter’s doldrums as they welcome spring’s renewing energy. And lucky them, a fun craft session will follow. Call or visit to register (320 E. Buffalo St., 414-289-0844)
And finally, with a name like mine, how could I NOT mention that Freckle Face, a unique and high-end boutique for babies and children, is offering a free Leprechaun Hat Making Class for kids ages 3 and up on Saturday, March, 17 (10 a.m.), not only providing materials but tossing in a special holiday treat as well. (Call to pre-register at 298-1488, 407 E. Buffalo St.)
