|
 |
April 11th, 2008
Have we told you lately that we love you? No? Well we do! And what’s not to love? We are a city full of fabulous females. We’re well-read, funny, fashion-forward darlings. No one but a Northern chick would dare to rock a peep-toe in winter, and we are just as comfortable bicycling around one of many lakes as we are at a swank art opening. We bow down to you, dear readers, for without you fierce fashionistas we’d be unable to go on. We live to suss out the wildly cool finds that our great metro area has to offer. We’re giddy with delight when we discover a cool new suburban outpost, and we often feel faint when we discover a bakery that makes a killer cupcake. It is with great pleasure that we share these hidden gems with each and every one of you. Simply put: You rock our world. |
||
Minneapolis Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Retail Therapy
Recently we were consoling one of our best friends after a big breakup the best way we knew how: with lots of pinot and all six seasons of Sex and the City. Once the cry-fest was over (and Carrie came to her senses about that jerk Aleksandr) we decided it was time for some serious retail therapy. The local mall was the last place we wanted to shop, so for high-fashion finds on a freelancer’s salary we headed straight to gh2. Half designer consignment shop, half super-swank outlet store for the very posh Grethen House, gh2’s racks are packed with a myriad of up-to-the-minute clothing, shoes, and accessories that are sure to satisfy our inner Manhattanite. We found choice pieces from labels like Prada, Gaultier and Moschino. But what stilled our beating hearts was a pair of spectacular heels by Manolo Blanik. We nearly wept when we left the store with them. So if you want to feel like a kid in an ultra-chic candy store, hit gh2, even if it is Hennepin Avenue instead of Fifth Avenue. gh2 |
|
|
| 2 | Paradise on Grand
It’s been a while since the word “tan” slipped our lips, fresh-cut lilacs graced our kitchen, or we spent a lazy afternoon sipping the perfect Mai Tai with our girls. So when we decided to seek out a much-needed dose of summery, botanical bliss, we of course heaedd straight to Grand Avenue’s own Garden of Eden. This heavenly boutique is a pitch perfect aromatherapy emporium, offering everything from Kama Sutra’s sultry line of massage oils and body chocolates to alluring perfumes, oils, and lotions, many of which can be mixed to order, so you leave with a scent that is uniquely you. We fell in love with the Lavender Herb Cleansing Milk, a true delight and so perfect for our parched winter skin. We also couldn’t resist snatching up the Rosewater Mist. Pure, fresh, and delicate, it’s sure to enliven even the most tired pout. So whether you’re seeking out a fresh new scent for summer, or just a fun way to spice up your love life, Garden of Eden promises an au naturale paradise for the serious and sensuous shopper alike. Garden of Eden |
|
|
| 3 | You Have Our Regards If you’re anything like us, you have about a gajillion events coming up—weddings, showers, graduations, birthdays … an endlessly endless list. And since we have been feeling under the weather in this still not-great weather (Really? More snow? As Gob on Arrested Development would say, “C’mon!”), we love that we can shop local at one of our fave stores—in person and online! Give My Regards To is an uber-stellar female owned and staffed store that has everything from wrapping paper and gifts to unique thank you cards, making the whole gift giving process simple and streamlined. And when we can’t quite drag our stuffy noses into the store, we just cruise their website, which is almost as good as the real deal. We love the personalized monogramming (hello 8th grade memories of L.L. Bean totes), the bright and cheery calling-card cases, and the casual throws—perfect for guests to use and take with! So drag thyself to the store (or the site), and start a-shoppin. And let them know you saw them here! Give My Regards To |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | As Original As We Are We’ve been in hot pursuit of a new handbag. Our needs are simple: something hip, something sassy, something off the local radar. Lucky for us, our on-the-cusp friend tipped us off to NancyPhanNYC.com. This NYC designer offers a wide range of fashion-wise custom handbags and accessories that are playful, polished, and unexpectedly classic. We love the edgy leather cuffs and the crazy croc clutch. Seriously, don either of these bad beauties and the locals will be stopping you on the street. |
 |
|
| 2 | Not Your Mother’s Store We’re self-proclaimed Hip Mamas. We tote diaper bags that double as actual bags, embrace rock-style onesies, and snuggle our little ones in ultra-glam baby slings. Our new favorite place to score on-par goodies? Local online retailer Baby Cakes. This crazy-cute site is packed with a ton of fab products ranging from vibrant tutus and organic baby bubbles to sleek backpacks, organizers, and luxe bibs. Add to that their pocket-friendly prices and you’ll be able to splurge on extras for your newly preggers BFF. |
 |
|
| 3 | Earthly Delights Earth day is right around the corner, so for green goods with as much style we shop GreenWithGlamour.com. This sleek site is loaded with a variety of high style, earth-friendly products like organic cotton throws, jewelry and reclaimed wood furniture. We couldn’t resist the unconventional cool of the striking Costa Orange Necklace. Made of a vegetable alternative to ivory, this piece can just as easily rock a tank and jeans as it can a slinky black dress. Who knew eco-chic could look so good? www.greenwithglamour.com |
 |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Martinis Make Mouths Happy What: Martini Social |
 |
|
| 2 | Edgy Humor Flash back to the ’90s and get some serious laughs by taking in the critically acclaimed comedy troupe, The Kids in the Hall. In their first major tour in six years, the troupe promises to bring their signature brand of deranged, comical genius that made them famous. Don’t miss this laugh-out-loud good time. What: The Kids in the Hall: Live As We’ll Ever Be! |
 |
|
| 3 | Seek Inspiration Celebrate and embrace the written words of best-selling writer Dr. Maya Angelou. Hailed as one of the greatest voices of contemporary literature, Dr. Angelou is known for her ability to encompass the thoughts, passions, disappointments, and triumphs that comprise the human experience—a true literary experience that is not to be missed. What: Dr. Maya Angelou, |
 |
|
Did you know that you can advertise in the Picks? Visit our Advertise with Us page or email picks@minneapolispicks.com for more information. It's hip, it's fresh, it's local, and most of all, it gets results. |
|||
Log onto www.minneapolispicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.minneapolispicks.com and become a free subscriber. If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@minneapolispicks.com Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com |
|||
