I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, given its charm, ease of shopping and quality independent retailers, the Village of Wauwatosa is hard to beat. Loaded with terrific shops like Jilly & George, Urban Laundry, Salamander, Blue Lapin, Heinsight, Underwood Galleries, Magnolia & Co., French Country Pine & Design, Juxt and Swan Interiors, it’s got plenty of places to break the pace with a cup of cappuccino, a glass of wine, snack, light lunch or great dinner plus hosts a really comprehensive web site with ready to print E-coupons good at village businesses. And there’s always something fun going on. This Saturday for instance, live music by ‘Reindeer Pause’ (1:30 – 3:30 pm) and complimentary treats at various shops, has the last of their Holiday Saturdays in the Village offering a bit of calm in the eye of the Christmas rush. (villageofwauwatosa.com).
Looking for something that spells out style in a whole new fashion? All holiday dresses and plenty of other cool stuff created by local designers can be found at Fashion Ninja. With gift certificates (good for clothing, handbags, jewelry, fabric, sewing supplies and sewing classes) and extended hours till Christmas (12-8 pm daily, open till 3 pm Christmas Eve) it’s extra easy to make an expressive impression. (2671 S. Kinnickinnic, Bayview, fashionninja.com). You’ll also find loads of handmade, original fashions created by the city’s most innovative designers at Fasten Co-op Clothing Gallery. Extended hours (Tues. thru Friday 12-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 12-5 pm) translates to lots more shopping time for presents and gift certificates (2224 S. Kinnickinnic, Bayview, 747-9229, fastencollective.com).
Just in time for the holidays, Design Within Reach has stepped up with a lot more stuff on sale. Whether you’re on the hunt for yourself or someone on your list, stop by and see if you can’t find it and get it up to 50 percent off (167 N Broadway. 414-224-5353, dwr.com).
Thursday December 20th marks the first year anniversary of Ess Elle Style Studio. Between 5 and 9 pm, the boutique that’s done so much to define the ever-expanding East Side shopping district, will be serving up complimentary champagne and desserts along with a whopping 40 percent off all regularly priced merchandise. (1919 E. Kenilworth Place, 414-271-3775,esselleonline.com
On Thursday, December 27 at 7:00 pm the Waterford Wine Companyhelps you figure out what you’ll be enjoying or missing this New Year’s Eve with their Champagne’sTete de Cuvees – The Grand Marks tasting ($50 per guest). Quite simply it’s a great opportunity to sample some of the top bottlings ($66.99 and $174.99 a bottle) from the world’s greatest champagne houses. (1327 East Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com)
Attention all you guys interested in personal or professional wardrobe style. On December 26 Harley’s kicks off their always fabulous Winter Sale offering great quality clothing at significant savings. Frankly, you won’t want to sit this one out. Enough said. (4009 N. Oakland, 414-332-3404, harley4men.com).
If you’re a fan of Patricia Locke’s fun yet sophisticated jewelry inspired by the colorful mosaic-like works of painter Gustav Klimt, head over to Macy’s Saturday, December 22 noon – 3 pm for a trunk show of the Chicago designer’s latest creations (Macy’s first floor, Mayfair 414-471-3700).
Boutique Vieux et Nouveaucontinues its Twelve Sales of Christmas though December 23. This week pants, vintage accessories, more handbags, belts and hats join all the other fashionable stuff already on sale at 25 percent off. (1688 N. Franklin Pl., (414) 287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com).
