I know, I know, Wisconsin Ave. is no Fifth Ave.

You don’t have to remind this girl.

But what you may not know is the Brew City can hold its ground in the fashion world, albeit on a seemingly microscopic level. Today, I want to introduce you to some of Milwaukee’s fashion secrets for you style hunters.

2. Mount Mary Annual Student Fashion Show: Last spring, the students of the Mount Mary fashion department put on their first off-campus fashion show. And what do trendy guys and gals love more than a fashion show? Answer: just about nothing. The theme of the show, En Route, sought to portray the infinite possibilities of fashion and the many destinations it can take us. That gives you the chills, right? Me too. Mount Mary hopes to make this an annual event, so be sure to watch for the Facebook event and get your tickets early . This is one show you where don’t have to be Alexa Chung or her best friend to get front row seats.

3. Milwaukee Art Museum’s After Dark RunUp to the Runway: Are you one of those people who can pinpoint the moment you realized what your passion is? I am. And this event was it for me. The lights, the music, the models, the trendy couples walking around with their trendy cocktails. All I could think was: “I want this to be my life.” For three hours I was living my absolute dream. Although the After Dark programs at MAM are a monthly event, the RunUp to the Runway theme is a once a year spectacle. The event comes complete with a do-it yourself studio (which lets you design everything from headbands to belts) and a killer disc jockey. If you close your eyes it’s almost possible to imagine yourself at the Lincoln Center in September. I geek out at this event, and my guess is that if you are reading this, you would, too. The event is free to museum members and $6 in advance if you buy online, $12 at the door.

4. Boutique Larrieux: Branding itself as an upscale shop where exclusive fashion becomes inclusive, Boutique Larrieux caters itself to the the woman who wears size 12-24. Owner Lydia Hamilton realizes every woman’s body is different, but that is no excuse for plus-sized women to force themselves into the unflattering styles that take over chain and department stores. Boutique Larrieux oozes with the feminine ideal, and one step inside this lovely boutique, located at 315 N. Broadway, is enough to get you hooked. From accessories to dresses, to shopping parties and personal consultations, Boutique Larrieux brings to Milwaukee an all-inclusive fashion environment fit for all shapes and sizes.

5. Umami Moto: Well as long as you’re all dressed up, you might as well make a night of it. And what better place to see and be seen than at a chic asian fusion restaurant that serves up delectable sushi and Manhattan worthy cocktails. In my opinion, Thursday nights are the best nights to go. Yes, it’s a little quiet, but the sushi deals fit a college budget and the urban atmosphere is just as rad on a less crowded night. In the summer, take a seat by the open windows and let all the passersby gaze with jealousy at your chopstick skills. Well, I personally don’t have any chopstick skills, but you might – and if you do you should show them off. Umami Moto is located at 718 N. Milwaukee St., and yes, they do take reservations. Also, if you’re super phone shy like me, you can even reserve a table online!

Readers, what are your Milwaukee fashion secrets? Any fun shops you love? Trendy places to dine? Shows to see? I would love to hear.