{image1} Its name, though French, personifies what Brady Street has come to symbolize -- a melting pot of yeterday and today.

When Vieux et Nouveau, a specialty retail store at 1688 N. Franklin Pl., opened a month ago, owner Heidi Callaway envisioned here shop to be an eclectic mix of fashion and furnishings.

French for old and new, Vieux et Nouveau (old and new for the non Francophones), a cozy second-floor shop, is filled with unusual items, ranging from handbags to jewelry to sculptures to prints.

"I think people look for variety," says Callaway, who has a background in marketing. "They have malls for one type of shopping, but I think people like to get away from that environment, too."

Callaway adds that she had always wanted to open a shop like this but couldn't find the right spot until she happened about this one off Brady Street.

"I jumped on it," she says. "I do some artwork myself. I make my own jewelry. I paint glassware and furniture. I have a talent for finding cool stuff. I'm always looking for interesting things from art, furnishing and fashions. That's my focus."

She points out that many fashions in her shop are originals that date to the 1920s while many furnishings have a 1950s retro appeal. Though quite domestic in nature, Callaway plans to include fashions from other parts of the world.

"I love the shops you find on street corners in Europe," she adds. "I love Paris, that's probably why I went with a French name. Eventually, I would like to import from other countries. I have a beautiful silk scarf from India and some pieces from Mexico. I'm hopeful, and I'm working on it right now, to get some items from Asia and Africa. Certainly, I'm looking for unique things from around the world."

Vieux et Nouveau also has a strong attraction to art. Callaway says she has displayed and sold pieces for about 20 different artists, including local artist Mike Davis. Prominent in her shop are unique pieces by Amanda Hamlin of Madison.

"It's her squash series," Callaway says. "A lot of people are drawn to her work.

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"But I also have acrylic, oil, pastels and digital photography on display. There are some digital imaging, bronze and clay pieces, too. I wanted to get as much artistic medium as I can."

With her background in promotions and public relations, Callaway also represents some of the artists she exhibits.

"I hope to also outsource their work to someone else, like interior decorators," she explains. "Let's say, they are remodeling or building a new restaurant or just decorating someone's home, and they are looking for unique art, I can help them."

Callaway has also extended herself to helping young artists. She recognizes that some school programs need to offset expenses. She believes a shop like hers could be an outlet to show their talents.

"I just wanted to help these students, Callaway begins. "Too many school's art programs get cut out of budgets. I didn't want to lose this form of expression. So, I thought, maybe I could help them keep their program."

One such program she's assisting is at St. Jude's, an elementary school in Wauwautosa.

"Right now, I have some unique pieces from their digital photography class on display," Callaway points out. "I dedicated a space on one wall for them.

"Listen, it's good pr for them. I think it's important for me to have art here, especially from students. They need an outlet and I can provide that. It's money they can put back into the program to by ink and paper."

Callaway is sell the artwork framed for $40 and unframed for $20. "It's affordable," she says. "Just like everything else I have in the store."

It's easy to see how here background has influenced her shop. As much as she enjoys being the new kid on the block, Callaway is proud of what Brady Street has become.

"Brady Street has a number of interesting shops," she adds. "If people are tired of the usual found at malls, they don't hesitate to come down to Brady Street to find the unusual.

"The Brady Street Association was very welcoming. It realizes that the more unique businesses that open down here, the more Brady Street will draw. I appreciate having my store here. I know it'll take my store time but I'm happy. Things are getting better. More and more people stop in. That's a credit to the foot traffic this neighborhood attracts."

Vieux et Nouveau is open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 pm., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (414) 287-9049 for more information.