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MINNEAPOLIS PICKS™ |
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life + style in the Twin Cities
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June 26th, 2009
We’re nothing if not simple folk. All we ask for in life is a little nosh, a lot of wine, cute shoes, and a certain “24” star on our arm. Is that really too much to ask?
Yet lately we’ve been getting a lot of eye-rolls and hefty sighs when we express our wants to people. So what if what if we like our sauces on the side, our bags reusable, and our meat, well, not present? We just like what we like and feel life’s too short to go lollygagging about pretending like we like everything slathered in Ranch dressing and ketchup. We firmly believe we’re not the epitome of picky-pants-ness, we’re simply discerning and specific, which in our opinion is merely a sign of good taste, and not something to be pooh-poohed. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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Beauty and the Burbs
We all have that friend—the one who seems to have everything. Cowboy boots? Yep. Coach wallet? Yep. Ipod? Two—pink and green. We’ve even had shopping nightmares of trying to find that perfect gift, leaving us to wonder if it’s time we took up crocheting and just made her a pretty set of doilies.
Luckily we discovered Bare Beauty Boutique before breaking out the hooks and yarn. A serendipitous little nook of a shop, Bare Beauty offers up a sleek array of options for beautifying your bod, including a full waxing studio that specializes in Brazilian bikini goodness, as well as sexy lingerie and Glo mineral makeup. They also stock a swoon-worthy selection of designer denim like Hudson, Kastle, and Frankie B, all perfect for complimenting our girly-curves in style. This suburban haven is even playing with a line of one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn denims—think a well-loved pair of 7s converted into a mini-skirt!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of jeans or a dead-smooth set of legs to go in them, Bare Beauty is sure to please even the girl who has everything.
Bare Beauty Boutique
14270 Buck Hill Road
Burnsville, MN 55306
952.892.5828 |
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A Little French Kiss
Summertime makes us think about our favorite woman-goes-to-Europe-to-steal-back-cheating-fiancé-and-falls-in-love-with-someone-much-better-while-exploring-luxuries-of-France movie: “French Kiss.” We swoon over the idea of rolling hills, rich cheeses, and desserts paired with Blanc wines and a French tour guide.
The best alternative to a Euro getaway? A Volnay Bistro experience. Positioned just off of Lake Wayzata, this adorable French bistro fulfills all of our Parisian desires (sans Kevin Kline). The menu is a mix of fresh salads (try the Nicoise or the lavender & fromage), mango foie gras appetizers (that made us say oh la la), fresh seafood and delicate Filet Mignon Rossini. We were giddy at the café-style presentation of the a la carte desserts (the perfect crème brulée finish to our already delightful meal). And the simple list of red and white wines by the glass had us sip-happy.
Volnay even has a quintessentially French outdoor patio, decorated flowers and white linen tables. We recommend the live jazz on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Just close your eyes and dream of vineyards, foreign suitors… and maybe a little French kiss.
Volnay Bistro
331 Broadway Ave. S
Wayzata, MN 55391
952.345.6100 |
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Baby Love
When we can’t find a good gift for a baby shower, we arrive with a package of AA batteries wrapped in a pink bow. When the owner of Oscar & Belle couldn’t find beautiful gifts, she started her own line of organic baby clothes. Even though we might be inclined to hate this sort of eco-overachievement, a visit to the shop made us long to shrink back to birth weight and wear those comfy outfits ourselves.
This eco-chic tot-shop features an ultra-hip clothing selection (think deep chocolate browns) along with soybean cribs, luxe organic bedding and dreamy wall art. And if you’re avoiding the whole ducks-and-teddy themed nursery mayhem then don’t miss their sustainable nursery design studio—truly a must for the modern Mom and Pop. Of course it’s not just the clothes we covet, it’s the baby-centric accessories too, like the Oscar & Belle baby toiletries, perfect for pampering delicate skin, and our personal fave, the natural rubber pacifiers for a “save-the-earth-and-keep-me-from-fussing” statement.
If you’re looking to save a little “green,” enroll in-store to sponsor a child with World Vision and receive 20% off your purchase!
Oscar & Belle, Inc.
2812 West 43rd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.216.3788
www.oscarandbelle.com |
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Chick Picks: |
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This and That
As young girls we had a flair for the artistic. We decorated our notebooks with doodles, made our own jewelry, bedazzled our Keds, and harbored a slight obsession with macramé, so it’s no wonder that the spot-on hodge-podgery found at Stella and Hodge has us completely smitten.
This crafty local designer offers up a bevy of must-have baubles, pretty paper products emblazoned with pops of color, and kitschy-cool custom silhouette prints that remind us of our wonder years.
www.stellaandhodge.etsy.com |
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Mmm… Baguettes
We’re all about our big ol’ bags that hold everything but the kitchen sink, but occasionally our ensembles call for something a little more, well, little.
Not wanting to look like we’re toting an overly sparkly prom accessory, we shop AO3 Designs. We love their entire line, but lately our hearts belong to their Baguette Clutches. Available in chic vintage floral prints and embellished with smooth patent leather, these beauties perfectly mix feminine with tough. We dare you to just buy one.
www.ao3designs.com |
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Spa in a Jar
You’ve heard us whine, moan, and complain about our picky skin (sorry), but it’s frustrating to deal with breakouts, rashes, and a myriad of other sensitivities, so when we find something that our skin loves we shout it from the roof-tops. Love, thy name is Zaja!
This fabu line of natural body products is spa-like perfection, and we’re obsessed with their Dead Sea Mud Foaming Face and Body Scrub. Super creamy, this scrub gently exfoliates, leaving skin perfectly smooth and irritation-free.
Zaja Body Scrub |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Stylish Savings at Good Things
Nothing puts a spring in our step like a good old-fashioned sale, and if the sale is being held at Good Things, then we say, all the better! Now through July 31, savvy shoppers can hit either (or both) Good Things locations and score 30% off a bevy of must-haves including women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
What: Good Things Spring/Summer Clearance Sale
When: Now–July 31
Where: 2184 4th St., White Bear Lake & 12139 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove
Visit: www.seegoodthings.com |
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Oh, Oh, Oh, It’s Magic
If you’re all about mixing fab new finds with sleek vintage pieces, then don’t miss Abracadabra Vintage’s Open House. Their must-have clothing and accessories will be available for purchase, along with some specially chosen items for men, all of which will keep you stylin’ at a reasonable price. Food and bevies provided!
What: Abracadabra Vintage’s Open House
When: Saturday, June 27, 1–6 pm
Where: 555 Studios, 3965 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis
Contact: abracadabra.vintage.mpls@gmail.com for info
Visit: www.abracadabravintage.etsy.com |
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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Are you living large on the west side and looking for something to do with your female cohorts? Try Girls Night Out in Excelsior. Every Thursday, June–August, women can hit a slew of businesses, boutiques and restaurants to score discounts, spa treatments, food and drink specials, sales, and giveaways, making for seriously girl-centric good times.
What: Girls Night Out
When: Thursdays June–August, 5–9 pm
Where: Downtown Excelsior
Visit: www.excelsiorgirlsnightout.com |
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