TAKE A PEEK
Public drinking establishments have been around since the beginning of Rome, but home bars 
didn’t come into their own until the ’50s. Thanks to the lure of Hollywood movies and the lifestyles of stars such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin sipping cocktails in the comfort of your own home suddenly seemed ultra modern and cool. Designed and installed by professional carpenters or guys with a yen for woodworking, home bars (often sporting TiKi island themes) started cropping up in basements and rec rooms all over, quickly becoming hot spots to sip, smoke, play cards, dance or listen to music in the company of friends. Later, the rise of disco and dance clubs in the ’70s, hard rock and stadium concerts in the ’80s, heavy metal and the punk rave scene of the ’90s, relegated the home bar rather passé. But in today’s post-9/11 nesting world (and let’s be honest, in the face of $12 
martinis), home bars are definitely in vogue again.
Luckily, when it comes to creating or furnishing one of their own, shoppers will find a market loaded with everything from super sleek sinks and refrigerators, specifically designed and sized to accommodate them, as well as plenty of site-specific furnishings. For example, last week I took a spin around Brookfield’s Barstool Central 
(where Kippee found a kindred spirit in doe-eyed Gracie, who spends most days greeting customers) and was amazed at the staggering selection of more than 400 styles of wood and metal bar and counter stools the store has to offer. Whether you’re looking for contemporary, traditional, Asian inspired, retro classic, French Country, vintage shabby chic or anything else, with so many sizes, styles, finishes, fabric and leather upholstery options, you’re bound to find exactly what you want here. In addition, the family owned store also tosses in a great selection of pub tables, dining sets, bars and pool tables along with decorative accessories, wine racks, mirrors and counter and wall décor to finish off your home bar with a flourish. Hmm… I forgot to ask about ashtrays. But honestly, is anyone smoking at home anymore? 13665 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-754-8989, barstoolcentral.com.
Those who’ve shopped Brady Street may have noticed a cat perched blithely watching the world go by from its own small second-story glass enclosure projecting out above Eco Pet. Sweet. But for those of you who aren’t prepared to go to such lengths to accommodate pets that long to enjoy the great outdoors, the Kritter Kondo from KritterKommunity.com offers a much easier solution. The collapsible pet enclosure can accommodate cats (or dogs up to 25 lbs.), allowing them to soak up the sun and take in some fresh air in backyards, on patios, balconies and courtyards. Light and mobile, it comes with its own carrying case (complete with pockets and a zippered pouch for storing pet toys, food, blankets or beds) and is perfect for trips to campgrounds, beaches, hotels, and parks. So portable, water resistant and easy to store, is there any reason your pet ever has to feel housebound again? 229 E. Brady St., 414-226-1920.
It’s been so crazy hot and humid lately that just the idea of bare floors sporting easy breezy rugs reminiscent of cottage, lake shore and beachside living cools me off. Feeling the same way? At Past Basket you’ll find flat weave cotton Shaker rugs along with practically indestructible indoor/outdoor rugs from Dash and Albert, perfect for
kitchen, laundry and mud rooms. Keeping things bright, through the end of August, shoppers can also save 25 percent on single-hued, colorful, texturally patterned rugs from Company C’s Spectrum collection and 30 percent on tropically inspired Canopee bedding from Yves Delorme. 383 W Brown Deer Rd., 414-247-9976, pastbasket.com.
New fall styles from Hugo Boss (known for its elegant menswear fashions delivered with nonchalant but 
discernable style season after season) continue to arrive at Aala Reed. According to owner, Laura Cole, the collection positions navy as the new black of the season, offering men a fresh alternative basic when shopping for new pieces to liven up existing wardrobes. Look for clean modern silhouettes in shirts, sweaters and jackets at great new price points that are easy on the fashion budget. 1320 E. Brady St., 414-226-2252, aalareed4men.com.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
If you’re an art lover on the hunt for quality pieces of distinctive style you better not miss strolling and shopping the grounds of the Marcus Center for the Performing arts Aug. 14-15 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) during the much-loved annual Morning Glory Fine Craft Fair presented by the Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council (est. 1916). The show’s delightful selection of quality creative work from artists skilled in ceramics, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, photography, enamels, glass, leather, wood, printmaking and mixed media only underscores its reputation as one of the top-100 art fairs in the country. Admission is free, and there’s also a silent auction benefiting AWE (Artists Working in Education). For more info visit wdcc.org or marcuscenter.org.
With so many fans of Boutique Larrieux posting pics of themselves in fashions they’ve purchased and fallen in love from the store, owner Lydia Hamilton decided it was time to launch an official Facebook Fan Photo Contest. Should you be one of so many women thrilled with the discovery of finding real style in plus sizes, simply upload a photo of yourself (now through Aug. 31) wearing your favorite Boutique Larrieux fashion piece onto the store’s fan page. You could be one of the three lucky ladies who’ll gather enough votes to win a store gift certificate worth $25, $50 or $75. For contest rules, please visit boutiquelarrieux.com.717 N. Milwaukee St., 414-520-4651.
With shrinking family budgets, more and more smart parents are shopping secondhand stores for those all-important books that stimulate the minds and imaginations of children. One great place to take part in this recycling process is the Bookseller located on the first floor of the Central Library (just off the gorgeous rotunda) where all children’s books are priced just 25 cents apiece. 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-286-2142, mpl.org.
On Aug. 14, the plan for Kippee and me is to sniff out some sweet deals during the big Sidewalk Sale throughout the Historic Third Ward. So listen, if you see us be sure to say hi, OK? The daylong event will feature sales and specials at all the neighborhood’s cool boutiques, plus area restaurants are also stepping up to the plate. And as if you needed any more enticement, how does 10-40 percent off select items at 3rd Ward Jewelry, 20-50 percent off summer handbags, jewelry and accessories at Bangle & Bags, 50 percent off discontinued samples at Bella Bridesmaid, 10-50 percent off skincare, fragrances and makeup at Blush, 50-80 percent off summer fashions and half off all jewelry and handbags at Lorena Sarbu sound? For a complete list of store specials, visit historicthirdward.org.
CHECK OUT
Aug. 12-15 at The Limited (Mayfair): During the store’s Grand Opening celebration, shoppers receive a whopping 40 percent off their entire purchase and can earn double points on Limited Card purchases of women’s contemporary casual and career fashions. 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-257-2251, thelimited.com.
Through Aug. 14 at Valentina: Super spectacular tent show features fashions, shoes, hats and accessories boasting labels such as Zac Posen, Peter Som, Doo Ri, Devi Kroell, Malene Birger and more. With designer fashions presented on $10, $25, $50, $75 and $100 racks, it’s a must stop sale for serious fashionistas.1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262- 241-4122, evalentina.com.
Through Aug. 14 at Harleys: The Store for Men: Last chance to stock up on superior summer stuff marked down 60 percent. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
Through Aug. 31 at East Towne Jewelers: Purchase $100 or more of Pandora jewelry and receive a free (and sturdy) Pandora tote bag. 1515 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8007, easttownejewelers.com.
Through Aug. 31 at Olive Organic: Super sale shaves up to 70 percent off cool summer fashions and select shoes for the entire family. Seriously, if you’re into smart eco shopping and style, there are deals to be had. 10910 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8063, oliveorganic.org.
Through Aug. 31 at Design Within Reach: Save 15 percent on specially marked modernist upholstered sofas, sectionals, sleeper sofas, ottomans, armchairs and rugs (orders of $3,000 will be upgraded to White Glove delivery). 167 N. Broadway St., 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Attention entrepreneurial store owners: According to retail recruiter Deanna Inniss of Milwaukee Downtown , you only have until Aug. 15 to apply for a three-month (Oct. 15, 2010-Jan. 15, 2011) free rent incentive available to retailers taking part in the 2010 Milwaukee Holiday Lights
Festival Retail Emporium to be presented at various Downtown locations. Those wishing to establish a more permanent retail presence are also encouraged to take advantage of the white box grants and forgivable loans funded by the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Downtown as incentives to bring new energy to the area as a shopping destination. To apply or find out more, please visit milwaukeedowntown.com or call 414-220-4700.
