Right off the bat, I’ve just got to say hats off to the Barclay Gallery. Since 2004, Owner John Le Burn’s idea of wrapping a shop filled with one-of-a kind pieces from some of the nation’s best craft artists around a comfortable, inviting restaurant provided us with a wonderfully unique shopping experience. But alas, it is to be no more, as its doors are closing as we speak, only to reopen at 11:30 a.m. March 6 for their Going Out of Business Sale. And then, as they say in the business, everything must go. All jewelry, ornaments, bowls, vases, sculptures, ceramics, wood craft and furniture (including miscellaneous display and café items) marked down 20 percent (even items already reduced 50 percent or more) with discounts expected to go even deeper as the clock ticks and the sale progresses and the end draws near. Personally I can’t help but feel a sense of loss, for its loyal customers, for the neighborhood it graced and selfishly, for my book club, which would often meet to chat over martinis in the café. Needless to say, as we bid a reluctant adieu to this very special shop we wish John tremendous success in whatever he decides to do next. 158 S. Barclay, 414- 347 0500.
Fans of Susana Monaco’s casual, chic and ultra comfy fashions (which includes none other than Oprah herself) are fortunate to have a couple of her Spring/Summer 08 trunk shows going on around the city. Now’s the chance to stock up on fashions flattering to just about any shape or size. The line also travel’s beautifully. Shop shifts, tubes, tunics and dresses in both basic and hot fresh colors now through March 2 at Faye’s 1 in Brookfield and March 6 – 9 at Hers in the Historic Third Ward. The point is, don’t miss it. P.S. No, there isn’t a trunk show, but you’ll also find Susana Monaco tops and dresses at detour. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd. Galleria West, 262-432-0070, fayes123.com and 309 N. Water St., 414-273-4377, 1300 E. Brady, 414- 273-5156, shopdetour.com.
You’ll find environmentally safe Wee Go toxin free glass baby bottles (with latex free nipples of course) covered in hip, colorful, kid friendly protective silicone sleeves and adjustable BumGenius reusable diapers at freckle face. Your kid and the environment never had it so good. 407 E. Buffalo, 414-298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.
Milwaukee Futon/Yoga East walks its talk. Not only does it specialize in green furnishings and everything calming to support yoga and meditation practices, they’ve also recently added a full line of classes designed to motivate both beginner and advanced students in those practices. Both energizing AM classes and relaxing PM classes are conveniently planned around daytime work schedules. Suggested donation $12 per class, discount passes available. 316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-727-5483, visit livnlite.com for complete list of classes.
After centuries of mass appeal aimed pretty much at a male audience, somewhere along the line women caught on to the fact that – all sexiness aside – exotic dancing is a very effective way to tone up. Learn all the basics at the Pole Dancing 101 workshop taking place between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 6 at A Woman’s Touch. Open to women of all ages, shapes and abilities, there’s no need for pasties and g-strings, just wear comfortable clothing and bring along a button down shirt to practice your peeling off techniques (high heels optional). $45 Pre-registration and pre-payment is suggested to hold your spot.
200 N Jefferson St., Suite 101, 414-221-0400 or awt.milwaukee2@gmail.com
Looking for a fun way to bond with your bridal party? How about scheduling a private Bridal Jewelry Party with Stacy Kassulke of JoBead Crystal Creations at Miss Ruby Boutique? All day February 28 she’ll be on hand with lots of inspiration and expertise to help you create custom jewelry to flaunt on the big day. No matter what your budget or style, you’ll have lots of options including a selection of over 100 beautiful colors of Swarovski crystals. To keep the party vibe going, therewill be wine and treats for everyone throughout the entire creative process. Too busy with wedding plans to make the date? Miss Ruby understands, call to inquire about alternative scheduling. 522 N. Water St., Suite 203, 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com.
This is an odd heads up I’ll admit…. but seriously, if I’ve heard one complaint about those weird looking spiral compact florescent bulbs that use 75 percent less energy and last ten times longer than traditional bulbs, I’ve heard over three dozen. They’re bulbs we should be using but often don’t because of the stark light they produce. Plus let’s face it, compared to the classic shape of a good old-fashioned bulb, they’re just plain unsightly. Well, thanks to Firefly Alternative Energy, being environmentally responsible just got a little more stylish. Recently they introduced the Lunet Lighting Cover made of heat resistant plastic in two sizes that snap easily over most spiral compact bulbs effectively reducing glare and creating a far more natural light. Offered in both simple contemporary frosted and decorative styles, they’re available online at fireflyenergygroup.com with a suggested retail of about $3 each.
Get tickets now for the April 5 Fashion Revolution show at the Eisner Museum of Advertising (208 N. Water) where there will be live performances by Atlanta’s Pro Famous and the Cigarette Break jazz band. This energetic show highlights the ready to wear of Brandon Greere, founder of Sha’ron De’lonta, and showcases the work of many young designers. Fashion underscores the essence of hip hop from Royal Zodiac, the first women’s line from The How High Collection, one of a kind re-created fashions from TresBelle Vintage, statement making constructed offerings from Anna Hovet, sexy confidence enhancing pieces for women of all sizes by Disaya Anne, retro inspired casual and club wear from DQueens Crowns and one of kind funky jeans from Campbell Couture. General seating is $30 and includes one copy of a limited edition Fashion Revolution Magazine and the chance to win great giveaways from Fred boutique, while $75 VIP tickets also include reserved seating, complimentary wine and a Swag bag stuffed with lots of free gifts, coupons and gift certificates. For information call 414-807-3275, the fashionrevolution2k8.com.
If you’re planning to go to the April 9th Awear Fashion Show at the Pfister Hotel benefiting the Sojourner Truth House, you’d better get your tickets quick. Los Angeles artist and designer Julie Feldman aka ‘The Princess of Pocketbooks’ will be kicking off the show which features men’s and women’s fashions from Aala Reed, Detour, J.Bird, M.E. Lou, Miss Groove and Shoo and hair and make up by Neroli. With cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner, expect a full night dedicated to a good cause – raising funds to promote domestic respect and prevent domestic violence. For tickets and more info call 414-643-1777.
