Far be it from me to tell you what to do, but honey, I’m about to, anyway! Deciding to close its Brookfield store (don’t panic their newly renovated Mequon boutique isn’t going anywhere, I promise), Valentina is holding the mother of all Runway Designer Liquidation sales now through June 30. If you’re young, urban and seriously into fashion, promise me you won’t drag your heels on this one. The store has reduced pricing on amazing fashions from mega designers like Peter Som, Doo-Ri, Vivienne Tam, Akiko Ogawa to at or below cost. With steals and deals like this, all I can say is if this stuff was being sold this cheap in NYC or Chicago, it would be swooped up so fast the sale would be over all ready. I’m not sayin’…. I’m just sayin’. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd. (262)-789-7759 & 1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-4122, evalentina.com.
Get the most out of the longest day of the year during the east side’s annual Summer Soultice Music festival on June 20. Fun includes ten bands on two stages, BMX bike demos, a dodge ball tournament and a burrito-eating contest. In the mood to shop but don’t want to miss any of the music? American Apparel and Urban Outfitters are taking to the streets noon – 8 p.m. for a bargain sidewalk sale celebrating the event and The Tool Shed gets into the act with an outdoor sale noon – 5 p.m. on the corner of North & Murray. For more info visit theeastside.org.
Anyone who’s been to Italy knows there’s just something extra sensuous about the Italians. And any woman who’s worn Cosabella knows there’s something utterly addictive about the luxurious Italian made intimate apparel known for cutting edge color and inspired patterns. See what the fuss is about during the Cosabella trunk show at Miss Groove Intimate June 19 – 21. Ladies (and the fellows who love ‘em) can select from a wide selection in store or place orders from the full line all while enjoying refreshments and saving 10 percent on purchases or orders over $100. 1224 E Brady St., 414- 298-1694, missgroove.com.
Now that Sprout has entered the maternity market women worried about how to hang on to their hip fashion edge during their pregnancies have one less thing to fret about. No matter how generous the belly, they’ve got great jeans, fashions from celebrity favorite L.A., organic offerings from Bamboo Baby and more. 320 E. Buffalo, 414-289-0844, sproutmilwaukee.com.
On June 20 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) Third Ward boutiques shoo, Lela, Sprout, Flaire, Stephanie Horne, Metro Eye, freckle face and JuJu Gifts will set up tents along St. Paul Avenue joining up to offer great stuff at prices slashed 20 – 70 percent at the Milwaukee Public Market’s Saturday outdoor urban market which features lots of independent vendors, artists and craftspeople every Saturday. For more info visit milwaukeepublicmarket.org.
Curvy girls on the hunt for chic and affordable fashions, popular denim lines, flirty tops, handbags, accessories and lots of trendy career and special occasion better mark their calendars for the June 19 grand opening of the city’s second Luscious Boutique. First 50 customers will get a treat and a gift card and anyone visiting their website will receive a special discount coupon. You could also swing by the Shorewood store to pick one up yourself and while there save 20 percent on any top with the purchase of a pair of jeans. 522 N Water St., 414.755.8139, 4407 N. Oakland Ave., 414-967-7760, shopluscious.com.
Through June 21 Allen Edmonds offers up to 20 percent off on lots of last-minute gifts for dad. From cedar shoetrees, tie racks and belt hangers, engraved with ‘World’s Greatest Dad,’ to superb quality classic, dress or casual shoes there’s something for every papa no matter how much you have to spend. Brookfield, Mequon & Port Washington stores, Allenedmonds.com.
About to be named one of the top wine shops in the country in the August /September issue of Saveur magazine all I can say is kudos to Thief Wine Shop. See what the fuss is about at their Fathers Day tasting June 21(1 – 4 p.m.) featuring ‘Great Wines for Grilling.’ Cost is $10 per person but just $5 for dads. No RSVP required. 400 N. Water St., 414-277-7707, thiefwine.com.
CHECK OUT
June 18 (5 – 7 p.m.) at Blush: Beauty & Wellness event translates to exclusive giveaways, tips on summer skin care and makeup trends, wellness packages, yoga sessions sign ups and refreshments. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
June 18 at MP/two: stop in during Jazz in the Park and save 20 percent on contemporary men and women’s jeans. 825 Jefferson, 414-272-4672, markpaschltd.com.
Thru June 30 at Metro Eye: Annual Sunglass Sale cuts prices up to 25 percent on shades from Tom Ford, Prada, Salt, Ete, Lafont, Alain Mikli, Freudenhaus, ic berlin, and more. 301 N. Water St., 414-727-5888, metroeye.biz.
Thru June 30 at Detour: hundreds of urban summer fashions for men and women on sale 30 – 50 percent off. 1300 E. Brady St., 414- 273-5156, shopdetour.com.
Thru June 30 at Luci (downtown location): In anticipation of its upcoming expansion the store is holding a 60 – 80 percent off sale. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Don’t forget to check out this week’s Culture Club column for a rundown of the best of what’s happening in the arts, from the MSO to UWM.
