TAKE A PEE
K
Postscript to my recent sojourn: At the end of a very long
international flight, I was met at the baggage carousel by my suitcase,
which, though wrapped snugly in red and white American Airlines tape,
appeared to be burping out a fair amount of my travel wardrobe. Alas my
trusty Tumi got busted in transit. Too tired to deal with it at O’Hare
that evening, the following morning I dutifully took it in to the
airline’s Mitchell Field baggage office. Because I fully expected
they’d direct me to Traveling Bags, an off-the-beaten-path
local luggage shop responsible for most of our airport’s (as well as
local professional sports teams’) baggage repairs, I was miffed to find
out that my now zipperless bag was going to be sent off on a trip of
its own. To Texas of all places, where it would undoubtedly join
thousands of other pieces of luggage damaged each day across the
country and perhaps never find its way back to me. Despite the
politeness of the clerk who handled my claim, I would have preferred
having it brought back to life by Traveling Bags, which is
consistently recognized for its expert repair of luggage, to say
nothing of purses, briefcases, leather items and musical instrument
cases. Especially since, in addition to offering travelers luggage
along with everything they need for convenient travel – including those
versatile eco-friendly, reusable, inflatable Vinni Bags that do double
duty, protecting bottles of wine (or any other breakables you may be
traveling with) from damage while also acting as traveling lumbar
supports or neck pillows, this small family owned shop prides itself on
exceptional customer service. 3314 W. Loomis Rd., 414-817-0222.
If you agree that life’s too short to waste taste buds on
inferior chocolates, I’d venture to say you’ll be happy to hear that
Julie Waterman of Indulgence Chocolatiers, local master of
meticulously handcrafted, premium, European-style chocolates, has come
up with a new Chocolatiers Selection of decently delish truffles
touting fabulous flavors like Thai peanut butter, limoncello-espresso, Parmesan crisp, coconut habanera, balsamic fig, bananas foster and
more. She’s also perfected two more 54 percent cacao chocolate bars.
One a dark chocolate version of her popular milk chocolate sea salt bar
and the other a special seasonal bar of dark chocolate, Door County
cranberries and toasted pumpkin seeds. I’ve sampled both, and believe
you me, they’re superb. To order, call 262-510-9980 or visit indulgencechocolatiers.com where you’ll also find a comprehensive list of city stores where bars are sold.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
PLAN A JAUNT WITH A PAL: Head out to this season’s Cedar Chic
(Thursdays-Sundays Oct. 7-24) as the popular temporary boutique
experience gathers together a hand-picked selection of well-priced
fashion and home merchandise under the theme of Cover Girl Chic. Shop
beautifully scented soy candles, imported Italian sweaters, cool coats,
fantastic handbags, amazing jewelry, new and vintage home furnishing
and accessories along with loads of unique gift items all displayed in
homage to magazines such as Glamour, Food & Wine, O and Better Homes & Gardens.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the ‘Been There, Done That –
Your Turn’ rummage sale of deeply discounted pieces left over from past
seasons. Please note that the new location is the second floor of the
Jung Furniture store located at W62N604 Washington Ave., Cedarburg,
414-708-1470. For hours, please visit cedarchic.com.
CREATE A BRASSIERE: Last year, A Woman’s Touch was kind
enough to invite me to be a judge at ‘Uplifting Art: Bras for a Cause,’
the art contest and charity auction benefiting ABCD: After Breast
Cancer Diagnosis, but due to a scheduling conflict, I regretfully had
to decline. Although of course I’d love to be asked again (hint, hint),
I mention this only to remind local artists and community businesses to
join in on the fun and contribute to this great organization by
embellishing an existing bra or creating an entirely new one. Not only
are the creative possibilities endless, there’s the satisfaction of
helping to provide free, personalized information and one-to-one peer
support to those affected by breast cancer. In the end, all bras
entered will be exhibited and sold at a silent auction held during a
January 2011 Gallery Night and Day event. For more details, visit awomanstouchonline.com/upliftingart.php or visit 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com.
RELAX AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: Throughout the month of October,
in partnership with Bright Pink, a nonprofit organization providing
education and a sense of community for women at high risk for breast
and ovarian cancer, Prettycity.com holds its
sixth-annual Pretty in Pink campaign. Register online to take advantage
of what local salons and spas are offering up in the way of Brazilian
bikini waxing, massages, facials, haircuts, laser hair removal,
pedicures, body scrubs and plenty more throughout National Breast
Cancer Awareness month. With services specially priced at just $31, you
could end up saving up to 70 percent helping others.
LOOK PRETTY IN PINK: Looking for a clever way to show your
support in the fight against a disease that affects one out of every
eight women? Throughout October, Capricio Salon & Spa is
offering $10 pink hair extensions. With all proceeds going toward
education, screening and treatment of breast cancer in southeastern
Wisconsin, what better excuse do you need to take a wee walk on the
wild side and have their talented stylists shape a rosy new look sure
to compliment your personality and lifestyle? 3041 N. 
Oakland Ave., 414-967-0100, capriciosalon.com.
SHOP SMART: Have you heard about the proposed Eco Index?
Apparently 100 manufactures and retailers (including Target,
Timberland, Levi, Nike and Columbia Clothing) have developed software
to measure the environmental and human rights impact involved in making
a whole slew of products. Eventually, like the Energy Star ratings on
appliances, this index will guide shoppers in comparing just how green
products actually are. But until the index is put in place (it’s been
three years in the making), you know you can always shop for style for
the whole family with a clear conscience at Olive Fine 
Organic Living.
It’s the only place in the city where you’ll see designers such as
Chulette and Lee Phutrakul elegantly translate the sustainability of
wool, hemp, tencel, soy and organic cotton into chic urban design. Or
you can shop great functional fall jackets for men and women from Nau
(rated in the top 10 of organic design for 2010). And, of course, say
goodbye to BPA-laced plastics with a great selection of glass baby and
water bottles, stainless containers, canvas reusable baggies and cloth
lunch totes on hand. Psst … shop though Oct. 15 and you’ll save 50
percent on women’s organic cotton Karmel & Alden jeans and 25
percent off luxe organic sheets. 10910 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon,
262-241-8063, oliveorganic.org.
PERSONALIZE YOUR SIMON PEARCE PIECES: If you’ve got a baby on
the way, a wedding to attend, hostess gift to deliver, or a birthday or
special life event to celebrate, 
lucky for you. Past Basket is
currently taking pre-orders on beautifully designed, artisan-made Simon
Pearce glass and giftware to be finished off with a date, monogram or
short message by master engraver Heidi Cockwill. Meet her in person
where she’ll be on hand to personalize your purchase at no additional
cost during the store’s Oct. 15 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) Simon Pearce Engraving
event where you can also pick up tips on home decorating, partake of
yummy refreshments and enter to win a stunning set of the designer’s
four Woodbury wine glasses and Madison carafe. While there, take
advantage of a 25 percent off sale of Company C’s most popular rugs
going on till the end of October. 383 W Brown Deer Rd., 414- 247-9976, pastbasket.com.
CREATE SOME HALLOWEEN HAVOC: Remember when Halloween was
pretty much just about kids going door to door beggin’ for candy? Well,
thanks to a very successful marketing campaign, those days are long
gone. Today the popularity of the holiday has grown to such portions
that throughout the month, you’ll find literally tons of scary (and
increasingly stylish) stuff at seasonal stores like the big pumpkin
parked in State Fair Park, Bartz’s Party Stores and big-box retailers like Kohl’s. There’s even a clever Costume Couture collection created for Target by
Simon Doonan featuring modern costumes with a twist.
FIND OUT HOW TO PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD: Learn from the pros during the Blush Laura
Mercier Fall 2010 Face-To-Face event Oct. 8 and 9 (10 a.m-7 p.m.). Come
see why celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts adore
the products created by this internationally recognized makeup artist
all while getting tips on creating a gorgeously flawless face from some
of her top Midwest representatives. Spend $100 on product and you’ll
also receive a complimentary personal makeup lesson and gift. 249 N.
Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO SHOPAHOLIC: While Luci Boutique
holds a Buy One, Get a Second for Half Off sale throughout the month of
October, don’t forget to mention reading about savvy shopping here, and
they’ll trim the price of all sweaters and coats by a whopping 20
percent! Got a guy who wants to get in on the deal? Mention this column
at White Star, and he’ll enjoy a 10 percent savings on all men’s sweaters and coats. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com & 524 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, facebook.com/shopwhitestar.
BECOME A MORE SAVVY SHOREWOOD STORE OWNER: RSVP now for the
informative “50 Tips to Make Your Holidays Merrier” seminar Oct. 18
(8:30-10:30 a.m.) by the Shorewood Business Improvement District.
Featuring nationally known retail consultants Bridget Lane and Diane
Williams, you’ll benefit from plenty of creative ideas on how to
jump start all those important holiday sales, plus take home a reference
binder filled with motivating information you’ll refer to over and over
again. Prepay before Oct. 8 to reserve your spot and you could win a
free “10 tips in 20 Minutes” consultation ($75 value), which includes
an objective personal evaluation of your store’s fixtures, displays and
merchandise. Heck, even if you don’t win, you’ll save 50 percent
($37.50) on booking one of these consultations on your own. Seminar $20
per person, held in the Committee Room of Shorewood Village Hall. Call
414-962-7002 for more info.
CHECK OUT
Now through Oct. 10 at NextDoor: Celebrating its win as
Best Boutique in the city on WISN’s A List, this jean shop
extraordinaire invites shoppers to buy one item and get a second for
half price. 18915 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-781-0737, shopatnextdoor.com.
Now till it’s gone at Wayside Furniture: During the End
of season sale, save 20 percent on close-out 2010 outdoor patio
furniture, umbrellas, hammocks and accessories. 11422 W. Greenfield
Ave., 414-258-7485.
Starting Oct. 13 at Retique and all Goodwill
stores: Early bird shoppers save 10 percent on gently used Halloween
clothing and merchandise. Later last minute shoppers (Oct. 25-Nov. 1)
can save 25 percent. Nov. 2, prices drop by 50 percent before being
reduced to 75 percent on Nov, 3 and going bye-bye on Nov. 4. Amazinggoodwill.com.
