Those special shopping nights that are all the rage around town just keep getting more and more special. Join the ladies at Ess Elle Style Studio at their March 7 Friday Fling between 7 and 9 pm. Not only will you be treated to $5 eyebrow waxing from Blush, $5 Tarot readings from Miss Kerrie Clark, complimentary massages from Tommy Dallas plus desserts and the refreshments, you can ogle and should the sprit move you, flirt with J.J. and Kobe, members of Midwest Heartbreakers who will be on hand to serve you drinks and maybe do a bit of their sexy dance? 1919 E. Kenilworth Pl., 414-271 –3775, essellonline.com.
Eye Candy will host a fabulous trunk show featuring the entire collections of eyewear frames and sunglasses from ultra cool Chrome Hearts and Blinde on Saturday, March 8th from 10 am to 4 pm. Incorporating carved wood, leather, fur and even budget permitting – diamonds! Seriously this is the stuff seen on celebrities and this boutique is the only place around town you’re gonna find it. Other treats include refreshments, door prizes, and a guest appearance by Ellen Stout from WLDB.524 Milwaukee St., Delafield, (262) 303-4619, eye-candyeyewear.com.
On March 14, experience the weaving together of appealing spring style with the diversity of world music, food and culture at the Tapestry Fashion show to be held at Artasia. Enjoy men’s and women’s spring career to special occasion fashions from Ess Elle Style Studio, Artasia, Moxy, J. Bird Boutique, Miss Groove and Miss Groove Intimate (makeup by Blush and hair by Exclusiva) as well as yummiest from The Wicked Hop, Indian Rasoi, Annona Bistro and The Palms along with specialty coffees from Bella Café and wine and beer. The Star Fire Event is scheduled for 6 to 10 pm, tickets are $20 with all proceeds going to Camp Heartland which does a terrific job of helping kids and families face the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS and more. Charge tickets at campheartland.org, pick up at any participating store or purchase at the door. 181 N. Broadway, (414) 220-4292, artasiagallery.com.
Looking for a great conversation starter? Perfect for pinning on to scarves, sweaters, jackets or dresses, Blush is the exclusive source for beautiful, vibrant, hand tied feather pins created by artist John Carraway. Suitable for guys or girls, ranging in size from 2 to 4 inches, these awesome creations are authentically based on vintage design fly-fishing lures. The artist also does earrings sans hook. 249 N. Water St., (414) 272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
On Sunday, March 9, Fasten Co-op and Paper Boat Gallery will be co-hosting a party celebrating the release of Craft: Magazine 06 (the ‘play’ issue). Crafters stopping in between noon until 3 pm will be treated to door prizes, hands on demos of featured projects, special subscription deals and delicious treats. 2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 747-9229, fastencollective.com.
At dresspartyonline, a couple of brother’s from Wisconsin offer the world at large a great online source for stylish dresses at really affordable prices. Having built relationships with the major players of the of the hot Los Angeles design scene, they buy ‘end of season leftovers’ well below wholesale and pass the savings on to you. Check out their new spring collection.
As the sales on fall and winter fashion and accessories dwindle, get inspired as local shop buyers back from the major shows introduce their picks of fresh spring trends. Here’s a hint. At HERS it’s all about a pop of color, especially fuchsia or cobalt blue and full skirts for the sophisticated woman. Look for designers like Robert Rodriguez, Rebecca Taylor, Kooba, Linea Pelle and Rachel Pally. At Valentina, you’ll see some of the hottest spring and summer fashions from the Bryant Park fashion shows by Doo Ri, Herve Leger, Maggie Ward, Rozae Nichols, Hache, Yeohlee, NoDressCode, Erickson Beamon and Erin Featherston. 309 N. Water St., (414) 273-HERS, 18900 W. Bluemound Rd. (262)-789-7759 & 1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-4122, evalentina.com
Helping us make the transition to a healthier planet, this spring Crate & Barrel steps up with ever more contemporary eco- friendly options, like their Pacifica Collection, featuring untreated teak harvested from plantations supported by the Tropical Forest Trust, upholstered furnishings with certified sustainable hard wood frames, 100 % organic bed and bath linens plus lots of bamboo and hand-blown glass. 2450 N Mayfair Rd., (414) 258-9500, crateandbarrel.com.
If you’re not doing it already, be certain to log onto villageofwauwatosa.com where you’ll find plenty of E Coupons ready to be printed and redeemed for discounts and specials at all those cool stores pumping up the style quota in the Historic Village of Wauwatosa.
Planning on heading to the pub this paddy’s day? Check out the ‘statement making’ St. Patrick’s Day tee’s at Viktor Viktoira at Mayfair, (414) 479-9860, viktorviktoriashop.com. Or come up with something to say of your own at Shag, 2218 n. Farwell Ave., (414) 273-7424, whatisshag.com.
Here’s a bit of good news for busy gals who still love to look their best, Faye’s 1 and Faye @play are now open for Sunday shoppers at both locations. Take a gander at great modern trend translations in the Brookfield store anytime between noon and 4 pm or shop the Mequon store 11 am – 3 pm. Why not stop by and pick up some really fun colorful and patterned Wellies (tall rubber boots for all you non anglophiles out there) from Tamara Henriquez before they run out? 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., (262) 432-0070 & 1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-8386, fayes123.com
Throughout the month of March, Paper Boat Gallery pays homage with photos, skateboard decks, flyers and memorabilia to Sky High (2501 S. Howell Ave., (414) 483-2585, skyhighskateboardshop.com), the independently owned skate shop that has championed the sport for local aficionados over the last 20 years. Along with offering decks, shoes, books and apparel, in 2006 the store released a limited edition of skateboard decks designed by such hipsters as Fashion Ninja, Luv Unlimited, Hi Fi Café, the Cactus Club and Brew City Brewsters Roller Girl League as well as their popular 2007 limited edition of skate specific Danger Room Shoe. 2375 S. Howell Ave., 414- 483-8462 paperboatboutique.com.
