Wandering around the new Urban Outfitters I found myself reminded of all the time I spent as a young adult canvassing the city and beyond in pursuit of fun fashion statements, stuff to add personality and easy entertainment value to my apartment or simply something cool to pass along to pals. At the time, the idea of finding all that whole wad of expression at a price that fit my budget in one trendful store was a bit farfetched. Thankfully things have changed a lot and today youthful city dwellers can experience shopping at it’s sweetest as the stores big and filled with everything from men’s to women’s fashions, picture frames to futons, cigarette jeans to clever greeting cards, flirty footwear to funky gifts. It’s all there and none of it’s square. And better yet, to accommodate the stores quick fashion trend turn over everything is priced to move with plenty of sales scattered about. 1937 E. Kenilworth Pl. 414-266-1498, urbanoutfitters.com
Too bad the current writers strike caused the cancellation of the Golden Globes along with all its red carpet pre-shows. You missed the chance to see the stars wearing jewelry designed to evoke a sense of balance and serenity by JJ, a former Brookfield native whose fresh and graceful JJ Number 8 collection was inspired by the fortuitous luck associated with the number 8. In the meantime time you can look for her spare and elegant pieces to turn up the glamour of celebrities covered by shows such as Access Hollywood. To check out what you’ll be looking for visit jjnumber8.com.
Speaking of sleek, have you seen new recliner by Jeffrey Bernett available at Design Within Reach? Shunning big and bulky without sacrificing comfort, the designer (a former in-flight seating designer for Northwest Airlines) has come up with a clean contemporary version of the old standby that with its stainless steel base, looks more like fashionable club chair. Available in both wool and leather, order now and take advantage of the studios current 15 percent upholstery sale. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, DWR.com
Refreshingly honest is how I’d classify tonight’s (Wednesday January 9) “Nobody’s Perfect” tasting scheduled for 7pm at Waterford Wine Company. A $20 fee affords you the opportunity to taste a collection of wines the store bought but perhaps shouldn’t have. Helping make lemons into lemonade, it’s an interesting opportunity to find out why a wine falls short of its expectations. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
Helping home chefs make ‘Everyday Italian’ even tastier, celebrity food darling Giada De Laurentis has paired up with Italy’s esteemed Academia Barilla culinary school and Crate and Barrel to create and market a exclusive line of olive oil, vinegar, lemon infused sea salt and hand harvested herb mix. 2450 N Mayfair Rd., 414- 258-9500, crateandbarrel.com.
Understanding that shopping for things to enhance romantic pleasures can be a slightly more intimidating for women than men, A Woman’s Touch responds to customer requests with a Ladies Only Night event January 11 between 6 and 8pm. As usual their knowledgeable staff will be there to answer most any question with regard to sex and certainly all inquiries about products available. Rounding out the experience will be nibbles and a wee gift for attending. 200 N. Jefferson St, 414-221-0400, www.a-woman-touch.com
Twice a year Lela holds a Brown Bag Sale and believe me it’s a good one. Basically the deal goes down like this, shop this unique fashion boutique between 8 am and 6 pm on Saturday January 12 and whether you toss ten or a thousand dollars worth of stuff into your bag, you’ll only pay for half of what you purchase. 321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
With winter far from over make sure to take advantage of the great one-day clearance sale going on this Saturday January 12th (11am -6pm) at Stephanie Horne. With markdowns running up to 70 percent, you’ll save plenty on plenty of fashions not available anywhere else in the city. For instance you’ll find J Brand Jeans which normally sell for $170 for a mere $99, cashmere sweaters from Uluaru, Twig, Minnie Rose and Bibelot which usual carry price tags of upwards of $350 now available below $199. Plus there are terrific finds on existing sale racks. 159 N Broadway Ave., 414-223-1662, stephaniehorne.com.
shoo steps up with a fib shoe sale this Saturday January 12 between 10 am and 6pm. Everything (well with exception of H(om)e bags and Zqdwoq shoes) will be marked half off and since shoes normally run between $89-$299, boots $189- $299 and bags between $199 -$449 honee this a terrific opportunity to save some serious cash on some of the coolest shoes in the city. 241 Broadway, 414- 765-2355, shoostore.com.
Stop in at J. Bird Boutique this weekend (Friday through Sunday) and check out just how comfy, modern sexy fashions can during the continuing She Bible Sample. You’ll also find savings of up to 70 percent savings on select fashions throughout the store. Do your shopping on Sunday between noon and 4 pm and you’ll be treated to Mimosas. 415 E. Menomonee, 414-727-6553, jbirdboutique@yahoo.com
Classes at Fashion Ninja provide the perfect stepping-stone to city designers and earn high marks for inspiring personal expression and creativity. To see what’s evolving, check out the fashion show this Saturday, December 12 at the Art Museum where graduates of the most recent draping class will be showing their work along with the latest collection of instructor and founder Areka Ikeler. The 9:30 show, follows the Art, Architecture & Music ‘concert for the senses’ presented by Present Music at 7:30 so why not make a night of it? For Tickets information call 271-0711. 2671 S. Kinnickinnic, 481-3865l, fashionninja.com.
When it comes to outfitting little ones with style and attitude freckle face has it down pat. Right now the store is holding a progressive post inventory sale with lots of fun stuff marked down 20 -50 percent and $5 and $10 sale racks loaded with deals. Prices will continue to drop until culminating in the biggest sale day of all – January 26 when the last of all fall merchandise will be marked down 50 – 80 percent with deep discounts also offered on select books toys, blankets and diaper bags. 407 E. Buffalo St., 414-298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com, frecklefaceboutique.blogspot.com.
Since Detour is offering up it’s remaining fall and holiday fashions for sale at up to 50 percent off, it’s the perfect excuse to see why this local men’s and women’s premium denim and sportswear store is recognized nationally and internationally for it’s distinct and trendful point of view. 18915 W. Capital, Brookfield, 1300 E. Brady St., 273-5156, shopdetour.com.
Along with the semi annual 50 – 75 percent off sale going on at Faye’s One and Faye@play women looking forward to spring should be sure to check out the Lafayette 148 Trunk show the Mequon store is holding January 9 – 12. It’s a terrific time for women of all sizes to stock up on well made chic fashions featuring fabulous fabrics and flawless fit. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., East Towne Square, 262-241-8386,18900 W. Bluemound Rd. Galleria West, 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
