I love supporting independent stores whose owners creatively invest time and energy into linking terrific merchandise with unique customer services. Retailer maven extraordinaire Fay Wetzel, of Faye’s, definitely belongs to that tribe. Currently, she’s taking reservations for a free Recycle Your Wardrobe seminar on March 3 that pairs a complimentary breakfast at Café 1505 with tips on getting the most style out of existing wardrobes. Reserve your spot by stopping in or contacting customerservice@fayes123.com. Customers can always count on Faye and her staff to point out wise shopping priorities, give great fashion advice and offer money-saving specials. For instance, now through Feb. 28, save $25 on the cost of new, full-priced jeans with the donation of a pair of old ones to Notre Dame Middle School girls. But wait, as usual there’s even more going on, like a MZ Wallace trunk show in the Mequon store on March 1-7 (followed by one in the Brookfield store on March 10-14), featuring fabulously functional yet utterly urban classic American handbags. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8386; 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
Another nod has to go to Bes Folkman. After more than five years of serving shoppers in downtown Hartland, she’s moved her charmingly cozy River Boutique & Yarn to Brookfield’s Galleria West. Much like a warm, welcoming nest, it entices knitters of all ages and talents with an incredible selection of colorful, textural yarns along with pattern books and needles displayed in tandem with unique gift items and artful fashions. An assortment of comfy chairs and sofas and caring staff provide the perfect lure for chatting, knitting or getting help with projects. If you haven’t peeked in yet, make sure you do. Especially during March 1-6, when the store marks its sixth birthday with a six-day Gala Celebration that offers refreshments, gifts, surprises and creative, knitting-related demos. 18900W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, 262-641-7427, riverboutiqueyarn.com.
Speaking of gatherings, if you’re a bride-to-be who’s set some pretty high standards for your special day, you don’t want to miss Milwaukee’s Magnificent Bride show at the Pfister on Feb. 28 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Highlighting fine florists, bakers, caterers, jewelers, stationery stores, calligraphers, photographers, chocolatiers, videographers, wedding designers and bridal and formal wear specialists, this premier event offers food, champagne and afternoon tea samplings as well as a spectacular grand prize. Attendees can also take advantage of inspiring workshops and pick up tips on trends from experts like Dana Golubeff, display director at George Watts & Son. Online pre-show tickets $25; $35 at the door (cash or check only). Brides registering at Watts prior to the show receive a pair of free tickets ($70 value). 7414 E. Wisconsin Ave., milwaukeesmagnificentbride.com.
Surely you’ve noticed that when it comes to the eyes, it’s suddenly all about the lashes. As the trend for lash extensions soars, Blush announces a new Lash Club that offers members a six- or 12-month ongoing application plan, featuring lush NovaLash™ products and physician-formulated, pharmaceutical-grade, FDA-approved adhesives. Joining guarantees a full wink of lush, lash-by-lash-applied fabulous fringe sure to stay put even in the pool or sauna. It also eliminates the need for smudging, flaking mascara while offering you some pretty hefty savings. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Focused on fit and timeless silhouettes, designer Jess Audry has a real feel for contemporary retro chic as well as an innovative approach to fabric and print. Offering a mix-and-match choice of more than 30 style and fabric options, she also gives women a hand in designing dresses themselves. Interested? Stop in at Miss Ruby’s Feb. 25 for the Meet the Designer event. While there, shop for fall and winter holiday dresses at 50 percent off. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
Tickets are available now for the March 12 (6-9 p.m.) Black & White Affair at Whiskey Bar (788 N. Jackson St.). Benefiting the Cinderella Project, the evening begins with a cocktail reception meet and greet with Milwaukee native Brian Calhoun of the Detroit Lions, followed by a style-centered spring preview of men’s and women’s fashions courtesy of Aala Reed and Stephanie Horne. Gift bags will go to the first 100 guests, and everyone can enter raffles to win more than $1,000 in prizes. Advance tickets are $25 ($20 with the donation of a clean, lightly used prom dress at either store prior to the event) and $30 at the door. 1320 E. Brady St., 414-226-2252, aalareed4men.com; 324 N. Water, 414-223-1662 & 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-259-1662, stephaniehorne.com.
Sure the Germans had a hand in shaping this city of ours, but as author Tony Zignego’s book, Milwaukee’s Italian Heritage: Mediterranean Roots in Midwestern Soil, points out, the Italians had a lot to do with it too. Learn more about that community’s struggles and triumphs at Boswell Book Company March 4 (7 p.m.) where the Milwaukee historian will speak and do a book signing. Hey Dino, see you there? 2559 N. Downer Ave., 414-333-1181, boswell.indiebound.com.
Looking for eco-friendly food, clothing, cosmetics, gifts, fashion, home goods or building products? Keep your eye on worldofgreen.com as sustainability experts Roberta Modena and Greg Horn scope out the market for the latest, newest and most unique items for you.
CHECK OUT
Currently at Bruce Paul Goodman: Great savings on a good selection of fall, winter and transitional designer formal and casual wear. 18915 W. Capitol Dr., 262-781-6083.
While it lasts at Next Door: Save 50 percent on the store’s entire collection of formal wear. 18915 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-781-0737, shopatnextdoor.com.
While it lasts at Sydney B.: Adorable fall and winter kids fashions marked 50 percent off. 1350 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-240-9970, sydneybboutique.com.
Through Feb. 28 at Argosy Limited: Almost all wonderful gift items in the store are on sale at 30-50 percent off. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-821-6900.
Feb. 25 (5-9 p.m.) at Fred/Luscious (new location): Grand Opening Celebration Sale Enjoy complimentary libations and up to 50 percent savings on your evening’s purchases. 522 N. Water St., 414-270-1009 fredboutique.com.
Feb. 25 (5-10 p.m.) at Luci: Martini Night means massages, manicures and makeovers plus lots of giveaways and 60-80 percent off everything in the store. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Feb 25 (5-9 p.m.) at juxt: The boutique pairs up with Gracie’s to present shoppers with a fun evening filled with fabulous finds and fortune telling ($10), wine, snacks and sweets. 1504 Underwood Ave., 414-257-1710, juxthomebaby.com.
Feb. 26 (5-10 p.m.) at Luci (Bay Shore): As the store will close for good 2 p.m. on Saturday, this Special Customer Appreciation Diva’s Night Out offers shoppers a free gift with purchase, sushi, wine, expert hair and makeup advice and a huge storewide sale.5724 Center Parkway, Bay Shore, 414-967-7933, luciboutique.com.
Feb. 27 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) at Good Harvest Market: A free health fair translates to chair massages, nutritional, chiropractic and acupuncture consultations, food sampling and refreshments, plus a 5 percent discount on purchases. 1850 Meadow Lane, Pewaukee, 262-544-9380, goodharvestmarket.com.
March 2 (6-7:30 p.m.) at Milwaukee Public Market: Participate in a free Ashtanga Yoga session and learn how it improves circulation, strengthens the body and calms the mind. 400 N. Water St., 414-289-3107, milwaukeepublicmarket.org.
