There are a number of reasons I’m a fan of Alaa Reed. First of all the store’s committed to enriching the city’s independent retail scene and dedicated to providing men of all ages with great contemporary fashions, but this week, what impressed me most was the speed in which the store jumped in to help the situation in Haiti. An in-store gallery featuring beautifully vibrant, one-of-a-kind paintings by renowned Haitian artists was immediately set up with ALL proceeds earmarked to benefit Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles, Haiti, which is providing surgical and trauma assistance to victims of the earthquake. Plan to stop in now through Jan. 22. You can view the art and also save 20 percent on all new jackets, scarves, hats, ties, dress and casual shirts during the store’s Above the Belt sale.1320 E. Brady St., 414-226-2252, aalareed4men.com.
A shout out should also go to Design Within Reach for how quickly it sent word that the store would match donations up to $50,000 for Unicef. So far they’ve collected $94,905 nationally. 167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Now on to happier subjects. Got a wedding to plan? Find out all you need to know when the Midwest Airlines Center hosts one of the region’s largest bridal shows, the 2010 Wedding Planner & Guide Show on Jan. 23 and 24 (11a.m.-5 p.m.). See your dream dress at one of the European-style fashion shows presented at noon and 3:30 p.m. daily, discover all the latest bridal trends, check out what more than 120 exhibitors have to offer, sample cakes and hors d’ouvres, book professional services, get great advice and enter to win hundreds of dollars worth of prizes, including a dream wedding package worth more than $9,000. You’ll also receive a complimentary Wedding Planner & Guide loaded with handy tips, inspiring ideas and articles on everything from engagement to life after the honeymoon. For tickets and suggestions on how to get the most out of the show, visit wedplan.com. 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-908-6001, midwestairlinecenter.com.
As I’m always going on about stuff that women can do around town, I thought guys might like to know that the Conex Show will be taking place Jan. 27 and 28 at State Fair Park. If you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, concrete, masonry or demolition contractor, commercial landscaper or in the construction trade or commercial landscaping business, this is one heck of way to brush up on industry trends and the latest in products and services while networking with your peers. In short, if your heart starts a pumpin’ in the face of millions of dollars worth of trucks, tools and equipment, this show’s definitely for you. Pre-registration suggested. Wisconsin Exposition Center, State Fair Park, 414-727-8840, conexshows.com.
What about the kids you ask? Well how about snagging some great children’s shoes (newborn to age 8) during the Umi Winter Warehouse Sale Jan. 22 and 23 (9 a.m.-4p.m.). Up for grabs are lots of styles from the company’s fall/winter ’09 line, including fashionable boots, school shoes, sandals, holiday sneakers and salesman samples. Find European style, terrific quality and everything priced to go at $9.95 to $48.95. Considering these shoes would normally put you back $40 to $130 a pair, it’s well worth the drive. 1235 Dakota Drive, Grafton, 262-376-1111, umishoes.com.
And at the annual Winter Blowout Sale going on Jan. 23 at freckle face, you’ll find all kinds of fabulous deals on kids clothing and accessories along with other cool stuff. Shoppers can save 30-80 percent on all fall and winter fashions, toys, selected feeding accessories and slings, plus discounted furniture floor models. They’ll also find lots of treats specially priced at $5 and $10. 244 N. Broadway, 414-298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.
Because just about everyone responds to a bit of visual vitality, you won’t want to miss the Beyond the Wall Poster Sale taking place Jan. 25-29 in the UWM Union Concourse. With hundreds and hundreds of posters to ponder, you’re bound to find something you like. 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., 414-229-6310,www.aux.uwm.edu.
Yes, I know it takes place next week, but because it’s such a terrific shopping event, I want to get the word out early about the Boutique Blowout Jan. 30 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Atwater Elementary School in Shorewood. Especially because you’ll find incredible deals from city boutiques like B’Tween Friends, Flaire, Lela, Miss Ruby, Molloy’s, (shoo), SHOP, Valentina, Falcon and Lorena Sarbu (along with an offering of children’s fashions from Florence Eiseman and hand-crafted jewelry by Bijoux) offered up at the this temporary “retail shop.” With plenty of clothing and accessories for women, men and children at deeply discounted, end-of-season prices, be sure to bring cash as some vendors may not be set up to process credit cards. The $5 admission benefits the Shorewood D2D Athletics Initiative. 2100 E Capitol Dr. Parking available in the school lot at the corner of Capitol Drive and Murray Ave.
If you’re planning on attending the fourth-annual Fashion Revolution runway show at the Milwaukee Art Center May 1, 2010, I suggest you order early-bird tickets now and save $15 off the regular $30 admission price. This year’s “Galactic’ show challenges local designers to create avant-garde, out-of-the-box looks that embrace the concept of futuristic fashion. It promises to be extra exciting. Order online or stop in Boutique Revolution, 5209 W. North Ave., 414-871-0624, thefashionrevolution.com.
Savings on currently marked down fashions and accessories are about to escalate daily during the three-day super sale at Mark Pasch Ltd. Shoppers will get an additional 20 percent off on Jan. 21 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), can trim another 30 percent off on Jan. 22 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and save 40 percent extra on purchases made Jan. 23 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). 333W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-351-5634, www.markpaschltd.com.
Last week a friend of mine, bemoaning her lackluster locks yet hesitant to do anything permanent about it, asked me if I had anything to suggest. So I told her, why not take a trip to Outpost Natural Foods to pick up some Colorflage shampoo and conditioner from Giovanni? It’s rich in certified organic botanicals, vitamin and antioxidant-rich ingredients. With Perfectly Platinum, Beautifully Blonde, Brazenly Brunette, Bold Black or Remarkable Red, no matter what color your hair may be, they’ve got something to help. Products restore vibrant color while an exclusive UV anti-fade complex shields and maintains it. In addition, they render hair silky smooth and protect it against heat damage. 2826 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-755-3201; 100 E. Capitol Dr., 414-961-2597, outpostnaturalfoods.coop.
On Jan. 20 (4-8 p.m.), Mequon’s Quintessa Medical Spa invites the public to learn more about what they have to offer in the way of professional medical skincare solutions during its grand opening event. There will be spa tours, treatment demos, free consultations, refreshments and prizes. Find out more about Ulthera, a non-surgical, face and eyelift option, Q-Renew Laser Facials, pain-free laser hair removal, permanent makeup options, and Botox and wrinkle-filler injections done by owner and on-site facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Campbell. While you’re checking the place out, be sure to enter to win a $1,500 Custom Skincare Treatment. Be one of the first 200 guests to arrive and receive a free gift bag valued at $250. All guests will receive a complimentary $50 gift card good toward any spa treatment. 10604 N. Port Washington Rd., 262-242-7772, quintessamedicalspa.com.
Finally, another beauty tip. Before booking a bit of indulgent all-about-me time at the wonderful WELL spa & Janice Salon located in the historic Pfister hotel, be sure to log on to milwaukee.prettycity.com to print promotional coupons good for deep discounts on a variety of spa packages and beauty services. 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-277-9207, pfisterwellspa.com.
CHECK OUT:
While it lasts at Harleys: All remaining seasonal men’s fashions are 50 percent off. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
Right now at Fred: All holiday and winter fashion is a whopping 75 percent off. 524 N. Water St., 414-273-3733 & 4407 N. Oakland Ave., 414-967-7760, fredboutique.com.
Jan. 20 & 21 (7 p.m.) at Waterford Wine Company: Learn more about how this wine got so famous and pick out a personal favorite from offerings by Saint Innocent Justice Vineyard, Ken Write Cellars, Bergstrom De Lancelloti and more at one of two Oregon Pinot Noir tastings. $20 a person. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
Beginning Jan. 21 at Vino 100 (Wauwatosa store): Music Nights (held almost every Thursday this winter) kick off with acoustic guitar covers by Troy Hergert. Stop in to enjoy a congenial sip of wine, beer, soda, coffee or hot chocolate. 1442 Underwood Ave., 414-456-9463, vino100tosa.com.
Until Jan. 22 at Lela: Celebrate manager Tracey Golden’s birthday by answering Tracey Trivia Questions correctly and save up to 30 percent off your purchase. 321 N. Broadway, 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
Until Jan. 24 at Embelezar: Save 10 percent off all wonderful, regularly priced merchandise and special orders, and 25-75 percent off clearance. 241 N. Broadway, 414-224-7644.
Jan. 28 at Luci (downtown location): Swing by the store for an After The Holidays event. Enjoy complimentary sushi, champagne and a great mix of music, and feel good doing it because 10 percent of the evening’s sales will benefit breast cancer research. 532 N. Water St., 414-226-0114, luciboutique.com.
Through Feb. 14 at Neroli Salon & Spa: Shine up dull winter hair with a complimentary Glossing Treatment ($30 value) when you book any hair service. 325 E. Chicago St., 414-227-2888, nerolispa.com.
Through Feb. 14 at Institute of Beauty and Wellness: Enjoy a complimentary Body Polish or Herbal Wrap with any facial. 342 N. Water St., 414-227-2889, institutebw.com.
