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MINNEAPOLIS PICKS™ |
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life + style in the Twin Cities
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April 25th, 2008
We don’t know about you, but lately we’ve been bombarded with invites. In fact our mail carrier had to ring our bell and hand us our mail because our wimpy circa 1951 mailbox couldn’t handle the onslaught.
Not only is our little sis turning 30 (yikes!), but our friend is having a baby, our co-worker is walking down the aisle (again), and our second cousin twice-removed on Aunt Lily’s side is graduating from college—obviously a can’t-miss event (yeah, right). With so many different occasions (looming) on the calendar, we could easily become overwhelmed, but fortunately we have this week’s issue of Minneapolis Picks to be our guide! It’s packed with a bevy of spot-on ideas, perfect for the upcoming gift-giving season. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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Jump the Generation Gap
Ten years ago we would’ve been hard pressed to find a boutique that could please both our sense of style and our mother's. In fact, the mere suggestion would have given us the giggles. So imagine our surprise when we wandered into Sorrayah Studios.
This unassuming Grand Avenue charmer plays home to a myriad of fabulous finds, and masterfully hones in on fresh, sophisticated, and well-made designer apparel and accessories that please women of various ages, sizes, and styles—not an easy task! We love the chic wraps, perfect for staving off the cool breezes of spring, and we immediately took notice of the denim by Pure Color, and not because they made Oprah’s list of favorites (though it didn’t hurt), but because they come in two different styles that reportedly fit and flatter most body types. How cool is that?
Add to that Sorrayah’s compelling selection of tops, skirts, handbags, and hats, and you (and your mom) are bound to leave happy and utterly stylish!
Sorrayah Studios
794 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
651.228.0414 |


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Our Art's Desire
Last week we shopped for our best friend's birthday. Knowing she's an early adopter of chic new things, we had to raise our shopping game, so we went straight to Uptown. Three wrong turns later we arrived at The Walker (forgive us, we’re new). Luckily the swank Walker Shop turned out to be the perfect place to shop for our friend’s big day!
Loaded with gifts that run the gamut from fabulous (watches by Nooka) to funny (skeletal cardboard moose, anyone?), this artistically hip shop has noteworthy treats for everyone on your list, from gorgeous jewelry and uber-trendy baby goods to beautiful art books and prints. We love the variety of unique housewares! There’s just something about a Murakami smiley plate that makes eating extra enjoyable. In the end we got our friend a book on the fine art of Japanese tattooing and a block of the limited edition Walker chocolate—she was delighted. We rule!
The next time you’re in the market for a cool gift (or miss the exit on 94), check out The Walker Shop’s compelling boutique—it’ll have you gifting with serious style.
The Walker Shop
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.375.7600
www.walkerart.org |


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Talk, Talk, Talk
During college our inability to find a bar that managed to be both laid back and stocked with good beer—while at the same time being void of creepy guys and pee-splattered bathrooms—drove us crazy! That’s why we love The Chatterbox Pub. It effortlessly pulls off the vibe we seek.
The atmosphere is super chill with tons of cozy couches, a fireplace, and roomy booths that lend a touch of privacy to quiet dates or drinks with friends. The pub is routinely busy with people clutching one of many exceptional tap beers or tasty mixed drinks (think Chardonnay mixers, not Vodka), and The Chatterbox knows its way around a kitchen, serving up scrumptious food that outshines typical bar fare. Add in their wildly popular arsenal of bar games—karaoke, trivia, board games, original Nintendo—and you’re left with the bar you wish you had in college, plus fifteen years and loads more style.
With two friendly locations, The Chatterbox promises good beer, good food, and good times!
The Chatterbox Pub
2229 East 35th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612.728.9871
www.chatterboxpub.net |


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Chick Picks: |
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Our Secret Addiction
Some people collect figurines, some collect hats. We collect (amass, horde…) handbags. There’s just something about the fresh look and feel of a sweet new bag that frankly makes us week in the knees. Harboring the same addiction? Then check out the inspired designs of Niki English.
This noteworthy local designer beautifully combines ultra-rich materials, chunky hardware, and offbeat embellishments for a wildly original look that delicately walks the
line between edgy and elegant. Definitely collectable.
www.nikicouture.com |
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Good Morning, Sunshine
We confess: we’re notorious snoozers. Even as kids we weren’t the type to bound cheerfully out of bed and off to school, and our adulthood is no different.
That’s why we weren’t surprised when our husband gifted us with Clocky, a cute alarm clock that promises to rouse even the heaviest of sleepers by jumping off our nightstand and wheeling around our room, all the while sounding its alarm. Annoying, but seriously effective.
www.clocky.net |
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Oh My Goodness
The long Minnesota winter ravaged our sensitive skin this past year, rendering it hopelessly untouchable—that is until we discovered the O’ my goodness organic body cream by Treat.
Closely resembling fluffy, whipped frosting, this ultra-moisturizing wonder is derived from organic plant, flower, and root extracts and is paraben-free. Decadent yet gentle, this luxurious wondercream easily eradicates the driest of spots, and promises to “have your skin saying O’my goodness” in no time!
www.treatbeauty.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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See You at Bibelot’s Spring Sale!
We love a good sale, but a great one gives us chills! If shopping makes you giddy, then don your shopping shoes and head to Bibelot’s fabulous spring sale. This weekend take 20% off all of Bibelot’s delightfully unique goods both in-store and online, including gifts, clothing, jewelry, housewares, stationery, and eco-friendly products.
What: Spring Sale at Bibelot
When: Saturday April 26–Sunday April 27
Where: All Metro locations and online
Visit: www.bibelotshops.com |
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Welcome June Flowers
April showers got you down? Let StormSister Spatique’s luxe spring sale revive your spirits! Now through April 30, shop the Spatique and get 20% off all of their heavenly shower gels. No umbrella? No problem. Shop online, use the code SHOWERGEL, and snag 20% off select shower gels from hot brands like Fleur’s and Athena.
What: StormSister Spatique’s Spring Sale
When: Now–April 30
Where: 635 S. Smith Ave., St. Paul
Contact: 651.221.4668 or 877.455.4668
Visit: www.stormsister.biz |
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Sample Sale
Vamp up your summer accessories wardrobe! Shop the swank Sample Sale featuring the beautifully offbeat jewelry of Karin Jacobson, and the lust-worthy handbags of Adrienne Grahn. Sale items include one-of-a-kind designs, slightly imperfect pieces, new, and discontinued items. All jewelry sale items are half price, and many of the handbags are $10-$30!
What: Jewelry and Handbag Sample Sale
When: Sunday, April 27, noon–4 pm
Where: Karin Jacobson Design, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Studio 288, Minneapolis
Visit: www.superkarin.com |
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Gettin’ Crafty
Support our local hip crafters by taking in the St. Paul Craftstravaganza. This regional favorite offers up scores of original, handmade items, ranging from beautifully blown glass and kitschy paper goods to accessories and apparel. Cool workshops, demonstrations, and music round out the mix. Added bonus: admission and parking are free!
What: The St. Paul Craftstravaganza, Rogue Art & Craft Sale
When: Saturday April 26, 9 am–6 pm
Where: The State Fairgrounds Fine Arts Building, 1265 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul
Visit: www.craftstravaganza.com |
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Our “shop local” vibe is spreading like wildfire! Keep the suggestions coming,
and of course continue to tell everyone you know about Minneapolis Picks.
Thanks for the love! |
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