The thing about shopping is, you can get it done in so many ways. There’s the meandering approach, stopping in stores just to see what’s around and never failing to find something you can’t live without. There’s the goal-directed search where you’re hot on the hunt for something specific. And then there’s sniffing out great sales. Never underestimate the power of education, especially when it comes to in-store demonstrations and samplings. And who can resist those special store events that tease us in to buy something new and fun. This week’s column covers a little bit of everything, so if you’re in the mood to shop, we’ve got you covered.
Get a leg up on summer fashions at Faye’s “Lafayette 148 New York Trunk Sale.” See for yourself why Oprah is such a huge fan of designer Edward Wilkerson. Designing chic fashions in fabulous fabrics that fit real women’s bodies, he offers everything from separates to suits, sundresses to formal gowns in petite, regular and plus sizes. Choose from the full summer line now and wait with anticipation for a spring delivery of your purchases. January 18-20, Faye’s Mequon store only. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., 262-241-8386, www.fayesinc.com.
Vieux et Nouveau Boutique owner Heidi Calaway is unapologetic. “I like to shop and I over-bought,” she admits. And lucky for shoppers she did, because that means she’s putting 60% of everything in the store on sale to make room for all that fabulous new fashion she’s purchased. Expect to find most clothing and tons of accessories from 40 to 70% off. 1688 N. Franklin (around the corner from Brady Street and up the stairs), 414-287-9049, www.vieuxetnouveau.com.
Undoubtedly the most modern and cutting-edge shoe store in town, (shoo) is putting its entire stock of men’s and women’s boots on sale. Save 25 % on unique styles from all over the world (including Cydwoq – handmade in California – the only American offering). All leather, all handmade, all heights from short to knee-high styles in all colors and button, zip and elastic closures. Make no mistake, this is art for the feet. 241 N. Broadway, 414-765-2355.
It’s official, Waukesha’s Shoestring Home has closed its doors (sigh), but if you’re a fan and want to continue supporting this local entrepreneur on the Web, check out owner Mandi Gerth’s mix of playful, eclectic and affordable home and fashion treats at www.shoestringhome.com.
Soon after the first all-leather basketball shoe, the Adidas Superstar, was introduced in 1970, nearly all NBA players wore it. In the ’80s, hip-hop culture brought the shoe from the court to the street as Run DMC gave a shout out with his 1986 hit “My Adidas.” Today the shoe moves freely between genres and subcultures, from sport to lifestyle, punk to rock, mainstream to underground. Which means there are a lot of shoppers snapping up the company’s new NBA Superstar Collection — 30 sneakers — each bearing the official branding, team colors and logos of an NBA team. While the New York Nicks, LA Lakers and Chicago Bulls are clearly the best sellers, the Milwaukee Bucks shoe ranks a respectable 18. But no matter the team, make no mistake: this limited collection is selling out fast! Available at all Foot Lockers. Suggested retail price: $100.
If while gawking at the fabulous artist-crafted LinkaSink Vessels displayed at Colleen Horner Kitchen Bath Tile Stone you realize you can’t live without one in your home, cash in on the special 10% discount you’ll receive if you buy one during Gallery Night & Day, January 19-20. And if you’ve already got your sink situation covered, check out their home accents room, where this weekend only, everything is 20% off. 191 N. Broadway, 414-298-9969, www.colleenhorner.com.
It’s always about the face and Blush knows it. Stop in for one of their “Face Couture” services, whether it be a 30, 45, 60 or 90-minute facial and enjoy the pampering art of esthetician Lena Golden. Added bonus: The first 50 clients to make an appointment receive a gift and chance to win a B-Kamins Deluxe Anti-Aging package ($500 value). 249 N. Water, 414-272-1718, www.blushmilwaukee.com.
Attention moms (and dads) looking for a little cash to finance wardrobes to accommodate the next growth spurt. Freckle Face, that fun and sophisticated children’s boutique in the Third Ward, is collecting spring consignment fashions during business hours Jan. 16-30. Items must be designer label, clean, pressed and in excellent condition. If everything passes inspection, you can expect to receive 40% of the selling price. 407 E. Buffalo, 414-298-1488, www.frecklefaceboutique.com.
Given the current fervor for plastic surgery, the offering of Our Beautiful Female Bodies Workshop for Women at A Woman’s Touch sexuality resource center seems particularly timely. Experienced facilitator Deborah Bachmann will help attendees explore sources of negative body image while uncovering their innate goodness, power and worth. And hey, if you already celebrate yourself, indulge in the store’s 50%-off satin sheet sale and get to it! 2-4:30 p.m., Jan. 21, $36 fee. 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, www.awomanstouchonline.com.
An informed shopper is a satisfied shopper and Flanner’s Audio & Video knows it. Their ongoing Technology Seminar Series is a terrific way for everyone from experts to the techno-terrified to learn how to navigate through the latest in home entertainment options. And hey, don’t expect any sales pitches, just a solid hour of information delivered in a private classroom with a Q & A session afterwards and some informative class handouts. Currently class offerings include:
6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18: iPod 101
11:00a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20: Which TV is right for me?
2:00 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20: Home Theatre Solutions
16220 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-789-1195, www.flanners.com.
Love the idea of trying out a bottle of wine before you commit to buying it? All around town, wine merchants make it simply delicious to do while educating you in the process. Check out the following upcoming tastings:
New World Wine Company, 322 N. Water, 414-276-9463
Sample Malbec from Argentina with light appetizers, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, $25
OR
Sample the wines of Australia, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25, $25.
Waterford Wine Company, 1327 E. Brady, 414-289-9463
Sample Cabernets from Sonoma County, 7–8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, $30
OR
SampleBritish Port, 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24, $45.
Grapes & Grains, 11301 N. Port Washington, Mequon, 262-240-0206
Sample Austrian Wines, 7-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, $20
OR
Latest, greatest, highly rated, under-$12-a-bottle wines, 7-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24, $20.
Vino 100, 1442 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-456-9463
Chilean & South African wines, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, $10.
Colleen Heather Rogan chats about shopping on WKTI 94.5 FM every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.
