TA
KE A PEEK
Oh dear, do I feel bad. It seems when I was whipping out those columns to post while I was on my trip, I let something rather important slip. I forgot to make mention of the Sept. 25 Open House event celebrating the new La Lune Factory Outlet Store, which offered up, among other things, the opportunity to speak to owners Mario and Cathy Costantini about the company’s dedication and support of social and environmental issues as well as factory tours to see how this Riverwest treasure creates the kind of high-quality willow, cedar and poplar rustic furnishings favored by celebrities like Ralph Lauren, Cher, Oprah Winfrey and Nate Berkus. That said, all is not lost because now that it has opened its doors, Wisconsin shoppers stand alone as the only customers in the country able to shop directly from the company’s wonderful collection rather than having to go through a designer or design firm. Better yet, they end up saving big – up to 70 percent off when you factor in factory samples, prototypes and discontinued pieces. So now you know. 930 East Burleigh St., 414-263-5222, lalunecollection.com.
In the market for acquiring some serious and impressive investment art? Make plans now to attend The Art Auction presented by the Contemporary Art Society on Oct. 23 (9 p.m.). This 11th-annual black tie event, which helps the Milwaukee Art Museum raise money to buy even more contemporary art, is open to the public and features 150 sterling works of art in a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, prints, decorative arts and video priced $500-120,000. Frankly, if ever there were a time to start or add to a personal or professional collection, this is it. 700 N. Art Museum Dr., Windhover Hall. Call 414-224-3246 or visit mam.org for more info. (Photo by Allan Grant (American, 1919–2008) Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly Backstage at the 28th Annual Academy Awards, 1956 Gelatin silver print 20 x 16 in. Peter Fetterman Gallery.)
When it comes to style and the tradition of quality, the label “Made in Italy” sure says a lot, and Harleys: The Store for Men knows it. That’s why throughout October, the store, pairing up with the Italian Trade Commission, is speaking with a distinctly Italian accent presenting shoppers with a “Fall into Italian Fashion” event spotlighting not only fine Italian fashion designers but also contemporary Italian furnishings and cuisine. In addition to trunk shows (Oct. 28-30) featuring spectacular offerings from Zegna, Gran Sasso and Bruno Magli, customers can enter to win a $2,277 seating arrangement by Coalesse as well as stop in on Saturdays to sample an assortment of treats from Sciortino’s Bakery and Carini’s La Conca d’Oro. Oh, and don’t forget that that through the end of the month, the store’s semi-annual dress shirt event translates to a 10 percent savings on every three shirts purchased, 20 percent on every six shirts bought and for an even dozen purchased, a free shirt along with a savings of 20 percent. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
OK, I’ll admit that no matter how much of a fashion statement they make, sometimes I’m just not in the mood to be burdened with dangling a purse or shoulder bag, and yes there have been times I’ve tucked the “essentials” into my back pocket or bra and went off hands free. I suppose that’s why the Purse-les line of sport and tank tops recently launched by Wisconsin designer Leslie Van Dorf intrigues me. Although you wouldn’t know it by looking at them, the pieces all feature convenient compartments in which to stash identification, cash, credit cards and makeup discreetly. Stylish and functional, safe and secure, as fashion basics, these pieces just make perfect sense. Especially when you find out that Van Dorf donates 3 percent of her sales to causes that support women’s issues across America. As Friday’s featured Gallery Night artist, you can see her line Oct. 15 (6 -9 p.m.) at Blush. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com & purse-les.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
GIVE A KID SOME CONFIDENCE: Girls On The Run is a program that uses exercise, positive reinforcement and encouraging role models to help city girls (grades 3-8) navigate critical preteen years with self-confidence. As the cause is such a good one, on Oct. 15 (6-9 p.m.), all the shops in Mequon’s East Towne Square Mall are joining together to present a fundraising event to help them out. Their Evening of Food, Wine & Friends fea
tures store specials, extended store hours, food, wine (of course) and some really great auction items and packages to bid on. Tickets $30 in advance or $40 at the door. For more info, please visit gotr-milwaukee.org or easttownesquare.com.
ADORN YOURSELF WITH EASE: As a fifth-generation jeweler, design is in Amy Shallow’s DNA. So it’s no surprise that on Oct. 15 and 16, the MIAD graduate (along with her business partner and fiancé, Noah Bern, and father, Michae
l Shallow) are hosting the grand opening of A Trio Jewelry Design in the Historic Third Ward. Stop in and find out how thanks to a blend of sophisticated computer-based design programming and skillful professional artistry, Amy is able to offer clients an ultra-modern way to visualize and collaborate on pieces from concept to completion. Even better, every step of turning the mere thought of a unique engagement ring, ultra-expressive personal piece or 
anything else your little heart desires into a reality can be completed professionally on site. 215 ½ N. Water St., 414-431-7112, atriojewelry.com.
GET INSPIRED OR SHOW OFF YOUR TALENTS: Reserve your spot now for the River Boutique and Yarn Fall Fashion Show being held Oct. 20 (5:30-7:30 p.m.). Not only will you get an up-close-and-personal look at all the artfully expressive ready to wear this shop seeks out, you’ll also have the opportunity to see the end results of fabulous projects created by the store’s loyal customers or if you wish, even show off one of your own. Whether you knit or not, this fun evening is sure to be laced with all the welcoming warmth the shop is known for, plus lots of inspiration, camaraderie and light refreshments. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-641-7427, taffnie.com/riverboutique.
WEAR PINK WITH PRIDE: Show your support in the fight against breast cancer by heading out to Viktor Viktoria to shop its full selection of popular Humanity For All Bracelets and T-shirts. Till the end of the month, the company, which was founded to support nonprofits around the world, will donate 25 percent of profits on all special pink bracelets and $10 for each Humanity Breast Cancer T-shirt the store sells to breast cancer research. Mayfair (upper level), 414-479-9860, viktorviktoriashop.com.
CHECK OUT
Oct. 15 (Brookfield) and 16 (Mequon) at Faye’s: Along with flattering feminine pieces incorporating semi-precious stones and crystals, the Safia Jewelry Event introduces an exciting new diamond collection. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, 262-432-0070 & 1505 W. Mequon Rd, Mequon, 262-241-8386, fayes123.com.
Oct. 15 (6-9 p.m.) at Flirt: Celebrate the grand opening of Flirt, a new boutique in the Historic Third Ward filled with dresses, denim, yoga gear, accessories and casual and career wear fashions that look a lot more expensive than they are, especially with the evening’s 20 percent discount on all purchases. In honor of Gallery Night & Day, the store will feature the work of Milwaukee jeweler Caroline Johnson. 317 N. Broadway St, 414-220-9046.
Oct. 16 & 17 at The Public Market: In celebration of it’s fifth anniversary, shoppers will find loads of special events and deals offered up by vendors throughout this bustling shopping venue. For details, visit milwaukeepublicmarket.org, 400 N. Water St., 414-289-3107.
Now through Oct. 19 at Design Within Reach: Semi-Annual Sale peels 15 percent off just about everything cool and modern in the store. 167 N. Broadway St., 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Oct. 19-24 at Faye’s (Mequon location): Shop a trunk show of Splendid & Ella Moss T-shirts and other fashion pieces and you can say you wear the same lines favored by actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kirsten Dunst and Cameron Diaz. Not to worry Brookfield shoppers, the same deal comes to that location Oct. 19-24. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, 262-432-0070 & 1505 W. Mequon Rd, Mequon, 262-241-8386, fayes123.com.
Through the end of October at 3rd Ward Jewelry: Save 10 percent on classic pieces made of raw and facetted precious stone, set in 18 k and 22 k gold and created by hand by internationally known German artist Petra Class. Any would make a perfect holiday gift for that special someone. 241 N. Broadway, 414-289-0886.
