So much has changed in the world of retail over the past 7 years. I went from loving each day to feeling like I was the main character of Freeman Hall’s “Retail Hell.”
Business has changed, people have changed, life has changed, and at this point in my life I crave a new direction.
It’s a bittersweet note to write to my clients over the years, my vendors I have adored and my friends who have supported, but Flaire will be closing it’s storefront in Milwaukee.

It’s funny how much you see from my side of the counter, the stories people share, the conversations you over hear….the Retail Slaves of the world hear it all. And we love it too, but there comes a time in every one’s life when the walls start pushing in and the room begins to shrink and you know you have to get out. It’s not that my love of fashion is gone, or that I will forget that retail therapy is an actual type of therapy, or that the connections you make with people really can change you or that the little girl draped in costume jewelry will always be a part of who I am, it’s just that life changes you. The people you meet, the places you visit, the opportunities you seize, all have their impact and at times they point you in a new direction.

So as I depart from ”Retail Hell,” I leave you with a few of
Freeman Hall’s shopping Do’s and Don’ts from his book (267-270).

Freeman Hall’s Do’s and Don’ts of Shopping:
DO be friendly, polite, and patient. You’ll reap rewards you didn’t know existed. People behind the counter have the golden key to your savings and shopping experience. Kissing their ass will get them to use it for you.
DON’T be a Bitchista. Otherwise, no discounts or mentions of upcoming sales for you! Your douchey rude ass took care of that. Remember: Nice customers ALWAYS walk away with the best service and deals from a store.

DO go shopping in a decent mood and with a sense of respect for humanity. The people working at stores and restaurants do have brains and some may even be smarter than you. Being condescending will only encourage them to use those brains to find a way to give you the worst service possible.
DON’T go shopping when you’re in a rush, off your meds, feeling frisky, stricken with swine flu, hours away from giving birth, seeking psychotherapy, or basically feeling like you want to kill someone. You are not making a contribution to society out in the world like this. Stay home and shop online.

DO read merchandise signs and tags. Ask the sales associate to explain discounts and markdowns that are confusing to you. Shopping illiteracy is at an all-time high and is the cause of MAJOR Retail Hell for slaves and customers alike.
DON’T be an annoying Discount Rat and ask for discounts when there are clearly none offered. Unless the store is closing down for good, the ENTIRE store is never on sale, so don’t bother asking.

*But lucky for you, our store is all on sale!*
And lastly, if you love retail, pick up a copy of Freeman Hall’s “Retail Hell,” you’ll laugh your ass off.

*Sale Begins Wednesday, April 13th.
Store Hours will be Wednesday & Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.
All Sales will be Final.*

Go Packers!

Same Time: 10:30AM – 4:00PM
Same Place: Turner Hall Ballroom 
Same Great Deals: Everything from Flaire is $50 and Under

See you there!

It’s our Hour by Hour Sale.
The earlier you shop, the more you save.*

10AM – 12PM  -  Save 50% Storewide
12PM – 2PM – Save 40% Storewide
2PM – 4PM – Save 30% Storewide
4PM – 6PM – Save 25% Storewide

Can’t make it in Friday, continue to save 25% through Sunday.

Want to shop online? Check out the following codes.

BF201050 – For 10AM-12PM
BF201040 – For 12PM – 2PM
BF201030 – For 2PM – 4PM
BF201025 – For the rest of the weekend

You can think I am crazy now, but the touch of my clothing means something – I mean, who wants to be stuck in some itchy fabric all day? When shopping therapeutically you are looking for something that feels comfortable, but that doesn’t mean I want something big, oversized and ugly! When you feel it, you will know. We use that saying a lot in life, about careers, about homes, about love. And I use it now, about finding a piece of clothing that will make the difference is my otherwise dreary day.

I can remember when it started. I had to be around ten. I had somehow ended up at a modeling agency through the recommendation of a friend, and while modeling was never something I was truly passionate about for my life, I went anyway. And when I was turned away, you would have thought it was my passion. Clearly upset, my mother (being the amazing woman she is) decided home was not our next destination and to the store we went. As I perused the racks, dragging my hands over the garments, I landed on one – a skirt and legging combo. Come on I was ten! It was popular then, maybe not so popular that I should have worn them as often as I did, but besides that, after a quick trip to the fitting room, mom and I were out the doors, a smile on my face and thus shopping became my coping strategy. I can also remember the first big break up in my life – of course I was in high school and of course it was the end of the world as I knew it! I can’t remember exactly what age, but I do remember it was Christmas. I had already purchased, wrapped and placed all of his presents under the tree. It wasn’t so much fun opening them back up, but it sure was fun returning them to the store and buying a fabulous new pair of jeans, and a great new top to brighten my mood. Funny enough this happened again a few years later, I had purchased a gift from an online store and when I called to get a return authorization number for the item, the associate asks me, “And why is it you want to return this?” My response, “We broke up,” and to my surprise she goes, “Honey, that is not the first time I have heard that one – go buy yourself something nice.” And that is when I acquired my first pairs of designer sunglasses. There was something liberating about taking the money I earned to spend on someone I thought cared about me and buying myself something pretty! I still have a pair of earrings purchased when I realized I had made the wrong choice in college. The glitter heart heels I got when I didn’t win a competition – they were so Elle Woods in Legally Blonde – the original of course.

Finding these items might not have solved my issues, and I am not saying that a material thing will do that, but for me, it brought a smile to my face. And now years later, these items serve as reminders of lessons learned. Not that I am not going to make the same mistake again, but at least I know there will be a store waiting for me filled with things that will at least bring a smile to my face.

Then hit up the after party at Bacchus!

It’s time for Milwaukee to “shut it down” again.
Think you have what it takes to be the next Rachel Zoe?
Let’s see if you can style looks that warrant an “I Die.”
Get your application in now!

Milwaukee’s Style Trial Official Rules

 Milwaukee’s Style Trial FAQ

Milwaukee’s Style Trial Application (word version)

Milwaukee’s Style Trial Application (pdf version)

It’s Here!

This weekend Friday July 30th – Monday August 1st take half off all regular priced clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes!

Shopping online use the code SMR10CL at checkout.

Save on some of the best brands from William Rast to Winter Kate, Pour la Victoire, Life After Denim and Canterbury of New Zealand!

 

Shopping In Store? You will save an extra 10% off already reduced items!

That’s right – take another 10% off our already 50%-75% reduced merchandise. This offer valid in store only.

 

No other discounts apply. No adjustments on previous purchases.

 

 

Choose from some great designer brands -
William Rast, Cult of Individuality, Nameless Denim, Fidelity Denim, LTB & HeartLoom!
One Weekend Only.
In Store Only.