TAKE A PEEK
Ladies lamenting the state of the junk in their trunks will (understandably) appreciate the Beija-Flor Lynsey jean available at Goldi. Designed by the company that prides itself on working with, rather than against, a woman’s natural curves, it takes advantage of new denim technologies coming out of Brazil (where else, huh?) and creates a jean that functions like shapewear to provide a special extra lift to the derriere. Even if you’re just fine with the lay of the land back there, rest assured that with memory stretch, illusion washes, slimming details and trends from the runways of Rio, Milan and New York, whether you’re 22 or 52, you’re bound to find something to fit and flatter in the company’s 2010 Tendencia line. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
The June 5 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) grand opening of the Shorewood business district’s Best Seats in the House installation offers ample proof the community is up to the challenge of maneuvering through the current replacement of all Capitol Drive pavement and sidewalks while looking forward to new landscaped, decorative crosswalks, more trees and curbside planters. Swing by and take a look at 41 custom decorated benches (that will sit scattered about the area through Aug. 15) and chat up the artists who created them. Should any catch your fancy, make note that they’ll all be sold during a public auction on August 29 at Hubbard Park to benefit the Shorewood Foundation Lodge. For more info visit villageofshorewood.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
Help Out: When Sarah Brucker first opened her cosmetic boutique, Blush Beauty, she told me she planned to give the city a uniquely different experience. With the offerings of premier skin care and cosmetic lines, many exclusive to the area, along with expert makeup artists, indulgent skin care services for the entire body (including customized spray tanning) and unique store specialties like the Brow and Lash Bars, she sure kept her promise. Plus, as an independent retailer, she’s not afraid to team up with other stores to pull off fun events or support the community with energetic involvement in charitable organizations. Right now, for instance, she’s spreading the word about the Masonic Angel Fund’s goal to distribute basic hygiene kits to the more than 3,000 Milwaukee school students who currently live in homeless shelters. Her store is just one of many locations in the city where the public is invited to drop off new combs, hair brushes, soaps, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other toiletry items. Rewarding your kindness to strangers, she gives back with a free gift worth $25 to everyone who donates. Blush is also accepting monetary donations made out to the Masonic Angel Fund and selling $20 tickets ($25 at the door) to the fundraising Shrimp Boil dinner June 19 (5 p.m.) at the Astor Hotel. Enjoy good food, a cash bar, live music, a silent auction and the knowledge that 100 percent of all proceeds go to help kids in need. Because the need is so great, as summer rolls out, look for other boutiques such as the Home Market, Aala Reed and Stephanie Horne to also join in and support the Angel Fund. Feel like doing more to help? For more info, call 414-406-6556.
Prowl Brady Street: On June 5 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), donate gently used clothing and household items to local nonprofits at three designated Brady Street donation sites during the Shop, Swap & Sip event. In exchange, you’ll earn Brady St. Bucks to amp up savings while you shop neighborhood store specials and sidewalk sales all day. Into gardening? Stop by the Perennial Plant Swap to exchange separated plants and bulbs for new ones you want to add to your garden. Oh, and as for the ‘sip’ portion of the day? Well that translates to yummy drink and dining specials available at area restaurants and pubs during the event. For more info, visit bradystreet.org.
Shed some light: Now through June 12, there’s a super Summer Sale going on at Lighting Accessories that will save you 10-50 percent on all lamps and shades in the store, and believe me, they have oodles of ’em in all sorts of styles, fabrics and finishes. Because outfitting old lamp bases with new shades is such a quick and easy way to shake things up around the house, why not perfectly pair things up and bring your lamp base along to the store? 13855 W. North Ave., Brookfield, 262-641-1600.
Hit the Spot: Sometimes shopping for those slinky, teasy, sassy or just plain intimate wedding, anniversary, birthday, shower or bachelorette gifts can be a little iffy if you’re not entirely sure what someone wants, needs or may consider too risqué. And that’s where the new Gift Registry at A Woman’s Touch comes in handy. You tell one of their Pleasure Specialists your personal tastes and preferences, and, suddenly, sexy shopping gets really simple for everyone. Not so sure what you want? Take a peek at the online How To Choose articles to narrow it down. 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com.
Shop Smart: Savvy shoppers know that staying linked in and signing up for a store’s e-mail blasts or newsletters saves money. For instance, men registered with Harley’s e-club are currently being treated to a coupon worth $62 off any purchase of $250 or more in celebration of the store’s 62nd Anniversary. Joining also means you’re kept up to date on special events, trunk shows, storewide promotions and news on the latest in men’s fashion. But hey guys, it’s still not too late to save on seasonal sportswear, discriminating business dress, elegant formal wear and unique accessories for yourself, your dear old dad or a favorite graduate. For a limited time the store is offering new members who sign up a $25 gift certificate. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
Go Green: Attention friends of earth! All around town throughout the month of June salons and spas are taking part in the Prettycity.com Green and Gorgeous Campaign with specially priced, eco-friendly and organic beauty treatments. For instance, get a $79 hour-long organic aromatherapy massage (I’m meltin’ already) at Eva Luna Day spa for only $59. Or head to Urban Trends for a single-process color, haircut and Pureology deep conditioning package, which normally costs $110 and is now just $49. Visit prettycity.com/green for more info.
