Featuring polished cement floors, leather curtains, a modern color palette and a designer runway, Valentina’s edgy urban Mequon remodel provides the perfect backdrop for an expanded repertoire of top designer collections, rotating art installations and impressive trunk shows. City fashionistas are invited to check out the boutique’s contemporary chic new look during its exciting official opening on April 6. Fusing art, music, food and fashion, the full sensory experience will feature pulsating music from De La Buena, flowing champagne, live models and graffiti art from Reigning Renegade. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-4122, evalentina.com
Pros at keeping things fresh and inspiring, on April 4 The Home Market will throw a TABLETOP SOIREE highlighting lots of new spring merchandise and floral arrangements from Muscari Florists. Stop by to enjoy yummy refreshments and lots of ideas for making the dining experience oh so inviting. 222 E. Erie, 414-755-2165, thehomemarket.net.
Wisconsin’s own Surround Ewe specializes in bedding made entirely from ECO-Pure® wool and organic cotton raised and grown in America. Through the end of April shoppers can save up to 25 percent on artisan made mattresses, under quilts (toppers), comforters and sleep systems. Besides getting the sweetest and greenest of dreams, those spending $150 – $400 will receive a free standard size pillow. Spend over $400 and you’ll be treated to two. To shop call 888-WOOL BED (966-5233) or visit surroundewe.com.
On April 4 The Junior League of Milwaukee plans to raise money for its community projects by hosting its GRAND GARAGE SALE (one of the city’s largest). Expect lots of clothing for men, women and kids, household goods, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, books and more gathered up at the barn closest to Gate 5 at Wisconsin State Fair Park (640 S. 84 Street). Pay a $2 admission fee to shop 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. when the selection is best or get in for free between 1 and 4 p.m. when everything left will be priced half off. For more info visit jlmilw.org.
Note to my pal Liz and all you other horse people out there. During the STOREWIDE SPRING SALE held April 4 & 5 at Hall Saddlery everything (excluding saddles) is 20 percent off and clearance items are discounted up to 70 percent. In addition, they’re holding an indoor Swap Meet Saturday 9 a.m. – noon offering great deals on gently used riding clothing and tack. N69 W 25055 Indiangrass Lane, Sussex, 262-820-1755, hallsaddlery.com
Fans of the movie Bell, Book & Candle won’t want to miss the PSYCHIC FAIR being held April 11 at Bewitchingbee, a shop specializing in authentic magical and metaphysical goods. Especially since they’ll find out what psychic readers have to say, attend a mini workshop on Candle Magic, experience a Raven Moon Ritual celebrating the current lunar phase and save 20 percent on store purchases. 2456 N. Murray Ave., 414-690-9102, bewitchingbee.com.
Because having a baby brings about big changes, parents-to-be are invited to enjoy one last bit of ‘just the two of us’ time with Kohler’s BABY ON THE WAY getaway going on through April 30. The package (starting at $476) includes 2 nights at the American Club Carriage House, a shopping jaunt to With Child, a special gift for mother and child, a relaxing 50-minute massage for dad and a oh so needed prenatal massage for mom. Not expecting? No problem. Check out Kohler’s AWAY FOR THE DAY, SPRING SPA CELEBRATION or MY FAVORITE THINGS CHOCOLATE SHOP & SPA day trip packages at destinationkohler.com.
This month George Watts & Son welcomes the William DeLind Art Gallery onto its main floor. And given the store’s reputation for artful tables shoppers on the hunt for prints by Chagall, Danny Pearson Beasties or ornaments by Karen Rossi should feel right at home. Meanwhile,Watts Tea Shop invites kids and their parents to BREAKFAST WITH BENJAMIN BUNNY AND JEMIMA PUDDLEDUCK (April 4 and April 11 at 9 a.m.). This charming spring tradition includes a reading of the delightful Beatrix Potter tale, a photo op with beloved life-sized characters and of course a delicious fare all served in the historic tearoom. Cost is $17.94 adults and $14.95 for children, 414-290-5720
CHECK OUT
(shoo): April 3 – 5 save 25 percent on every cool shoe and accessory in the store. 241 N. Broadway, 414-765-2355, shoostore.com.
Crate and Barrel: Spend $250 or more through May 31 and receive a 15 percent saving certificate good on your next purchase. 2450 N. Mayfair Rd., 414-258-9500, crateandbarrel.com.
Vieux et Nouveau: Through April 15 new shoppers save 10 percent and store VIP members save 15 – 35 percent on all new spring merchandise. 1688 N. Franklin Place, 414- 287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
Aala Reed: All women’s Level 99 denim skirts and pants and men’s new spring Coppley dress pants are on sale through April 3, 1320 E. Brady, 226-2252, aalareed.com.
Miss Ruby: Receive a $25 gift certificate toward a new bridesmaid dress for every gently used one donated to The Boys & Girls Club Sista Pride PRINCESS FOR PROM program now through April 8. Don’t have a dress to pass along? They’re also taking cash contributions.522 N. Water, 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com. Don’t miss this week’s Culture Club for a review of Compagnie Marie Chouinard’s impassioned performance at Alverno College.
