From a cute way for ladies to modify their pants to even more great-smelling cologne for the guys, this week's OnMilwaukee.com Recommends has a little something for everybody.
One Million by Paco Rabanne – This cologne from Franco-Spanish fashion designer Paco Rabanne is gaudy, blinged-out and ostentatious. And that's just on the outside. It comes in a gold ingot shaped container that sports a juice of a similarly showy name. But take a few sprays (and only a few sprays, this is strong stuff), and the bling slowly gives way to something more woodsy and less playful. Indeed, it opens with a blast of grapefruit, mint and blood mandarin that smells a little like Hawaiian Punch, but the middle note is rose, cinnamon and spice. Hours and hours later, it simmers into leather, white wood, amber and patchouli, all combining to make this a more complex cologne than it immediately presents itself. Indeed, this is a young man's "going out" fragrance, better suited for the club than for the office. Sexy and maybe even a bit feminine, it's not for everyone, but if you give it a enough time, One Million morphs into a rich scent, indeed. A 1.7 ounce bottle retails for about $54. – Andy Tarnoff
Coconut water as a hangover remedy – A few months ago, my coworker told me she drinks coconut water before and after going out drinking. I decided to give this a whirl the morning after a rare wine-drinking experience, and indeed, I found it refreshing and comforting. I won't say it took away my hangover altogether, but it helped, and it definitely tasted really good, like orange juice does when you have a cold. A little Internet research told me coconut water is filled with electrolytes which are needed to replenish after drinking alcohol. Many people drink Gatorade to replenish, but coconut water is extracted from green coconuts that are still too young to have created milk, so it is has far less sugar and fructose than other drinks. I have not tried drinking one before going out, but I might. – Molly Snyder
Hem Gems – Clever and super cute to boot, Hem Gems solve the issue of buying two pairs of your favorite jeans in different lengths to accommodate heels or flats. Being 5’2" and fancying a monster platform for going out but always choosing sensible, shorter comfort for work, I am bananas about these chic studs capable of temporarily hemming your jeans for any heel height. Classic with a rock edge, I found these little gadgets not only solved a practical problem, but also added style and flair to an unexpected place on my outfit – the bottom of my pants! Worn as fun clothing bling to add interest to the cuff of your jeans, shorten the length with or without showing the hem or simply as decoration, Hem Gems are like carrying a fashionable little seamstress in a sweet little denim pouch to alter your jeans at your whim. – Lindsay Garric
Cream City Custard – First of all, let me be clear that in no way am I relinquishing my loyalty to Gilles' when it comes to custard in Milwaukee. That will never change. It just so happens that this West Allis restaurant at 1440 S. 84th St. has pretty good custard along with its expansive menu. If you're craving it, they've got it, from burgers to wings to gyros to burritos to sandwiches and wraps plus one of the tastiest bowls of chicken soup I've found in town. Foodies, move along, this isn't nearly hip or trendy enough for you, but if you're on the move, out with the family and need an inexpensive option for the kids or just looking for something other than the usual fast food offering, Cream City is for you. – Andrew Wagner
