TAKE A PEEK
This weekend, after picking up some organics at the West Allis farmers market, I popped in across the street to Oniomania (named for the medical term meaning a compulsion to shop) and found the small store filled with items that owner Andrea Kopan picks up from national and local designers, and purveyors of international fair trade goods. Whether it’s colorfully embellished sandals (on sale for $25 a pair), replicas of vintage aprons, whimsical coin purses, handbags and totes, handmade jewelry, woven and knit scarves and gloves, small pieces of decoupage furniture or aromatic candles, soaps and lotions, the idea is to be a wee bit out of the ordinary – and super friendly. Stop in just to take a look around during the month of your birthday and Kopan will give you a free pair of earrings whether you purchase anything or not. Pretty nice, huh? 6430 W. National Ave., West Allis, 414-727-9797, oniomaniawi.com.
Speaking of quirky little shops, Bay View’s Lonefeather Trading Post is packed with personality. Be forewarned, however, it’s unlikely you’ll find the store open if you stop by. But don’t let that stop you. Instead, follow the instructions owner Al Sparks has painted on the building. His home is just five minutes away and should you give him a call at 414-489-7779, he’ll be right over to let you in. Because the tiny shop (a Lilliputian gas station in a past life) is so crammed with an interesting mix of all things related to Native American culture, from antiques to knick-knacks, it’s worth making that call. As it will reward you with items such as authentic dance regalia and all you need to make it, genuine tomahawks, beaded leather leggings, moccasins, bone breastplates, bows and arrows, prayer sticks, turquoise jewelry, medicine wheels, ceremonial pipes, dream catchers, totem poles, tanned animal hides, sage sticks, sweet grass, cedar, ceremonial tobacco, buffalo meat, red deer venison and fry bread mix. Better yet, Sparks isn’t the least bit shy about explaining the significance of what he sells, sharing photos of his attendance at traditional Pow Wows, explaining the importance of prayer ceremonies or enlightening you with the history of American Indians/First Nation culture. 2432 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
SHOP 2 GREAT FLASH-IN-THE-PAN RETAIL OPTIONS:
At her new temporary Pop-Up boutique (open six days a week through Dec. 31) within the Sky High Gallery (located in the back of the Sky High Skateboard Shop), Faythe Levine, producer of the cool indie Art Vs. Craft fair (artvscraftmke.blogspot.com) and former owner of the Paper Boat gallery shop in Bay View, sells the same sort of innovative, creative, fair trade and vintage pieces that made her previous store so darn interesting. And thanks to Tory Folliard Gallery, she defines her space delightfully with an imaginatively mysterious mural created by artist Sofia Arnold. 2501 S. Howell Ave., 414-483-2585, faythelevine.com.
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Oct. 22 marks the launch of the Heavy Rotation Pop-Up Shop located within the Reginald Baylor Studio in the Historic Third Ward. Open Friday-Sunday through the end of December, the boutique features the company’s current Fall/Winter collections, exclusive designs and limited edition out-of-production inventory. Not familiar with this nationally known, locally designed and printed progressive clothing brand? Well you should be. Not only does the company present the city with its terrific annual Urban Garage Sale (urbangaragesale.com), an emphasis on blending art, culture and authenticity and innovation results in a collection of quality men’s, women’s, infant and toddler T-shirts and fashions that have found favor with fans across the country. 207 E. Buffalo St., heavytees.com, minirotation.com. (Photo by Brian Holoubek.)
CROWN A KID IN STYLE: Born to a retail family spanning three generations, Katie Segel knows a thing or two about style, quality and what shoppers want. Since the close of Crème, the beauty and bath boutique she co-owned with her mother, she’s been passionately designing and creating her My Kids Lids line of adorable yet thoroughly modern fleece appliqued hats, collar scarves and coats that sell like hot cakes in boutiques all over the country. Available at katiesegel.etsy.com; Tadpole Kids, 708 Genesee St., Delafield, 262-646-5556, tadpolekids.com; Beans and Barley, 1901 E. North Ave., 414-278-7878.
DRESS FOR THE DANCE: Busy Waukesha moms with kids who take dance lessons, perform in groups or just like to dress up like the fact that The Dancerz Closet is open seven days a week to accommodate them. Offering contemporary basics to colorful fun and funky trends for dancers of all ages, the store carries shoes, apparel and accessories covering everything, including ballet, hip-hop, tap, jazz and point, plus they’re always happy to do special orders. 375 W. Main St., Waukesha, 262-349-9575.
BUY BETTER FOR LESS: Savvy moms (nanas and favorite aunts) can save plenty on high-quality designer boutique fashions for kids during the Florence Eiseman Co. Factory Sale Oct. 22-24. Just how much depends on when you shop. Here’s the deal. Shop Friday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and get 50 percent off retail on the best selection. Stop in on Saturday (10 a.m.-3p.m) and you’ll save 60 percent, or wait until Sunday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) when you’ll have less to chose from but can save the most – 65 percent. Oh and did I mention you’ll also save big on discounted designer fabrics? Seriously, there’s a reason this sale is one of the city’s favorites. 342 N. Water St., 800-558-9013, florenceeiseman.com.
RELAX, YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED: Ease into the exciting chaos of planning your wedding (with the ladies you love in tow) at the Miss Ruby Boutique Brides’ Night Out event Nov. 4 (6-8 p.m.) at the InterContinental Hotel (139 E. Kilbourn). Kick back, relax and enjoy complimentary champagne, hors d’oeuvres and Miss Cupcake’s delish cupcakes while previewing exclusive collections from Alyne, Steven Birnbaum and Fancy NY. Pick up professional tips to look and feel your best with the Blush Beauty Bar, romantic up dos by Glow Salon, custom-designed invites by Paperwhites, flowers by Petals and other pros who know how to get it done. Brides are also treated to Goodie Bags (first 50 to arrive) and a raffle to win an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s brand new all Pink Rooms designed to raise money for breast cancer. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
CHECK OUT
Oct. 21-23 Design Consign: One of the biggest consignment sales in the city offers up real deals on gently used designer fashions, accessories and shoes in sizes petite to plus and including maternity. Whitefish Bay Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Through Oct. 22 (4 p.m.) at Vieux et Nouveau Boutique: Save big by pre-ordering comfy and fashionable Fidji shoes (whole and half sizes 5-13) due to arrive early February 2011. View all styles online. 1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049, bvenboutique.com.
Oct. 23 (noon-3 p.m.) at Artist and Display: Art Fest celebrates drawing and painting techniques with the introduction of exciting new products along with unique ways to use them. Enjoy in-store demos, door prizes and, of course, discounts. Sign up now for online coupons and you’ll save $5 on any purchase of $50 or more made this month. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Oct. 23 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Harley’s The Store for Men: Scotti Gaylord, representative of custom clothier Adrian Jules, will be available for consultations during a special trunk show premiering the Town & Country and 2010/2011 Fall/Winter collections. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
