Living in Manhattan during the height of the perfume wars, I remember only too well the struggle of getting from one end of Bloomingdale’s main floor to the other while dodging the hordes of attractive and aggressive young men and woman hired to lure customers to cosmetic counters with the offer of just “a spritz” of this latest big name or that celebrity fragrance. Indeed, the constant interruption of the murmuring chorus of, “Would you like to try such and such?” made conversation with shopping companions nearly impossible. Forget about overwhelming your olfactory nerves, all that spraying practically ensured that some innocent shopper would be “tagged” by at least one unwelcome and overpowering scent guaranteed to cling to them for the rest of the day. Which brings me to this. Like most women, I’m particular about what scent I wear or bathe in (my current swoon being Au thé Blanc by Bulgari), and finding those intense, chemically created mass-marketed scents rather suffocating I lean toward traditionally made, quality perfumes celebrating natural scents and ingredients. That’s why I’m happy to spread the word on a new line of “Gorilla Perfumes” from Lush. Available in bottles, atomizers, candles, and solid sticks, they’re made from natural ingredients such as 100 percent rose oil, sweet amber, vetivert, jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, fresh orange blossom, basil and more. Shoppers can choose from six intoxicating scents intended to seduce rather than slam the senses, and hey, isn’t that the point of perfume? Mayfair, 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., 414-443-1177, lushusa.com.
As the pre-holiday shopping season revs up, believe me you’ll find be no shortage of venues to explore. But just like everything else in life, some are bound to be better than others. Take for instance, the Holiday Shops (formally called the Christmas and Holiday Show) presented by the University School of Milwaukee Nov. 4-6. Now in its 34th year, this annual event delights thousands of shoppers with all sorts of exquisite jewelry, great gifts, inspired home décor and fashions for the entire family culled from 50 stores and designers around the world. Keeping shopping spirits up, there’s even a café serving coffee, snacks and lunch. $10 admission, kids under 13 free (50 percent off admission coupon available online). 2100 W. Fairy Chasm Rd., River Hills, 414-540-3541, more info at holidayshops.org.
Speaking of holiday shopping. Seeing all the mass-marketed costumes and party goods available this Halloween brings to mind all the costumes my late mother helped me create when I was a kid. Whether she shopped the Goodwill or rummaged though closets, I always ended up wearing outfits that were far more interesting than those my friends bought. Not only did they end up coaxing extra bits of candy from amused neighbors, but going through that creative process with my mom came in handy years later when I threw myself into the task of pulling together my over-the-top worthy-of-being-made-by-a college-art-student costumes. Like the one that had me gluing hundreds of feathers one by one onto a huge, rather fetching bird head I’d fashioned out of chicken wire and Papier Mache. Time invested? About a week. Was it worth it? A 
5’8” bird in bright yellow tights and high heels, are you kidding? I even got a date out of it. Well, while I no longer officially celebrate the holiday, I know plenty of you do. So for those looking to pull together inventive scary costumes or creepy parties uniquely their own, might I suggest a trip to American Science & Surplus? You’ll find the store in total Halloween mode stuffed with loads of glow-in-the-dark, life-size maggots, solar-lit tombstones, hanging packets of “plasma” slime, “blood” buffet fountains, brain-shaped gelatin molds, floating eyeballs, skeletons, severed hands, feet and hearts, motors perfect for raising coffin lids and all the black lights you’ll ever need. On sale of course. 6901 W. Oklahoma Ave., 414-541-7777, sciplus.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
KEEP THINGS IN THE PINK: Allen Edmonds has a new pink leather, shearling-lined slipper for women designed with an Asti driving sole that can be comfortably worn indoors or out. Better yet, walking its talk, now through Jan. 25, 2011, the company is donating 10 percent of all pink slipper sales to Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Stepping it up with another good deed, on Nov. 9, the plan is to donate 10 percent of all store sales to the same charity. Slippers ($125) are available in women’s sizes 6.5 to 11 at Allen Edmonds stores and online at allenedmonds.com.
SAVE ON GUY STUFF: With a super chance to save anywhere from 10-50 percent off entire purchases made at Aala Reed through Oct. 31, sorry guys, you simply don’t have any good excuse not to look cool this season. Instead, come shop for new fall threads from 191 Unlimited, Ted Baker, Report and other great lines. Then cross your fingers and hold your breath before drawing for discounts at checkout. Good luck. 1320 E. Brady St., 414-226-2252, aalareed4men.com.
INDULGE YOUR SHOE PASSION: No matter the age, income or lifestyle, women love shoes, so I’m happy to see our city supporting several pretty terrific independent shoe shops like Angelina’s Boutique, who surprise us with new brands and styles to keep us on our toes. Located just off Brady Street, it’s clear as soon as you step into this shop, no matter what your age or personal style, you’re bound to fall in love with something and save money while you do. Now through November, the store shaves $10 off the price of fall boots by J. shoes, Dr. Martens, Schu Bar and Chinese Laundry. 690 N. Franklin Pl., 414-271-7463, angelinasshoeboutique.com.
HEAD TO A SIZZLING HOT & SCARY PARTY: “Eat, drink and be scary” while enjoying holiday “havoc, witchery and lies” at the Notorious Halloween Costume Party being thrown by Blush at Tutto Milwaukee (1033 Old World Third St.) Oct. 30 (9 p.m.- 2 a.m.). Doll up and don your most-inspired costume to enjoy delights of the night like $5 Halloween flights, ghoulishly good food, spooky desserts, prizes for best dressed, best makeup, best couple, best villain and best femme fatale, special guest DJ, beauty and mustache bar and more than $1,000 in giveaways. And if you need expert help in getting ready for the big evening, an appointment for a $35 makeup and false eyelash application at the beauty boutique will set you back just $35 (that’s a $30 savings). Celebrating another day? Not to worry, they’ll waive that lash application fee for anyone booking a makeup lesson the week of the holiday. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
SA
VVY STUFF SEEN
At Past Basket: A collection of exquisitely handcrafted holiday ornaments from the artisans of McKenzie Childs. 383 W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-247-9976, pastbasket.com.
At Faye’s: Forget plain old Uggs, see how Australia Luxe Collective boots tweak super comfy sheepskin staples into something really special thanks to custom embellishments, fur 
trims, feathers and crystals. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
At Redcap Luggage: The complete line of Hadaki’s hip, eco-friendly, graphically colorful “lifestyle pods” for men and women, including computer bags, backpacks, totes, satchels, rolling totes, sling bags, purses, wallets, cosmetic bags and more. 415 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-5900, redcapluggage.com.
At Olive Fine Organic Living: The urban line of sleek men’s fall jackets created from recycled and reclaimed material by L.A.’s 
CashCrop. 10910 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8063, oliveorganic.org.
CHECK OUT
Now through Oct. 30 at SHOP: The store celebrates its
third anniversary by presenting shoppers with a 25 percent discount on
any top in the store. That includes casual to dressy tanks and tees,
short-sleeved and long-sleeved tops, cardigans, wraps and sweaters. No
coupon necessary. Just wish ’em a happy b-day and let ’em know you read
it here. 1918 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood, 414-962-4030, shop53211.com.
Now through Oct. 30 at Boutique Larrieux: Get a $25 store gift certificate with the purchase of $150 or more of seriously fabulous plus-size fashion. 717 N. Milwaukee St., 414-520-4651, boutiquelarrieux.com.
Oct. 28 (5-9 p.m.) at the Shops at Gigi Closet Event: This event has ladies of style covered head to toe with great fall shoes, boots and more available at Picardy Shoe Parlour’s new second location, designer fashions from Nicole, Yigal Azrouel and Linda Marcus from Gigi of Mequon and a Hair Sculpturing Spectacular compliments of Bella Lei Salon, Spa & Boutique. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. 1550 W. Mequon Rd., 262-241-1123, gigiofmequon.com.
Oct. 28 (5-10 p.m.) at Luci Boutique: In-store Girls Night Out party showers shoppers with complimentary beverages, sushi, makeovers, massages and the chance to win free clothing throughout the evening. And don’t forget, every Thursday, the store’s fashion expert Danielle Opherle is on hand to answer all your personal shopping questions. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Oct. 29-31 Fine Art Clothing, Accessories & Home Décor Show: Find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts shopping the work of six talented local artists and craftspeople presenting unique handmade purses, felted hats and scarves, clothing, paper craft, sculpture, willow work, jewelry and paintings. Light hors d’oeuvres, wine and hot apple cider will be served. 4220 – 22 N. Farwell Ave., Shorewood, visit wendyleecooper.com or facetsfashions.com or call 414-227-3992 for more info.
