Window Shopping

New Shopping Content!

2008-07-25T16:15:00.002-05:00

Parlez-vous francais? Don't worry, you don't need to to enjoy reading about Greenway Station's Savoir Faire, featured in my August column. This cute and quirky gift and home accessories store has been around for ten years.

Window Shopping: Know Where to Go

RESTAURANT UPDATE

2008-07-21T18:45:00.001-05:00

Yet another Indian restaurant is opening on the square: Flavors of India (on Mifflin near State). Plaka (410 E. Wilson St., formerly Cleveland’s Diner) FINALLY opens tomorrow (July 22) for breakfast and lunch. It will be another few weeks before they start serving dinner. Great Deal: Woof’s (114 King Street) Monday thru Friday Happy Hour… sit outside and enjoy full-size, half-price drinks from 4 to 7 p.m. Another real deal is Madison Magazine Restaurant Week which begins this Sunday, July 27. If you’ve never participated in a past Restaurant Week, you’ve definitely missed some great menus at ridiculously low prices. More info about this even can be found here.

To the Max

2008-07-18T12:36:00.004-05:00

This weekend is Maxwell Street Days, Madison’s biggest shopping sale. Sidewalk sales will prevail as shoppers can pick and choose what items strike their fancy. Whether it’s a quirky, cool gift from Pop Deluxe, a slick T-shirt from Jazzman or a bejeweled something from Art Gecko, savings are to be had.

Bop started up the party by having a “preview sale” Thursday for mailing list customers. From what I understand bop’s sale can get pretty crowded and intense: Madison Magazine intern (and big shopper) Andrea told me the store had bins of jeans marked at sixty dollars on Thursday, along with lots of other markdowns on designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs. I think I’m going to have to make a stop; hey, in the current economic climate you can’t beat sixty dollars for high-end jeans!

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art museum store is having its sale indoors during Maxwell Street Days. Posters will be five and ten dollars each, along with sales on items like jewelry, toys, books and more.

Fanny Garver Gallery will be offering fifty percent off select items, which will include: art glass, jewelry, pictures and more.

Photos: Top two, Little Luxuries, bottom two, Pop Delxue

Other participants:
Fashion: Citrine, Goodwill Industries, The Peacock, Sassafras, Karen & Co., Jazzman, Lands’ End Not Quite Perfect Store, Mango Boutique, Sacred Feather, Steve & Barry’s, Sedona, Tiger Lily, Wintersilks and Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Madison Sole, Jack’s Shoes
Sporting Goods: Fontana Sport Specialties, Sports World, Yellow Jersey
Arts, Gifts, Jewelry: Anthology, Art Gecko, Capitol Kids, B-Side Compact Discs, The Fanny Garver Gallery, Little Luxuries, The Pipefitter, Pop Deluxe, Poster Master, Shangri-La Collections, Sunshine Daydream, Tellus Mater, Tropic Jewel
Health and Beauty: Community Pharmacy, The Soap Opera
Books: A Room of One’s Own, Mimosa Books & Gifts, Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative, Shakti
visitdowntownmadison.com
MMoCA, 227 State St., 257-0158. mmoca.org
Fanny Garver Gallery, 230 State St. fannygarvergallery.com
Bop, 222 W. Gorham St. 255-2570. shopbop.com

My Buy of the Week: A Summer Scent

2008-07-18T12:33:00.003-05:00

So if Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears wear it, should you wear it too? Uhhhhh, let me clarify: if it’s Ed Hardy’s new “Tattooed Fruity Floral” scent, you should. The celebs above have been spotted wearing Hardy’s lifestyle line (designed by Christian Audigier) like hoodies, hats and tees with Hardy’s signature tattoo style (skulls, flowers, bulldogs, serpents). But Hardy’s scent (which I have tried) is surprisingly soft, sweet and refreshing—not at all heavy like you’d expect it to be.
The description reads: “The fragrance opens with top notes of apple soufflé, mango, wild strawberry and ruby red grapefruit leading into subtle hints of mid-note freesia petals. The sweet fruity opening warms with the skin to give rise to the bottom notes of warm amber, vanilla pudding and tonka bean …”
Yum. Pick it up at Macy’s.
Macy’s, 702 N. Midvale Blvd. 232-2525. macys.com

Dog Days

2008-07-18T12:31:00.002-05:00

I’m a sucker for those lame-o celeb tabloids. A friend bought me a subscription to US Weekly for my birthday, and I occasionally pick up Life & Style or In Touch. Yes, I feel it necessary to know what is going on with The Hills crew or what jeans Rachel Bilson bought recently … or something. Ahem. What was I talking about again?
Ah, yes. You too, can have celebrity for a dog! Bad dog frida is holding a contest for dog owners to submit photos of their beloved fuzzy one for the chance to be featured on a custom label treat bag! Owners should submit ten dollars (which will be donated to the shop’s featured rescue group, Greyhound Pets of America) and a print photo (no digital files) by July 31. Photos should be labeled on back with your name, dog’s name and your contact information. Photos will not be returned.
The winner will receive five free bags of treats, ten percent off all future purchases of the treats and of course, people stopping you on the street to ask if they can have Ruf’s autograph. You’ll both be so cool, you’ll have to wear shades.
bad dog frida, 2094 Atwood Ave. 442-6868. baddogfrida.com

Model Musings

2008-07-18T12:27:00.003-05:00

So, it comes with the territory of reading fashion magazines that the majority of models are stick-skinny. Just the way the fashion world works. Recently though, I saw two surprising (and cool) fashion spreads: the models featured weren’t stick-thin and dare I say it … normal looking!
Paige Premium Denim’s (known for their great-fitting jeans) fall 2008 lookbook features two women modeling various denim looks that don’t appear to be a size zero! It really is nice for women to see these realistic looking models and say, “Hey, she looks like me.” Although the models are thin, they’re not size zeros and they’ve got some curves to them (a butt and hips! Who knew?).
American Apparel (whose store opens on State Street soon) also favors models that have interesting and different looks. Women (of all ethnicities) are featured: many don’t have washboard stomachs and perfect, freckle-free faces. It’s really neat to see these little, positive changes crop up in the beauty and fashion industry.
Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty was one of the first companies to hold a magnifying lens to the beauty industry and consciously choose women that had real-looking bods and faces; pretty neat. For real.
paigepremiumdenim.com
American Apparel, 502 State St. 250-8100. americanapparel.net

Fashion Update

2008-07-18T12:24:00.002-05:00

As I wrote about previously, Milwaukee Fashion Week (October 3–6) held an Open Call for new talented designers. MFW organizer Hillary Fry tells me designers chosen to show their collections during the week should be announced by August 1. Next week the designers will attend a meet-and-greet at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Close to forty designers entered the Open Call.
The best part? One of the designers will receive one thousand dollars to spend on shoes for their collection from zappos.com.
“We’re excited about this, to give people here more exposure and have more opportunities to launch their line by showing here,” says Fry.
fashionbythelake.com

What Do I Do All Day?

2008-07-10T17:01:00.005-05:00

What does it mean to be a Best of Madison winner? To me, it means that your shoppers have rated your customer service, merchandise selection and overall store look and concept as top-notch. As we know, local retailers don’t have as many resources (i.e. money, staff) as big-box retailers like Target, or department stores like Macy’s, to launch huge, fancy marketing campaigns, weather a downturn in the economy or quickly replace employees that quit or are fired. I have heard various stories from local retailers on the struggles and rewards of being a boutique owner.

In a smaller city like Madison, local retailers have to differentiate themselves from other local shops and offer something different. Shops that offer (for example) unusual clothing lines, kitchen products, furniture or handmade jewelry are going to be the ones that will do better than those who deal in the same-old, same-old. Gold winner for men’s clothing Jazzman does just that: offers lines that can’t be found anywhere else, with staffers that are friendly and approachable. Gents can find everything from casual wear to dapper suits to fit every occasion. Prices are affordable as well. Silver winner Woldenberg’s and bronze winner Context each offers its own merits of why customers of all ages like these shops, too.

Or take J. LaMore, gold winner in the women’s clothing category. Jennifer LaMore’s savvy eye for what women like surely resonated with voters. Cute shoes, jewelry, cocktail dresses and premium denim round out her shop’s selection. Of course silver winner Woldenberg’s and bronze winner Terese Zache Designs deserve props too for their genuine employees, well-crafted clothing and attractive interiors.

What about stores that didn’t win (but deserve to)? Simply put, it’s a reader’s poll and editorially, we don’t have control over what our readers say, we just report the findings. I received an email from a reader the other day lamenting Madison Magazine readers’ choice of Macy’s for the gold winner in men’s and women’s clothing (chain). He thought that Macy’s “single handedly wiped the regional department store off the face of the earth,” pointing out that Marshall Field’s was a much better department store in its day. In fact, there’s a group (fieldsfanschicago.com) that is pining to bring Field’s back! He and I had a spirited exchange about how the reader’s poll operates and how I choose the shops I highlight in the magazine.

So, how do I choose the shops I highlight? A couple of different criteria go into my choices. One, is the shop new? Is it a local retailer? Those are the two first things I look at. If the store isn’t new, why is it worthy of being covered (I only get to write twelve columns a year!)? What is the owner’s background, and are they offering something unique to the market? Is the merchandise selection quality and reflective of what the Madison market will buy? Finally, is the store interior attractive and inviting? (I have been in stores where this is NOT the case; I have chosen not to write about those places).

So, that’s what your trusty style editor does in her day-to-day doings. Now you know! And more importantly you know that Madison Magazine has high standards for every topic we cover, whether it’s retail or restaurants.

And so do our readers.

Jazzman, 340 State St. 256-2062.
Woldenberg's, 702 N. Midvale Blvd. 233-4300. woldenbergs.com
Context, 113 King St. 250-0113. contextclothing.com
J LaMore, 2701 Monroe St. 238-2119. jlamore.com
Terese Zache Designs, 702 N. Midvale Blvd. 310-4100. teresezache.com

Happenings

2008-07-10T16:58:00.002-05:00

Three Orange Doors is having a Sidewalk Sale Thursday, July 10 through Saturday, July 12. Look for a twenty percent off coupon on page 100 in our July issue!
Owner Gail Paraskevas stocks vintage items like reclaimed furniture, dishware, decorative accessories and new crafty items, like handmade jewelry.
Three Orange Doors, 2789 Fitchrona Rd. 848-3336. 3orangedoors.com

Natasha Vora is holding a customer appreciation drawing at her store INDOCARA for the month of July. Enter to win a $180 hand-carved marble lotus tray. She’s also having a sale this month so stop in to check out the deals. INDOCARA was a silver a Best of Madison winner in the upscale furniture and home accessories category.
Indocara, 540 W. Washington Ave. 251-7711. indocara.com

Next week: coverage of Madison’s biggest shopping event, Maxwell Street Days.

Party Pics

2008-07-04T10:50:00.005-05:00

Did you know that Madison Magazine is now posting "Party Pics" on the website? That's right, partygoers can now check out fun times and purchase pics. Check out pics from our Best of Madison party! I also posted two here from my own camera to show off the beautiful dress I wore. Constructed of white silk dupioni and made by local designer Jess Newman, I got compliments on her handiwork all night!

The first picture is with the (incognito) folks that own Weary Traveler, Natt Spil and Magnus, Prentice and Chris Berge.

The second photo is with myself, Angela Richardson and Mad Mag's editor, Brennan Nardi.

Sale, Art and Fashion!

2008-07-04T10:31:00.007-05:00

Exciting bop news! Shoppers will get twenty percent off of all non-sale items until Sunday, July 6 (the store is closed July 4). The promotion is in-store only.
Shop away!
bop, 222 W. Gorham St. 255-2570. shopbop.com

It’s almost Art Fair on the Square time. This year, shoppers can “pre shop” artists’ wares at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s website (MMoCA puts on Art Fair). This is the first year for this neat feature, according to Terry Boehner, marketing assistant with MMoCA. Items include paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, glass, fiber/leather and more. Although people can’t buy the items directly from the site, shoppers can get a preview of what to look at and click on links that will take them to the artists’ websites.
“People can start looking at things to get an idea of what artists’ booths they want to visit and map out a strategy,” says Boehner.
This year is Art Fair’s fiftieth anniversary.
Art Fair on the Square, July 12-13. Sat 9a-6p, Sun 10a-5p. 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. mmoca.org

A while back I wrote about Madison Fashion Week. Now Milwaukee is hosting its first-ever Fashion Week, October 3-6. The entire weekend sounds quite ambitious, with appearances from designers Gilles Montezin and Lawrence Zarian; fashion writer Tia Williams and stylist Jean Vouté Pratt. Events include VIP receptions, runway shows, modeling tutorials, dinners, a riverboat cruise and meet-and-greet events. I hope that I can attend some of these rather exciting events! The weekend really sounds as if it will be a lot of fun and a fashionista’s dream come true—right in our own backyard!
New designers can even break into the biz by applying to an open call event. The juried event will be held during Fashion Week at the Pfister Hotel. If you know anyone locally that should apply, encourage them to do so!
I’ll be writing more about Milwaukee Fashion Week as the events get closer.
Also look for another Madison Fashion Week this fall!
Milwaukee Fashion Week, October 3-6. fashionbythelake.com

My Buy of the Week

2008-06-26T17:06:00.008-05:00

This is a feature I hope to incorporate every week—picking out a cool item that I like. It may or may not be something I've bought. Let's hope I don't post a new item I've actually bought every week … shopping addiction, anyone? Just kidding. I'm out and about a lot, so I'd like to share with readers some hip little snag-able items here and there that our retailers are, well, retailing.
This week's item is NOT from a local retailer. It's a heavy plastic striped bangle from Express (forgive my picture-taking skills). It's so flashy, so Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, that I had to share it with you guys. Not to mention it's so ridiculously over-the-top in '80s coolness. It's bright and punchy, and will kick up my summer ensembles.

Express, West Towne Mall, express.com

The Declaration of Independents

2008-06-26T16:54:00.005-05:00

I attended a Dane Buy Local "Independents Celebration" today. The name of the event of course is a play on words; "independents" meaning independent retailers in Madison. Speakers talked about—what else—the importance of buying local.
Rick Brooks dressed up as Paul Revere because what else would one do at an Independents Day Celebration but sign the Declaration of Independents? Mayor Dave Cieslewicz stressed the impact buying local has on our economy, adding that a dollar spent locally is reinvested in the community as many as three to five times.
The celebration also upped awareness for Dane Buy Local's Guide to Local Services that just came out. Its three hundred-plus members are categorized in an easy-to-find fashion with labels like "Restaurant/Hospitality," "Gifts/Kids/Pets/Home" and "Business to Business."
Attendees included local businessowners like Orange Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports, Jim Bradley of Home Savings Bank, Josie Pradella of TerraSource Gourmet Chocolates and Jack Garver of Fanny Garver Gallery.
Dane Buy Local, danebuylocal.com

News

2008-06-26T16:39:00.003-05:00

The High Noon Craftacular is once again upon us. Handmade jewelry, clothing, bags, stationery, home goods and gifts are what’s available. Although The Glitter Workshop is closed, they’ve kept this tradition alive. The first fifty shoppers get a free swag bag, too. Sponsors include Anthology on State Street, a shop that also peddles a lot of handmade, crafty things. Tami Beirne, owner of the Boho Bauble, will also be selling her jewelry.
The High Noon Summer Craftacular, Saturday, June 28. 10a–4p. High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Info: Naomi@glitterworkshop.com or 219-5933.

Speaking of Anthology, a recent email from the shop is trumpeting all of their great new stuff in stock. A recent trip to the New York Stationery Show yielded half a dozen new greeting card lines. They’re also excited about a new paper line from Italy that features Florentine architecture, pasta, poppies and typewriters. Sounds interesting.
Of course they’re always hosting events like bridal showers, birthday parties and kids’ events. So stop in and create a postcard July 1–15 or July 16–31 to make a paper garland for good wishes for yourself or a friend.
They’ve also started a new blog: anthology .typepad.com.
Anthology, 218 State St. 204-2644. anthology.typepad.com

On down the line to Epoch at 214 State St. I stopped in recently to check in with Jennifer Brewster on her new digs (photos at left). The store is painted in fun, eye-popping colors and is chock full of great, min t-condition vintage stuff. Brewster only carries items from the 1970s and older.
She also stocks reworked vintage stuff like button rings and brooches and old polyester pants that have been revamped into cute skirts.
Brewster has such an eye for vintage that she can usually eye up an item and tell instantly what era (Epoch is “era” in Latin, by the way) it’s from. When she and I visited she pulled out a shoebox of items a customer had recently dropped off. It contained a beautiful Grecian-style copper necklace, bracelet and earrings. She also pulled out a lightweight aluminum bracelet and earring set with a bird engraving. Brewster told me both were from the 1950s. She also pointed out a cherry red Bakelite earring and bangle set (retail price: $65). Neat stuff!
Epoch, 214 State St. 255-2385.

Madison Magazine’s BEST of Madison party is this Friday June 27. All winners and attendees receive a gift bag. I have my hands on a sneak preview of what’s in the lovely, reusable Trader Joe’s grocery bag:
-Ancora Coffee
-A FREE thirty-minute massage or pure focus facial from Styles Salon Spa
-Money-saving coupons from J. LaMore, Ann Taylor, Dazzle and Pop Deluxe
-A buy one get one lunch coupon from the Capitol ChopHouse
-Candinas Chocolates
-A buy one get one coupon from Stella’s Bakery for use at the Farmers’ Market
-Savings coupons from JukeBox Bandstand and Madison Magazine

In other words, our swag bag is just as swanky as say, the freebies in the gift suites at the Oscars. Weeelll, maybe that’s a stretch but hey, you can’t argue with free stuff, right? I’m making my appointment for that massage ASAP!!

Recently I did a with Heidi Anderson, owner of unearthed. Anderson’s cool little digs received national attention on Dwell magazine’s website!
I love what Dwell blogger Michael Cannell "wwrote about the shop: “Why are we so sentimental about American life of an earlier era? unearthed, a small shop in Madison, Wisconsin sells oddly beautiful vintage items, typically from farms, factories and schools, like the 1960s classroom lab tables shown above and the carnival bottles below. ‘Each one with a story to tell,’ said Heidi Anderson, its founder. ‘They offer the kind of character that speaks in loud whispers to the sharp observer.’” Way to go, Heidi!
Anderson’s pieces are reworked in such a way that to an observer they’re familiar (those beakers from high school science class) but transformed into beautiful, useful and decorative objects for the home.
unearthed, 2501 University Ave. (across from Lombardino’s) 441-1993. unearthedmadison.com

David Bacco Chocolats opened in Hilldale Shopping Center in late May. Previously, Bacco’s chocolates were featured at CoCoLiQuot (now closed).
According to Bacco, popular flavors at the store include caramel, cashew caramel, Pomegranate Malbec, Tahitian Vanilla and Honey Lavender. Prices: $1.80/single; $8.25/4-piece; $15.50/8-piece; $22.50/15-piece.
David Bacco Chocolats, 550 Midvale Blvd. 233-6100. davidbacco.com

Changes

2008-06-26T16:03:00.003-05:00

American Apparel will be opening in the old Reebok space at 502 State St. This is exciting news for shoppers because of American Apparel’s great selection of basics as well as trend-forward must-haves. American Apparel stores are now located in thirty-one states, including the two sites that are opening in Wisconsin. The second location, in Milwaukee, will be on the city’s east side in Kenilworth Square, off of Prospect Avenue. The brand is based out of Los Angeles.
American Apparel’s stuff for the most part are layerable items like tanks, tees and leggings, spruced up with slimmer, more flattering fits. Their T-shirts are not like the three-pack of Hanes men’s tees you can pick up at Target. Some items are a little … crazy for my taste, like the copper-colored high-waisted leggings and of course, the multicolor bodysuit. Despite some of these off-the-wall items (I don’t know if this store will carry these or these are just online items), I do like American Apparel’s basics: their scoop-neck tanks, T-shirts, tracksuits and polo dresses, all of which I own.
P.S. Please, please, please do not buy this item if they sell it in the store! It’s not 1990 again, people.
American Apparel, 502 State St. 250-8100. americanapparel.net

Have you been to Lou Rags, the vintage store in Verona? If you haven’t, you’d better visit there by July 31. Owner Loura Turner is closing the storefront and offering discounts on her lovely vintage selection. Eventually Turner wants to reopen on the east side of Madison and have her children run the store. Turner is currently (and will continue) selling her lovely vintage items online at luvvintage.com.
Her items are certainly worth the trip though. I spied an exquisite peacock-blue scoop-neck sheath dress with painstaking hand beading all over. The tag read “Made in Hong Kong for the British Crown.” From the ’60s, it was selling for $195. I saw sparkling cocktail rings, Art Deco-esque necklaces, cheery cotton sundresses and a cherry-red Oleg Cassini suit (famous clothier of Jacqueline Kennedy in her First Lady days).
A walk to the back of the store reveals vintage coats, belts and a huge, huge array of every vintage button you could ever want.
“People want things that are made well,” says Turner. “These things are individual and unique.”
Lou Rags, 215 S. Main St., Verona. 848-2747. luvvintage.com

Do you remember the old Kimia Lounge? Well it’s being turned into Utpala Tibetan Rugs, which was formerly a little down the street at 122 State St. I walked by last week and saw work being done on the inside and some rugs already on display.
Utpala Tibetan Rugs, 122 State St. 259-9395.

MoCo Market will be closing Sunday, July 6. Owner Megan Ramey will be moving back to Boston to live with her husband Kyle. Ramey reports in her newsletter that she “wanted to change the way people lived—less car, more life. My head is bursting with ideas regarding urban planning, brand innovation, sustainable business practices and eco-tourism.”
All retail (except Etsy items) will be seventy-five percent off. Ramey is also selling her restaurant supplies like coolers, a freezer and more via silent auction.
MoCo Market, 804 Willimason St. 250-6626.

Wallet Feeling Lighter? Shop Smart With These Tips

2008-06-12T12:53:00.005-05:00

How many times have you heard that gas is so expensive now? Or consumers are "tightening their belts" on spending? Or the dollar isn't stretching as far as it used to? Well, not to sound repetitive, but it's true we're in some tough economic times. How does a fashionista or just a plain shopper, survive? I've got some tips.

Buy Consignment or Vintage
Exhibit A: Today's The New York Times' Style section and the article titled "When Conscience and Closet Collide." Writer Ruth La Perla discusses high-end consignment shopping, which gives shoppers a dual benefit: snagging a deal on that Nordstrom dress that was originally $300 (now maybe $150) and a chance to clear out their closet to make some dough, too. As I've pointed out before, buying consignment is also green—no new resources are being used to make that cute Theory top since it's used!
I stopped in Lady Moxie the other day (see "Tidbits" entry, below) and I found two covetable items: a thick brown/bronze braided belt and an adorable black ruffle dress. Cost? $20 and $50 respectively! A recent trip to the HospiceCare Thrift Store snagged me a $5.99 yellow cable-knit Polo sweater and long, funky chain necklace for $2.99.
Can't beat that. There are deals to be had, people.

Buy During Sales
I know, I know, you're thinking, "Tell me something I don't already know!" But you need to know when to shop. Retailers have a typical markdown schedule. Markdown schedules can be highly variable; however, a good rule of thumb is about eight to twelve weeks after an item hits the store, it'll be marked down (J. Crew seems to defy this schedule I have noticed, though :)). That means if you really want that bracelet or top and you can wait patiently (and it stays in-store, of course) it can be yours for cheap(er). The next best strategy is to befriend your favorite shop owner and get on their email list or give them your contact information. That way when that cute wrap dress is on sale, they can contact you. That's why it's a bonus to shop locally!

Buy the Next Best Thing
I'm not really an advocate of those fake Kate Spade bags you can buy in New York and whatnot. I do recommend, however, buying items that might be inexpensive but have a luxe look to them. That adorable Coach nail-head enamel bracelet for $68? Yeah, I saw almost the exact same version at Target for $12.99. And then I waited to purchase it until it got marked down and I got it for $5.99! (see above)
When I was shopping in Milwaukee a few months ago I saw a beautiful long necklace that looked eerily similar to Van Cleef & Arpels's "Alhambra" long necklace. If you shop locally you can score some neat stuff. And hey, the more power to ya if you can afford the Van Cleef & Arpels version!

Buy the Basics for Cheap, Splurge on the Expensive Stuff
Although I'm a local shopping champion, I realize that it's somewhat impossible to buy everything locally (I don't). My advice? Shop at Target, H&M, GAP, Old Navy et cetera, for the basic stuff. I buy my favorite long scoopneck Ts from H&M, long ribbed tanks from Old Navy and flip-flops from Target. Trendy jewelry is another item I buy for cheap.
What to splurge on? A statement handbag, coat, shoes or jeans. Items that you know you'll use for a long time and will weather the years well. My favorite jeans? Rock & Republic (don't ask how much they are :)). My favorite wool pants from Club Monaco are $100+. Local shops offer all kinds of fun items to splurge (or save) on.
Want some vintage-looking jewelry? Stop at Little Luxuries and check out their La Vie Parisienne line (a lot cheaper than a jewelry store!) Or go to the brand-new Atticus to check out the line of beautiful, delicate 14K gold charm necklaces by Mine Jewelry owner Kristin Wild carries.

Make Small Updates
Feeling "blah" lately? Making some small tweaks in your wardrobe can be just the ticket. Pick up a hot new pair of shoes, bangle or inexpensive clutch to punch up an outfit. Dazzle is a good candidate for any of the above (minus the shoes). Or check out Patricia Shoppe for jewelry, shoes and handbags.
Want a non-clothing way to jazz up your (or someone else's) day? Pick up a sassy and heartfelt card from a local retailer and give it to a friend who needs some cheering up. I just stopped in Savoir Faire at Greenway Station and picked up a card for a friend and last week's trip to Pop Deluxe yielded a hilarious birthday card for my brother.

Atticus, 18 N. Carroll St. 204-9001.
Dazzle, 8426 Old Sauk Rd. 826-4455.
HospiceCare Thrift Store, 122 Junction Rd. 833-4556. hospicecareinc.com
Lady Moxie, 6706 Odana Rd. 826-4268. ladymoxie.com
Little Luxuries, 230 State St. 255-7372.
Patricia Shoppe, 137 W. Johnson St. 256-1111. patriciashoppe.com
Pop Deluxe, 310 State St. 256-1966. popdeluxe.net
Savoir Faire, 1701 Deming Way. 831-7800.

Tidbits

2008-06-12T12:37:00.003-05:00

It’s the start of wedding season and The Artful Home is here for you. Need help selecting a gift? Click on the Wedding Gift Guide and pick from a dazzling array of gifts for the betrothed. Shoppers can pick from pricey (Rock Cottage Glassworks turquoise/yellow art glass bowl for $1,075, anyone?) to more affordable (Lilach Lotan Pottery’s Signature teapot for $150). According to a recent company press release the wedding gift guide will remain available year-round. Tabs like Traditional Elegance, Feather Their Nest, Elegant Edibles A Little Avant-Garde and Wedding Bands give shoppers plenty of eye candy to look at and ensure that the soon Mr.-and-Mrs.-To-Be will love your gift.
theartfulhome.com

Did you know that one of Madison’s local retailers just got a national shout-out? That’s right, Elizabeth Wewerka’s Lady Moxie was recently featured in Entrepreneur Magazine in the article “Launch for Less.” I read the article and was happy that Wewerka’s consignment store was recognized for her hard work. The article discusses start-up businesses that are relatively inexpensive to launch.
Lady Moxie, 6706 Odana Rd. 826-4268. ladymoxie.com

Ma-cha Teahouse and Art Gallery always has something going on. Customers can attend tea tastings, visit the art gallery, or book a private tea service. Either way, it’s pretty tempting when some of the teas you can try include an Iced Coconut and “Dreamsicle” matcha latte or a Green Tea Mojito. Plus Ma-cha is expanding their menu and will be offering more lunch sandwiches and more vegan options.
Ma-Cha Teahouse and Art Gallery, 1934 Monroe St. 442-0500. machateahouse.com

Closings
drunknBUTTERFLY, located on East Johnson Street, is closing. Right now owner Layla Martin is offering thirty percent off of everything in the store (clothing, accessories and shoes).
drunknBUTTERFLY, 845 E. Johnson St. 256-9119. drunknBUTTERFLY.com

Dottie Rose in Middleton is closing. It’s too bad, because owner Melissa Ernst’s collection of high-end consignment clothing (some new stuff too) was truly unique. Ernst pointed out the closing of Tickled Pink and the Middleton Antique Mall severely cut down on foot traffic in downtown Middleton. Add in a tough winter (hello, snowfall!) and it’s a recipe for tough times.
But Ernst is moving on to another retail venture: Harbor Wellness Lifestyle Boutique. Ernst will manage and buy for the shop inside of Harbor Athletic Club. They’ll carry VFish, a Chicago designer; She-Bible, organic cotton clothing; See Thru Soul denim and Blue Canoe clothing.
“We’re just really seeing a need here for more versatile lifestyle wear in Madison,” says Ernst. “People like to be able to wear something to the gym and then out to the grocery store. We’re so busy now.”
Look for the boutique to carry most of these lines come August; Ernst says by December the shop will carry even more lines and merchandise.
In the meantime, everything at Dottie Rose is fifty percent off. get it while the deals are hot!
Dottie Rose, 1835 Parmenter St. 831-9099.

I was strolling down State Street the other week and saw that Sedona (330 State St.) was having a store closing sale.

New Shopping Content!

2008-06-03T14:35:00.002-05:00

From the June 2008 Issue:

What to buy NOW at the Farmers' Market
Fab Finds: Fresh Finds

Wondering what to get Dad? We decipher what to get him this Father's Day
Style Sheet: Dads Decoded

Iconi Interiors is an icon in the making
Window Shopping: Old and New

TOP DESIGN
Meet Madison's four design stars
BONUS! Watch interviews with each designer here

Stylemaker Q&A

2008-05-23T17:01:00.011-05:00

I first wrote about Heidi Anderson’s unearthed, an “architectural and vintage finds” business, when it was housed in the top floor of Hue Gallery. When Hue’s owners decided to change it over Ma-Cha Teahouse, Anderson found herself looking for her own space and she found it: on University Avenue across from Lombardino’s. “I like the location I’m at because it’s within a neighborhood,” says Anderson. “It’s a little offbeat where I am so the rent is low, so I can also afford to be out looking for pieces. I also have this wonderful stoplight that I have a captive audience because there’s a high density of drive by traffic.” (photo, left: red and white metal gas station numbers)

A lot of storeowners I’ve talked to were doing something totally different before they decided to pursue their retail passion full-time. That sounds like the case with you.
I used to do marketing at the [Wisconsin] Union writing membership newsletters and promotional pieces. I’ve found it to be extremely valuable as I update my website and send out marketing pieces to my customers. There were a lot of business skills that collided with my passion for found objects as art for the home.
My interest [in unearthed] is just personal and it’s always been there in my own decorating but I started pursuing seriously five years ago. I took baby steps with the typical route; renting a booth at a mall to see how it feels. Then you see the reaction you get from the public and move forward with that.
I started noticing businesses like Scout in Chicago doing something similar. I wondered if Madison wasn’t right for this. I was always conscious of keeping the overhead low and then I could price accordingly and build my business over time, realizing that Madison didn’t offer anything like this. It seemed urban enough to support it.
I was at Hue [Gallery] for two years. Prior to that I had my own warehouse and prior to that, I was in antique malls. I also sell on websites like vintageandmoderininc.com. That helps me reach the coasts. It’s helped me sell to a New York architectural firm that’s renovating a Manhattan hotel.

Where do you go to find the items you sell?
I tend to concentrate on Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. I go to the small towns and look in the antique shops. What I look for is more edgy and urban than what some stores have.
There’s a great salvage shop in Dubuque, Iowa called Restoration Warehouse. I go to the Elkhorn fair in Elkhorn. I’m always looking.
I do have some people bring things to me now that they know what I’m looking for. (photo, left: industrial stool)

What businesses around town have your pieces?
Pasqual’s in Verona has several stained glass windows that they’ve used as dividers between customer areas and the kitchen. They also bought some decorative urns.
Ken [Monteleone] from Fromagination purchased quite a bit. He was looking for unique character pieces. He bought blue stools, maps, clocks that came from the state Capitol and seed sacks that represented farms in Wisconsin.
Another recent customer was Café Four in Mineral Point. They opened April 1; they make pizzas in a woodburning oven. The owner purchased quite a few things to decorate the space as well, such as tractor and farm implements like harrows and seed wheels. He also bought wooden foundry patterns, dental cabinets to use as serving stations and seed sacks to decorate the space. You know, they just become conversation pieces.

What are some of your most popular pieces?
People have reacted very well to some of the ceiling tins as wall hangings. They have a beautiful orange patina and they’re from an old schoolhouse. The color makes people feel good and there’s that history that can be shared.
People are fascinated by the stories behind everything that has an industrial nature or a utilitarian past, like the vases I have that are made out of vintage wallpaper rollers.
Right now I have a series of posters taken from the old Dick and Jane books and they’re full size. Everyone recognizes those. One person purchased them for a baby’s bedroom; one gentleman purchased it for his office.
When people come in and they recognize something they always want to share a story; like about the lab stools I have from a high school.

What are some unique items you’re carrying right now?
Seven old jewelers’ worktables (left). Each one has the original markings on it from when two jewelers worked side by side on the solid maple station. They have four drawers where the jewelers stored their jewels and tools overnight and they’ve got burn marks from the welding torches. They all have so much quality and character.
I tend to try and find things that I can display in multiples even though they’re unique. You create a sense of design rhythm when you have multiples.
I also have some wasp’s nests that are used as decorative art and hung from the ceiling. It’s a perfect example of art coming from nature that you can use in the home.

What is your artistic process when you refurbish something?
I’m attracted to things thing that have sculptural integrity; things that have character. I do tend to favor things that have an industrial past: farms, factories, schools, even. It’s not like I got out looking a specific item; the item usually presents itself.
Then it becomes a matter of, say, adding a piece of glass to make it a table or adding a mirror to an old Gothic window.

Do you work with interior designers at all?
Occasionally I work with interior designers. I would love for more of them to discover us as a viable option for design.

Obviously the “green” movement is hot. Using found objects for art sounds pretty green.
There was a woman in today that deals specifically in green design and we talked quite a I am crossing paths with other groups locally that have the same interest as recycled, reused, refurbished things.
Right now I’m showcasing the tiles from the Rennebohm’s on University and Randall. The Madison trust for Historic Preservation salvaged all of the prisms and are selling them as a benefit. People can buy them as a little piece of history.

I assume your home contains a lot of your pieces.
It does. It seems to be an incubator for pieces and they sit there a while, and then they move over to the shop. My kids always grew up with strange things in the living room.

How much time do you spend scouting for items?
It’s something of a seasonal issue because spring, summer and fall are much more active. It’s usually ten to fifteen hours a week; half the time I’m scouting, half the time I’m in the shop. That time might include finding a welder to make a stand so that those old floor grates can become pedestal tables. It’s a part of the business I do enjoy.

Do you work with a lot of local craftspeople?
I use a welder, upholsterer, carpenter/woodworker, and someone for metal refurbishing.
Recently I had to go to an auto body shop to find someone to help me restore a brass cabinet (below) from the state Capitol. They’re old fire hose cabinets and they’re gorgeous.

Any exciting future plans for the shop?
I'm teaming up with a talented local jeweler, Mary Jane Armstrong, to display her jewelry in the shop. She often uses recycled material in her work (metalm estudio.com).

unearthed
2501 University Ave. (across from Lombardino’s) 441-1993
Hours: Thurs, Fri, Sat 12–6; anytime by appointment
unearthedmadison.com

Madison's Hottest Shopping Websites

2008-05-16T13:54:00.009-05:00

We all know the virtues of shopping online—it’s easy, you can do it in your pajamas, et cetera. Shopping locally, here are what I think are the best designed and most navigable sites right now. (Above: Lauren Merkin "Eve" clutch from JC Madison)

Context
Co-owners and denim connoisseurs Sam and Ben Parker and Ryan Huber have gained quite a reputation for the most coveted and exclusive denim selection around—and in the world, in some cases. Huber pointed out a pair to me the last time I was in the shop that is exclusive to Context (the only other store carrying the brand was its flagship store). Also check out the website’s “Eco-Denim” tab featuring Nudie Denim and Apolis Activism tees. contextclothing.com

Fair Indigo
Four former Lands’ End execs are the founders of Fair Indigo: Bill Bass, Elizabeth Ragone, Don Hughes and Rob Behnke. This site is particularly exciting because shoppers can get to know the people behind their purchases, like Gladys from Montevideo, Uruguay who makes the brand’s seasonless sweaters. Or check out the new eco-friendly baby line which features recycled fleece and organic cotton. I also like the close-up feature that lets web browsers hold their clicker over a garment and it shows a close-up of the fabric weave and detail of the item. fairindigo.com

The Guild
The crème de la crème of a beautifully designed art website. Originally started by Toni Sikes as a website to market artists’ work to designers and architects, Sikes decided to open up the business to regular old art lovers via The Artful Home catalog. The artfulhome.com website followed. More than ten thousand items like glasswork, paintings, jewelry and furniture are available from 1,200 different artists. The Guild is the leading retailer of original art and craft in the country. guild.com, theartfulhome.com

JC Madison
Owner Jenny Condon moved her storefront in Greenway Station to a smaller storefront in the Greenway Industrial Park in September. The reason? To focus on the website end of her business. Condon's new space has a smaller showroom, but offers more storage space for packing up web orders and storing inventory. Condon says the web aspect of the company has been doing incredibly well. Some of that could be chalked up to mentions in Lucky, People, Marie Claire and, well, Madison Magazine. jcmadison.com

J LaMore
First of all, I’ve got to commend Jennifer LaMore, owner of J LaMore, for the website’s denim selection. Many pairs retail for—gasp!—under one hundred dollars. With a tight economy and more importantly, tight wallets, that’s good for shoppers. LaMore’s site goes one step further and incorporates a “friends blog” into the website where shoppers can connect and discuss their favorite styles and designers. Women can also “pick a friend” from the friends blog and friends are from all over—Birmingham, Ala., Hartford, Conn., Milwaukee, London, Paris and yes, even Madison. jlamore.com

Lands’ End
I would think the site’s most popular feature is the swim finder. Find mix and match separates, slenderizing suits, plus-size suits … the list goes on. It’s all there. Men will also find expanded swim options this summer with inseam length choices and more patterns and styles of shorts. Plus did you know that most of the swim stuff has UPF 50 sun protection? That’s right, kid’s, women’s and men’s swimwear all have built-in protection to block the sun’s harmful rays. Of course the site’s ever-popular casual and workwear clothing continues to be a hit. landsend.com

Sconnie.com
Admit it: you loved your college years. Now relive them with Sconnie Nation’s printed T-shirts, mugs, knit hats, hoodies and much more. Plus you can custom design your own gear whether it’s for that upcoming college reunion, family reunion or work party. sconnie.com

shopbop.com
This one’s a no-brainer. It’s gotten kudos from national pubs (Lucky, InStyle, etc. etc), plus, a few retailers here and there have mentioned it to me as a site they look to for stellar web design. It doesn’t hurt that this site features the uber-trendiest, of-the-moment looks by Marc Jacobs, McQ–Alexander McQueen, Theory, Loeffler Randall—even Lauren Conrad. Seriously, they’ve got so many brands it’s overwhelming. Check out the lookbook that literally builds outfits for you and lets shoppers buy the entire look (how easy is that??), bolster your wardrobe with “Bop Basics” and view the “Top Sellers” tab to keep up with what’s flying off the site. shopbop.com

shoptwigs.com
Another shop that’s got a stronghold on high fashion and the latest cool brands (Tory Burch, rag & bone, Gryson) in the city. Twigs has refocused a lot of their energies on their website, and it shows. Shoppers can pick an item (I chose Rock & Republic jeans) and check out up-close views of the item as well as a top or another item that’s paired with it. The website’s clean, uncluttered look is another bonus for me. shoptwigs.com

Other intriguing, locally owned stores’ websites:
indocara.com—This modern global furnishings store was started by Lands’ End alum Natasha Vora. Her web savvy is evident with an attractive, easy to navigate website.
freemarketorganics.com—Based out of Evansville, founder Amelia Royko Maurer sends out e-newsletters with “Green Tips of the Week.” Her eco-friendly website’s got kitchen goods, apparel, baby stuff and more.
centuryhouseinc.com—Your Scandinavian furnishings headquarters. Perfect for those who love the iconic and sinuous “Le Klint” hanging pendant lamp or the utilitarian, clean look of Nordic furnishings.

I Love This

2008-05-08T15:37:00.003-05:00

I was at Fontaine the other week and spied these glitzy, sparkly boxes by Archipelago. Slide out the inner part and inside is a soy wax pillar candle that smells delicious. It would make a perfect gift and heck, you wouldn’t even have to wrap it! Bonus: the box can be reused to hold trinkets or jewelry—it’s so pretty you won’t want to throw it away!
Fontaine 811 E. Johnson St. 310-8002.