OK, because I’m still reeling from the news that after 152 years, Porter’s of Racine is closing. I need to get a little grieving out of the way before I move onto happy chat about shopping. Ditto on the Furniture Clearance Center in Wauwatosa, which has been offering great deals on fabulous furnishings for the last 27 years. Shoppers certainly stand to save plenty during the ensuing liquidation sales on quality furnishings from the likes of Baker, Century and Henredon, including up to 70 percent on floor models, one-of-a-kind pieces and overstock. Yet on the heels of Betty Johnson Interiors’ current inventory-shedding Going Out of Business Sale, frankly, I find it simply too sad. I worry what it says about us when local stores that make a point of providing tasteful, quality goods, can’t make a go of it. When businesses that have paid their dues via hard work, caring staff members and superb customer service lose community support. Of course, I understand times are tight and budgets have necessarily been trimmed, but honestly, I can’t help but think we should feel a bit ashamed of ourselves for letting such traditions disappear to say nothing of the rather frightening industry-wide indication of a lowering of standards regarding quality and style. 8901 W. North Ave., 414-476-2622, www.furniturecc.com; 301 Sixth St., Racine, 800-558-3245, www.portersofracine.com; 200 W. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-9600, bettyjohnsoninteriors.com.
Moving on. Homeowners lucky enough to have hung onto their hats or who still plan on building dream houses despite a wild and wooly economic shakedown will find plenty to ponder during the 21st Annual Metropolitan Home Building & Remolding Expo Jan. 7-10 at the Midwest Airlines Center. It’s a great opportunity to talk with experts in the field, gather information on landscaping, new construction and remodeling while seeing what’s new in home product trends. Guest appearances include former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler and Chip Wade of HGTV’s “Designed to Sell.” Special stage presentations explore sustainable living, home selling and universal outdoor design. In addition, the show offers up its ninth annual Landscaping Competition and its first-ever Interior Decoration competition along with lots of free consumer seminars presented by industry insiders. Admission $10 ($8 with the donation of two non-perishable food items). Children 12 and under are free. 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., mbaonline.org, midwestairlinescenter.com.
Brides-to-be hoping to cover all aspects of planning a day to be remembered better head to the Wonderful World of Weddings & Occasions Expo at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park Jan. 9-10. The state’s largest bridal show is one of the best ways to hook up with professional planners and find out what more than 175 exhibitors have to offer in the way of wedding dresses, cakes, florists, DJs, live bands, reception facilities, photography and more. Tickets $8.50 (seniors $7.50, children under 12 free). wiexpocenter.com, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., 262-367-5500, weddingshowepi.com.
If breaking up the monotony of brutally cold weather by engaging in a little personal pampering sounds pretty good to you, why not sign up for e-mail blasts from Neroli Salon & Spa and the Institute of Beauty and Wellness to get loads of complimentary and promotional specials on hair, nail and skin services? 414-227-2888, Nerolispa.com; 414-227-2889, institutebw.com.
On Jan. 9, expert chefs preparing Hearty Comfort Foods marks the first of the 2010 Demonstration Kitchen sessions to take place on Saturdays (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)in the state-of-the-art-cooking facility located in The Shops at Woodlake. Well worth the short and scenic drive to Kohler, the informal classes ($25 per person, $40 for two) are an intimate, informal and awfully fun way to interact with and learn cooking secrets from talented chefs as they prepare and present food for tasting. For a full list of sessions see destinationkohler.com, call 800-344-2838 for reservations.
There’s a real buzz building about the new retail and high-end rental apartment complex going up at the northeast corner of Oakland Avenue and Kensington Boulevard. Word is shoppers can expect about 11,000 square feet of new shops. All that’s known for sure right now is that Boutique B’Lou will be part of the mix along with a new Vino 100 shop and that Alterra has signed up with a store and sidewalk café. A restaurant with landscaped, off-street courtyard seating is also in the works. I’ll keep you informed of official openings, but in the meantime, kudos to Shorewood for all the retail energy it’s been showing lately
Speaking of Vino 100, on Jan. 12 (7-9 p.m.), the Wauwatosa store is holding an indulgent Chocolate Fest. So, if sampling chocolate martinis, chocolate wine, chocolate fondue, chocolate candy and covered nuts, hot chocolate, chocolate cheesecake, brownies, truffles and more tickles your taste buds, RSVP right now to ante up the $15 fee (which also puts you in line for a glass of red or white wine), ’cause honey, with the way people love chocolate, you better believe space is filling up fast. 1442 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-456-9463, vino100tosa.com.
And finally, still speaking of vino in general, as we get more sophisticated, most of us know our way around pinots, chards, zins, cavas and proseccos, but just how up to date are we about what to drink after dinner? Not to worry, ’cause Thief Wine has us covered with a trio of World of Dessert Wine tastings taking place at its wine bar in the Public Market Jan. 12 (5, 6:15 & 7:30 p.m.). Learn how to best enjoy a broad variety of fortified and non-fortified sweet wines including sauterne, port and Madeira. $20 plus tax, RSVP required. 400 N. Water St., 414-277-7707, thiefwine.com.
CHECK OUT:
Jan. 5-10 at umishoes.com: A seasonal Inventory Sale and the use of promotional code “Clear 50” at checkout translates to 50 percent off well-crafted European-style shoes for boys and girls.
Through Jan. 24 at Embelezar: The store’s Winter Sale saves shoppers 10 percent on all regularly priced home furnishings, accessories and bibelots and a whopping 25-75 percent on select clearance items. 241 N. Broadway, 414-224-7644.
Through Jan. 24 at The Home Market: A Sample Sale at this style-focused boutique saves shoppers 30-50 percent on select floor models, accessories and holiday items. 222 East Erie, 414-755-2165, thehomemarket.net.
Seen at Valentina: hip, cool, casual feminine and chic resort fashions from See by Chloe, ready to glam up even the most basic everyday looks.
New to Vieux et Nouveau Boutique: Special 50 percent off racks featuring an ever-changing selection of clothing, footwear and handbags plus an array of permanently marked down fashions and exclusive vintage finds in Heidi’s Closet. 1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
Currently at the Tool Shed: Save $3 off tickets (originally $15) for the Brew City Bruisers first season bout on Jan. 16. Also available are $15 tickets for Bella Sue’s Valentine’s Day Burlesque Revue. 2427 N. Murray Ave., 414-906-5304, toolshedtoys.com.
Through mid-January at Harley’s: Men will find great deals on fashion and accessories marked 30-50 percent off during the store’s Seasonal Apparel Sale. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
Though January at A Little Pizzazz:Huge markdowns on all remaining winter jackets, sweaters, pants and more. Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement, Cedarburg, 262-376-0033, cedarcreeksettlement.com.
Through January at Valentina: Get great deals on great fashion at significantly reduced prices. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-4122, evalentina.com.
While it lasts at Sydney b.: Save 50 percent on wonderful winter designer fashions and shoes for children, newborn to boys 8 and girls 14. 1350 W Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-240-9970, sydneybboutique.com.
While it lasts at Faye’s (both locations): Save 50-75 percent on fabulous fall and winter fashion, jewelry and accessories during the store’s Semi-Annual Sale. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262- 432-0070, fayes123.com.
