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August 3rd, 2007
We have kinda sorta always been obsessed with the Twin Cities. We love the shopping—finding a good bargain, discovering a unique store, meeting store owners. We enjoy being able to ask a cool chick with great hair where she gets it done, and in the process, maybe changing up our style a bit. And we love to eat and drink, so any new restaurant or bar is an excuse for us to “see the Cities” and try a new dish… or a new cocktail… or three. That is why we are really truly excited about Minneapolis Picks. Since we started putting it together, we’ve found ourselves taking side streets, purposely looking for little local gems to write about. And we’ve found them—lots of them. From shops, restaurants, salons and bars to events that happen only here, we’ve made it our mission to highlight, showcase, hype, stroke and spread the love of local, independently owned businesses. We’re starting as a monthly, but as more of your friends, coworkers and family find out about Minneapolis Picks, the more often we’ll publish—so tell everyone you know to sign up and get the scoop on independent Twin Cities! And let us know what places you enjoy—email us at picks@minneapolispicks.com. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | One of a Kind You know those girls you see walking around the hip parts of town who stop traffic? And not because they’re showing a lot of skin, but because their style is totally unique? They have that air of “I just threw this on” that takes us hours to achieve, and then just barely. That’s why we head to Design Collective—so we can be that girl who turns heads. Possibly the only store in the Twin Cities to carry only local designers, your one-of-a kind cool-girl style is here: beautiful screened tees (we love the delicate drawings by Happify—she also makes adorable jewelry), cool hand-made dresses and skirts, spot-on cropped jackets for fall, and other unique clothes and accessories for men and women. Add in the hip, handmade greeting cards and plush kids’ toys, and it’s a one-stop shop for cool style. The stock changes often (one designer came in with an armful of new tees while we were there), so stop by whenever you’re in the neighborhood. And don’t miss the sale August 24-31, where you can save up to 50% on current stock! Design Collective |
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| 2 | A Storm is Brewing The heat and humidity are getting to us—especially to our hair. And Amy Winehouse we are not. So stepping into Storm Sister was like stepping into a personal heaven. Attached to the Capitol View Grill in St. Paul, this spa-centric store has a wide selection of personal-care products, including items to tame the nest on our heads. Owner Becky Sturm carefully selects products that she knows will benefit the user, so everything you need for a girls-night-in or everyday beauty routine is here: manicure and pedicure sets, makeup, big chunky French-milled soaps, aromatherapy, hair and beauty products, a wide selection of the IN intelligent nutrients line, and more. We loved the Olivia Garden boar-bristle paddle brushes—perfect for keeping our unruly tresses looking smooth and sleek, even in the 90% humidity of late—and the new Orleans French Quarter candles, which are 100% soy wax in cute little mason-style jars. Try the scents Fig, Petals and Twigs, and Laundromat. And here’s a bonus that’s sure to electrify you: Visit Storm Sister in August and mention Minneapolis Picks to get 20% off anything in the store! Storm Sister |
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| 3 | A Birdie Told Us… Skinny jeans just didn’t work on us. We tried, and felt sort of 8th grade ugly duckling. Lucky for us, other styles are coming back in trend (yay wide legs!!), and Bluebird Boutique in Edina has them. Their vast selection of upscale denim brands include Habitual, Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s, and more, in enough washes, cuts and styles to satisfy any body type. Owners Sacha Martin and Allison Mowery have a knack for knowing what will work on every body type—we personally witnessed a customer try on, by suggestion and with some resistance on her part, the semi-feared high-waisted, wide leg denim jean. Guess what? She looked fantastic. Finish off your denim discoveries with affordable tops from LA Made and Bobi, fall sweaters (we love the ¾ lantern-sleeve baby doll from Mint—perfect for transitioning into cooler weather), and a vintage purse. Whether you’re one of the lucky ones who can rock the stovepipes, or need something trendy but a bit forgiving, stop by this month and see the new arrivals for fall—and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! Bluebird Boutique |
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| 4 | A Lost Art Remember being a kid in a candy store, or a 21-year-old in a bar, and discovering things you didn’t even know existed that you suddenly needed? (Um, Goldschlager?!?) Letterbox, a stationary/gift store in Uptown, is like that. We walked in and immediately wanted absolutely everything. Seriously—everything. Wife-and-husband owners, Kimberley and Zach, have stocked their store with items that are a craveable combination of hip, irreverent, adorable and sophisticated—all the things we want to be. Whether it’s the greeting cards that line one wall—selections not found at your local Hallmark—or the beautiful correspondence sets from Snow & Graham, writing a letter will stop being a bore and instead become a pleasure. They can also help you create personalized stationery, invites and more, and have a wide selection of gifts that are kitschy, cheeky, posh and unique (we like the Emily Post etiquette book, the hip plastic serving tray featuring a woodsy deer scene, and the selection of small press and poetry publications). Stop in, and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! Letterbox |
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| 5 | We Do Some of us are engaged to be married, and the last thing we want to do while trying to figure out what to wear is to piss off our bridesmaids. (We still have nightmares about the teal, rhinestone-draped polyester mini-dresses we were forced to wear in a “friends” wedding years ago. Yes, the dress became a Halloween staple.) Lucky for everyone in the wedding party, there is Flutter Boutique. This by-appointment-only bridesmaid dress salon has a relaxed and chill atmosphere—exactly what we need in the midst of wedding-planning purgatory—and selections that will make everyone happy. Owner Michelle Hanson carries designers and pieces that are savvy, trendy, classic, beautiful, flattering, and can be worn after the wedding. We swear! (Check out the blue and black knee-length dress from Saeyoung Vu Couture which we would buy just to wear out to a cocktail party.) And many labels have customizable colors and lengths, so each maid can walk down the aisle in something that flatters her. The Fall collections are rolling in this month, so call Michelle for an appointment. And you know what to do: Tell her Minneapolis Picks sent you! Flutter Boutique |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Domestic Stylings This is why we adore Domistyle, where aprons come in two varieties—fresh and funky—and tons of colors. Thoroughly modern and more than a little sexy, these beauties make even dishwashing fun! |
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| 2 | Say Hello to My Little Jenn Our bestest friend in the world is named Jenn. She can throw together the greatest cocktails in minutes—whether it’s a lemon drop, an appletini or a cosmo. She’s the life of the party, and she even comes with a handy dandy carrying case. Cocktails by Jenn may be one of the coolest hostess gifts ever, perfect for livening up birthday parties, book clubs and the like. There’s even a new CBJ chocolate peppermint martini—that Jenn, she’s a keeper! |
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| 3 | See and Be Unscene Have you ever been walking around a neighborhood and wished you had a shopping guide for it? Like a map that pointed out saucy little places of interest—from hip boutiques to chic salons and yummy restaurants? Guess what—it exists. It’s called unscene, urban navigator, and it’s genius. You can find it around town, probably in your fave places to shop and unwind, and not only is the publication super helpful, but the people who run it are super cool. Best of all, Minneapolis Picks is going to be in it! |
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| 4 | You’re in Luck We adore costume jewelry, and not just because an editor’s salary doesn’t exactly buy the ginormous baubles we would certainly sport if we could afford them. (Hello, chocolate-diamond walrus ring!) So when we found Bijoux Luck’s fresh take on bold, modern baubles, at great prices, we were hooked. The designer’s influences come from a girlhood spent in Hawaii, and we feel like hot island princesses in her fun designs. She mixes classic and retro with that vacation-y influence, and it all comes out lovely in the end. |
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| 5 | Love, Exciting and New We fell in love today…with a candle. We ordered three Bistro Candles, just based on the delicious-sounding fragrances alone. We were instantly love-struck upon opening the box. The scents—even un-lit—were absolutely decadent. Once lit? Have mercy! In fragrances like Nectarine Basil, Pomegranate Grapefruit, Indian Summer, Linen Breeze and Vanilla Cassis, combined with hip, bright packaging, these are the go-to hostess gift for 2007. (And be sure to pick up a few for yourself!) |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | A Pink Pooch Whether you like to dress up your dog or just need a hip bed or dog carrier, Lulu & Luigi has everything doting pet owners need. With a dog bakery, grooming products, and exclusive clothing and accessories, it’s chicer than boxy pet stores. Stop by in August and mention Minneapolis Picks for 10% off anything pink! What: 10% off anything pink when at Lulu & Luigi |
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| 2 | Your Piece of the Pie Mark your calendars and save your appetite for some of the Twin Cities’ best pizza and music. The 5th Annual Pizza Lucé Block Party is back at the Uptown location, featuring awesome local bands like Diealones, The Alarmists, and more. And with hometown favorite Drinking with Ian's Ian as the MC? C’mon—what’s not to love? What: 5th Annual Pizza Lucé Block Party |
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| 3 | Cover Your Rear If you’re like us, and jeans are a wardrobe staple, head over to Covered in Dinkytown. Denim rules here with brands like Taverniti, William Rast, J Brand, Hudson, and more! It’s seriously heaven for denim addicts. Plus, visit Covered in August and get 10% off any pair of jeans when you mention Minneapolis Picks! What: 10% any pair of jeans at Covered |
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| 4 | Half-priced Booze. Yay! It’s pretty hard for us to find an excuse not to drink good wine, and Al Vento is not making it any easier. If the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, mouth-watering Southern Italian menu from chef Jonathan Hunt, and the surprisingly affordable prices aren’t enough, they now feature half-price bottles of wine every Sunday and Monday. What: Half-price bottles of wine at Al Vento |
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We can’t wait for the next issue to come out in September—it’s been so much fun meeting new shop owners (most of whom are women—yay girl power!), having a reason to stop for an extra coffee or glass of wine (or three), and bringing you what we hope will be keepers in your little black books of fashion, food, events and more. Until then, check out one of our favorite local bloggers—Girl Friday. We love her “fashion dilemmas” and her sass! See you on September 7, and remember, tell your friends about Minneapolis Picks! It’s easy—just forward this email to your gal-pals, hipster drinking buddies, shiny shopping girlfriends, your sister who always dresses better than you, and the sister who still wears acid-wash denim (she needs this), your mom, your aunts, your hairdresser … your coworkers, neighbors, the doggie daycare people, the ladies at your favorite boutique … anyone you know who enjoys shopping, eating, drinking, shopping, pampering, shopping, and, let’s face it, shopping. |
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