Shopaholic

Ess Elle Style Studio’s Grand Opening this week raises the bar for high-quality, affordable fashion and accessories necessary for making great impressions. While specifically aimed at the modern young professional, all women with a yen for style are bound to find delights here. (1919 E. Kenilworth Place, 271-3778)

Vieux et Nouveau keeps shoppers in the holiday mood right up until the big day with its 12 Days of Christmas Sale. Each day brings one more great deal on something wonderful to give or get -- handbags, artist-made jewelry, pashminas and shawls, holiday dresses, fashions and accessories from Wabag, Le Chick, Samuel Dong, Young at Heart, Yoyo 5, Do & Be and B’NK. (1688 N. Franklin, 287-9049)

Shop Blush for high-end cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, men’s products, and bath and body indulgences from Laura Mercier, B-Kamins, Truefitt and Hill and DuWop. Or opt for gift certificates for a pampering, one-of-a-kind facial or celebrity-style brow service. No matter what, your purchase of $150 or more earns a free make-up application ($50 value) for you or someone just as pretty. (249 N. Water St., 272-1718)

Still got some gift boxes to fill? Stop in at Grotta & Co now through Dec. 23 (noon to 4:00 p.m.) for wonderful deals on hand-printed silk scarves, wraps, bow ties and pillows. (207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 209, 273-8066)

Quilters and sewers dismayed by the closing of Bay View’s Cutting Table (a great source for shoppers looking for an alternative to national chain fabric shops) can still take advantage of the store’s machine quilting service to finish off their handiwork. Installing the shop’s two long-arm quilting machines in a newly remolded basement workshop, Michelle Leep, one of the store’s owners, recently started a new business: Leep Into Quilting. Choosing batting and quilting pattern designs, quilters are presented with their masterpieces within a month of bringing in their handiwork for professional finishing. For more info, call 769-8053.

Even though owner Mandi Gerth will continue to treat shoppers to fun, cool, eclectic products via her Web site (www.shoestringhome.com), shoppers will miss her unique store, Shoestring Home. But on the upside, there’s the closeout sale. Stop in before Saturday, Jan. 13 and save 50% on everything in the store that’s not available on the Web site, plus an extra 10% on everything that’s already marked down. If you see anything else you’re interested in purchasing — furniture, shelving, etc. -- Gerth invites you to make an offer. (330 W. Broadway, Waukesha, 262-548-9255)

Colleen Heather Rogan chats about shopping on WKTI 94.5 FM every Wednesday morning at 7 a.m.