Brady Street is groovin’ on Michael Mann’s Dillinger movie, being filmed in Milwaukee and other Wisconsin locations and starring Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard and Christian Bale. Last week when a recent casting call for extras, attired in period 1930’s fashions, went out for a scene shot at the Italian Community Center, vintage shops like Dragonfly and Yellow Jacket had locals scouring their racks. And for those lucky enough to find their alter egos at Dragonfly, prices got slashed in half since the store is currently phasing out vintage clothing in favor of interesting and cool home goods.
Gone are the days when going green meant giving up high style. Just ask Laura Cole, owner of Aala Reed, who seeks out lines that are ‘not only unique and fashionable but also environmentally friendly.” What she’s found is Sustainable Collectives, which specializes in crafting certified organic and recycled knit fabrics into extremely comfy day wear fashions for both men and women. Also of note are men and women’s tops channeling the earth’s energy in both fabric and sophisticated images from the renowned luxury eco designer, Linda Laudermilk. 1320 E. Brady, 226-2252, aalareed@onmilwaukee.com
On March 15 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. get your creative juices flowing during Artist And Display’s semi-annual Make Your Mark event. Featuring talented artists demonstrating tools and techniques including stencil embossing, fabric transfers, lettering, clay work and more, you’ll have the opportunity to make ‘Artist Trading Cards,’ win door prizes and get great pricing on special sales. 9015 W. Burleigh, 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Super bike shop Crank Daddy’s sets aside the entire day of March 15 to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Whether you’re an individual or team, sign up for either the 8 am or 1 pm 4th Annual Indoor 100 Mile Charity Ride on the store’s cool indoor CompuTrainer virtual riding course. Enjoy special sales on apparel all day long and a fun fashion show sechuduled at 6pm that highlights spring biking style. Bid on silent auction treats which include a year’s supply of milk from Organic Valley, autographed sportswear from George Hincapie, titanium Seatpost from Moots and lots more. With a great raffle of bike products, complementary appetizers, beer and wine and a good cause, do you really need a better excuse to come down and party? 2108 N. Farwell, 414-347-5511, crankdaddys.com.
For 60 years Calico Corners has been celebrating home style while building a reputation for offering fine designer fabrics, window treatments, furniture, custom beddings, fabulous trims and hardware, pillows and more. As they celebrate their anniversary, now through March 25, customers are offered 10 to 60 percent off everything in the store, including a 10 percent discount on furniture and labor when ordering custom design, slipcovers and reupholstery. In short, take advantage of this, their biggest sale of the year. 18525 W. Bluemound, 262-786-4646, calicocorners.com.
So OK I’ll admit it, I’ve been secretly watching American Idol, rooting for that rebellious nurse who’s been labeled the new Janis Joplin (the one that looks like Suzanne Pleshette). Sure I know the former Kozmic Blues diva’s raspy voice was credited to Southern Comfort, but it still got me thinking about Waterford Wine Company’s ‘Gist of the Mill – Bourbon’ tasting this Friday March 14 at 7pm ($35). While it may not put soul in your pipes, offering up a good selection of bourbon varieties to sample plus an opportunity to learn more about this all-American drinking tradition should still prove pretty interesting. 1327 E. Brady, 414-289-9463, waterfordwinecom.
Absolutely fabu (shoo) is having one heck of a Spring Sale March 28 – 30 (online too). Don’t pass up this chance to get 25 per cent off all new hand crafted spring styles from Cydwoq, Trippen, Jutta Neumann, Rosa Mosa, Rush and a new line from Diesel –Ryan Rowe among others. Seriously these shoes are too cool. 241 N. Broadway 414-765-2355, shoostore.com
Once during dinner in some tiny coastal town north of San Francisco I remember being blown away by how much my waiter, who was barely out of school, knew about wine. As he wove a tale of vintages and vineyards laced with all the subtleties of why, where and what made them so good, I pretty much decided, living far from the bosom of a wine country culture, that I didn’t have the energy to become an expert. Luckily, relying on good stores and the kindnesses of strangers, I don’t need to be. Nor do you. For example, in Brookfield at WineStyles, all you need to know to get a good bottle of wine is what ‘style’ you prefer – bold, mellow, crisp, bubbly etc. and you’ll find plenty of bottles priced $10 – $25 dollars to match it. Check it all out at their Grand Opening on March 13 when a complimentary wine tasting follows a 5 pm ribbon cutting ceremony. Also of special interest is a tasting event they’re hosting focused on really worthy organic wines, presented by Jessica Bell, founder of the Milwaukee Wine School. Appropriately, this exploration into ‘green wineries’ takes place 6:30 – 8 on March 17. Tasting fee is $20 for WineStyle Wine Club members and $30 for non-members. 17000 W. Bluemond Rd., Brookfield, 262- 792-9463, winestyles.net/Brookfield
If you haven’t visited the LUSH shop located in Macy’s do it soon. You’ll find it loaded with unique bath and beauty products made with fresh organic fruits and veggies. If you stop by on Sunday, March 16 between 1 and 5 pm. during their Go Green event you’ll be treated to music and treats while you learn more about wonderful products like preservative free solid shampoo bars, sensual massage bars, conditioning body butters and cool bubble bars in intoxicating scents, all unencumbered by wasteful packaging. Plus, there’s a goodie included with every purchase of $45 or more. Mayfair, 2500 North Mayfair Rd., 414-443-1177, usa.lush.com.
Wondering where to go for the best selection of some of the most premium denim in the city for both men and women? – In a word, Detour. And best of all, now through March 31 during their Spring is Groovy sale, if you spend $250 on any of their really cool contemporary lifestyle fashions, you’ll get a $50 gift card to introduce someone else to the store. If you’re not feeling so generous, have it rolled over to a store credit for yourself. 1300 E. Brady 414-273-5156 info2shopdetour.com
Interested in local style? J. Bird Boutique just got in a lot of wonderful, thought provoking, art-focused fashion pieces from thINK Conscious Apparel. Designed right here in the city, look for track jackets, motorcycle tees, thermals tops and scarves that utilize sustainable materials and flaunt a great social outlook. inkdesigns.net, 415 E. Menomonee St., 414- 727-6553.
It doesn’t happen but twice a year so if you’re a fan of the fellow who practically invented mid-century modern home design, don’t miss the le Corbusier sale at Design Within Reach through March 18. It’s a goodie. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
