THE BROWN CHAIR THAT’S ACTUALLY
If you’ve been in FAYE’s over the last 35 years, you might’ve noticed the big wingback “Grandfather’s” chair? It’s been in my family for at least 60 years, and its plush velvet black has faded to a smooth vintage brown.
I grew up in a small town in North Dakota, and my family was hardworking (lower?) middle class. My father, Bill, was a bank teller who was passed over for a promotion because he left high school to serve in the Korean War.
My mother, Leona, worked as a grocery store “clerk” at a time when mothers didn’t work outside the home. It never seemed odd to me that my mother worked when others didn’t – in fact, it was a source of pride. But, her salary was more about beautifying the house than elevating our meal plans! Mother had a highly developed aesthetic sense – where it came from? One of those questions I’d give anything to have asked when she was alive!
Mother’s taste level was wellknown in my town, Hankinson, and soon she was hired by Rudy,
Jen Daoust, our Visual Merchandiser, and Dennis Pearson, BEASTIE Creator, in The Brown Chair. Join us: BEASTIES & BAGS EVENT Mar 20, 11am-1pm
BLACK.
Our Town Gay, whose family owned the furniture store.
Rudy and mother went to furniture market, bought furniture and accessories, and merchandised the store. Mother became the town’s celebrated Interior Designer! I didn’t find it all that unusual when I came home from school one day to find the kitchen (and all the appliances) painted pink. She’d also painted black scallops around the ceiling perimeter – it looked like a circus tent! Until the day she died, mother was redecorating or thinking about redecorating.
When she did a major renovation to our living room and dining room in the mid-60s, the black velvet wingback chair was a “must-have”. It was (and is) a statement piece. I can still picture my grandfather sitting in it every Christmas Eve as we opened presents. I don’t remember how it came into my possession, but I do remember that I NEEDED to take it from my house to the store when I opened FAYE’s in 1991. It seemed the perfect talisman, imbued with magic powers and good
Painted by local artist, Lauren Leykin, who primarily does commissioned watercolor pet portraits. Check out her work at instagram.com/lil_art_by_lauren
luck. And, for 35 years, it’s brought magic and luck. Every time I pass it, I feel a spark of nostalgia and gratitude.
The next time you see it, maybe stop for a minute and sit, reflecting on all the things in your life that fill you with gratitude.
O N W A R D...
Yours in fashion and magical thinking,
Faye Founder
Introducing Dennis Pearson, Beastie Creator and Artist-In-Residence
Rotating installation of BEASTIE sculptures and artwork BEASTIES & BAGS EVENT
• March 20, 11am-1pm
From Beth LaFond
Representative | Dennis Pearson Beasties
Ozaukee Artists and Makers
Beloved Wisconsin artist, Dennis Pearson, known as “The Beastie Man,” has been bringing his whimsical creatures to life for over 64 years. Growing up in Madison, Dennis repeatedly sketched a unique, imaginary animal – an early version of what would later become his signature “Beastie.”
As an adult, he transformed his drawings into three-dimensional sculptures, first using papier-mâché and later reinforcing them with fiberglass. The sturdy fiberglass pieces, painted with automotive paint, proved durable enough for outdoor display. This discovery led Dennis to create Beasties in all shapes and sizes – benches, tables, chairs, towering 16-foot sculptures, as well as smaller tabletop versions and ornaments. Today, Beasties can be found worldwide, making Dennis a true international treasure.
Several employees at FAYE’s are longtime fans and collectors of Dennis’ work, so a collaboration with him for a Valentine’s Day event in 2023 was a natural. This partnership quickly became a perfect creative union. When Dennis is in town, he often makes surprise visits to FAYE’s – raiding the candy dish, lounging in the velvet chair, and chatting with customers, old friends, and the lovely FAYE’s staff.
Humbled and delighted by the upcoming new collaboration and installation of his work, Dennis remains as charming and as whimsical as his sculpture. Stop by, and you just might run into the legend himself –The Beastie Man, Dennis Pearson.
Beth adds, “I did not mention the major fundraisers Dennis did for the MSO and the zoo, or the display at the White House in the 80’s. He has a lifetime of stories...too much for a short bio.”
ZHUZHING is the difference!
By Angie Lenzen Assistant Buyer and Stylist
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zhuzh: ZHooZH, verb
1. make something more stylish, lively, or attractive. “the bag is a cool but economical way to zhuzh up many an outfit”
Preparing for my trend presentation at our last private party, I collaborated with Jen, our Visual Merchandiser, on what to feature. I always lean into the trends and do my best to educate, but with a focus on encouraging my audience (and my customers) to wear what makes them feel good.
Our FAYE’s motto is “BUY WHAT YOU LOVE”... sometimes that’s a trend...sometimes that’s a classic... and sometimes, that’s somewhere in-between.
The secret to great style? It’s not about your budget, it’s not about your age, it’s not about trends – it’s HOW YOU WEAR YOUR CLOTHES and if they make you feel your best.
I love the word ZHUZH! It took me a while to learn how to spell it, but it’s a fave in my fashion vocabulary.
It’s the difference between simply wearing something and creating a personal style. It’s the difference between throwing on jeans and a t-shirt but being deliberate about the right shoe or that all-important third piece (aka a leather jacket or pretty cardigan or the perfect piece of jewelry or scarf). Does the outfit look “together” and create a cohesive look that is YOU?
Tuck in your shirt! Add a statement belt! Yes, those boots! Roll your sleeves! Pop your collar! Look at you – you’re ZHUZHING!
Don’t just wear your clothes.…ZHUZH them…and communicate your personal style.
*Yes, we do private parties: before, during, or after hours. Gather your gal pals, and we’ll treat you to a shopping experience complete with trend presentation, personal styling, sips, snacks, and a swag bag. If the hostess wants to do this as fundraiser, we make a donation to her charity of choice. For more information, email Faye at fayew@fayes123.com
Hello, High/Low
By Tina Engroff, Stylist
Dressing “high-low” is a cornerstone of my personal style! The concept of high-low isn’t new, but everyday I find myself encouraging my customers to experiment – especially when they’re undecided about a more expensive piece.
Simply put, high-low means pairing highend, luxury pieces with inexpensive items in a way that completes an outfit. Vogue states, “When executed correctly, it can perfectly showcase one’s fashion prowess without veering into designer overload and/or breaking the bank! The best high-low ensembles are chic and ofthe-moment, yet also understated.”
Regardless of our budgets, we all have items we are willing to invest in as cornerstones of our wardrobes. Think a classic White & Warren cashmere sweaters... a “workhorse” Veronica Beard blazer...a delicious Alice + Olivia print blouse... and those just-gotta-have-’em L’Agence jeans. These standout pieces are oh-so-easy to pair with budget-friendly brands, such as Liverpool, Elan, and J.Society. If you’re a designer handbag and/or shoe gal, top off any outfit with your Louis Vuitton handbag or Gucci shoes, automatically elevating anything you’re wearing.
High-low dressing also breathes new life into your existing wardrobe. Curate your closet, with a special eye to your high pieces AND your low pieces – ask yourself how you can wear them differently, leaning into the season’s trends.
Actually, this re-purposing is one of our “genius” offerings at FAYE’s. There’s that item(s)
you can’t bring yourself to get rid of but you don’t know how to wear? Bring it in, and we’ll give it new life!
FAYE’s can help you curate your “highs”, “lows”, and everything-in-between. There are very few rules in fashion, you just need to be willing to experiment and dress to make yourself happy. When you look good, you feel good.
And Faye always says, “You don’t need a lot of clothes, you need the right clothes.”
My personal favorite high-low outfits? 1.Veronica Beard scuba blazer, Elan tee, Liverpool jeans, topped off with an Hermes bracelet. 2. Alice + Olivia blouse with 75% off Elliot Lauren jeans, Steve Madden shoes and a stack of Karen Lazar bracelets in mixed metals.
Ciao, Bella!
In September of 2024, I took a trip to Tuscany and Umbria with Chef Feker of Il Mito in Delafield and Wauwatosa and Zesti in Hartland.
It was a magical, life-affirming trip. He’s hosting again this year, and I thought I would share the info. specialevents@ilmito.com
It’s an incredible value, and the Hotel San Gregorio is beyond beautiful. Sep 26 - Oct 5, 2025
Here’s a pic of me with Chef Feker’s son, Aaron. Yes, we had a great time!
Spring 2025 Color Trend Report
By Elisabeth Wallock, Digital Media Manager
According to Pantone®, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for design industries, the biggest colors for Spring/Summer 2025 include a melodious group of earthy mid-tones, striking brights, timeless neutrals, foliage-inspired greens and expansive blues.
“Combining comfort and glam, colors for NYFW Spring / Summer 2025 blend wearability with desirability,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Imbued with appealing deliciousness, they are practical and pragmatic, displaying character and depth but with a fashionable twist that elevates them from the traditional into something much more current and stimulating.”
Despite Pantone’s subdued color of the year – Mocha Mousse – the NYFW runways were also filled with an array of bold and saturated colors, along with a variety of light, feminine hues. Inspired by our precious planet, rich emeralds, icy blues, delicious yellows and fiery reds punctuated many collections. Following fashion’s extravagant, maximalist agenda, the runways also displayed dusty rose and powdery pastel pieces.
CARDINAL RED
RETRO REVIVAL
BUTTER YELLOW
Butter Yellow has been a key player in the fashion world for a while, but NYFW designers made it clear that this shade is Spring’s ‘It’ color front-runner. Consider Butter Yellow as a neutral and use it in place of creams and whites for a fresh, more playful look.
While burgundy was, without a doubt, the trendiest color in 2024, the runways for 2025 were ignited with a timeless shade of red. Don’t be shy – this fiery, bold hue can be worn just as easily to work as to a party.
POWDER PINK
Say “bye-bye” to the Barbie Pink Era that reigned over all other shades the last couple of seasons, and give a warm welcome to Powder Pink! This gentle, romantic shade can be worn monochromatically or mixed with deep or neutral separates to add dimension and interest.
ICY BLUE
EMERALD GREEN
Thanks to Wicked, a grassy emerald hue has taken center stage for 2025. Think of it as last year’s Brat Green’s demure sister. Who says looking expensive only requires sporting rich neutrals? Emerald green does the job just as well, but with a bit more spunk!
This joyful, soft blue color is one of 2025’s chicest and surprisingly wearable hues. Pair it with rich neutrals or bold complementary colors to keep your look sophisticated rather than juvenile. Color pairing options include: beige, black, red, silver, tan and yellow.
CHOCOLATE BROWN
We cannot talk 2025 color trends without mentioning Pantone’s official color pick for 2025, Mocha Mousse. Pair the chocolate brown shade with powder pink, muted mustard yellow or dusty sage green for Spring.
In the fashion world, SPRING HAS SPRUNG! So, begin incorporating these stunning shades into your wardrobe!
WHAT’S ON THE FASHION HORIZON?
MARCH
Mar 6-9
KINROSS SWEATER TRUNK SHOW
Mar 6-7
PDPAOLO JEWELRY EVENT w/Beth Roth
Mar 10-16
MAURITIUS LEATHER JACKET EVENT w/James Goodman
Mar 20
DENNIS PEARSON BEASTIES & BAGS EVENT
APRIL
Apr 3-6
ZADIG & VOLTAIRE COLLECTION EVENT
Apr 3-4
KOULIANOS JEWELRY EVENT w/Beth Roth
Week of Apr 7
MADELINE THOMPSON CASHMERE EVENT
Apr 24-27
RAILS COLLECTION EVENT
MAY
May 2
FAYE ON THE MORNING BLEND W/MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS!
May 7
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITY
FOOD & FAMILIES LUNCHEON AT MILWAUKEE COUNTRY CLUB
May 8
WOMAN’S CLUB OF WISCONSIN FASHION SHOW
FEATURING FAYE’S
May 15-18
VERONICA BEARD EVENT
May 23
LISA ATTANASIO AUTOBIOGRAPHY BOOK SIGNING THE INTUITIVE ENTREPRENEUR
Event schedule is subject to change. Please check the website for current information: Fayes123.com
What’s happening at FAYE’s?
One of our legacy brands that keeps attracting new devotees is FRANK & EILEEN. It’s a certified women-owned, women-led B CORPORATION, working with sustainable, ethical manufacturers. Luxe fabrics in casual silhouettes.
Our PRIVATE SHOPPING PARTIES have really gained momentum. Gather your gal pals, and we’ll treat you to a shopping experience complete with trend presentation, personal styling, sips, snacks, and a swag bag. Oftentimes, the hostess designates a charity to whom we make a donation.
Also, at the change of seasons, our CLOSET CLEANOUTs are in high demand. A FAYE’s professional shows up at your doorstep with a bottle of champagne, and together you decide what to KEEP, TOSS, CONSIGN. Life-changing! Enter the drawing for a FREE Closet Cleanout!
For more information on CLOSET CLEANOUTS and SHOPPING PARTIES, email Faye at fayew@fayes123.com
