Sorry to have to open on a sour note, but honestly, I’m really disappointed about the closing of Good Harvest Market’s Historic Third Ward store. In fact, I think it’s somewhat shameful that a store focused on wholesome and organic food, health and beauty products didn’t find the customer loyalty it deserved in one of the city’s most vital, contemporary neighborhoods. Conveniently located across the street from the Milwaukee Public Market, it was a no-brainer for weekend market trips by area residents who’ve been complaining for years about having no decent grocery shopping in the Ward. Sure there were access issues with street repair going on outside their door and certainly the economy has been shaky, but hey, other stores facing similar challenges manage to stay open with customer support. So I’m left to wonder is this another case of shoppers griping about what they don’t have, only to get it and lose it by being apathetic when it comes to buying? Hope not.
OK, let’s move on to something more hopeful. By dropping off your lightly used bicycles at any Wheel & Sprocket, you can help area youths acquire important life skills. The bikes will be donated to DreamBikes, a Wisconsin-based foundation dedicated to making a difference by helping communities in need. In a store about to open on Martin Luther King Drive, they’ll teach teens 14-18 how to clean, repair and sell bikes to members of the community at really affordable prices. How’s that for a win/win? For more info visit dream-bikes.org.
As women sizes 12 to 24 eagerly await the March 16 opening of Boutique Larrieux, owner Lydia Hamilton is busy searching for a full-size fashionista with an eye for style to represent the store’s focus on upscale contemporary style and confidence. Sure, one lucky lady will win the boutique’s first annual Next Beauty Contest Grand Prize, which includes a $500 wardrobe and an image consult, beauty advice from a MAC cosmetic artist, a local television appearance, VIP status at the store launch party, model in an upcoming photo shoot plus serve as a store fit model. But everyone who enters receives a $25 gift certificate, so no one really loses. If you’re 18 years or older, size 12 – 24 and into playing up plus-size style, you’ve got till Feb. 23 to visit the store’s Web site and complete the online application and photo upload. 717 N. Milwaukee St., 414-520-4651, boutiquelarrieux.com.
Did Valentine’s Day usher in a proposal? Get an idea of your options and take advantage of show specials during the third-annual Wedding Show & Tell Feb. 21 (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) at the Peck Center at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Pick up your complimentary Bridal Bag and show directory, and explore what area florists, caterers, spas, photographers, bridal shops, DJs and more have to offer. You’ll also be treated to a fashion show, live music, and food and cake samples. Advance tickets $5, $7 at the door. 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-293-3527, weddingshowandtell.com.
Having merged and officially moved into their new spacious two-level, downtown location, Fred and Luscious Boutique are loaded up with more, more and more of everything you need to make casual, career and special occasion fashion and accessorizing statements (rumor is, even shoes are coming soon). See it all for yourself at the Grand Celebration Sale going on Feb. 25 (5-9 p.m.). Enjoy complimentary libations and a 25 percent saving on your evening’s purchases. Be smart and sign up to become a VIP and save a whopping 30 percent. 522 N. Water St., 414-270-1009, fredboutique.com.
Every Saturday (noon-6 p.m.), artist, designer and co-founder of Fasten Co-op Vanessa Devaki Andrew welcomes shoppers to her colorful Chino’s Look Nook studio where she fashions unique, reconstructed, often-screen printed, eco-friendly clothing, jewelry, purses, sunglasses, journals, calendars, organizers and more. Interested in expressing yourself? The artist, who sells You-torials on sewing, will also be teaching a five-week NO SWEAT SEWING class beginning March 6 at the UWM Union Studio Arts & Crafts Center. 100A E. Pleasant St. (third floor), 414-3030-1982, madamchino.blogspot.com.
Seems I made a mistake last week. While yes, you can certainly stroll the cozy Village of Wauwatosa Feb.18 (5-9 p.m.) on Diva Night while enjoying shopping, sipping and sweet treats, you receive the special coupon packet I mentioned last week. You will, however, find store sales and specials going on at Vino 100, Gracie’s Boutique, Urban Laundry, Magpie, Blue Lapin, Little Read Book, Magnolia & Co, Underwood Gallery, JUXT, Authentic Journeys, Tuesday’s Child, The Flower Lady, Salamander and Oro di Olivo. You also can enter a prize drawing to be held at evening’s end. For more info visit villageofwauwatosa.com.
If your dog smells, well, a bit “doggy,” non-toxic fragrance charms from PetProjekt might help clear the air. Available in cucumber melon, green apple, ocean breeze or tangerine scents, simply clip onto a collar and, voila, you’re good to go for a month. Available at otomik.com.
Speaking of pet smells, lucky me, Kippee’s never had even one accident indoors. Yet not every dog (and cat) is quite as restrained. Getting rid of the smell (as well as the habit) can be difficult. Enter Get Serious® Odor, Stain & Pheromone Extractor. Unlike cover-ups, bacterial or enzymatic neutralizers, it eliminates a pet’s attraction to its own scent, which is said to stop re-marking. Non-toxic and biodegradable, you’ll find formulas for both dogs and cats at PetSmart Greenfield & Brookfield locations.
You won’t find Easy Money Jeans (a new lower-priced, high-quality denim line from the creators of 7 for All Mankind, Rich and Skinny and Citizen jeans) at many stores in the country, but you can get them at Faye’s. Stop in, try on a pair, and while you’re there, save up to 85 percent on all fall/winter clothing, accessories and jewelry during the store’s blow-out, no-holds-barred clearance sale. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
CHECK OUT
Now at Beans & Barley: Premium, gourmet, yummy Belgian chocolate bars made entirely by hand by Indulgence Chocolatiers. Flavors include Cherry Almond, Coconut Curry, Mayan Spice, Milk Chocolate Sea Salt and Vanilla Bean Malt. Yum. 1901 E. North Ave., 414-278-7878, beansandbarley.com, indulgencechocolatiers.com.
Always at George Watts & Son: A great selection of regional gift items sure to express civic pride with a little more taste than a cheesehead. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Feb. 19-21 at Zita: Brides-to-be who make an appointment to shop the Augusta Jones Bridal trunk show can save 10 percent on beautiful, modern and flattering gowns, featured in publications worldwide. 211 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-0126, zitabridal.com.
Through Feb. 21 at Faye’s: Shop now for seasonless, updated style during the White + Warren trunk show. Loads of sweaters and more in great colors and textures. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8386; 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
Feb. 23 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Milwaukee Public Market (upstairs): Dull knives see new life when the experts from Sharp Brothers bring their tools and skills into play. Cost is $5 per knife/$20 for five knives. 400 N. Water St., 414-289-3107, milwaukeepublicmarket.org.
Feb. 24 at Blush: Benefit from the ultimate makeup lesson with the Master Class event. Learn new skills and techniques and have an expert sort though your cosmetic bags to identify what’s working or not. $250 fee (redeemable in product). 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Feb. 24 (7 p.m.) & Feb. 25 (7 p.m.) at Waterford Wine Company: Lovers of Barolo can reserve one of two tasting events exploring one of Italy’s greatest wines. $35 per person. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
Feb. 25 at Luci (Downtown): Martini Night treats shoppers to a marvelous night of munching, manicures, makeovers and giveaways. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Feb. 26 at Luci (Bayshore): Special Customer Appreciation Diva’s Night Out offers shoppers a free gift with purchase, sushi, wine, expert hair and makeup advice and a huge storewide sale.5724 Center Parkway, Bayshore, 414-967-7933, luciboutique.com.
Feb. 20 at Game Universe (Brookfield): Like to play games? Join a meet-up group of gamers gathering at the store to play Battle Tech every third Saturday of the month. 19035 W. Bluemound, Brookfield, 262-786-9800, game-universe.com, meetup.com/milcog/calendar/12256632.
Through Feb. 27 at Institute of Beauty & Wellness: Receive a complimentary manicure with any hair service. 342 N. Water St., 414-227-2889, institutebw.com.
Through February at Wheel & Sprocket: While there’s still snow on the ground, take advantage of a Final Ski Clearance sale and save 50 percent on skis, 30 percent on boots and 20 percent on bindings (Fischer skis and products not included). Also save up to 50 percent on equipment during the Floor Model Fitness Fever Sale. Brookfield, Hales Corners, Fox Point & Delafield locations, wheelandsprocket.com.
Through March 31 at Neroli Salon & Spa: Save $16 when booking an Essential Manicure and Elemental Nature Pedicure with select team members. 325 E. Chicago St., 414-227-2888, nerolispa.com.
Through April 15 at Luci: Save 25 percent on the purchase of any dress with the donation of a clean, gently used prom dress for the Milwaukee Cinderella Project. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114; 5724 Center Parkway, Bayshore, 414-967-7933, luciboutique.com.
