Given my writing gig, the economic news of late has certainly got me thinking. I mean I write about shopping, right? And it’s all circular, isn’t it? You need money to shop and shops need customers to exist and the economy needs viable businesses to flourish and the only way to make money is within a healthy economic system. So what happens if there’s a break in the circle? Traditionally my editorial goal has always been twofold. One, to ferret out and alert shoppers to great deals and fun shopping stuff and two, to give independent retailers a much needed shout-out in a tight economy. On the heels of all the current uncertainty, this week I’m just gonna preface my offering with what acclaimed finance expert Suze Orman has been preaching for years: Don’t spend what you don’t have and if you have it to spend, spend wisely. Enough said.
Now onto the goods, if you’ve been reading what I toss out there with any regularity you know I love, love, love that our fair city has been chosen as the site for one of the two annual Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Shows (Providence being the other host city). Held at the Midwest Airlines Center September 27 and 28, this spectacular show offers the public, as well as wholesale and retail buyers, an exciting opportunity to buy new work directly from American artisans. What will you find? Plenty from lighting to textiles, sculpture to mosaics, jewelry to ceramics and metalwork to wall hangings, all chosen for their exceptional design and craftsmanship. The city is well represented locally too with furniture from David Redwine of Brookfield, Paul Stefanski of Menomonee Falls, Tom Dumke of Oconomowoc and Mike Wamhoff of Fox Point, paintings by Pamela Anderson of Wauwatosa, and Kristy Goggio of Oconomowoc and photography by Victoria Swartz of Oak Creek among others. Tickets are $10, for more info call 401-816-0963 or visit finefurnishingsshows.com.
Speaking of local talents, Milwaukee designer Christopher Poehlmann’s unique brushed aluminum ‘Growth’ chandelier for Cp Lighting was picked as an Editors’ Choice in the October issue of Metropolitan Home. Always cool to see local creatives getting the national attention they deserve. To see more of his work visit cplighting.com.
Grotta & Co is holding one of their Shop the Studio events September 26 & 27 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.. A sample sale that appeals to the senses, expect to find deals on hand printed scarves, wraps, pillows, and table linens. A visit to their website will give you an idea of just how special the stuff is but with the added bonus of a full array of fabulous remnants you can expect to find even more at the sale. Grotta & C 207 E. Buffalo Street #209, 273-8066, grottaco.com
Fans of Susana Monaco fashions loaded with colorful modern signature style and featuring comfortable fade proof supplex fabric, are invited to stop by Hers Thursday, September 25 for a party to launch a trunk show of the designer’s holiday line. If you can’t make it that evening you’ll miss the culinary treats from Crazy Water, wine tasting by Thief Wine and hair and beauty touch ups by Blush but not to worry, the trunk show continues through September 28. 309 N. Water St., 414-273-4377, hersfashion.com.
JuJu Gifts, Accessories & Décor is planning a Fall into Fashion shopping event Thursday September 25 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. that’s aimed at fun and savings. Check out must have accessories like faux leather handbags from Melie Bianco (featured on the pages of Cosmo, Lucky, O Magazine and Marie Claire), knitwear from Wooden-ships, along with handmade scarves, hats, fingerless gloves and wrist warmers. Should you find something to spruce up your autumnal or winter wardrobe while sipping cocktails, the store is offering 20 percent off purchases made that evening. 222 E. Erie St., 414-221-9580, Jujugifts.com.
Calling all cute kids. freckle face is all geared up for another of its popular Portrait Day events September 26, 27 and 28. Stop in for a complimentary studio style mini session provided by Christine Plamann Photography. Customers spending $100 dollars at the store between September 26 and October 18 will qualify for a free mini photo collage of shots taken. Call for more info and to register. 244 N. Broadway, 414-298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.
It’s not just about adult fun over at The Tool Shed. On Sunday, September 28, the store steps up with Talking to Kids about Sex: A discussion for Parents taking place between 11 am – noon. The interactive workshop offers parents of toddlers to teens an opportunity to exchange ideas on the best way to address the issues of sexuality in a healthy and age appropriate way. 804 E. Center St., 414-562-9338, toolshedtoys.com.
