For those inquiring about the fate of the lost dog, sorry to say its owners still haven’t surfaced. However, the good news is my neighbor is so besotted with little “Juno” she plans on keeping her permanently as a companion for spry little “Jojo.” Seriously, if you had to be lost, this is the woman to find you. Moving forward, all is well.
Listen, if you’re into some serious fashion, might I suggest a trip to Chicago for the Leslie Hindman Vintage Couture and Accessories Auction going on April 21 (1 p.m.)? Loaded with stunning designer pieces, it’s bound to be worth the trip even if you don’t bid on beauties like a 14k gold, emerald, onyx and diamond-accented, circa 1950 evening bag by Cartier or a dreamy Christian Dior pink satin and mother-of-pearl cocktail dress. Not up for the drive? Not to worry, you can always preview the catalog and attend the auction online. 1338 W. Lake St., Chicago, 312-280-1212, lesliehindman.com.
If you’re looking for that one magnificent piece to deliver a “big city look” to your home, you’re in luck. Now through the end of May, IT Gallery is trimming 20-30 percent off all the one-of-a-kind incredible accent pieces such as frog drum tables, pygmy beds, Chinese wine and altar tables, Tibetan cabinets and African king stools that it gathers up from around the world. 1326 N. Jackson St., 414-271-1333, itgallerymilwaukee.com.
On April 21 (4-10 p.m.) Zita, Miss Groove, Lake Hill House, LaVita Laser, Erik of Norway, Destinations and Blush Beauty will be polishing it up at the Iron Horse Hotel to present LUXE – A Spring Fashion & Beauty Event, benefiting the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee. Highlights include a fabulous fashion show (7:30 p.m.), informal lingerie modeling, complimentary makeup touch ups, paraffin hand treatments, DJ FredX, a “Skinny Bar,” mini boutiques and hold on, a live Botox demonstration (8:30 p.m.). $50 per person. Group VIP seating includes swag bag and free bottle of Piper Heidsieck champagne. 500 W. Florida St., 888-543-4766, theironhorsehotel.com.
Get ready to explore the great beyond during Family Astronomy Day April 17 at the Brookfield Learning Shop. Take part in fun activities like a storewide “space hunt” and try out lots of interesting products. At 7 p.m. everyone’s invited to take a peep into the night sky as members of the Milwaukee Astronomical Society and Northern Cross Science Foundation set up their telescopes to catch glimpses of constellations, planets, the moon and maybe even the International Space Station. 17435 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-789-6994, learningshop.com.
Fans of Pandora jewelry who go gaga for the line’s versatility can save a bit of money now until the end of April with a special at East Towne Jewelers. Get a free ($20 value) pair of sterling silver ear wires with your purchase of $75 worth of interchangeable charms, perfect for fashioning great earrings in seconds. 1515 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8007, easttownejewelers.com.
Meanwhile, on April 17 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Accentrics will hold its first ever trunk show featuring Troll, the original Danish bead jewelry line, which has more than 200 hand-crafted, 18k gold, sterling silver, Italian Murano glass, natural pearl and precious stone artistic beads inspired by mythology, astrology, fairy tales, flora and fauna. Save, shop show specials and speak with a company representative (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) about creating unique bracelets and necklaces with beads that really communicate a sense of who you are.1505 West Mequon Rd. Mequon, 262-241-9292, accentrics.net.
A sucker for rustic style? Get to the Milwaukee Cabin & Lakeside Living Show April 16-18 for a wealth of easy living furnishings and accessories, architectural designs, home builder and real estate leads, food, decorating and gardening presentations all geared to laid-back attitudes. Other treats include a fully furnished cottage and professional sand sculptor Big Wave Dave constructing unbelievably huge sand castles throughout the show. Tickets $9 adults, $4 kids 6-12, children 5 and under get in free. Discount coupon available at milwaukeecabinshow.com. Wisconsin Exposition Building, State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., 414-727-8840, wiexpocenter.com.
The whole family is in for a fun time at the Metroparent’s KIDSfest & Baby Expo April 17 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and April 18 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). In addition to highlighting tons of products covering all aspects of the young lifestyle, the event features five entertainment stages, a learning lab, circus train rides, rock walls, toddler town, storybook time and lots, lots more. For more info, visit milwaukeemoms.com. Admission $10 Adults, kids 12 and under free. Wisconsin Exposition Building, State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., 414-727-8840, wiexpocenter.com.
Getting personal, I’ve got this thing about soap. It has to be made from natural ingredients and naturally scented – probably the result of having my nostrils assaulted as a kid by my first horrible whiff of chemically scented Irish Spring bars. So with that in mind, I’d like to give mention to just one of many wonderful things available at Embelezar. Uber-rich, triple-milled soaps from Pre de Provence, which are loaded with naturally gentle, moisturizing Shea butter and beautifully scented with pure essential oils of lavender, rose, fresh basil, rosemary, mint and bergamot tea. They smell so wonderful, you’ll never step out of the shower. 241 N. Broadway St., 414-224-7644.
Warmer weather only makes gathering together with friends for the April 16-18 Gallery Night and Day way more appealing. Find out all the details of what more than 60 Downtown, East Town, Walkers Point and Historic Third Ward galleries, shops and restaurants will be up to at historicthirdward.org. Like Project M’s celebration of its first gallery night on April 16, which pairs a night of fashion, fun and refreshments with a showcase of local artists Yvonne Lopez, Dominic Rodriguez and Dane Haman. 801 E. Center St., 414-469-6464, facebook.com/projectmboutique.
Finally, need some she time? How about packing up and heading out April 15 & 16 for a Girlfriends Getaway to Historic Cedarburg? For just $99 you’ll enjoy complimentary wine and cheese at either the Stagecoach or Washington House Inn (depending on where you’ll be spending Thursday evening), collect a gift bag filled with special discounts and offers for area restaurants and shops along with a sterling silver charm, which could come in handy given you’ll be attending a Keepsake Girlfriend Bracelet workshop that evening at Giraffe Gems & Beads. On Friday, after a continental breakfast, learn all about diamonds in a Jewelry 101 presentation with gemologist/appraiser Patty Hansen and how to update spring wardrobes with accessories from Tami Conard of A Little Pizzazz. Move along to a complimentary wine tasting at Cedar Creek Winery before picking up your free movie pass to the historic Rivoli Theater. Call 888-375-0208 or 800-554-4717 to RSVP. For more info visit cedarburg.org.
CHECK OUT
On April 15 (3-8 p.m.) the Knick Salon & Spa does its bit to make the city more beautiful with a Spring Make-under Event. Stop in and sip a little champagne while you learn all about Bare Escentuals mineral makeup and skin care, pick up some professional tricks and techniques, and receive a complimentary skin analysis. 1028 E. Juneau Ave., 414-312-7947, knicksalonandspa.com.
April 15-17 at Gigi of Mequon: Save 10 percent on purchases of modern, uncontrived fall fashions during the Yigal Azrouel designer trunk show. 1552 W. Mequon Rd., 262- 241-1123, gigiofmequon.com.
April 16-18 at Goldi: Alhough they offer the largest selection of Dansko shoes in the Midwest, this trunk show brings in even more and offers shoppers a special 10 percent brand discount. 4114 N Oakland Ave., 414-431-4832, goldishoes.com.
April 16-17 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Umi Warehouse: Because it’s the very last one, if you’ve got kids you won’t want to miss this Warehouse Closing Sale of adorable, quality made boutique shoes, boots, sandals and salesman samples for kids newborn to 8 years. 1235 Dakota Drive, Grafton, 262-376-111, umishoes.com.
April 16 (6-9 p.m.) at Institute of Beauty and Wellness: Enjoy complimentary stress-relieving massages, makeup touches and refreshments. 342 N. Water St., 414-227-2889, institutebw.com.
April 16 (6-9 p.m.) at Neroli Salon & Spa: Experience a live photo shoot of new spring hair and makeup trends, enter to win a Neroli Gift Card and save 10 percent on Aveda products. 325 E. Chicago St., 414 -227-2888, nerolispa.com.
Through April 18 at Miss Groove: Whether its fashionable attire, accessories or lingerie (no consignment jewelry, however), shoppers will save 50 percent off the price of a second item of equal or lesser value with the purchase of any one item at full price. 1330 E. Brady St., 414- 298-9185, missgroove.com.
Through April 30 at Goodwill & Retique: Cleaning closets and delivering unused stuff to the Goodwill during the Pack’er Up Donation Challenge can help the school of your choice earn a visit from Donald Driver, receive 12 autographed copies of his children’s book, Quickie Handles a Loss, and an autographed Packer helmet. For more info visit amazinggoodwill.com.
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Own a store? Work at a store? If you’ve got a great sale or store event coming up that you’d like shoppers to be aware of, don’t be shy, simply e-mail (savvystyle@wi.rr.com) me the date, time, location, and I’ll help get the word out.
