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April 18th, 2008
A string of random, crazy events has caused us to channel our inner Earl and ponder our Karma. We’re good girls (for the most part—if you don’t count college), but we’ve decided that a little extra do-goodery sure couldn’t hurt, and with Earth Day right around the bend we’ve decided to focus our newfound happy vibes on doing right by our planet. We’re stocking up on reusable grocery bags, ridding our homes of toxic cleaners, and yes, we’re even composting (stinky, but true). We may not be green goddesses yet, but we figure every little bit helps. How’s your Karma? If it could use a little kick then head to Re Gifts and stock up on their stylish, earth-friendly goodies. Forward this issue of Minneapolis Picks to five friends and cc picks@minneapolispicks.com, and you could win a $25 gift card to Re Gifts! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Won’t Break the Bank There are few things that make us feel crummier than walking into a store full of delightfully cute clothes, only to realize that we’d literally need to sell all our furniture, pets, and left kidney on Craigslist to buy even one item. Good thing Angela Hudson, proprietress of Collaborations Boutique in Stillwater, created a store that doesn’t perpetuate this type of buzz kill. That means jeans for less than a Benjamin, and shirts in the $30-$50 range. Though it’s packed with well-known national brands like It Jeans, Bobi and LAmade, what makes this gem extra special is the clothing and accessories crafted by local designers, such as House of Henry. Best part? We still have enough dough left over to select vintage jewelry, stylish sunglasses, retro scarves, and sexy undies to go with our new threads. Tip for first-timers: Look up! The shop is located on the second floor, but don’t let that scare you—the hike up the stairs is well worth the stylish deals you’ll undoubtedly bring back to your closet. Collaborations Boutique129 ½ Main St. S. Stillwater, MN 55082 651.430.9100 |
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| 2 | Second-Chance Style We’re obsessed with saving the planet. We separate our recycling into seven different containers, always bring our own shopping bags to the grocery store and, much to the annoyance of our boyfriend, occasionally pull the car over on the side of a highway we haven’t actually adopted to scoop bottles and cans out of the ditch. If only we had the artistic skills to make something out of all that trash, then we’d be as cool as the folks at Re Gifts. Designed to give trash a second chance at being treasure, this inventive store is filled wall-to-wall with trinkets, gadgets, and household items handmade with reclaimed materials by local arteests (they are way too cool to be called crafters). We love the cool garden sculptures made from old car parts, perfect for injecting our yards with some much-needed eco-style. From hilarious handmade stationery to the strangely alluring jewelry made from utensils, Re Gifts has it all. They even offer gift registries, which we’re totally going to use if we ever decide to marry the aforementioned boyfriend. Re Gifts |
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| 3 | Buttered Up Sometimes we like to one-up our friends with just how local we can get, trying to pull a tiny and fantastic find out of our home-grown goody bag. Our most recent discovery is exactly what gets the others drooling—literally and figuratively. Butter is a tiny café that totally embodies the neighborhoody vibe that sets the Twin Cities apart: employees know the regulars’ names, yet are friendly to strangers; people seem to gravitate to their favorite spots; and the food is simple and satisfying. Located kinda on the corner of 36th and Grand, we go for weekend brunches that are locally grown and organic (for the most part), and tend to cure our hangovers. The menu is well rounded, includes some satisfying twists on the typical breakfast fare, and our entourage always leaves sated. We go, we eat, we linger … and no one seems to mind. Perfection! Whether it’s a cup of coffee and scone-to-go, or a lunchtime sandwich stamped with mom’s approval, stop by this charming SE spot— and tell them you saw them here! Butter |
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| 1 | Do Good While You Shop Our quest to do good while we shop recently led us to Build A Nest, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting women artists and artisans by providing the funds necessary to begin their own businesses. The result: An array of gorgeous and original housewares, jewelry, apparel, bags, and other fabulous goods. Our pick? The artistically cool Tree Coasters. Not only are we buying a set for ourselves, but we’re snagging one for each of our favorite friends as well. Ahhhhh, shopping … it feels so good! |
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| 2 | Sugar Mama A certain mall chain (which shall remain nameless) recently “retired” our favorite scent, leaving us searching for something fresh and new. Enter Sugar Mama, a deliciously cute online retailer, offering a full line of luxe bath and body products, including lotions, body scrubs and bath salts. We love the dry oil body mist. Spray a little on after showering and you’ll be left with ultra-smooth skin that positively glows with touch-ability! |
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| 3 | Jewelry for Everyone
Our friend’s birthday is coming up, and she hinted that she would love some new jewelry (subtle she is not). Our go-to? Designer Lindsay Colbus. Stocked with a bevy of lovely baubles, we found it downright difficult to choose between the Gettin’ Knotty bracelet and the Chain Gang necklace. Both exude a laid-back summer vibe and are irresistibly stylish. In the end we buy both—hey, our b-day is coming up too! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Cupcakes, Clothes and Jewelry, Oh My! Looking for a fashion fix? Get thee to Design Collective’s Open House and Trunk Show! Designer Kristina Bell will be showcasing her Standard Issue runway collection, and jewelry designer Lora Johnson will be featuring her Lucky Lotus line, all alongside local favorite Anouk Clothing. Two more reasons to stop by: cupcakes and champagne. What: Open House & Trunk Show for Kristina Bell and Lucky Lotus |
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| 3 | Movie Marathon If you’re like us and you love to lose yourself in a good flick, then grab your bucket o’popcorn and check out the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. With more than 100 cool films to choose from, all you need to do is decide whether you want to laugh, cry, cringe, or think. What: 2008 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival |
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The sun is shining and the birds are singing, so get out there and make us proud! Support the local economy by shopping a new boutique, or by taking in a cool local event. Your Karma will thank you! |
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