Is it just me or is summer shaping up exceptionally well? There’s always so much stuff to do whenever the weekend rolls around. For example, on July 17 – 19 why not check out The Shops at Kohler Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale? Their biggest sale of the year, seriously expect to find exceptional savings and markdowns of up to 75 percent. The savings extend to quality men’s, women’s and children’s fashions, fine furnishings, plants and garden décor, gifts and home accessories. More great reasons to shop and stroll include live music, the Wisconsin Scale Boating Association’s launch of beautifully hand-crafted model boats and – be still my heart – a good old-fashioned homemade pie sale. And as if you need any more incentives, you can always stop in at Sheboygan’s Il Ritrovo to enjoy a deliciously authentic wood oven pizza before heading back home. 725Q Woodlake Rd., Kohler, 920-459-1713, destinationkohler.com.
Sure Paris is a bargain this summer, but if you still can’t seem to swing it, soak up a bit of French charm July 17 and 18 during the Soirée de Village going on throughout the Historic Village of Wauwatosa. The weekend celebration is in conjunction with the Wauwatosa Historical Society’s Plein Air Affair outdoor painting event. In the tradition of Monet, local artists have been invited to capture the spirit and beauty of the Wauwatosa village center, neighborhood, garden, park, wood and river views creating works to be auctioned off July 17 and 18 at the Little Red Store (7720 Harwood Ave). All in all expect this delightful French accented weekend to be filled with lots of live music, sidewalk sales, special art exhibits, traditional French fare, champagne martinis and of course, wine. For specific sales, specials and food treats please visit villageofwauwatosa.com.
Celebrate French freedom in the most fitting way possible during Thief Wine’s Bastille Day Tasting & Sale July 14. Save 10 percent on all French wines all day or RSVP to sample their particular French faves at one of a trio of tastings scheduled for 5, 6 and 7 p.m. ($15 per person) In short, if you’re bowled over by a great Burgundy or Bordeaux (not to mention lots of other Gallic gems) plan to be there. 400 N. Water St., 414-277-7707, thiefwine.com.
The production crew of No God, No Master, an independent film starring Oscar nominated actor David Strathairn, recently chose Brady Street to stand in for the streets of New York circa early 1900’s. They also decided to film a major scene in the building Miss Groove Intimate occupied. And because the shooting schedule required it to morph into a grocery store of the period ASAP, Pam Flasch’s plans to combine that store with her original store, Miss Groove, into one new store later this summer suddenly got a jumpstart. In less than a week she managed to pack up and move all the great fashions, trendful accessories, luxurious loungewear and fabulous lingerie she’s known for to her new location next to Aala Reed where having it all under one roof makes total wardrobe shopping from underpinnings to purses ultra convenient. 1330 E. Brady St., 414-298-1694 & 414-298-9185, missgroove.com.
When the very first Goldi (located on Milwaukee Street) it was easily the coolest shoe store around. I loved it and so did a lot of other people. Keeping its focus on shoes, the store has morphed through a lot of changes over the years while constantly staying ahead of the contemporary curve. No wonder it continues to pull in its fair share of fans. On July 17 – 19 at their semi-annual Customer Appreciation event the store gives back with lots of special pricing and coupons, drawings for gift certificates, gift cards from local retailers and salons, live music and food and beverages as a sincere show of thanks and appreciation.
Family owned since the late 1800’s, George Watts & Son is a city landmark that’s earned a nationwide reputation for fine tableware and gifts. My guess it the store’s going to win even more converts coveting its style. Especially since celebrating the launch, it’s new website – georgewatts.com it’s offering 10 percent off all online purchases through the end of July. Sweet!
Speaking of great online deals, as Art Imigs celebrates 100 years of offering fine men’s fashions, it invites men who appreciate fine fashion to join their e-club (at artimigsclothiers.com) and receive a coupon good for $25 off their next purchase of $100 or more.
After hearing about the introduction of new solid sugar scrub exfoliators from Lush I have to admit I was curious to see if they really would make taking care of summer skin a cinch. And I’d say they have lived up to their claims. Meant to be rubbed all over the body while showering, the scrubs encourage the elimination of toxins while stimulating circulation and exfoliating dead skin and are shaped like half of a ball designed to fit conveniently in the palm of the hand. Two are currently available, Sugar Scrub, a blend of fresh fennel, warming ginger and healing lavender makes a perfect skin polisher while the mimosa absolute and ylang ylang scented Sugar Babe, with it’s center of extra virgin coconut oil, carries a double moisturizing whammy. $4.95 each. 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., 414-443-1177, lushusa.com.
