Calling All Milwaukee Fashionistas

The Spring 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off yesterday with exciting shows from designers, such as BCBG Max Azaria and Rag and Bone, at the tents of Bryant Park in New York City. Lucky for us here in the Brew City, Milwaukee will have their own fashion week next month, bringing experts in fashion and beauty to our beautiful town. Milwaukee Fashion Week, which will run from October 3 -6 will give designers the opportunity to showcase local talent at a national level.

The events, which will be held at the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum, include runway shows of Midwest designers such as Kristin Hassan from organiK Revolution and the jewelry designs of Nick and Susanne Waraksa for Wounded Line. In addition, guests will attend interactive workshops to discuss popular fashion and beauty looks. Special appearances from celebrity talent will include couture designer Gilles Montezin whose designs appeared in the movie, “Sex and the City.” Guests will also enjoy the experience of shopping at the designer boutique for the designs that will be highlighted at the shows.

For more information to purchase tickets and to obtain a schedule of the events, visit fashionbythelake.com

A Fashion Essential

As the summer heat has finally lifted and cute shorts and tank tops have their last outing, I am excited about the luxe prospects for my fall wardrobe. Upon a recent shopping excursion for some new essentials, I visited a fabulous clothing boutique, Ess Elle Style Studio, located at 191 E. Kenilworth Place. Recently named Milwaukee’s Best Women’s Clothing Boutique on WISN.com’s A-List, the shop caters to young professional women who want stylish choices at affordable prices. The local retailer offers a great selection of denim, sweaters, dresses, skirts and accessories from hot labels like Ed Hardy, Tulle, Glam, Ernest Sewn, James Jeans and many other fashionable designers.

The Eastside boutique is a new gem that I discovered right here in my city and one that I plan to become better acquainted with. I loved that the shop looked like a clothing studio with its bright lighting and soft tones on the walls. It was as if I had stepped into someone’s fabulous closet. Sophia, the sales associate who greeted me warmly, assisted me to find various outfits to wear for work or fun. I was invited to relax with a complimentary drink of water or coffee while I shopped at my leisure. I found amazing pieces, like cozy knits in beautiful teal and berry shades to pair with great jeans in boot cut or skinny styles and lovely silks to compliment high-waisted skirts. There were several handbags which caught my eye that would add a splash of color to any of the outfits.

Along with the superior customer service, Ess Elle has a small lounge area, with couches and a plasma television screen to invite their clients to shop and mingle. During my shopping experience at Ess Elle, I got the VIP treatment and I will definitely be returning soon!