TAKE A PEEK
At my toes please… Yes, yes, I know, posh periwinkle, peach parfait, luxe lavender, minty green, deep metallic shamrock, moody blackened blue and colorful confetti blends, shot with silver and gold, are this season’s strong trends for manis and pedis. But I’ll admit, when I found a sweet pair of go-anywhere, neutral, beige flip-flops adorned with a pretty blossom of organdy and faux jewels at J. Crew last week and saw that the store was selling bottles of the perfectly matched shade of Essie’s smoky, neutral-hued Mambo, I immediately cast aside my former summer standby, persimmon red. Uh, and while we’re on the subject of feet, just wanted to let you know that Lush certainly steps up to the season with its new Sole Revival Kit ($20) containing foot mask, two small bath bombs, foot butter, cuticle butter, foot lotion and a cream, all designed to keep bare feet ‘toe-tally’ beautiful naturally. jcrew.com. (Bayshore Town Center & Mayfair) lushusa.com (Mayfair).
Despite the heat and yes, the rain, I was pleased once more to be asked to introduce just a sampling of the wonderful, one-of-a-kind fashions that were available from artists exploring the expressiveness of their talents and materials at this weekend’s Lakefront Festival of the Arts Fiber Arts Fashion Show. I was especially excited to have lured Chinese designer Shu Lu away from her booth to join me on stage to illustrate the versatility of her revolutionary, award-winning Circle collection. Deceptively simple, all her pieces consist of just one single large circle of fabric into which she cuts up to three smaller circles in various sizes and locations. Working with fine wool felt or double-knit merino wool jersey, Shu miraculously does away with all buttons, zippers, seams, stitching and finished edges. Each piece is literally one circle of fabric. But ah, what a circle. Depending on how it’s rotated, flipped, pinned or belted, whether it’s worn loose or wrapped tight, the same piece will look uniquely different, allowing for endless options of expression as well as function. If you missed seeing her work this year, not to worry, Shu was one of the show’s winning artists, so she’ll definitely be back next year.
Because George Watts & Son is currently in the midst of bringing in scads of new, fun, fine and often-exclusive products and brands in all manner of style, they’ve got to move some merchandise along to make room. All of which means you really owe it to yourself to pay a visit to the smack down Close-Out Sale going on (through July 17) in the store’s legendary downstairs sale room. Especially as it offers an additional 20 percent off already reduced pricing on fabu dinnerware, linens and gifts. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
A friend who purchased one to carry groceries and packages back and forth between her garage and condo reintroduced me to the charm and practicality of the Radio Flyer. First introduced in 1917, through the years this beloved red wagon (available at Winkie’s, 629 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-964-2130, as well asTarget & Toys "R" Us) has morphed into 12 different models, all of them perfect for ferrying kids and toys to and fro, dolling up for Fourth of July parades, loading with blankets, food, sunblock and what not for a trip to the park, beach or local festival, transporting tools and plants in the garden or whatever else you might come up with. Adding a special touch to this summer essential, the company also offers a super easy way to fashion your own customized license plate with a quick visit to radioflyerlicense.com.
OK, so we all know all about ergonomics and the dangers of sitting hunched over at the wrong angles glaring for hours at the computer, right? But how often do we think about it with regard to our kids? Well fortunately, Posture In Style has put a lot of thought into the problem and got busy doing something about it. Point in fact – the debut of their Maximo Forte line of expandable children’s furniture and desk systems chairs, designed to grow right along with the user from pre-school to adult. Fully in line with proper ergonomic and isometric health guidelines, the collection includes highly adjustable chairs featuring ingenious clip-on seat and back covers that are both fully removable and washable. Find out more at postureinstyle.com.
For Dads who might not have gotten exactly what they wanted last weekend, just a note that Mark Pasch Ltd. still has a wonderful selection of colorful fun shirts from Bacchi, which are picture-perfect for easy summer living. These graphic, 100 percent cotton, one-of-a-kind, hand-embroidered shirts (size M-XXL) fully embrace the laid-back fun of island vacations, warm-weather clubbing, sailing and fishing. Not your cup of tea? Shop the store’s Summer Sale, which shaves 30-50 percent off a select group of men’s (and women’s) spring and summer fashions, and you’re sure to something else you’d like. 333 W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-351-5634, www.markpaschltd.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
Like flies to a piece of ripe summer fruit, the annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival draws crowds of well more than 100,000 people, so why not plan on being just one of them at this year’s June 26 & 27 event? If you’ve ever been to the historic downtown’s ode to the quintessential berry, you know it’s jam packed with fun and yummies, such as Cedar Creek Winery’s strawberry blush wine, strawberry shortcakes, strawberry pies, strawberry slushes, chocolate-covered strawberries and, yes, even strawberry brats. In addition, there’s the farmers market, Arts on the Avenue art and craft shows, live bands, a Plein Air painting competition and a little duck racing. Maybe if you haven’t gone yet, this is the year? Downtown Historic Cedarburg, 800-237-2874, cedarburgfestivals.org.
Speaking of strawberries, it’s the Facial of the Month at Blush. Rich in Vitamin C (natural sunscreen ladies) and antioxidants, count on it to purify pores, soften skin, reduce dullness and leave your skin glowing. Because it’s being featured, the hour facial comes paired with an àla carte treatment of choice for $75. Oh, and if you’re a fan of lash extensions (and who isn’t these days?), remember throughout the end of the month, you can get a plush set of Novalashes (60 per eye) applied for the same price of a full set (that’s 40 extra lashes and $100 savings). 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Because spots are filling up fast and space is limited, better RSVP now for the Riedel Crystal Stemware Seminar that Thief Wine is sponsoring at the Milwaukee Public Market on July 8 (6:30 p.m.). Riedel representative Sean Petrie will be explaining all the ways in which different glassware shapes affect various wines and why these ultra functional and attractive wine glasses are considered some of the best in the world. While the evening focuses on the company’s Vinum series and sampling some really fabulous wines, the real treat is getting to take your set of four tasting glasses home with you all for just $80. 400 N. Water St., 414-277-7707, thiefwine.com.
Feeling the pride of citizenship? Headto the Celebrate America ‘make it & take it’ event going on June 26 (noon-3 p.m.) at Artist and Display designed to get you into the spirit of independence in time for July 4. Supplying all necessary materials, the store makes expressing your patriotism super easy. Simply show up to make origami parade hats, pop-up cards, holiday artist cards, fun pinwheels, shrink art flag pendants, all-American apple pie boxes, temporary firework tattoos or whatever the spirit moves you to create. And don’t forget to shop the store’s big Watercolor Sale going on now through the end of the month. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
To keep your guy from cramping your shopping style, bring him along to Boutique Vieu et Nouveau June 26 ( noon-5 p.m.) when the store hosts a beer tasting, featuring Brenner Brewing Co., and ponies up a 20 percent discount on all fashionable purchases of the day. While you’re there, check out the store’s Frequent Shopper Card and earn a free $150 gift certificate when you spend $150 or more a month, plus receive loyal customer rewards like birthday gifts, shopping parties, seasonal, clearance and sale specials, one-on-one fashion consults and lots, lots more. 1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
CHECK OUT
Now at SHOP: Perfect for the season, summer silk and linen tanks from Liquid paired with popular jean leggings from William Rast. 1918 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood, 414- 962-4030, shop53211.com.
June 24 (5-10 p.m.) at Luci: Girls Night Out translates to cosmos, wine, sushi, mini makeovers and of course plenty of shopping. Chase Bank parking fee refunded with all purchases. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Till June 27 at Faye’s: Buy one Bogo T-shirt or perfectly fitting pair of jeans and get half off another (even if they’re on sale). 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
Through June at Goldi: Donate used, clean, women’s, men’s and kids shoes during the Soles 4 Souls drive and receive a coupon good for 10 percent off any new shoe purchase. 4114 N. Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
Psst…only because I’ve heard the rumor more than once that Design Within Reach has plans to leave our fair city, I felt I better address it directly with Carlos Lopez (proprietor of the Milwaukee Studio). Happy to say his answer (music to the ears of fans of classic cool modern home furnishings) was a resounding DEFINETLY NOT. 167 N. Broadway St., 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
