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October 5th, 2007
We have been crazed—last-minute out-of-town guests, traveling on red-eye flights across the country, an upcoming anniversary for the parents (which necessitates something homemade—the only gifts they enjoy), planning a wedding … it’s a wonder that we get anything done around here. But somehow at the end of the day we always realize a couple things: nothing is so stressful that a few glasses of wine and a good chat with a girlfriend can’t fix it, and 10 years from now, is all the chaos we’re experiencing today really going to matter? When we find ourselves clenching our jaw over rising stress levels, we make a date with a friend—usually a shopping date where we catch up, vent, and buy little things that make us happy (like shoes or flowers or a gimlet). So this issue is for all the ladies out there who need a little break via retail therapy, or who want a glass of wine at happy hour—we are right here with you and feel your pain. (In fact, we may be that girl who had too many glasses of wine at the end of the bar—the one who feels no pain whatsoever). To help you ease any stress you may be having, we are again offering gift certificates, this time to Heavenly Soles, the place for happy shoes, so make sure you forward Minneapolis Picks to five of your friends and cc: picks@minneapolispicks.com. You could be a winner! And Minneapolis Picks may help soothe your woes—or at least score you some kicks for the upcoming season. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | What a Girl Wants Remember Cher’s closet in the movie “Clueless”? The choice of colors, styles and patterns had us aching to be in her shoes (Paul Rudd as a love interest wasn’t exactly a deterrent either). Stepping into Hot Mama at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes was a little like that closet—pretty much everything you could imagine wanting to wear for day or night is within their four walls. You’ll find perfect black suede flat boots from Jeffrey Campbell, sexy On Gossamer undie sets, dressy going-out tops from Shy, Velvet and Susanna Monaco, and too many cute coats and tunics to count. Plus offbeat jewelry, totally affordable and colorful handbags, and—of course—maternity wear. Then there’s the jeans: you won’t have to look any further because they carry loads of denim at all price points, and manager Carrie can tell you what brands will cover your rear perfectly (she correctly pegged us as Citizens of Humanity girls). So the next time you need one thing or everything for a night out, stop by Hot Mama in Maple Grove … the only thing not available is Paul Rudd! Hot Mama |
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| 2 | These Boots (and Shoes) Were Made For Walkin’ When we were younger, our cousin had a way cool friend—she wore tight t-shirts with glittery iron-ons, carried cutesy purses, and would listen to Joan Jett when driving her mom’s station wagon. She was totally awesome and totally unique, and her shoes were no exception. We immediately thought of her when we walked into Heavenly Soles. The selection of shoes is so hip it hurts: butt-kicking Frye boots and shoes coexist peacefully with European Campers; sweet and sassy choices from Poetic License and Miz Moos include flats, t-straps, pumps, boots and more, in colors and patterns that make us swoon. Whether you want a tall, skinny suede and canvas donkey pattern boot (who doesn’t?) or a Mary Jane with a suede booty/sock insert, they have it—plus a great sale rack and a guys section to keep him occupied while you try to narrow it down to just four or five pairs…. Stop by Heavenly Soles this month for a look at the new lines rolling in, and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! Heavenly Soles |
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| 3 | Almost as Good as a Passport We get bored easily, and that includes “of our furniture.” So we instantly bonded with Jessica, owner of The Vagabond. She specializes in giving older furniture new life by recovering it in the cutest fabrics. It’s perfect for those of us who are on an editor’s salary and have the ideas, but not necessarily an unlimited checkbook or the skills to recover a chair so it looks like it came from a French boutique. The store is stocked with goodies new and old that will make you reconsider ever going to IKEA again. With a selection of large antique Persian rugs, artwork by local artists, vintage pencil drawings and newly rewired lamps, you’ll have an interior style all your own. Add in the French milled soaps, adorable blue and gold plates, mug and cup sets by Danica—packed into a matching hatbox, naturally—plus Notre Monde home accessories, and that Paris pied-à-terre you always dreamed of is a short jaunt away! Bring out your inner Parisian girly-girl and stop by in October. And tell Jessica you read about her here! The Vagabond |
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| 4 | Home Sweet Home In college we “adopted” a local bar that was in an old house as our own, and we loved it so much that we did it again in various cities before we settled down here. The main thread being that these places were always located in actual houses. So discovering Duplex was practically nirvana: a wonderful restaurant with affordable prices, a happy staff, two happy hours (yay!), and—yes—it all happens in an old duplex on Hennepin. We felt at home when it first opened a couple years ago, and have continued to stop by and lounge around. Why? Besides the laid back atmosphere, the food is always good, the wine selection carefully edited to include at least one organic selection, and the eclectic crowd makes for an interesting scene. If you aren’t in the mood for a meal, stop and hang out at the tiny yet welcoming bar—with two happy hours (3-6 pm daily and a late-night one lasting until 1 am)—it’s twice the reason to smile. Make a reservation this October and tell them Minneapolis Picks recommended Duplex! Duplex |
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| 5 | Paper Mate We have a friend who loves all things Asian—food, furniture, art, movies—you name it, she has seen it, likes it or has it. So it’s no surprise that she loves PaperGami, the largest carrier of handmade Japanese papers in the Twin Cities. The first time we visited we couldn’t get over the colors, designs and quality. They have to be seen to be fully appreciated (trust us, you could hang these papers in a frame and they would be art). Lacy designs share wall space with bold, brightly colored prints, and some choices are so delicate it’s surprising how sturdy they are. But the selection is not just limited to Japanese papers. Origami sets and paper lanterns share space with more American offerings such as local letterpress cards, magnets and note pads, stationary sets, and enough ideas for gift giving during the holidays that you may not even need to make a list—you can just buy it all at once, here! Stop by PaperGami in October. Talk to Sally, PaperGami’s owner … you know what to say! PaperGami |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Scrabble Style We love Scrabble—we watch Totally Scrabble Tuesdays at 11pm on MTN17 every week. So when we found Littleput Pendants we were smitten—they’re made from reclaimed Scrabble tiles and fine papers, so we can coordinate our smarts with our outfits. They’re perfect for gifts, and each comes with a complimentary slide-top box and a pretty organza ribbon, so the wrapping is done. Get the Minneapolis Picks exclusive $1 shipping rate on your pendant order by typing MP in the message box at checkout! |
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| 2 | We Smell Pretty We never tire of pretty scents when we’re in la toilette. So why do we love this line of hand, body and dish wash from Daub & Bauble, a MN-based company? First, there are three amazing scents to choose from (we can’t get enough of the Sorrento Lemon & Ginger). Second, the hand lotion includes shea butter, and finally, and best yet, you choose the design on the bottles, including deer and birds, Morrocan-inspired prints and more. Getting clean has never been so fun. |
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| 3 | Not Your Grandma’s Precious Moments Gift giving time is a-coming, and this year we decided to give as many gifts that are personal as we could. Good thing we discovered Simply Silhouettes. A mix of retro, kitschy and preppy, they can turn any photo you send into a silhouette, for a personal touch on a picture, stationary, clothing, tote bag and more. Perfect for those new parents with everything, a childhood friend, or your fam—especially if they forgot what you look like. |
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| 4 | Fashion at Your Fingertips If you’re like us, you scan the weeklies at the grocery store and always wonder where those girls find that perfect yellow v-neck sweater, or silver Mary Janes. Well, wonder no more—SheFinds.com does the work for you. This ridiculously fun site is a resource for everything from breaking down outfits to blogs on daily shopping finds … basically a shopping gal’s online partner. And if you sign up for their newsletter, tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! |
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| 5 | “Clean” Clothes There are plenty of mamas out there who firmly believe in feeding their little ones organic food. If that’s the case, why not uphold the same standards when it comes to clothes? Little Marmara makes it easy with items made from 100% chemical-free organic Turkish cotton. Decorated with gender-neutral storks, lions and camels, shirts are comfy and cute to boot! Keep an eye out for more options, including pants, sweaters, towels, toys and other healthy options. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Life is a Runway One of the Twin Cities’ true originals, Joy Teiken, owner of the Joynoëlle clothing line, is opening a new boutique and atelier. With ready-to-wear, bridal lines and demi-couture, Joynoëlle is like our own hometown high-end designer. Stop by for a look at her newest creations in her shiny new showroom! What: Joynoëlle opening |
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| 2 | Autumn Romance Cold weather means drinking wine (in our book, at least). So look for us at Barbette throughout October when Romantica plays some great late night music to accompany Barbette’s late night happy hour—one of the best in town if you like delicious inexpensive cheese plates, wine and mussels. And really, who doesn’t? What: Late Night Music at Barbette |
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| 3 | Fun For a Cause Join Moxie Salon, Lift Kids and Art Resources Gallery during the St. Paul Art Crawl. Enjoy art, live music, food and a silent auction, all benefiting the creation of Lift Kids Villages, homes built in impoverished areas for kids in need. A good cause, a fun event … need we say more? What: Art to Lift Kids |
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| 4 | Going Greener At this point, going green is a no-brainer—we’ve been on the recycling bandwagon for years. But redoing the whole home wasn’t an option until now. Furniture from reclaimed, organic, sustainable materials that actually looks awesome? Plus lighting, rugs, linens, towels, and more ... it’s all at Twin Cities Green. Uh, yup, see you there! What: Grand opening of Twin Cities Green |
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| 5 | Backwards and in Heels—But with Paint With so many cultural choices in the Twin Cities, narrowing down your list can be tough. One for-sure, not-to-miss is the upcoming Georgia O’Keeffe show at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts: 42 paintings, sculptures and watercolors from the woman who proved we can paint just as well as the men can … if not better. What: Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit at MIA |
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| 6 | Our Irreverent Hero Have you ever laughed so hard some sort of beverage came out your nose? That’s what happened when we read about David Sedaris as a Macy’s Elf, and all his other stories have delivered as well. Now that he’s coming to town, live, in person, it’s like there really is a Santa Claus. Bring tissue! What: David Sedaris at the State Theatre |
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What stokes our fire? It’s Y-O-U, baby. Your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and the simple fact that you read Minneapolis Picks and visit the stores we write about makes it possible for us to keep on sending the goods. We love hearing from you, and love even more when you send us to your friends (and frenemies), so keep spreading the love, and we’ll keep sending you fun stuff to read and win! |
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