NEW! Madison Mannequin: LA Imports

Guest blogger Alexandra Graves is an intern here at Madison Magazine and my eye on the streets for all things chic, eccentric or otherwise inspirational. So check back weekly for the latest “Madison Mannequin.” Lex will be conducting all interviews and providing commentary for this special weekly segment.

Stacy Sterling flew in from Los Angeles to visit her sister, but she brought a lot of style with her. Sterling, twenty-nine, designs jewelry that can be found in her sister’s boutique, Sukara Sterling, on State Street. She does more than sell style, however—she lives it, which was evident in her thinking-outside-of-the-flip-flop look.

“It started with the boots,” Sterling said of her outfit, so it’s no accident that I noticed them first. “I choose one piece that I really feel like wearing, then elaborate on that. I have a lot to choose from because I’m really into fashion.”

So into fashion, in fact, that after graduating pre-med from UW–Oshkosh, Sterling followed the urge to explore her creative side all the way to Los Angeles, where she has lived, designed and shopped for the past seven years.

Sterling snagged the boots at a flea market, borrowed the sash belt from a jumpsuit and wore a racerback tank as a dress. She pulled it all together with a roomy sweater from Honey Punch and a scarf from—where else?—Sukara Sterling.

So how does Madison’s style stack up to the ever-current Los Angeles?

“When students are here, there’s more risk taking,” Sterling said. “They’re not afraid to be the first to wear something.”

Two Big Shopping Events!

Want to snap up your own masterpiece—without the huge cost? Or better yet, that sweet pair of designer jeans for a lower price? Art Fair on the Square and Maxwell Street Days are just the answer to your shopping desires.

First, this weekend’s Art Fair on the Square is a bonanza of artists selling everything from: mixed media, ceramics, drawing, graphics and printmaking, fiber/leather, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal works, painting, photography, sculpture and 3-D mixed media and wood. Phew, that’s all of the categories! That’s about five hundred artists showing off their wares, folks.

While it’s not a “sale,” items range in cost from affordable jewelry and prints to pricey ceramic and glass pieces and everything in between. It all depends on what you’d like to spend—and of course, what pieces speak to you. So pick up your own little piece of art, whether it’s a pair of earrings or that must-have painting.

Yes, the Square can get crowded but Art Fair only comes around once a year—so why not embrace it, take your time, and support local (and national) artists?

Images courtesy of MMoCA.

Art Fair on the Square, July 11 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) July 12 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Capitol Square. Mmoca.org

Next weekend (July 17–19) is Maxwell Street Days. What is Maxwell Street Days, and why the heck is it called that when it’s on State Street?!

“Maxwell Street in Chicago, Ill., was home to a famed outdoor market and ‘urban bazaar’ from 1871 to 1994. In 1975, Martin’s, a Madison, Wis., clothing store and tailor shop, founded an outdoor sidewalk sale to showcase the State Street shopping district, starting Madison’s very own ‘Maxwell Street Days’ tradition.”

That’s according to downtownmadison.org, of course. Anyway, deals abound at the largest sidewalk sale in Madison. And I mean sidewalk sale in a classy way of course, not in a rummage-sale-selling-cheesy-owl-tapestries way. More than eighty shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants (most locally owned, of course) will have bargains on clothing, jewelry, home goods, shoes, active wear and more.

I must confess I am looking forward to bop’s sale. The fun, fashionable women’s shop will offer killer deals on tons of items in the store—including their best denim sale of the year. If you make the pilgrimage to bop, be prepared to wait in line around the corner—the sale is just that good.

Maxwell Street Days, July 17–18 (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) July 19 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). maxwellstreetdays.org, visitdowntownmadison.org

Other Hot Sales

3 Orange Doors Sidewalk Sale
When: July 10–12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Details: Owner Gail Paraskevas wants to celebrate Antiques Roadshow being in town—but since so many didn’t get tickets, she wants to celebrate in the store! Many items are up to fifty percent off. If you haven’t stopped by this quaint gift haven off of Fitchrona Road, take a ride off of the beaten path and check it out. It’s a little country, a little bit city.
More info: 848-3336. 2789 Fitchrona Rd.

Unearthed Sale
When: July 11–12, 12–6 p.m.
Details: Save twenty percent storewide when you visit the store or order online. Check out the store for items so new owner Heidi Anderson hasn’t even posted them on the website yet.
More info: 441-1993. http://unearthedgallery.com

Atticus Summer Shindig
When: Through July 18
Details: Get up to seventy percent off all apparel and accessories (apothecary not included). With niche brands like Acne, Current/Elliott, Charlotte Ronson, LNA and Relwen, Atticus has got one-of-a-kind, chic looks that are perfect from day to night. Right now I’m loving owner Kristin Wild's dresses and she’s got a well-edited selection of Acne denim. Get it while it’s hot! (Shown above is Current/Elliott's "Heart Dress". Photo courtesy of Atticus.)
More info: 18 N. Carroll St. 204-9001. Atticusshop.com

I will not be posting next week (July 16) as I'll be out of the office. See you the week after!

Now Open: The Velvet Umbrella and Lu Anders

As your intrepid shopping reporter I’m always on the lookout for newer stores and I have two to tell you about: The Velvet Umbrella and Lu Anders.

The Velvet Umbrella opened in September and is in the old Dottie Rose location on Parmenter Street in Middleton. Those of you who didn’t get in to Dottie Rose can also identify the location as next to the now-closed Tickled Pink and kitty-corner from Roman Candle.

The boutique stocks French bath and body products in delicious scents like mandarine pamplemousse (mandarin grapefruit), Walking in Provence, vanille lavande (vanilla lavender) and more. Also look for linen spray, hand soaps, candles and baby care items. Each shower gel, body lotion, hand soap—whatever—isn’t housed like your run-of-the-mill Suave bonus-size lotion bottle from Target. Some are carefully gift-wrapped in little gift bags; all bottles have fancy labels that enhance the specialness of each product.

Although owner Jeannette Caruso wasn’t working, the employee that was was very helpful—telling me that all of the brands they sell are exclusive to the area and was even familiar with the production process of some of the bath and body lotions sold.

In addition to bath and body, The Velvet Umbrella sells foodie delights like Gourmet Village dips (cheddar onion, roasted pepper) and soups (minestrone), Tea Forté and Harney & Sons teas. The interior is chic and calming with pastel blue walls, hardwood floors and black and white shelving.

The Velvet Umbrella, 1835 Parmenter St. 836-3424.

Lu Anders, by contrast, is far newer than The Velvet Umbrella—it just opened two weeks ago in the same shopping center that houses Rejunvenation Spa, La Baguette and O’Grady’s. Formerly an Allen Edmonds shoe store, the interior underwent a full makeover from manly hardwood fixtures and a darker color palette to airy and white. The interior of the store is still quite spare with white walls and white shelving and little decor—which is understandable, given the newness of the place.

The women’s lifestyle boutique focuses on comfy clothing like tees, tank tops and lounge pants up to dressier items like jersey-knit dresses and fashionable little jackets. She’s the only purveyor of Trollbeads in the area—individual beads made of sterling silver and Murano glass that wearers can string into bracelets. Each bead has a different meaning and Hallquist says she’s already had people stopping in requesting them.

Another accessory item the owner is excited about are SwitchFlops, flip-flops that come in three different shoe styles that wearers can change out the strap patterns. You can find everything from nautical stripes to polka dots to chain-link patterns on the change-outs. The flip-flops range from $33 to $49 for a kitten-style sandal and “switches” are $5 for the flip flops and one free for the kitten-heel style. (Another local purveyor of SwitchFlops? J. Kinney, mentioned in a blog post below!)

Oh, and in case you’re curious about the name Lu Anders, it’s named after the owner's daughter Lulu and son Alexander.

(Photo courtesy of J. Kinney)

Lu Anders, 7412 Mineral Point Rd. 827-8270

Fashionable Find

Since I’m checking out local retail all of the time, I frequently come across fantastic items—far too many to fit in my blog every week, but I try to feature them as often as I can!
J. Kinney always puts a smile on my face when I walk in. Maybe it’s because of the cheerful green walls or the smell of fresh flowers. Nah, I think it’s because of little Iris, her kitty that saunters through the store, that makes me feel at home.
One of my favorite items from J. Kinney (that I’ve featured in the magazine before) is her OilCloth goods. These durable, wipe-clean items like lunch bags, tablecloths and tote bags are fantastic for toting lunch to work, decorating a drab ol’ picnic table in the park or transporting your favorite Concerts on the Square fixins’.
Owner Jane Kinney tells me that the company found a number of old copper print rolls in Mexico from the 1930s and most of the designs are reproduced vintage designs from those rolls. Cool! OilCloth stuff ranges from $12–$35.

J. Kinney, 1835 Monroe St. 255-7500. Jkinneyflorist.com

New Column: bop

Long known in fashion magazine circles for their extensive selection of brands from classics (7 for All Mankind, Marc by Marc Jacobs) to the hottest, most cutting-edge lines (Kova & T, Pencey) bop has everything—literally—a girl could need to dress from day to night. Rounding that out is swim apparel, intimates, jewelry and shoes.

In other words their Best of Madison win was well-deserved for the sheer amount of fashionable possibilities they offer gals of all stripes—whether they want a sleek tank with fringe down the front, jeans that hug their curves, a haute-hippie maxidress or a black silk cocktail dress with feathers at the hem like, ahem, someone I know. (See below...)

Read my latest column on bop here!

P.S.: Thank you to Mollie Milano, bop's store manager, for modeling her hot Michael Kors gladiator heels in my column's photos!

Events

MMoCA Father’s Day Sale
When: Through June
Where: Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Store, 227 State St.
Details: Get ten percent off of things for dad—business card holders made from recycled bike chains, desk clocks made from recycled 45 records, cuff links, backgammon sets, arts books, money clips and more!
More info: 257-3222

The Boss is Going Crazy Sale
When: June 19 and 20
Where: Fanny Garver Gallery, 230 State St.
Details: In honor of owner Jack Garver’s nuptials (this Sunday, congrats Jack!) he’s giving twenty percent off of everything in the gallery! Mention the sale to get the deal.
More info: 256-6755. Fannygarvergallery.com

Fair Indigo Bin Buster Sale
When: Now!
Where: fairindigo.com
Details: Score markdowns of forty, sixty and seventy-five percent off on certain items on the website! A chock-full of organic items such as washcloths, baby clothing and apparel are available.
More info: fairindigo.com

Nickel Sale
When: Now!
Where: bop, 222 W. Gorham St.
Details: Buy one pair of shoes at full price, get the second pair for five cents! Since I’m a shoe girl, this sale seemes like an insanely good deal …
More info: 255-2570 (in-store only)

Encore: Madison’s Premiere Fashion Show
When: Friday, June 26, 5:30–10 p.m. (Runway show at 8 p.m.)
Where: The Orpheum, 216 State St.
Details: Check out fashions from three of Madison’s upscale boutiques including J. LaMore, Bill Paul Studio and Terese Zache. Summer trends galore will be shown and DJs Corey Lee and Papi Love will be spinning. General admission is $20 and available at the door.
More info: speckmanninc.com/tickets.html

NEW! Madison Mannequin: Laundry Pile Style

Guest blogger Alexandra Graves is an intern here at Madison Magazine and my eye on the streets for all things chic, eccentric or otherwise inspirational. So check back weekly for the latest “Madison Mannequin,” posted every Tuesday from now on. Lex will be conducting all interviews and providing commentary for this special weekly segment.

Mike Swanson, twenty-three, looked surprised when I approached him at Marigold Kitchen for a photo of his Saturday fashion. Why?

“I just threw something on because I was really hungry—whatever was lying on the floor,” says Swanson, a student in UW–Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

I wish my ensembles came together as easily as Swanson’s—his LRG tee, textured Banana Republic shorts and Nike shoes created a shades-of-gray style that worked. Swanson topped the look with a (controversial) Yankees cap.

Swanson buys his clothes online for the most part, and says he looks for original pieces that stand out but aren’t “too flashy.” Swanson added his urban style is the product of musical influences and his Philadelphia upbringing.

“Individuality is a good thing.”
— Lex Graves

Stylemaker Q&A: Kristi Moe on Wisconsin Fashion Week

Let's play a little word association. What do you think of when hear the term "fashion week"? Do you carry a mental image of Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue, wearing her signature dark shades, sitting in the front row of Marc Jacobs? Or perhaps leggy fashion editors sporting all- black ensembles (leather leggings, oversize tank and Alexander Wang blazer—don't forget the fierce, teetering, five-inch YSL platforms!) hanging out at cocktail parties? Let's not forget the ravishing models lounging backstage, sipping Champagne...

Kristi Moe (left), executive producer of Wisconsin Fashion Week, nixes these connotations for our own fashion extravaganza, Wisconsin Fashion Week (May 19-23), right here in Madison. "Inclusion" is a word I hear her repeat throughout our interview—and with good reason, because the week is aiming to attract all different audiences who dig fashion—from guys to gals, young and old and those of all different abilities.

Read on for what next week has in store—and rest assured, you can wear last season's pumps. I won't tell.

What was the original impetus behind you starting Madison Fashion Week, Fashion Fridays and, eventually, Wisconsin Fashion Week?
My original concept came out of a freelance client I had. I suggested they do a runway show—but when I started looking into it, I realized there isn’t a consistent, well-run, fashion show here besides ones for nonprofits and whatnot—which are great, too.
But from a PR background that’s what motivated me to get into it. I’m a non-biased player and I can work with all of these people and help all that are involved. It’s a very neat position to be in.

Clearly, Fashion Week has changed—most noticeably with the name change from Madison Fashion Week to this year’s Wisconsin Fashion Week. What other changes will event-goers notice?
This year it’s a lot more collaborative and on a much larger scale. It’s more than just my vision; it’s a community-involved event. It’s much more high profile too—we’re stepping it up by having [the Saturday runway shows] at Overture Center.
We brought in the Fashion Council. My expertise is not in photography or modeling. So the people in the Fashion Council give me recommendations because they have expertise in those areas. For example, Adam Perkins is great with photography. He understands the language and is great with networking with other photographers.

As executive producer, what does your role entail?
Well, the Fashion Council is really good at taking things off of my to-do list. All of them are people with part- or full-time jobs, too, so they help out when they can. But I’m still really involved in pretty much every event that’s going on.
One of my friends joked that my title should be diva, but I don’t want that title! It sounds negative (laughs).

How is Wisconsin Fashion Week different from, say, New York or L.A. Fashion Week?
It’s really for the ordinary Jane who won’t get an invite to New York or L.A. Fashion Week. We’re focused on the “now” and it’s much more about the experience; women can feel like a celebrity in their own town and become their own fashion icon. Fashion is what you make it, and here’s a reason to for you to express yourself.
Also, there will be mini-boutiques at Overture for before and after the runway shows where people can shop. If people like what they see in the show, they could literally buy it and wear it out that night!

How is an event of this scale able to go on in these economic times?
It’s very grassroots—it’s because of the sponsors it’s able to go on. It’s different from last year from a participant standpoint, too. There are a lot more designers this year—they’ve really come out of the woodwork! It’s much more balanced with boutiques and designers.
There are probably over one hundred people involved in Wisconsin Fashion Week. The models and photographers are doing this for free for the experience. It’s just really a good way to get everyone in this industry connected.

Can you describe some of the events going on throughout the week?
The avant-garde show (Tuesday) isn’t necessarily retail-ready collections (Ed’s note: In other words, the show will feature fashions that are more conceptual/artistic).
The Fashion For All Abilities show (Wednesday) is really inclusion from a modeling perspective. It also emphasizes how important it is from a business perspective to cater to those with special needs.
Friday is urban wear/streetwear. It emphasizes the youth culture, and it’s not necessarily mainstream.
The Stylista show is Saturday during the day and has hairstylists, makeup artists and fashion stylists compete and prep models in a live competition.
Saturday’s shows [menswear and women’s wear] are much more mainstream. At 6 p.m. is the [women’s] trend show, which [has fashions with] a better price point and would attract possibly a younger market.
The 8:30 p.m. show [features fashions with] a higher price point.
After that is the Go Red for Women auction, which will feature models of all ages, including older models.
[In total] the shows will have men, women, old, young, plus-size, different body types and different abilities.

What event are you most excited about?
Friday—as long as it doesn’t rain! (laughs) It’s in the courtyard at 345 West Washington. It’s more entertainment-focused. Two groups are coming up here from Chicago: Ivy League, who sing a song called “Pose” that’s all about modeling. Project Mayhem is a hip-hop group that’s into the Ralph Lauren subculture.

Who do you see attending Fashion Week events?
Women ages twenty-five to fifty-five is really what we’re targeting. Last year’s event was much more youth-focused; this year will be more of a mainstream crowd. Mom can come with her daughter or girls can do a girls’ day out.

How did you find your models?
We did a tour in Madison, Chicago and Milwaukee. It really reaffirmed what talent we have. There was one really great model, a fifteen-year-old, who just signed with the Rock Agency two months ago. I was really excited to see her—she’s someone new and hopefully through Fashion Week someone might want to book her for photo shoots with stores or designers.
We received a lot of great applications—it was hard to say no! But it was important they were able to take direction from us, and confidence was another huge thing.

What have been the challenges of putting on this week?
The sheer size—there’s a lot of detail that goes into a high-quality event.
The economic environment being what it is, sponsorships have been a challenge. But we’ve been well received by people. People get excited about this because they know it’s for them.
Despite the economy, though, participation from the designers and retailers has been overwhelming—they realize the value of being able to connect with their customers.

How would you describe the Midwest’s fashion sensibility?
We’re much more about how fashion fits our lives. Internal Construction (Ed’s note: Internal Construction is a line is by Jessica Neumann and Becky Heller and composed of versatile one-piece garments) is a good example. Biking to work and still looking cute—that’s our strength in fashion, and we bring something different.

What’s the next step for Wisconsin Fashion Week?
It would be great to reach outside of Madison, perhaps more to Milwaukee, incorporating more designers and stores in different cities in Wisconsin. There is so much more to be discovered. The events could possibly be more inclusive to different areas, to get more participation and interest. An event needs to have the community involved, and that’s why we’ve been able to grow.

What impression would you like people to leave these events with?
I want them to be entertained. I’d like people to think about shopping locally. I’d like them to know that a dress that’s tailored and designed for them is within their budget—they could get a custom-designed dress for $100!

So planning Fashion Fridays and Wisconsin Fashion Week is your full-time gig, right?
Yes, it is. So it’s really a great opportunity for me at this level—it’s something new and creative. There are risks involved and going into it. I knew what the risks were, but I really wanted to do it. If it doesn’t work out I always have a backup plan for myself, but I wanted to do this.

Wisconsin Fashion Week, May 19-23, various locations. Tickets: $50/week pass, $30/week student pass. For more information on Wisconsin Fashion Week please visit wisconsinfashionweek.com

NEW! Madison Mannequin: Fearless Thrift

Guest blogger Alexandra Graves is an intern here at Madison Magazine and my eye on the streets for all things chic, eccentric or otherwise inspirational. So check back weekly for the latest “Madison Mannequin,” posted every Tuesday from now on. Lex will be conducting all interviews and providing commentary for this special weekly segment.

New to the sale rack? It’s a jungle out there, but Virginia Rose, 61, is surviving and styling. Rose, a self-described fashionista and resale shopper, snagged her entire leopard ensemble for $10 at Marshall’s and topped off the look with boots from House of Thrift.

When she’s not working as an employment specialist at Goodwill Industries, Rose offers personal shopping through the Dane County Timebank. The best part? It won’t cost you a penny—Rose will trade you for whatever services or products you can barter.
— Alexandra Graves

NEW Blog Segment: Madison Mannequin

Do you like street style? Do you love to people-watch? I sure do. I'll frequently go up to stylish folks and tell them whatever I like about their outfit that day. It's sort of my way to brighten someone's day a little, as well as garner chic tips on how to wear something. You see, a fashionista is always looking for inspiration—whether she's at Sardine, walking down State Street or (for me), doing an interview.

So with that, I welcome you to the weekly installment of Madison Mannequin.

My guest blogger is Alexandra Graves, an intern here at Madison Magazine and my eye on the streets for all things chic, eccentric or otherwise inspirational. So check back weekly for the latest “Madison Mannequin,” posted every Tuesday from now on. Lex will be conducting all interviews and providing commentary for this special weekly segment.

Read below for what Lex wrote this week!

I Like Your . . . Genes & Boots

Jeans and boots always look great together, but Carleen Wild and Ailee, seven, have more in common than sophisticated Saturday looks—they’re mother and daughter.

“She’s got her own style,” says Carleen (who's anchor at NBC 15), but Ailee says her mom helps her choose outfits like the leopard cardigan and pink cowboy boot combo she was sporting at the Dane County Farmers’ Market last Saturday.

Even if you don’t coordinate as well as these two, don’t forget to spend time with your first fashion icon this Mother’s Day.

What the Cool Kids Wear

I attended the “Atticus Presents the Cool Kids” event last week. Owner Kristin Wild featured four young, up-and-coming designers from the Madison area at her trunk show event. I was amazed by their versatility and variety of viewpoints they had. All of the designers showing were UW students in the textile and design program.

Danni Trester designed amazing swatches of fabric for a school project—fantastical patterns in zigzags, dots and more. They looked straight out of a fabric catalog you’d find at a high-end fabric store! Trester also designs fun wallets out of vintage papers and shoppers can even have a custom wallet made—they can choose from among a book of papers Trester has, and she’ll make a wallet out of any pattern you choose.

Brittany Kucera’s looks are simple—a two-toned dress/tunic out of jersey, a cropped jacket with a major collar and a beautiful, dove-gray sleeveless top with a drapey collar. I loved her pink leather studded clutch for $100. Kucera said it took her quite a while to perfect the technique and amazingly, the leather lived a former life—as a piece from the now-defunct Wilson’s leather store! Reusing fabrics and products is hot—and just proves that we can live green and still be fashionable.

Meg Koglin’s looks were heavily inspired by the past—like the novel Little Women, for example. That’s right, Koglin’s inspiration/sketch book was chock-full of fascinating sketches of looks, many of which were inspired by books or plays. Some were costume-influenced and others were just looks she dreamed up, like a little white cropped short-sleeved jacket fashioned out of a men’s shirt and embellished with strips of fabrics from other shirts. Koglin also designed a wildly different look for MMoCA’s Hair Affair event I wrote about the other week—a tight, shiny black Spandex look adorned with gray cuffs, neckpiece and anklets enhanced with zippers (see photo of model with blue hair). It was quite a departure from the looks she showed at Atticus—which is a positive sign that Ms. Koglin can show different looks for different occasions.

I was charmed by Dokiang Thao’s looks—fun little party dresses and sassy tunics (well, it’d be a tunic for someone as tall as me!) many of which were made out of reclaimed fabrics. The vibrant colors and chic styles looked to be a promising start for this young designer.
More on these designers to come…

Atticus, 18 N. Carroll St. 204-9001. atticus.com

Events

Fair Indigo Employee Pricing on Best Sellers
When: Now
Where: Fair Indigo, 570 N. Midvale Blvd. and fairindigo.com
Details: Everyone needs wardrobe basics: long-sleeve tees, tanks, cardigans, jeans, V-neck and scoop-neck sweaters and more. Fair Indigo is giving anywhere from forty-five to seventy percent off regular prices on these basics for men and women. I spotted a women’s cashmere cardigan sweater for $60 (marked down from $129) and a men’s pima cotton dress shirt for $20 (marked down from $50).
More info: fairindigo.com

Wine Tastings
When: April 8, 5:30–7 p.m., April 11, 2–5 p.m.
Where: Savoir Faire, 5 N. Pinckney St.
Details: Did you know Savoir Faire moved to a NEW location—and it’s back downtown again? Originally located on King Street, Savoir Faire moved to Greenway Station a few years ago. Now the shop is back to its downtown roots at a slightly different location. I’m guessing owner Kathie Retelle will still have all of her great gifty items, cards and wine for sale.
More info: 819-8066

Hair Affair: The Art of Hair
When: April 16, 7–10 p.m.
Where: Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St.
Details: Give me hair! “Extreme hair sculptures designed and executed by premier area salons … displayed by live models” are what you’ll get at this event benefiting the Art League of MMoCA.
More info: 257-0158. mmoca.org
Photos above © Tom McInvaille

Wacoal Fit for the Cure
When: April 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Boston Store, 215 West Towne Mall
Details: Get a complimentary fitting in a Wacoal or b.tempt’d bra by a Wacoal specialist. After all, stats show the majority of women are wearing the wrong bra size! Wacoal will donate $2 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every woman that participates. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or b’tempt’d bra purchased at the event.
More info: 833-9799

Atticus Presents Meet the Cool Kids
When: April 23, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Atticus, 18 N. Carroll St.
Details: Do you like smaller, indie designers and one-of-a-kind items? This event is for you—a trunk show featuring apparel and accessories from local designers.
More info: 204-9001. atticusshop.com

Absolutely Art’s Re-Art Swap
When: April 25, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Absolutely Art’s backyard, 2322 Atwood Ave.
Details: Perhaps the feathers your kids used for an art project are floating around. And you don’t need those extra beads for the necklace you made anymore. Bring them to the Re-Swap and swap them for new inspiration or simply donate them to someone else. Also don’t miss the Alley Sale for great deals, too.
More info: 249-9100. absolutelyartllc.com

World Fair Trade Day
When: May 9, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Fair Indigo, 570 N. Midvale Blvd.
Details: Fair trade has long been a buzzword in retail—paying people fair wages and helping promote ecological practices just makes sense. On May 9, Fair Indigo is donating 100 PERCENT of its sales that day in honor of World Fair Trade Day—fifty percent will go to a local school and fifty percent to the Fair Indigo Foundation. The Foundation “is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities in the developing countries where Fair Indigo factories are located,” per a press release. World Fair Trade Day is the second Saturday in May and is organized by the International Fair Trade Association across seventy countries. It focuses on trading fairly with millions of producers.
More info: 661-7662. fairindigo.com

Flux Fashion Show
When: May 9, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr.
Details: Every year the School of Human Ecology at UW–Madison sends off promising young design students looking to make their mark in the sartorial world—like a junior Karl Lagerfeld, or perhaps a younger Donna Karan. See their work at this show.
More info: flux2009@mail.sohe.wisc.edu or 262-4897.

Why We Should Shop Locally

One of our account managers here at the magazine (thanks, Connie!) shared this interesting website with me called the 3/50 project. This project encourages shoppers to stop by three local retailers throughout the month and spend $50. Read more, courtesy of the350project.org:

3: What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.

50: If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 the employed population did that.

68: For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, ony $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

1: The number of people it takes the start the trend...you.

I signed up to support the "Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy" idea.

For more information visit: the350project.org

Shopping Events

Bad dog frida photo contest
Where: bad dog frida, 2094 Atwood Ave.
Details: Back by popular demand—bring in a pic of your fave furry friend and owners Carmen and Sue will post your photo in the shop’s window! Customers can then vote for their favorite photo. Votes will be counted and winners notified May 10. Turn in photos for consideration by March 31. (Pick up a cute doggie rain jacket like Geordie's sporting from bad dog frida, above!)
More info: 442-6868. baddogfrida.com

Lady Moxie Stiumlus Package II
Where: Lady Moxie, 6706 Odana Rd.
Details: The first three shoppers who spend $100 or more at the store will get a gift certificate for a free facial or waxing from Le Spa. The offer’s valid on March 20, 21 and 24, so stop in!
More info: 826-4268

Maxwell Street Days In March
Where: Fanny Garver Gallery, 230 State St.
Details: A longtime Best of Madison winner, Fanny Garver Gallery has always been known for fantastical blown glass, chic jewelry and gorgeous paintings. Here’s your chance to own some of these items at thirty percent up to fifty percent off. Sale goes through March 30. Also check out the gallery’s revamped website.
More info: 256-6755. fannygarvergallery.com


MMoCA glass sale
Where: Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Store, 227 State St.
Details: Fifteen percent off selected glass items including salt and pepper shakers by Gazelle Glass, vases, bowls and paperweights by The Glass Eye, Alex Brand, John Pomp, Jamie Harris and Pizzichillo & Gordon. Through March 31.
More info: 257-3222. Mmoca.org

Prom Dress Bonanza
Where: HospiceCare Thrift Store, 122 Junction Rd.
Details: OK, I added the “Bonanza” part above—but the Thrift Store has over one hundred prom dresses in stock priced under twenty dollars. Yes, that’s $20 and, yes, that’s a bonanza.
More info: 833-4556

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

Stylemaker Q&A: Tim Lovejoy-Dailey

Up Spatique opened in August 2006 on the lower end of State Street with an innovative concept—tempt shoppers with clothing, throw in a mani-pedi area and delight all of the senses. In a world where shopping at chain stores can become an impersonal experience, Tim Lovejoy-Dailey's Up is the antidote to shopping blahs—literally and figuratively. Literally because once shoppers step into the candy-hued world of Up and spy the swimwear, scarves, and accessories one can't help but feel a little, well, "up"lifted. Figuratively Up's purpose is to make shoppers feel welcome and offer them something they can't find at the Wal-Marts of the world.
I talked to co-owner Tim Lovejoy-Dailey (wife Kelli is the other owner) about what's changed, what they've got on tap for spring, and of course, what it's like to be a guy in a girl's world …

You used to be called Up Spatique, and now you’re just called Up. Why the name change?
Up Spatique was half-spa, half-boutique. The spa part was good in the spring and summer, but it was really hard in the winter. The retail side was doing great, so we decided on [expanding] that; the issue became growing the apparel. We tried out [the spa side] like any store with our customers and thought we’d see how she’d respond, so we thought, ‘how do we grow?’ Because expanding in size wasn’t an option.

What is your general price range?
Fifty to one hundred dollars—that’s perfect for us. Just because of our experience in the market, there are these small companies that have great stuff for one hundred dollars instead of two hundred dollars. And [those brands have] a better value ratio for what you’re getting for the money.

What are your best selling brands?
In swimwear the most news worthy brands are probably LSpace and Ella Moss. LSpace has been getting a ton of press. I think because of that it’s been generating a lot of customer buzz. I get a lot of calls from customers asking if we have it. Ella Moss is a hot brand right now, she just launched swim, and we have the exclusive on it in town right now.
Once we got the reputation that we had a nice assortment of swimwear we had people coming in during Christmas asking if we had any swimwear, so we decided we should carry it year-round. Obviously in the spring the selection gets really big.
For sportswear, popular brands include Maxx Studio and we just introduced Ben Sherman from London, which is cool.
In denim LTB is an Eastern European brand. We’ve scaled back on the denim brands because the denim market has gotten soft nationally and locally. There has been a growing resistance in price to denim. When we first opened the store our philosophy was always to have a good, better, best assortment as far as customers go. There are a lot of cute things out there under one hundred dollars instead of under two hundred dollars. LTB is right around one hundred dollars, and over the years we’ve carried 1921 and Raven, and some other brands but LTB is always the winner. The customer loves the fact that it’s one hundred dollars. LTB is still relatively unknown in the U.S. but they are gaining notoriety. The market is looking for a better price point.

Who is your customer?
Our core customer is the young-minded woman and feminine. When contemporary got so big these last few years, style started to cross all boundaries, as far as age goes. With Sex and the City, we’ve seen everybody get a little hipper. Obviously we do have a tremendous amount of college traffic but we have a lot of downtown traffic, too. We do a lot of tourist business in the summer. But it’s gotten to the point where I get the young professional twenty-something and then I get the forty-something mom, and then they share a dressing room and they trade stuff back and forth—and they leave with a big bag of stuff!
Our store is more playful and feminine on purpose. We always said fun was going to be a big part of equation.

What trends will the store be carrying this spring?
Ruffles, tops with tiers and layers, lace and crochet. Everything is very feminine—which plays right into what we do.
The other thing is the maxidress—the maxidress is great. It’s hippie chic; the bohemian thing. We’ll have maxidresses in everything from casual tie-dye jersey versions to dressier silk versions. You have to wear it with a sandal. We’re a big flip-flop store and we’re becoming a Havaianas destination, because you can’t wear a heel with that look.
We’re also known for trenches. We have a spring trenchcoat which we carry from a brand called Tulle; they do great coats. We also have them by Ben Sherman, and a couple of other brands—bright, shorter trenchcoats.
You see a customers walk in wearing a trench with rain boots, and it’s just a great look.
The other trend that’s going to continue from an accessory perspective is scarves. We have so many different styles of scarves in linen, chiffon, silk—all summer-weight scarves. We’ve wrapped all of the poles in the store with the scarves. That trend is definitely going strong. You can wear it at night, but also take it and wrap it as a pareo or as a wrap. It’s a great way to add a little color.

Is it difficult as a guy owning, doing the buying and working in a women’s store?
I was with Union Bay as the senior design director, so I’ve been a designer my whole life. Whether you’re on the men’s side (which I’ve been on) or the women’s side, quite frankly, you work with women almost four to one throughout your career. So personally speaking, women’s wear is two things: it’s more exciting and it’s more trend-driven.
With menswear, right, wrong or indifferent, it’s gotten more classic in the last ten years. And that is what I wear, but women’s wear is more challenging, fun, exciting—and I just enjoy it more.
Women’s wear is a bigger part of the industry. Guys don’t spend as much money on clothes. They spend their money on girls! It’s simplistic, but that’s the way it is! Girls are willing to take more risks, more confident and there are more choices.

What’s changed in the retail industry since you started?
I’ve been in the business for twenty-six years. Anytime we go through an economic downturn two things usually happen. The customer becomes more price-sensitive, which is obvious, but at the same time, the customer also looks for something special. It’s not just about price. You can offer them something new and beautiful that’s just a “wow” dress.
Overall I’m sure every retailer you talk to in America will tell you there’s price sensitivity. As a specialty retailer with a stand-alone shop you have to offer something that’s special. Department stores and mall stores have gotten so price-competitive and they battle each other for price. If your store is in a field with the same stuff those places have, you can’t compete. You have to work harder to sell special products, brands and cute stuff you can’t find anywhere else. What I look for are small brands that have a good value ratio that makes sense. Just because it’s cute you can’t demand $350 for it.

What’s the best thing about being a small business owner?
Two things: the relationships with customers. When you’re in corporate like I was, you don’t really get to interact with your customer. You’re in your office every day, creating a product, and once the product is done you’re on to the next season. You’re always designing for the next season.
The other thing is the freedom. You can make those decisions; design and execute your vision and see it all the way through.
Oh, and the store is so colorful, fun and bright right now. I walked around the mall and the other shopping areas in the city and felt like no one else was even close to us in that regard. You can shake off that cabin fever if you walk in the store right now—it’s so fun!

Up, 619 State St. 256-7777. upspatique.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

What to Buy Now: Guys

Congratulations to Context for celebrating their third anniversary this past December. The men's clothing retailer even held a party in late December at Natt Spil to fete their birthday.
What's their hot seller right now? Co-owner Ryan Huber tells me that this B.Son for Context hooded zip-up jacket (left) and B.Son for Context button hoody are where it's at. The price point is good ($187 for the zip-up; $145 for the hoody) for such a versatile piece. The most interesting part about these pieces is that B.Son worked with Context to create these garments just for them. If you want one of these exclusive B.Son pieces, you'd better pick them up fast as only fifty zip-ups were made and eighty hoodys produced.
Huber tells me that the store may very well produce a private label in the upcoming months. Stay tuned.

Context, 113 King St. 250-0113. contextclothing.com

New Store Opening

Have you ever visited a lululemon store before? I have—in Chicago and Santa Monica—both with my friend Kendal who is absolutely obsessed with lululemon clothing. She's so into lululemon that she works at the Santa Monica store! The yoga and athletic wear retailer has recently opened a store in our parts at 410 State St. This is the first location in Wisconsin.
In addition to peddling clothing the Madison "lululemonade Stand" has a free yoga class every Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. Check it out! (Above: lululemon's Hipster Pant*Den)

lululemonade Stand, 410 State St. 414-510-0624. lululemon.com