My move to NYC was filled with great new experiences like my first designer fashion show. Seated in the second row with all the other editors, I can still remember the thrill of seeing up close and personal all the top models I recognized from fashion magazines. While all brought stunning life and attitude to the collection, for me, it was Cindy Crawford who stood out most. In a parade of ‘model thin’ fillies, flaunting healthy well-proportioned curves, she stood out like an exquisite thoroughbred. Fast forward to today. I live in the Midwest and Cindy’s moved onto home design with a collection of furniture geared to offering fashionable design at comfortable price points. Yet on Saturday, September 20, our paths could conceivably cross again as the former supermodel visits the city promoting her collection, Cindy Crawford Home with a noon – 1 p.m. appearance at Steinhafels Furniture Superstore. Psst…word has it she’s still pretty easy on the eyes. W231 N1013 County Hwy F, Waukesha, 262-436-8888, steinhafels.com.
For bridesmaids radiating with modern personal style, head on over to the Historic Third Ward. At Miss Ruby, a unique collection of fully customized bridesmaids dresses created in tandem with local designer Delanie Seamon is about to be revealed with a launch party September 25 (6 – 10 pm). Sure there’ll be appetizers and cocktails along with plenty of give aways (including a raffle for a one-of-a-kind cocktail dress) but make no mistake, the real treat is the Delanie Couture collection. Designed and created right here in the city, it features bridesmaid dresses that can be fully customized (from bodice and skirt style to sash and ribbon details) to flatter all figures and suit all tastes. The line also includes ready-to-wear options perfect for rehearsal dinners, parties and other events. Oh, and did I mention the first 25 brides to schedule an appointment at the boutique will receive a bottle of wine and goodie bag? (522 N. Water St., 414-755-2900, missrubyboutique.com)… Just a stone’s throw away, Bella Bridesmaid is currently offering some great promotions on terrific designer dresses. For instance, May, June and July brides placing orders on dresses from the Jenny Yoo collection September 30 through November 31will benefit from a 10 percent savings. While orders for designer Coren Moore’s creations put in by October 31 will bring in a 15 percent discount. 309 N. Water St., suite 170, 414-270-0344, bellabridesmaid.com.
Fresh air, rolling country roads, artwork, antiques and delicious pie. What more can you ask of an autumn afternoon? Not much if you’re found poking about the Punkin Hollow Art Ramble September 20 (10 am and 6 pm) or September 21 (noon ‘till 6). The event offers the perfect excuse to check out the ceramics, lamps, tile samples and jewelry of clay artists Susan Alexander and Taffnie Bogart offered up for sale at Clayloft Studio. Tucked into a charming old dairy barn located at N2411 County Road E just 3 miles north of Palmyra, in and about the grounds you’ll find – along with the chickens, sheep and mule – colorful abstract paintings by Bruce Dorow, oils and collages by Janet Roberts, rustic cat structures by Lisa Pasciak, paintings, cards and calendars by featured Lang folk artist Mary Singleton and a selection of antiques and collectables. Shop more antiques across the street at Heidi’s Hobbies (N2356 County Rd. E). And make sure you head down the road a piece to the Pleasant Valley United Methodist church (N2895 County Hwy. E) for some yummy homemade pies, baked goods, plate lunches, a selection of perennials from Z Gardens and of course, plenty of pumpkins from Pleasant Valley Farm. For info and directions call 262-495-8110.
There’s bound to be a run on the fun, colorful and cool graphic tees for men and women offered up by the local clothing design company Heavy Rotation Saturday September 20 (9am-3pm) at the Public Market’s Outdoor Urban Market. At their Back-2-School sample sale, all tees will be going for $5 each. Heck, some may even become collector’s pieces. Find out why at heavytees.com. 400 N. Water, Milwaukeepublicmarket.org.
Of course, it’s nobody’s business, but hey, if you’re into adult playthings, you might be interested to know that The Tool Shed is presenting a Toys: The Next Generation event Friday September 19 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Come have a look and see what’s new in personal pleasuring. According to the buzz, things are getting pretty innovative. Can’t make it? Shop the store’s sidewalk sale during Saturday’s Center Street Daze celebration 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Though most of us get way too many emails, if you’re a shopper, it may be worth your while to sign up for your favorite shop’s email newsletters. Not only do they usually include early notice of sales, membership often qualifies you for periodic specials. For instance, this week Brady Street’s Aala Reed, Detour, Miss Groove & Miss Groove Intimate sent out coupons good for $25 off every $100 worth of stuff purchased September 16 – 21…and hey, they’ll even pony up for parking. All sales final. Aala Reed 1320 E. Brady, 226-2252, aalareed@onmilwaukee.com, Detour, 1300 E. Brady St., 414- 273-5156, shopdetour.com, Miss Groove, 1224 & 1225 E Brady St., 414- 298-1694, missgroove.com.
