Fresh produce, jarred goodies & tasty eats
It broke this week that Milwaukee's Winter Farmers Market will be changing locations next season. It's currently held at the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) in the Greenhouse Annex. It's a lovely, sunny experience, so it's a bummer that things are getting all shook up next winter. But there are still a few weekends left to pop into the greenhouse and bask in all the deliciousness on display. The Winter Farmer's Market runs through April 14th.
Though there's not a ton of fresh produce (at least, not by noon, which is when I arrived), there's plenty else to tempt your palate and pocketbook. Almost everything is up for a taste test: a dozen or more cheeses, honey, pickles, salsa, hot sauce, and more. I walked away with some cheese and a jar of "Smokin'" sauce for my dad's birthday. There are also some handcrafted goods, like soaps & dog chews.
To keep up your strength as you shop, you can sip on Valentine coffee and stop at one of the food stands. I opted for a Press waffle with Nutella, but then spied someone eating a scrumptious-looking noodle soup that gave me slight buyer's remorse. Next time! Because really, it was all too great for there not to be a next time.
You could easily spend an hour or more drifting along from booth to booth, sampling as you go and rubbing elbows with local growers and makers. Whether or not you actually buy anything, the Winter Farmers Market a fun experience — one that I'm sure folks will follow to its new home next year, wherever that may be.
Home, apothecary & lifestyle boutique in Bay View
I recently wandered into one of Bay View's newer storefronts, Ursa. I have to say, it's a breath of fresh air for Milwaukee's shop-local scene. The gorgeous, historic King building, located on KK next door to Bay View's Public Library, invites you in with its floor-to-ceiling windows and a lofted ceiling. The vibe is at once airy and welcoming - a spacious environment you'll be glad to get lost in.
Following an impeccable first impression, enter the merch itself. Countless treasures await at this Bay View boutique — jewelry, vintage clothing, home décor, pottery & planters, wall art, soaps & scrubs. Yet the place isn't cluttered. Rather, you you feel you can breathe, take your time browsing, and ride with Ursa's thoughtful flow.
That's the key word really: Thoughtful. I got the sense that Ursa's goodies are highly curated and placed throughout the interior with intention. It's refreshing. I was actually lucky enough to chat a bit with owner Emily Kopplin during my pop-in, and she confirmed my suspicions — thoughtful is the name of the game.
Emily told me that while some local artists are indeed represented, that's not Ursa's main objective. There are other shops in the area — like Waxwing and Sparrow Collective, to name a couple — who already make local artists their mission. Ursa isn't out to compete with that, rather compliment it by showcasing artists, designers, and collections that Emily feels are under-represented in the Milwaukee community.
I'm a big fan of what Emily has set out to bring to Bay View. It's a veritable recipe for fresh finds that will keep Milwaukeeans coming back for more. With Christmas shopping just around the corner, I'll be stopping back at Ursa for sure. It's a breeze to shop local when there are quality boutiques like this one on the map. Check it out!
Buorsajo Boutique & Free Bird
Maybe it's that restless end-of-winter feeling, but I've been getting out of the apartment and into Milwaukee's Third Ward more often than usual lately. It could be thanks in part to Mod Gen, a shop boasting botanical beauties & home décor — my new favorite! It keeps me coming back, and that keeps me discovering new boutiques along the way. Here are two women's clothing stores that are worth a peek.
Buorsajo Boutique
I walked by Buorsajo on my way to my favorite non-boutique, Anthropologie. The huge corner windows beckoned as a troupe of mothers and daughters exited the place, armfuls of shopping bags in tow — a sure sign of the must-have finds ahead. Inside, the offerings would appeal to a broad range of ages. A twenty-something would certainly find pieces worth ogling, as might a sixty-something.
Right now, there are lots of summery, resort-style dresses, bold jumpsuits, classic blouses, and frocks perfect for wedding guests — all at reasonable-enough prices. I tried on an orange polka-dot midi skirt (not so midi on my shortness) which would have set me back about $50. Overall, I'd say Buorsajo's niche is a mix of closet staples and timeless specialty pieces. Functional and fun.
Free Bird
Compared to Buorsajo, Free Bird definitely exudes a more youthful, bohemian vibe. The layout of the store is lovely, with loads of natural light streaming through the Third Ward's signature picture windows. Walking into the shop, I was immediately ooh-ing and aah-ing at the presentation and vibe of the offerings.
Upon closer inspection, however, I felt that many of the pieces were not quite my style. The best way I can describe it might be a higher-end Francesca's — a shop I used to love, but which now feels a little flimsy and young for me. That said, college-age ladies and twenty-somethings with more boho sensibilities will certainly find a lot to love at Free Bird. And I'm sure that if I were really in a spending mood, even I'd find something worth taking home. Both Buorsajo and Free Bird can expect return trips from me!
Scandinavian home goods & interior design in Shorewood
Scandinavian-style home décor and design is a bit of a puzzlement to me. It calls to mind clean lines and a certain unfussy-ness, while still managing a cozy feeling. Maybe it's that such design is all about simplicity, and there's something comforting about that less-is-more aesthetic. In these days of Marie Kondo, the Scandinavian interior philosophy (should you choose to embrace it) inherently gives your world some much-welcomed room to breathe.
I don't personally subscribe to less is more. You should see my apartment! But even I can find some choice pieces to add to my eclectic interior vibe at a shop so expertly curated as Olson House in Shorewood. Boasting "thoughtful interiors" and "consciously crafted products," the store is located just up the street from me (a stop at North Shore Boulangerie followed by a trip to Olson House is a delightful way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning).
Olson House is the brain child of Teresa Olson, an interior designer and proud Scandinavian. Her shop offers a myriad of lifestyle goodies: modern furniture and light fixtures, brightly-patterned pillows, gorgeous wool throw blankets, printed table linens, candles, darling mugs, plates, and vases, handmade plush dolls (that octopus!), jewelry, chocolate bars, and a carefully-chosen selection of cards. It's a truly marvelous little place!
Though the prices tend to fall in line with other shops that sell hand-crafted goods (AKA: often beaucoup bucks), even I never fail to walk away empty handed. Whether it's a greeting card for my stash (one with a bird and a talk bubble that says "chirp") or a folk-y tea towel printed blue birds (again with the birds!), there's always something I can't say no to. And if I ever need a gift for a special occasion, I know that Olson House will be one of my first stops.
A Third Ward garden shop & general store
Milwaukee sure is changing. Places that used to be favorites (favorite shops, favorite restaurants) have closed their doors at what feels like a moment's notice. The trade off, sometimes, is new spots to explore — new favorites in the making. That's how I feel about Mod Gen's new location in the Third Ward.
Mod Gen calls itself "a modern take on the classic general store." Now located in the thick of the Third Ward, previously in Shorewood, the shop has some of the most unique offerings I've seen in a Milwaukee boutique. While a lot of MKE and Wisconsin love overlaps at shops like Waxwing and Sparrow Collective (and it's awesome!), Mod Gen brings its own fresh vibe to Milwaukee's boutique scene.
For starters, gardening sits front and center. Yes, a shop in the proverbial concrete jungle, boasting a green thumb — and encouraging yours. A little research taught me that Mod Gen has been around for about 15 years, primarily as a garden store until 2014. That's when they made some changes: a general store with a twist.
Though I had lived within walking distance to Mod Gen's former Shorewood location for about two years, I'd never ventured in — a fail on my part. I have to say, especially since I'm a testament to it: I bet the Third Ward location is going to result in exponential buzz about Mod Gen's singular blend of nostalgia, contemporary, local products, and global goodies.
Like their website says: "It's about life’s simple pleasures; a well made bar of soap, a garden tool that fits your hand just right, or that classic ice cream scoop like the one your grandmother had." Now aren't you just itching to shop there?
*Friends, do you know of other local boutiques I should add to my Milwaukee-area bucket list? Tell me in the comments!
A little French country store in Waukesha
On Bluemound Road in Waukesha, there's a small complex of old stone buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. The place has been a favorite of mine for several years now, ever since I discovered Jack's Café. Earlier this fall, after dining at Jack's, my mom and I stopped at one of the teeny tiny stonewalled houses — an interior design and home décor shop called Lenarduzzi Interiors Atelier.
Outside of the rustic front door arched with blooming foliage, a sign hangs: "Little French Country Store." The charming entryway is echoed inside. The place feels like a fairy cottage with artful vignettes and décor on display from floor to ceiling.
There's so much to take in, you could easily play a game of I Spy. You'll find chandeliers, candles and candle holders, birdcages, glass terrariums, wall art, sprawling vines, French table linens, ornate mirrors, and trinkets seemingly pulled from a storybook.
Jewelry sits near the register and dangles from a chandelier. The owner of the shop told me these glitzy bracelets came from a show in New York, where she was first to pluck them up — only to have Anthropologie quickly follow. So you can see there is great taste at work in this little French country store.
There are also seasonal pieces — foliage and more. I recently saw on Facebook that the shop is starting to trim the place for Christmas; I would love to stop back sometime soon and see what wonders await! From what I saw of the everyday style at Lenarduzzi Interiors Atelier, their holiday selection is sure to enchant.
Where Halloween costumes are born
Welcome to October, where Halloween costume panic is about to set in! Every year I tell myself I'll get an early jump on things, and every year I'm pretty much still scrambling. So in the spirit of not scrambling, I'm sharing three Milwaukee shops where you just might find the perfect costume waiting for you.
#1 Walker's Point Antique Center // Dime a Dance
In this nondescript, blink-and-you'll-miss-it building on 1st Street, you'll find some hidden treasures. The first level is Walker's Point Antique Center — all records, books, and VHS tapes. But upstairs is Dime a Dance, stacked floor-to-ceiling with clothing galore. I can personally attest that Halloween costumes are born there, since this is where I picked up my Effie Trinket dress last year. Success!
#2 Luv Unlimited
I admittedly have hardly thumbed through the racks of men's and women's clothing at Luv Unlimited in Bay View, but I can tell you there's a plenty-big selection — shoes and accessories, too. The jewelry is especially worth a peek for anyone in search of vintage baubles to complete their Halloween costume. But Luv Unlimited's lineup of sunglasses is my absolute favorite thing — a fact that could come in handy whether you're costume shopping or not.
#3 Purple Velvet Vintage // MAC Costume Services
Purple Velvet and MAC Costume are a two-for-one find in Walker's Point. Located in the same building, Purple Velvet hosts a small but curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories, catered to ladies (sorry guys!). While the selection isn't huge, what they have is quality. Then — bonus! — there's MAC Costume Services, attached to Purple Velvet. There you'll find legit costumes for rent — everything from C-3PO to courtly ladies. Prices: $50–$100.
Or, if all this sounds like too much work, my genius friend Rachelle over at Stuff Roach Knows can tell you how to be a lamp for Halloween. All you need is one gold bodysuit and a lampshade. You're welcome.
Interior design + new & found home goods in Shorewood
After stumbling upon Min's boutique in Shorewood a few weekends ago, Adam and I strolled a couple blocks farther north on Oakland Avenue — an area we had yet to explore, despite living nearby for a while now. Just past the Colectivo is a home décor, furniture, and interior design shop called The Workroom — another local gem!
If you squeal when a new Crate & Barrel or West Elm catalog finds its way to your mail box, you'll squeal upon entering The Workroom. So many things caught my eye: Unique lighting, gorgeous pillows, painted tables, candles, and drool-worthy goodies for your home — like shapely vases and coffee table books. Some pieces are fresh and modern, others upcycled — and somehow the mix works perfectly.
Adam and I didn't spend a ton of time in The Workroom, since we're not currently in the market to drop a chunk of money on quality home furnishings. But if we were, you better believe I'd stop at The Workroom before heading to any furniture chain store. In fact I'm currently concocting an excuse to return — like that we're in dire need of a new lamp in the living room (ours has a shaky lampshade — that's grounds for an upgrade, right?).
I'll leave you with these words from the owners: "As an independently owned interior design firm and lifestyle shop, our philosophy remains. Offer a personalized experience, create unique interiors and soft home goods, and spark accessible, livable design."
Wearables & décor with global flair in Shorewood
After walking to the boulangerie a couple weekends ago, Adam and I strolled up Oakland Avenue. We've lived in the neighborhood for over a year, and yet I've never explored anything beyond the boulangerie (though I do know there's a Colectivo up that way). It was during our expedition into the heart of Shorewood that we discovered more than one boutique shop worth visiting; the first was Min's.
Min's is self-described (on Facebook) as a place filled with "fine clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts for the discerning eye; natural, durable, timeless." I would also add the words "global" and "worldly" to the roster. The pieces in Min's are certainly high-end, for the most part, with a distinctly ethnic flair. They seem tailor-made for a fun, well-traveled, and cultured woman.
The jewelry, which I believe hails from various artists, is pretty consistently boho-chic. Though my photos hardly do these pieces justice — the gemstones are quality and the details are charming in person. There's also a glass case filled with more elaborate accessories. The prices aren't for measly pocketbooks, however — I'd say $50 is the average necklace price. But they'd make wonderful gifts come holiday time, when we can maybe justify spending a little more on the stylish people we love.
I spoke briefly with the owner of Min's, Lynn Waite, who told me she picks up a lot of her goods during her travels and from shows in New York. According to a 2014 article from Milwaukee Magazine, Lynn opened shop in 2012 and has since ramped up production of her own designs, too — linen cropped jackets, simple sheaths, long coats, tops with hand-stitched embellishments. And the garments are sewn and assembled locally! Visit Min's in Shorewood and see what wonders you can find; this boutique is definitely worth a stop.
Visit The Waxwing for handmade Wisco pride
A couple of my dear friends are moving away this week — to California, to be exact. I knew I had to leave them with something from The Good Land, so I went to The Waxwing to see what I could find. The shop at the corner of North and Oakland has so many perfect Wisconsin- and Milwaukee-themed gifts of all shapes, sizes, and price points. Here's just a handful of the goodies I spied.
Colorful coasters — make your own set!
Beer bottle candles — just find one that's a Wisconsin beer.
A PBR-inspired pillow (and there are many other pillow designs).
Small clay dishes for rings and things.
Stacks and stacks of Wisconsin and Milwaukee art prints.
Tiny, adorable, framed water color paintings.
There are also post cards and stickers, paintings on rustic wood, more made-in-Milwaukee candles, tea towels with catchy phrases, t-shirts, necklaces with tiny brass charms stamped with "MKE," and so much more. Truly, if you're shopping for something to represent our home town or state, The Waxwing is chockfull of treasures!
Gifts, art, home goods & wearables in Bay View
How have I never blogged about Sparrow Collective before? It's a wonderful little boutique in Milwaukee, brimming with handmade wonders by over 100 independent designers from all over the country. These designers bring printed tees, handcrafted jewelry, unique clothing for kids and babies, art prints, cards, and funky little gift-ables.
I've been shopping at Sparrow Collective for over a year now and never fail to find something worth gifting. Maybe that's why I haven't blogged about it yet — it's like my little present-shopping mecca that I'm subconsciously trying to keep all to myself. Time to fess up.
In the past year, I've brought home Milwaukee-made candles, a necklace with "MKE" stamped on a tiny brass heart charm, a duo of potted knit cacti (adorable), cards with cats in silly costumes, and a bumper sticker that says "Sweet dreams are made of cheese."
What have I been ogling lately at Sparrow Collective? They're big on air plants set in earthy, clay vases and hanging bowls. Scattered throughout the store, you'll find moss terrariums with tiny figurines or gemstones nestled in the greenery. Among the many items of clothing for men, women, and children, there are soft sweatshirts and Milwaukee tees, summery Frida Kahlo tanks, and the cutest baby clothes.
Pretty plates with botanical prints adorn the shop walls — so lovely! Flipping through the crates of art prints, there are works by local artists, including one of my favorites: Katie Gamb. There's also a solid selection of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and up-north themed décor and trinkets. Really, when in search of a gift, why not start by shopping local? Sparrow Collective is filled with gems.
Here are other places to shop local in Milwaukee. Happy gifting!
Local art & handmade gifts in Milwaukee
Mmmm shopping local... It's such a wonderful thing! I've hailed Milwaukee shops for home décor, soaps, antiques, cards, and the list goes on. Now it's time for a Milwaukee-made gift shop: The Waxwing.
It's a spacious shop on the corner of Oakland and North — right across the street from Beans & Barley, in case you want to shop with a smoothie in hand like I did (the Coco Kale is great!). As you walk in the door, you'll see a few carousels of quirky and handmade greeting cards on your left — a sure sign of more good things to come.
In the back left corner of the shop, there's a whole slew of apparel — Milwaukee shirts for grown-ups and kids, onesies for the babes. There are also pillows, coffee mugs, pint glasses, candles, soaps, and art prints of Milwaukee-isms like maps of Bay View and Shorewood.
The right side of The Waxwing is reserved mainly for jewelry made by (mostly) local artists. The vibe is definitely bohemian with lots of stamped metals, turquoise accents, and metal filigree pieces with colorful patinas. It's easy to get lost in the lovely array. In trying to pick out some earrings for a gift, I hemmed and hawed for a good half-hour or more before buying an extra pair just in case.
Once you're done ogling the jewelry, check out the terrariums. Look closely — one has a Star Wars theme! Or it did — it's probably sold by now — how could it not be?! By the register, you'll also find little goodies worth a look/taste: fun fridge magnets, striped candy sticks, and a gumball machine (bring a quarter!). With so much wonderfulness to choose from, I really can't wait for another excuse to visit The Waxwing. Go check it out for yourself!
A south side shop for shabby-chic country décor
A friend of mine said that Farm Girl Art & Antiques was too "country" for her. While country isn't my style, it can sometimes be synonymous with shabby-chic, which I do like. I figured it was worth a gander, so I stopped at the National Ave antique shop this past weekend.
It certainly is more than a little bit country. Most items look rather worn, with weathered paint and a lived-in feel. You'll definitely want to venture into Farm Girl with a discerning eye. If you take the time to really look, you'll discover bookcases of mason jars, gilded mirrors, retro kitchen goodies, and some charming furniture.
Overall, Farm Girl probably won't be a regular stop on my Milwaukee antique hunts — the majority was just too shabby or cutesy-country for my tastes. But it's absolutely worth checking out so you can decide for yourself. There's certainly no shortage of nooks and crannies to explore, and who knows — you just might find a hidden gem!
