Congratulations

Another shout-out goes to Coni Marotz who owns Iconi Interiors. Marotz is celebrating her one-year anniversary tonight with special sales and deals. I first wrote about her store in our June 2008 issue and have stopped back many times since—she’s always got something new. My favorite items (as I’ve written about on this blog before) are most definitely the vintage jewelry pieces she hangs from jewelry trees and displays in the glass cases up front. I adore (and drool over) the chunky strands of baubles, hefty cocktail rings and statement bracelets that take up a few inches of wrist real estate. In my opinion, Iconi would fit right in in a chic Chicago neighborhood, or perhaps on a laid-back San Francisco street—and yet, we’re lucky to have her shop right here on West Washington Avenue.
(I loooove Coni's display of her vintage barware and her vintage framed wallpapers, below).
Iconi, 534 W. Washington Ave. 441-0077. iconiinteriors.com





Anthology celebrated their year anniversary last Saturday, March 14. Owners Laura and Sachi Komai already held festivities, but you can still stop in to check out all of their new items like recycled bottle-cap necklaces, vintage-inspired charm bracelet kits, stickers, books and much more. If you haven’t been to Anthology it’s one of those shops that you can easily walk in and spend under $10 if your wallet’s tight—or more if you’ve got it! I personally favor their decorative papers, cards and jewelry.
(A rack of Anthology's decorative papers and a display in the shop).
Anthology, 218 State St. 204-2644. anthology.typepad.com

Sales and Events

Bop is holding their "very own Maxwell St. Days Sale." I have a feeling that this sale will be GOOD. In fact, the store was closed all day Thursday to prepare! Check it out.
Hours: Friday 10a–7p, Saturday 10a–6p, Sunday 11a–5p.
bop, 222 W. Gorham St. 255-2570. shopbop.com

Need any gently-used furniture? The HospiceCare Thrift Store is holding a forty percent off furniture sale through Saturday, January 10. Nightstands, coffee tables and more could be yours for a steal! With the current money situation, I think a nicely discounted piece of furniture will do.
HospiceCare Thrift Store, 122 Junction Rd. 833-4556.

Don't let the winter doldrums get you down—get crafty! Here's Anthology's project schedule for the next few weeks:

January 2–13: Mini melted wax collage. Bring in photocopies, text, magazine and catalog scraps and work with melted wax on a mini collage. $5.
January 14–23: Comb bound scrap books. Scraps of paper: maps, book pages, envelopes, and notebook paper, bound into a notebook. $5.
January 24–February 14: Valentine cards. $5 for 3 cards (what a steal!)
Anthology, 218 State St. 204-2644. anthology.typepad.com

Going Green Plus My Best Buys

The catchphrase “going green” is all but overused these days. You might even be sick of hearing it. But let’s face it: using fewer resources and reducing the amount of trash that hits the landfill is always a good thing, even if you’re sick of hearing about it!
And retailers are still going at it, selling more green products than ever. Take Fair Indigo’s recycled fleece pullovers, jackets, hats, scarves and mittens. Baby can even get in on the act with the recycled fleece buntings!
According to Fair Indigo’s newsletter, “Our fleece reduces oil consumption, toxic emissions and keeps soda bottles from filling up a landfill because it’s made from 50 percent post-consumer plastic.”
I think it’s so fascinating to know the former lives of some of the green products on the market today—a fleece made from a soda bottle? A cosmetic brush made out of bamboo and recycled aluminum (check out EcoTools at Walgreen’s)? A handbag made out of rice paper (but looks like leather, found at Atticus)?
Since green products are becoming so pervasive these days we might not even notice if a product is green—and that can be a good thing. Items are becoming so fashionably made that a T-shirt out of organic cotton or reusable shopping bags (so much more chic than paper or plastic!) are just, well, everyday things.
Like a fleece that once housed your Coca-Cola. (Above: men's recycled fleece jacket, $59)
Fair Indigo, 702 N. Midvale Blvd. fairindigo.com

With Epoch now closed, Anthology is carrying one of the vintage shop’s best-sellers, items by local artist Rebecca Light. Talk about green: Light makes pins and rings out of vintage buttons as well as embellished sweaters out of vintage fabrics and embellishments. Example: on a visit to Epoch a while back I spied a Banana Republic orange cardigan with cute ribbon sewn down the front. And a pair of men’s polyester pants sewn into a chic pencil skirt. And another pair of seventies-ish plaid pants that were made into a really cute A-line skirt. Who knew “old man” stuff could be turned into a hot outfit?
P.S.: If you didn’t read my November column on Anthology, read it here.
Anthology, 218 State St. 204-2644.

So don’t accuse me of being behind the times: I know Sephora opened in July. And I visited it a while back, only I forgot to include something about it on my blog! The shop at West Towne Mall is quite a bit smaller than other Sephora stores I’ve been in; but that’s OK, because we have a Sephora! Yay! I don’t tend to write about chains much but Sephora is very exciting because it’s a one-stop shop for all of the hot cosmetic and fragrance brands out right now, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in Madison (Sephora brand products, Make Up For Ever, Smashbox and NARS, for example).
I use NARS blush and bronzer so when I spotted a two-for-one blush and bronzer palette for $37 my eyes bugged out. You see, the bronzer alone is $29; the blush, $25. For all of you who can’t imagine spending that much on makeup you might want to skip the rest of this entry ☺
For the rest of you: I’m telling you, these products are worth it. NARS’s Laguna and Casino bronzers are universally flattering. The blush choices are either Sin or Orgasm (Orgasm is their best-selling blush). Each product delivers the right amount of bronzy color and peachy-pinkness, with a bit of shimmer. Pick from either the Laguna/Orgasm palette or the Casino/Sin palette. It’s a sure way to perk up your skin this winter. And for $37 the product lasts quite a while so you get a good value for your money. There, I’ve justified purchasing them now.
Another product worth trying out: face primer. Top makeup artists use primer underneath makeup to make makeup “stick” and last longer, plus, primers cut out shine, which is essential for photo shoots that can last all day. But you don’t need to be a model to use primer, try one out from Sephora. They were courteous enough to let me sample two of their Sephora brand primers: one gave my skin a lumiscent glow, the other cut out shine and gave my face a matte perfection.
Laura Geller is known for her primer, as is Smashbox. If you want to find one that’s less expensive, try Sephora’s “Tricks of the Trade” perfection primers ($17). They too, work very well.
Sephora, 71 West Towne Mall. 827-5958. sephora.com

Another shop I haven’t written about: American Apparel on State Street. This long-anticipated retailer is finally open so you can get your fill of striped tube socks, V-neck tees, leotards, leggings and more. Yes, many of the men’s and women’s items appear a bit … eighties to me, but that’s AA’s aesthetic: funky, updated versions of classics like an off-the-shoulder tunic and a striped rainbow T-shirt dress. Regardless, I own American Apparel gear and I like their stuff a lot. Their basics appeal to me: the long, fitted tanks, workout sweats, T-shirts and polo dresses.
The stuff that I won’t be picking up: the multicolor disco ball-esque shiny bodysuit, their teeny tiny swimsuits and a polyester pullover dress that looks like it was constructed out of hospital scrubs.
One thing to applaud American Apparel for: all of their garments are made in the U.S. under fair working conditions (despite the affordable prices). Employees make fair wages, have subsidized health insurance, free onsite massages and more.
(Above: What I won't be picking up: the "Shiny Bodysuit," priced at $34).
American Apparel, 502 State St. 250-8100. americanapparel.net

New Shopping Content!

From our November 2008 issue:

Window Shopping: Put it on Paper
Anthology on State Street is a labor of love for sisters Sachi and Laura Komai. Having worked together at Little Luxuries for years the sisters always knew they'd open up their own shop. What they didn't know is it would be on the same block as their old employer—Little Luxuries.

News

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, mint-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

Events

We all love the Farmers’ Market downtown, right? Well, Madison’s got a lot of other farmers’ markets around the city. Take the Middleton Farmers’ Market at Greenway Station. An alternative to the Saturday morning downtown market, Middleton’s market is on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The market opens next week on May 8. Find it in the parking area next to Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Another place that’s fast becoming a “lifestyle center” (a la Greenway Station) is Hilldale Shopping Center. Lifestyle centers aim to provide shoppers with an all-encompassing experience: shops, entertainment, dining and access to more basic needs, like grocery stores. What’s great about Hilldale is that it’s got local stores (Fair Indigo, Therese Zache, Jan Byce, Woldenberg’s, etc.) in addition to national chains (Anthropologie, Macy’s, Bath & Body Works, L’Occitane). It’s that valuable mix that draws shoppers in, whether they’re coming to check out a sale at Macy’s (hey, let’s be honest!) or a cool event like this weekend’s Artistic Accessories Show & Sale on May 3–4. According to a show press release, it’s “a show and sale of artistically inspired jewelry, clothing and accessories, unique one of a kind handbags, scarves, textiles, hats and wearable art.” There will be thirty-five-plus exhibitors, including some local artists like Jane Miller (East Side Bags), jeweler Diane Dohm from Dane and Vicky Kusyk Handbags.
Hilldale Artistic Accessories Show & Sale, May 3–4, Hilldale Shopping Center, 702 N. Midvale Blvd. (information: Loretta Dooley, 271-7472).

The Bohemian Bauble always, and I mean always, has stuff going on! This near-south-side gem showcases local artists’ wares in beautiful vignettes and has the friendliest staff. Find bath and body items, jewelry, vintage stuff and much more in this little enclave. This weekend is The Blossom sale on May 2–4. You can’t argue with the entire store being fifteen percent off! Owner Tami Beirne also says there will be a lot of new things for sale, and everyone’s favorite—giveaways.
Also stop by for Gallery Night on May 2 from 5–9 p.m. and get free snacks and drinks and of course, fifteen percent off.
The Blossom Sale May 2–4, 10–4.
The Bohemian Bauble 404 W. Lakeside St. 333-BOHO

One of State Street’s newest shops, Anthology, has declared May as Mom’s Month in the store. From May 1–10, drop in make mom a card for only one dollar. Can’t beat that! Plus, mom loves homemade stuff, right?
Later in the month, drop in to make a button (May 11–16), see a plaster cake demonstration (May 17) or make a comb-bound mini-notebook with stamped pages (May 19–31).
Anthology 218 State St. 204-2644.

One of my favorite stops is Lady Moxie for affordable and gently used clothing. Owner Elizabeth Wewerka always has something special (and new!) for shoppers when they stop in. Speaking of new, Wewerka recently took a trip to California where she met with some fabulous designers that she’s now carrying. Effie’s Heart is a line of comfy cotton items (I like the cute tiered, short sundress) that can be dressed up or down; Melanie Renee features crisp sundresses dressed up in vibrant colors in large exploded (and somewhat retro) prints; Evarize is a line of stretchy knit dresses.
Lady Moxie 6706 Odana Rd. 826-4268. Ladymoxie.com

Who hasn’t been to Dazzle by now? Well if you haven’t been, now is the time to go! The designer-inspired jewelry and accessories boutique just received a large shipment of new items last week. Owner Valerie Martin always is on top of the trends with her items; the last time I was there I spied animal-print items, chunky bangles, lots of metallic items and oversized clutch handbags.
Dazzle 8426 Old Sauk Rd. 826-4455.

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and The Guild has got you covered for gifts. If you’re shopping inept, don’t have a lot of time, or just plain like online shopping better, check out their Mother’s Day Gift Guide on the artfulhome.com website. You can even narrow down your shopping choices even more with tabs like “$250 and under,” “for the jewelry lover,” “for the nature lover” and “more artistic gift ideas.”
theartfulhome.com
theguild.com

Store Gossip

Readers, I have a lot of new store news to share with you. I also want to thank you for turning to Madison Magazine for all of the latest in everything Madison and this blog for shopping and store information ☺. These pictures up top are ones I snapped of Anthology, a new store that opened on State Street (keep reading, below!) Keep reading and I promise I’ll keep dishing on the exciting retail news I hear and shops I see every week. On to our news!

New and Nifty
I was reading the Isthmus the other week and noticed an ad looking for a store manager for a Goodwill store slated to open this spring on State Street. This store bills itself “featuring current fashion and hottest clothing trends, opening in early spring.” This is good news, and really fits in with next month’s “green” issue and our Green Expo on May 2–4 at the Alliant Energy Center.
Goodwill stores epitomize a couple of green concepts: reusing perfectly wearable clothing, pretty jewelry and gently-used housewares; and providing help for people with disabilities and other disadvantages in south central Wisconsin who really need it. A socially responsible business and a dose of shopping mixed in? It’s worth checking out. (P.S.: Did you know you can bid on Goodwill items online? See for yourself!

They’ve got one on famous shopping boulevard the Champs-Elysées in Paris and in tourist attraction Times Square in Manhattan and now—West Towne Mall in Madison. Sephora, the mega beauty retailer, is opening a store in summer 2008 at West Towne Mall. That’s right, we can get our beauty fix with a mind-boggling array of makeup, face care, hair care, fragrance and more. Two hundred and fifty brands including Christian Dior, Yves St. Laurent, Benefit, DuWop, Smashbox, Tarte and one of one of my favorites, the Sephora private label, will be there. If you’ve ever been to a Sephora store, the layout is open and spacious, the look sleek and best of all, prices are good (i.e. not overpriced) for these hot brands.
sephora.com

With warmer weather comes outdoor activities. (Okay, well it’s supposed to get warmer soon). Although I usually write about local retail, I thought I’d mention Gander Mountain is opening a new retail location at 6199 Metro Dr. This megastore (90,000 square feet to be exact!) will feature outdoor products, on-site gunsmith, marine services and repair, an archery lane, full service archery shop and more, according to a company press release. gandermountain.com

Greenway Station’s newly opened Bath & Body Works still has that new-store smell. More than likely though, it’s all of the delicious scents they tempt the nose with. One of Bath & Body Works' exciting lines is a skin-care line by dermatologist Patricia Wexler. I always see Wexler cited in beauty magazines like Allure and she’s a dermatologist to the stars among her many other accomplishments. Wexler's line range from $17.50–$150. Look for the new store next to the Sharper Image on Main Street.
bathandbodyworks.com

Aching for another home interior/home accessories shop to open up? Iconi will be opening up on West Washington Ave. next to Indocara. Formerly Jen Holien-Brewster’s vintage/consignment shop Epoch (see photo right; more on that later), owner Coni Marotz will carry Slip custom order lamps, Covet furniture, Envirosax reusable shopping bags, Bliss Living bedding and accessories (“it’s just just yummy,” she notes) and Eastern Accents home goods. Marotz’s lines will be unique to the Madison market.
Plus check out her array of vintage/revamped furniture and accessories like reupholstered furniture, vintage barware/glassware and artwork.
“It’s a real eclectic mix of products. I’m really trying to have a lot of reclaimed goods/things that are redone. It’s vintage furniture mixed in with the new and it really shows people how you can mix products together and reuse them so they’re not thrown out.”
I’m very excited for this shop and look forward to getting in as soon as possible!
Look for Iconi to open next week.
Iconi, 534 W. Washington Ave. 441-0077.

Changes ...
Speaking of Epoch, owner Jen Holien-Brewster (right) moved out of her West Washington Ave. space (see above) and is moving into Little Luxuries’ old space at 214 State St. The store is slated to open May 1.

Little Luxuries moved next door to Fanny Garver Gallery at 230 State St. The airy and open space boasts clear shelving, serene blue and green walls and the same great merchandise the shop has always carried. “Our lease was up and we found out this space was available,” says owner Janice Durand. “I had a store here years ago. Now we have more room and shelf space. We totally remodeled it and we wanted a new look.”



The two hundred block of State Street has yet another change: Anthology will be opening this weekend at 218 State St. in the former Twee & Luliloo space (see photos, above). Owner Sachi Komai tells me: “Anthology will be a paper and craft boutique with art supplies, craft kits, workshops and demonstrations. We will also feature a ‘Made in Madison’ section, picking up many of the crafters that The Glitter Workshop carried.” (See below about The Glitter Workshop).
Anthology’s concept sounds really neat: Komai will host weekly “Craft Lunches,” where customers can drop in from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and pay $5–$7 to make cards, collages, buttons, et cetera. She’s also looking into hosting kids’ parties and will have workshops on embroidery, decoupage, Polaroid transfer and much more.
Epoch, 214 State St.
Little Luxuries, 230 State St. 255-7372.
Anthology, 218 State St.

Event News
Check out the HospiceCare Thrift Store Fashion Show Luncheon. I went to this event last year and was very impressed with the cute outfits the thrift store employees coordinated. The money goes to a great cause and attendees get to see a fashion show! I mean, that beats my lunch hour every day, agreed?
Learn about the HospiceCare Thrift Store and check out the cool stuff the store gets in.
Thursday, April 10, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Holiday Inn-West, 1109 Fourier Dr. $35/person. HospiceCare Thrift Store, 122 Junction Rd. 833-4556. hospicecareinc.com

“Back to Basics” event at PREP Cosmetics
Pamper yourself and head over to PREP for a professional makeup application by one of Napoleon Perdis’ makeup artists. Napoleon Perdis cosmetics and skin care is regularly featured in top beauty magazines and TV shows. Plus, the winner of Australia’s Next Top model is the face of the makeup line. Who doesn’t love the American version, America’s Next Top Model, with Miss Tyra?!
PREP Cosmetics, 553 State St. 442-3366. prepcosmetics.com

Indocara is having a March Madness sale and some items are up to sixty percent off. Check it out!
Indocara, 540 W. Washington Ave. 251-7711. "http://www.Indocara.com" target="new">indocara.com

Closings
The Glitter Workshop at 920 E. Johnson St.

Pink Panties at 449 State St.

Mary Parker of daffodil parker told me recently that she and business partner Erin Daffodil Hickey are going to focus exclusively on their floral business and close down the retail part of the business. Customers can still get in touch with Hickey and Parker if they’re interested in florals.
daffodil parker, 502 W. Main St. 663-2100. daffodilparker.com