Not too long ago someone sent me a link to a video presenting a powerful message about supporting the idea of buying locally, organically and responsibly. Cleverly presenting important information from the perspective of the earth, I thought it was well worth passing along, so here it is. Fortunately, when it comes to shopping with a clear conscience, there are plenty of good options across the city. Like the array of wholesome organic and locally grown foods, fruits and veggies at Beans & Barley, Outpost Natural Foods, Riverwest Co-op, Good Harvest Market, The Fresh Market or Whole Foods. There’s also a wealth of gifts, linens, furnishings, home accessories, building and cleaning products, bath and beauty items, contemporary fashions, shoes and accessories for the entire family available at stores such as Future Green, Olive Fine Organic Living, Chartreuse, Authentic Journey’s, Fair Trade for All and Pewaukee’s Go Earth. Best of all, as going green grows ever-more popular, no one needs to sacrifice style to reduce our eco footprint.
Speaking of earth friendly, how about a shout out to city talents like Christopher Poehlmann, who pairing passion and conscience together to design exciting sustainable, contemporary custom and commercial lighting for his company CPlighting, has succeeded in garnering both national and international attention. The designer, who works from a Riverwest studio in the Nut Factory warehouse, focuses on post-consumer materials recycled into unique lighting designs that fit seamlessly into the concept of renew and reuse. Typical of his ability to think outside the box is a process he’s developed to create lamp shades from recycled clear acrylic sheets salvaged from picture frame shops (seen here on the Tonic Pendants he introduced at the 2009 International Contemporary Furniture Fair). Hand-formed and colored, no shade is precisely like another, which lends an all-important element of visual expression to the line. Indeed, the designer is known for creating mass-producible products that retain their own unrepeatable qualities like his popular newGROWTH series, which transforms recycled aluminum pipe into sculptural tree branch-inspired chandeliers and wall sconces. Ranging in size from 12” to 20,” the fixtures are suitable for both residential and commercial spaces and as a series, present a perfect example of how he works with a body of recognizable forms while also customizing them to address a specific customer’s needs. Currently, he’s fashioning a newGROWTH dining room fixture to crown actress Amanda Seyfreid’s dining room. To see more of Poehlmann’s work, visit cplighting.com and be sure to mark your calendars for the Annual February Open House at the Nut Factory (3720 N. Fratney St., Feb. 12, 7 p.m.) to see what he and the artists who share that studio space are up to. 414-332-2069.
Feel like recycling? How about donating a used prom dress (or something really pretty and formal that would look right at home at a prom) for another go-around, helping some deserving young girl enjoy a special prom experience of her own? That’s the goal of the Cinderella Project established by Lisette Gadzuric, the wife of former Milwaukee Bucks Dan Gadzuric. Lisette runs the project despite her husband being traded to the San Francisco Warriors because she believes so strongly in Milwaukee’s youth and feels proms can help change the lives of community kids by fostering self-esteem and positive experiences. Clean, still fashionable, gently used (or if you’re feeling really generous, brand new) prom dresses donated at various locations around town will be distributed to deserving young women throughout the Milwaukee area who have applied for the opportunity by penning a short essay, presenting letters of support from adult mentors (teacher, pastor, employer or community center employee) and attending a two-hour workshop covering various topics such as nutrition, fitness, self-esteem and healthy relationships. Feel it’s a good cause, too? Drop off your pretty something at the North Side YMCA (1350 W. North Ave., 414-265-9622), Lela Boutique (312 N. Broadway St., 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com) or Luci Boutique (532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com) where the store will thank you by taking 20 percent off the purchase of any new dress and a $15 store gift card. Don’t have a dress? Monetary donations are appreciated as well as they can be applied toward the purchase of additional dresses, dry cleaning and event fees. For more info, visit gadzuricfoundation.org.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
SHOP A FAMILIAR STORE IN AN UNFAMILAR PLACE: Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Downtown welcomes a couple of temporary Pop-Up satellite boutiques. While Broadway Paper (414-277-7699, shop.broadwaypaper.com) treats shoppers to fine contemporary and holiday-themed stationery and gift items (lots for men, too) at its location at 330 E. Mason St., look to SHOP (414-962-4030, shop53211.com) to offer women of taste all the essentials they need to build modern fashionable wardrobes at 759 N. Milwaukee St.
EXPLORE AN ENERGETIC STORE: Past Basket has lots going on this month. Along with a new online shopping option up and running and being open Sundays (noon-4 p.m.) through the end of the year, the personality-packed shop gives an inspiring peek ahead to the holiday season with ideas for setting seasonal tables, gift giving and lots of ways to save doing both. For instance, throughout November, shoppers purchasing beautiful microwave- and dishwasher-safe Juliska table and serving ware can enter to win a large Jardins du Monde serving platter, receive a complimentary Juliska Beehive Pitcher with purchases of more than $150 or a free three-piece hostess set with purchases of $300 or more. But that’s not all. Nov. 4-14, save 20 percent off lovely Le Jacquard linens (both in stock and special order) and show up Nov. 4-7, when the store celebrates family, friends, life and Italy with Fest Vietri, to be introduced to the company’s newest products, get a free gift with purchase of $150 or more and enter to win an exclusive hand-turned garden urn from the company’s Rustic Garden collection. Whew, hope I didn’t forget anything. 383 W Brown Deer Rd., 414-247-9976, pastbasket.com.
FALL IN LOVE WITH SOMETHING BRIGHT AND FLASHY: Now through the end of the year, East Towne Jeweler’s celebration of its annual Holiday Anniversary sale takes on extra pizzazz as it also marks the start of the store’s 26th year in business. Look for special pricing, lots of new and affordable jewelry lines to complement the collections the store is already known for and, of course, excellent custom redesign work. Firmly established in its new location in the East Towne Mall, the store will also hold a Grand Reopening event Nov. 12-13. Look for a fabulous Robert Lee Morris trunk show and a drawing for six lovely prizes, featuring a grand prize of a beautiful piece by the designer. With the holidays coming, what better excuse do you need to stop in for a nibble, a sip, a look around and the opportunity to drop a hint? 1515 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8007, easttownejewelers.com.
LEARN TO LURE & TANTALIZE: Burlesque is back, and The Tool Shed is on it. Point in fact, the store is currently registering anyone interested in exploring the art form for an upcoming Art of the Tease Burlesque Dance two-class series. Held Nov. 11 & 18 and taught by popular Brew City Bombshell Vee Valentine, students ($20 for one class, $35 for both) are advised to wear comfy clothes (don’t worry, they’ll stay on throughout the class) and bring along a set of heels. 2427 N. Murray Ave., 414-906-5304, toolshedtoys.com.
RSVP NOW TO SIP WITH A SOMMIELIER: George Watts & Son will be hosting a Riedel Wine Tasting with Sean Montegue III Nov. 11 (5:30-7:30 p.m.). See the store in all its holiday glory as you enjoy a sampling of four premier wines, each paired perfectly with the correct shape of Austrian glass by Riedel. Better yet, you’ll depart with a set of four Riedel crystal stems ($125 value). $65 per person, $100 for two attendees, space is limited, so call now. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
KEEP YOUR TOOLS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE: Guilty of storing dull tools in your drawer? Drop off kitchen knives (garden shears, etc.) at the Milwaukee Public Market (second level) any Thursday to be professionally sharpened on state-of-the-art equipment by The Sharp Brothers. This professional father and son team, who’ve brought a new edge to more than 50,000 knives in the Milwaukee area in the last five years, are also available for knife sharpening block parties, home parties and house calls, plus they offer a drop-off box at their Whitefish Bay location. Sharpening charge determined by length, condition of knives and whether they’re serrated. If you’re serious about cooking, these are good guys to know. 4945 N. Bartlett Ave., Whitefish Bay, 414-962-2855, thesharpbrothers.com.
GET YOUR MUG ON OPRAH: Ever since the Oprah Winfrey Show contacted them looking for photos of stylish bridesmaid dresses that women actually want to wear, Miss Ruby Boutique has been on the hunt for high-resolution photos of happy bridesmaids. If you’ve got one, send it ASAP to info@missrubyboutique.com and be sure to include required photo credits. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to count yourself among the guests appearing on her last season ever? 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
TOUT YOUR “I VOTED STICKER”: Flash proof that you cared enough to cast your vote now through Nov. 6 at Boutique Vieux ete Nouveau and get 15 percent off your entire purchace should you spend $201.10 or more, plus a free pair of earrings. 1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049. bvenboutique.com.
SAVVY STUFF SEEN
At urbanoutfitters.com: Super fun Nail Fraud adhesive nail papers present an easy alternative to nail polish. Available in five graphic patterns (leopard, ’70s flower motifs, python, peacock feather and currency), each nail paper kit comes with two sheets of 20 flexible, waterproof film nail stickers that you gently file to fit onto your existing nails using its special emery board. $12.
CHECK OUT
This week at Aala Reed: Perfect time to stock up on gifts for that special guy in your life. Buy any one full-priced item from lines like Ted Baker, Thomas Dean, Report and Hugo Boss and get 50 percent off a second of equal or lesser value (including sale merchandise). 1320 E. Brady St., 414-226-2252, aalareed4men.com.
Through November at Falcon: Whether you’re buying for you or someone else, save at least 20 percent on all the amazing adornment this boutique has to offer during its Annual Jewelry Sale. 315 N. Broadway St., 414-271-9100, falcon315.com.
Through Nov. 7 at Miss Groove: During the store’s BOGO sale, buy any one regular priced item and save 50 percent on the purchase of another. Plus enjoy an additional 20 percent off all sale pricing. 1330 E. Brady St., 414-298-9185, missgroove.com.
Nov. 4-7 at Oro di Oliva (Whitefish Bay & Wauwatosa locations): The store celebrates its first anniversary in Whitefish Bay and its third anniversary in Wauwatosa by treating shoppers to complimentary tastings and $7 off the cost of their entire purchase of ultra fresh and flavorful gourmet olive oils and vinegars for those mentioning this column. 7606 Harwood Ave., 414-256-8066 & 338 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, 414-967-7357, orodioliva.com.
Nov. 4-8 (Mequon location) and Nov. 9-14 (Brookfield location) at Faye’s: Shop the Pink Tartan trunk show for everything fashionable from suiting to party dresses. And Nov. 4-8 (Brookfield) and Nov. 9-15 (Mequon) don’t miss the trunk show of vibrant and cozy cashmere and sweater basics from Saffron. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-432-0070 & 1505 W. Mequon Rd, Mequon, 262-241-8386, fayes123.com.
Nov. 4 (noon-8 p.m.) at Mark Pasch Ltd.: A trunk show featuring Coppley Custom Clothing, Donald J Pliner shoes, Eton of Sweden Shirts and Thane Barnes Sportswear pairs up with a special tasting presented by Otto’s Liquor. 333 W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-351-5634, www.markpaschltd.com.
Nov. 5-7 at Juxt Home & Baby: The store’s weekend-long fifth B-Day party/holiday celebration comes through with fabulous discounts on cool and fun kids stuff, holiday and home décor, vintage treats, PJs and robes, Belgium bibelots, sweet treats, savory snacks, free gift wrap and for those spending $20 or more, a really cool fish ornament from France, while supplies last. 1504 Underwood Ave., 414-257-1710, juxthomebaby.com.
Nov. 5-7 at Miss Ruby Boutique: Get a glimpse of the new spring Alyne Bridal collection before it officially arrives and save $100-$250 on show orders of gowns featuring lovely silhouettes in gorgeous Chantilly lace, silk organza and shantung. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
Nov. 5-12 at A Woman’s Touch: Celebrating its fifth year of helping people of all ages and genders understand and enjoy healthy, happy sex lives with sassy to seriously smart books, personal products, informative classes and fun events, the store presents customers with birthday treats and a 5 percent discount on all non-consignment items. 200 N. Jefferson St., 414-221-0400, awomanstouchonline.com.
Nov. 6 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Artist and Display: For its twice-a-year major art event, the store presents loads of inspiring make-it-and-take-it demonstrations to spur creative holiday cheer. Find out all about new products and methods for fashioning cards, ornaments and gifts with iron-on transfers, origami papers, gold and metal leaf, alcohol inks, Zentangles, flower and pine cone punches, metal stencils and more. Of course, they come through with lots of door prizes and special sales for the event as well. 9015 W. Burleigh St., 414-442-9100, artistanddisplay.com.
Through Nov. 9 at Design Within Reach: Save 15 percent on sleek, modern, statement-making mood lighting. 167 N. Broadway St., 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Through Dec. 1 at shoestringhome.com: In the final closeout of this interesting local online shopping site, save 70 percent (yes, I said 70 percent) on lots of great merchandise by entering SAVE50 at checkout.
