With shopping so heavily geared toward women, I enjoy when I have a bone to throw at the fellas, especially when it’s a big one, like the Summer Sales Event running throughout July at Richard Bennett Tailors. The store, known for its fine custom and high-end ready-made clothing, is cutting the cost of shopping casual, work or dress fashions big time. During the event men can save 20 percent off the cost of custom suits, sport coats or slacks created from Richard Bennett or Coppley & Ermenegildo Zegna fabric collections. In addition, they can take 20 to 50 percent off ready-made fashions from Ravazzolo, Coppley or Burberry as well as a select group of summer casual wear, accessories and discontinued shoes from Johnson and Murphy, Cole Haan and Melzan. With savings like these, guys have no excuse to look like shlumps.
Listen, if you’re a true Shopaholic who needs to be in the know, Brookfield Square has your number. Recently they’ve launched their new Mobile Menu service that offers shoppers a quick and easy way to stay current on products, brands and sales. Check the availability of what you’re lusting after and even put items on hold all in 10 minutes or less using your mobile phone and standard text messaging service. Find out more at shopbrookfieldsquaremall.com.
I love hearing the stories behind why people choose to be tattooed on both the “Miami Ink” and “L.A. Ink” television shows. And while I’ve never considered one for myself, I definitely respect the history and appeal of the art form. So, apparently, does the fashion world. Case in point, after their first order flew off the shelves, Faye’s has just gotten in a second shipment Ed Hardy Tattoo Scarves by Christian Audigier. Featuring fabulous graphics in rich bold colors, these sheer silk georgette scarves ($79) easily qualify as collectible works of art. And whether worn looped or tied in a myriad of ways or as a layering piece over casual to dressy fashions, they definitely live up to the idea of self-expression.
Now that summer’s in full glorious force, keeping gardens trim and thriving is on the minds of many. One of the most convenient garden tools I’ve seen in awhile is the new “Hybrid” from Leatherman. Basically it’s designed to operate in the same fashion as the original Leatherman only the “Hybrid” offers gardeners options like an easily pulled out stainless steel bypass pruner, weed remover, bark lifter, saw, grafting knife, sprinkler key tool, ruler, plus flat head and phillips screwdrivers, all of which fold neatly back into the easy grip handle. Light weight and compact, it makes a great gift for any gardener in your life. Check it out on amazon.com.
If you’re on the go, whether it’s to the park or the sunny slopes of Vail, individual packets of LA FRESH towelettes offer quick, easy readily available protection from harmful sunlight. Sold in a convenient zip-lock pouch (about $4.50) the completely biodegradable, pre-moistened SPF 30 sunscreen travel wipes are ideal for tossing into pocket, purse, backpack or carry-on. Available at Kaehler Travel Works (415 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-4848, kaehlertravelworks.com) and lafreshgroup.com.
OK, everyone knows great, classic, modern style doesn’t always come cheap but during the Summer Floor Sample Sale at Design Within Reach, things start to look up. Clearing space for new fall arrivals, the store/studio is peeling 20 to 50 percent off items like a Leggero Quenn bed and nightstand (was $3350, now $2010), the Le Corbusier cowhide sling chair (down to $1344) and a sleek Giulietta stool (a steal at $78). Since these are pieces that aren’t ever going to go out of style, why not invest in them now? (167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, DWR.com).
It’s official, freckle face will open its doors at their new larger location Monday July 7. Shop lots more boutique children’s fashions, toys and accessories and stay tuned to this column for details about the Grand Opening Weekend Celebration scheduled for July 25 and 26. (224 N. Broadway, 414-298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.)
Sorry to say, yet another independent store bites the dust. This time it’s Ragazza Girl’s Boutique & Party Parlor. With the store’s Closing Liquidation Sale running every Friday (noon – 5 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday (noon – 4 p.m.) in July until all merchandise is sold, I suppose the bright note is savings for those shopping for girls ages 4 – 14. What they’ll find is everything from clothing to shoes, gifts to jewelry, stuffed animals to socks and underwear marked at least 50 percent off. And since everything MUST GO, they can expect the same deep discount on store fixtures, furnishings, china sets, and party and craft supplies. Can’t make the sale hour? Call for an appointment (19115 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 414-403-6473)
