Milwaukee cyclist mecca, Crank Daddy’s sets aside February 7 as Women’s Day. Following each of the three Women Only sessions (at 8 am, 4 pm and 7 pm) offered on their state of the art virtual reality Compu Trainers that precisely mimic outdoor riding conditions, experts will be on hand giving a brief Mechanical Clinic on bike maintenance basics. In addition, all women’s cycling apparel, bikes, saddles, grips, etc. will be on sale for the entire day. 2108 N. Farwell, 414-347-5511, crankdaddys.com.
Everyone knows Elements East has an intriguing selection of Asian furnishings and accessories so is it any little surprise that they throw an interesting party as well? Stop in the store 6-9pm on February 8 as they celebrate Chinese New Year in style with a performance of the Chinese Shaolin Lion Dance, Asian food, wine and children’s treats. 109 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-3530, elementseast.com.
Calling all latent, closeted, boastful and fabulous handbag designers, Fashion Ninja founder/ Designer, Areka Ikeler whose dedicated to getting one-of-a-kind, handmade, handbags into the hands of the public is currently accepting applications for the boutique’s third annual 2008 Handbag Expo to be held this April. But be quick about it, cause you’ve only got till February 15 to do it. 2671 S. Kinnickinnic, 414-481-3865, fashionninja.com.
For those times when a good glass of wine just doesn’t hit the spot, at 7 pm February 15, the Waterford Wine Company steps up with their Whiskey: From Scotland to Tennessee, Rye to Chichibu tasting ($45). Stop by and you’ll never be confused about Scottish single malts, Irish whiskey and Bourbon ever again. We assume you already know rye is much more than a variety of bread. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
Because time is limited, brides on the look out for feminine, elegantly embellished floor or tea length bridesmaids dresses would be wise to make an appointment now for Miss Ruby’s Alvina Valenta Trunk Show running February 15 – 17. 522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
You know Three Graces is under new ownership right? Well, in an effort to empty out the shop and make room for a new mix of beautiful cocktail dresses, light year-round sweaters and a host of functional sophisticated fashions to meet a busy contemporary woman’s needs, the old merchandise has to go. And to help move it on its way it’s been marked down up to 75 percent. Since the store is also phasing out bridal, there are some terrific deals still to be had on size 8 and 10 sample gowns from Paloma Blanc and Nicole Miller. Bridal jewelry is also marked 30 percent off and as everyone knows, you don’t need to be a bride to gussie up. 207 E. Buffalo St., 414-273-3350, threegracesonline.com.
Seeing that this winter season, so perfect for the sport of knitting, is far from over, customers will be flocking to the Winter Sale at Ruhama’s Yarn & Needlepoint. Held just twice a year, this sale is so big and well received, the store steps up with extended hours – Friday 9:30am – 7 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 5pm, and opens its doors Sunday noon to 4 pm. Stop in and save up to 50% off just about everything except new spring yarns. 420 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-2660, ruhamas.com.
Jump ahead of the season with the current Spring Coat Sale going on at Viktor Viktoria. What will you find? Lots of sweet, sophisticated, cool and contemporary styles marked up to 50 percent off. Mayfair Upper Level, 414-479-9860, viktorviktoriashop.com.
No matter what your tastes, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with something at Patricia Shoppe whose fashion, accessories and jewelry celebrate the diversity of style. Shopping on February 9 and 10 will get you an additional 20 percent off already marked down apparel. 403 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-906-8999, patriciashoppe.com.
NOW, ON TO VALENTINE’S DAY
With it’s huge organized selection of picture transfers, phrases, fonts and colors along with tons of all-cotton American Apparel to personalize, Shag makes it oh so easy to say I Love You with something besides flowers. No matter if you flaunt your feelings on a tee shirt, plaster a photo of yourself on a cozy thermal top, publicize a pet name on a hoodie or peddle playfulness on a pair of undies, your sweetie’s bound to be impressed by the lengths you’ll go to publicize your devotion. No one need know the whole process takes under a half an hour. 2218 N. Farwell Ave., 414-273-7424, whatisshag.com
Hoping to state the affairs of your heart with something other than standard diamonds and pearls? Head over to Fasten Co-op Clothing Gallery for a peek at the La Petite Forest Collection created by Bay View’s Miss Sabrina Peterson. From an assortment of vintage bits and pieces, expressive ephemera, beads, aged chains, stamps and lots more, the designer fashions wearable jewelry talismans embracing both mystery and romance. 2224 S. Kinnickinnic, 414-747-9229, fastencollective.com.
The Love Yourself sale being held at Vieux et Nouveau running through February 29 has hand crafted jewelry, unique handbags by Le Chic and generous pashmina and silk shawls in glorious colors and prints marked down 20 percent. Plus, since winter merchandise has been marked down an additional 15 percent, you could easily save up to 60 percent off original prices. 1688 N. Franklin Pl., 414-287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com
Whether you’re part of pair or flying solo, J. Bird Boutique’s got you covered with their If You Can’t Be With The One You Love…Love the Outfit You’re Wearing Valentine Sale. Find what makes you happy and they’ll kiss off 20 percent of your purchase price just for mentioning the sale going now through February 14. 415 E. Menomonee St., 414-727-6553, jbirdboutique.blogspot.com.
Gather up some love at Ess Elle right up until February 14 as they hand out valentines good for 10 to 50 percent off your entire purchase. As a special treat to customers spending $200 or more, they’ll be tossing in a complimentary makeup application from Blush worth $75. Also, check back on February 13 between 5 and 8 pm when the store hosts a terrific trunk show featuring the flirty, hand fabricated designs of Milwaukee jeweler Tammy Spice. Refreshments and deserts make the evening even sweeter1919 E. Kenilworth Pl., 414-271-3775, esselleonline.com.
While many feel giving the gift of money is gauche, who’s gonna fault the folks at Lela and shoo who are ready and eager to wish you a happy Valentine Day by slashing $20 off every $50 of merchandise you purchase on February 14 between 10am and 7pm. Look, love is expressed in a myriad of ways right? Lela, 321 N. Broadway, lelaboutique.com; shoo, 241 N. Broadway, 414-765-2355.
As owner of Miss Groove Intimate (1224 E. Brady St., 414-298-1694, missgroove.com) one of the city’s best sources for fun, frisky and feminine intimate fashions, Pamela Flasch is uniquely qualified to give men some much needed advice on shopping for romance. With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, if you can’t catch her appearance between 8:30 and 9 am on the Milwaukee Fox 6 Wake Up show this Thursday, February 7, here’s a synopsis of what you fellows need to know:
Lingerie 101
A man’s guide
Gentlemen, even if you’ve never purchased lingerie before in your life, given a little forethought, celebrating this most romantic holiday on the calendar with a seductive gift that ends the evening sweetly for both of you is easier than you think.
Lesson one: Find out what she likes
Broach the subject carefully. As you’re sipping wine, perhaps you could mention you’d enjoy seeing her in (fill in the blank). Gauge her response. After all, she should feel totally comfortable with the selection you want to see her in.
Lesson Two: Find out her bra sizes
Yes – sizes – as in more than one. Since they’re sized numerically by band circumference (32, 34, 36 etc.) and alphabetically by cup size (B, C, D, DD etc.), you’ll need to figure out both. If you dare, snoop through her drawers for a bra and make a note of the size indicated on the tag located on the back of her current bra. For all other lingerie items, knowing her pant or dress size will help our sales associates figure out the rest.
Lesson Three: Picking out what you like
Walking into a store filled with a seemingly endless variety of fun, sexy and romantic bits of silk and lace in a bevy of fashionable shapes and styles can easily be overwhelming. Plus, dealing with terms with which you aren’t familiar or unaccustomed to speaking about in public, it’s easy to feel embarrassed, intimidated or even ready to bolt. But wait! Here’s a short primer to get you acquainted with ‘the underworld.’
BRA: Designed to shape, support, enhance or minimize a woman’s breasts. They can be utilitarian or make fashion statements. You no doubt, will be looking for the latter.
Shopping hint: providing the sales associate with “She’s a C” is not enough information, you really need an idea of the numeric and letter size she’s currently wearing.
PANTY: Available in a variety of styles and sizes, panties are a great way to ease into buying lingerie. Given a woman’s correct pant size, the sales associate can guide you to a pair that fits. Some of the more popular styles include:
· Bikini – full coverage in front and backside
· Thong – full coverage in front with a bare backside
· G-string – less coverage in front and a bare backside
· Boy short – coverage on the backside, but a bit cheeky,
· Boy thong – like a boy short only with the bottom half missing – very cheeky
Shopping hint: buy a sexy pair of panties as a “first course” to the Valentine gift presentation. Send them early by mail to help set the stage for a triumphant holiday.
CAMISOLE: Can be worn under jackets or by themselves depending upon the sheerness of the fabrics and lace. Practical as well as sexy, women like to layer with camisoles.
Shopping hint: Camisoles with matching panties make a great gift set.
BUSTIER: Somewhat similar to a camisole but with built-in bra support. Often worn as outerwear. Paired with a long silk skirt for a black tie event or casually with jeans, bustiers are versatile and always hot.
Shopping hint: Knowing correct bra size is extremely helpful when purchasing a bustier.
CORSET: A very specialized garment. Starting at the bust line, made with ‘boning’ to lend support and shape, the corset narrows to cinch the waist. Some have a hook & eye closure but others are often laced in the front or back to adjust the fit.
Shopping hint: Since the best corsets are often European in origin they tend to be pricey.
CHEMISE: Also known as a “night gown”, the chemise is offered in several styles. From figure flattering baby doll style fitted under the bust and flaring out to a very short length and usually worn with a matching panty, to long romantic and flowing gowns. Often available with matching robes or bed jackets.
Shopping hint: Pay special attention to fabric, does your love feel comfortable in a sheer fabric or something more opaque?
GARTER BELTS: Hands down, one of the sexiest little items in the lingerie world. Women like to wear them and men like to see women in them. Some bra and panty sets have matching garter belts available.
Shopping hint: Don’t forget the stockings. Stockings vs. Thigh-Highs?
Stockings require a garter belt in order to stay up. Thigh highs or “Stay ups” have a silicone band around the top to keep them in place without a garter belt.
* EARNING EXTRA CREDIT POINTS
It’s no secret ladies love a little romance delivered right along with their lingerie. Since she’s going to be the one wearing it, make sure you let your lady know it’s all about her. Pull out the stops with lots of candlelight, chocolates, champagne and strawberries to accompany your beautiful, playful, sexy little fluff of something and you’re bound to go to the head of the class.
Well, that’s it, course over. Now that you’ve got a fair understanding of what your options are, picking out what you’re looking for should be a piece of cake. But just in case, get a gift receipt. Oh, and once she knows you’re shopping with us, make sure she stops in the store soon. We’ll take all her measurements and even keep her ‘wish list’ on file to help you shop for her next time around (birthday, holidays or just because she’s special days).
