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MINNEAPOLIS PICKS™ |
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life + style in the Twin Cities
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May 9th, 2008
While ridding our pad of some unwanted junk we unwittingly took a trip down memory lane. We found our softball jersey (smelly), our sparkly unicorn diary (embarrassing), our old notes (the precursor to texting), and of course our yearbooks.
Naturally we had to page through all of them and remind ourselves of the horrors of mid-90s fashion. At the time we felt so on-the-cusp in our fashion statements. But one look at our senior pic revealed the truth: 90210 led us terribly astray! Frosted jeans? Spiral perms? Body suits? Obviously poor choices.
Two glasses of wine and a lot of laughs later, we closed up the trunk and secretly thought about how thankful we were that what we don today is sure to look timeless in twenty years (yeah, right). |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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Goodbye Big-Box, Hello Style
The thought of outfitting our new place in mass-produced goodies from the local big-box retailer sorta makes our stomachs (and heads) feel like the morning after chugging too much aquavit. Luckily, we have Nola Home to make us feel all better!
Owner Kelly Dorsey has amassed a tempting selection of household items, including beautiful wall hangings, imported Asian furniture, and killer knick-knacks, any of which would leave our houseguests wondering just where we get our fabulous style! We went crazy for the eye-catching sisal rugs, cut to size for a perfect fit in any home, and we found love in the eco-chic line of 100% organic linens by Bamboo Dreams. Unlike many earth-friendly fabrics, these sheets are ultra-soft and luxurious and don’t scream “my owner bathes in patchouli,” which is nice. Plus, Nola Home will soon have an in-house resource center, offering customized home designs and furnishings.
With an interesting mix of old, new, and globally inspired pieces, this charming Bryn Mawr shop promises to inject your domicile with some much needed character (no assembly required).
Nola Home
404 Penn Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612.374.4066 |
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Art and Soul
When we were young we harbored visions of laying paint and brush to canvas and turning out a masterpiece. People would flock to our opening, gush over our skill, and marvel at our painted versions of reality. But alas, our dreams of being the next Frieda Kahlo were not to be—we can barely walk a straight line, let alone draw one. Luckily, we can live vicariously through the talents of others at the 526 Gallery.
This alluring little art gallery is tucked quietly into the back of the swank 526 Salon Spa, and plays host to a myriad of contemporary works by both local and national artists and artisans. Gallery/Event Director Stephen Trevino has masterfully brought together an interesting and thought-provoking collection that includes works of photography, original paintings, beautifully crafted jewelry, sculpture, vintage and antique furniture, and mixed media (to name a few).
Add to that the gallery’s subtly stunning décor of exposed brick, intricately placed lighting, and muted undertones, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for your next artistic experience.
526 Gallery
526 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651.222.3839
www.fivetwosixsalon.com |
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Sweet Thing
Aspirin, exercising, shopping … all can alleviate the stress of a bad day. But some of life’s moments are so heinous that we’re forced to break out the big guns, and by that we mean sugar. Our place to indulge in the decadent sweet stuff? Selby Avenue’s A Piece of Cake.
Owner and baking enthusiast Mary Zahasky has been creating delightfully sweet comfort foods for the last 23 years, and we swear, one taste of her Red Velvet cupcakes will turn you into a dessert evangelist! We also love their famous pull-a-parts: bread dough with milk and honey, dunked in cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar and butter, baked and topped with powdered sugar and a cream glaze. They’re fabulously delish, plus they easily feed 6–8 people, making it the perfect treat for the office or a brunch. But be warned: they tend to fly off the shelves before they’ve even had a chance to cool.
The next time you’re in need of a tasty pick-me-up, stop into A Piece of Cake; their spot-on baked goods are sure to melt away the worries of the day.
A Piece of Cake
485 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651.846.0016
www.apieceofcakebakery.net |
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Chick Picks: |
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Twist Me Up
We wish we had the talent of Ken Paves or even Vidal Sassoon—but we can barely master a good blow out, never mind a stunning updo on a night out. So naturally, we were stoked when we came across the Twistii.
Within seconds, this styling tool creates dozens of effortless-looking updos—much more chic than a boring old ponytail. We are now red-carpet ready! Get your FREE Twistii, compliments of MinneapolisPicks.com! Let the styling begin.
www.twistii.tv
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Express Yourself
We’re notoriously hard to please when it comes to handbags. If we don’t love even the smallest of details, we won’t buy it, so you can imagine our excitement when we discovered Faite Designs.com.
Not only does this cute online boutique offer up stylish handbags at affordable prices, but they also let you design and build your own. Simply choose a style, select three of your fave fabrics, and presto! You’ve got a custom handbag that’s perfectly you.
www.faitedesigns.com |
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Earthy Delight
Pamper your soon-to-be sun-kissed skin with the heavenly bath and body products at Oracle Organics. They feature a full line of organic and vegan scrubs, masks, soaps, and oils that are geared toward loving your skin and the earth.
We love the Purify Sugar Scrub. Infused with green tea extracts and mint, it not only smells utterly fabulous, but it also eradicates any leftover dry spots from winter, making skin irresistibly silky. A truly organic experience!
www.oracleorganics.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Blast from the Past
Return to yesteryear and delight in all that is 1950’s suburbia by attending RetroRama at the Minnesota History Center. This hip event features a 1950’s “Suburban Glamour” show, vintage fashions and furniture, games, cocktail demos, shopping, and music by Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, and DJ Jake Rudh.
What: RetroRama: A Celebration of ’50s Suburbia
When: Thursday, May 15, 7–11 pm
Where: Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Contact: 651.259.3000
Visit: www.mnhs.org/historycenter |
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A Cause for Fashion
If you love a good cause, then look no further than the Spring Fashion Show benefiting the Children’s Hospital Association. It promises to offer up a swank reception, fabulous fashions, and a silent auction. Plus local businesses will be serving up tasty food and wine. Fashion, food, and do-goodery? Our three favorite things!
What: Spring Fashion Show,
benefiting Children’s Hospital Association
When: Saturday, May 17, 6–9 pm
Where: 526 Salon Spa Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul
Contact: 651.220.6175 |
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New Kid in Town
Get thee to Minneapolis to check out the cool Parc Boutique. The newest addition to our local shopping scene will feature a lust-worthy selection of high-quality apparel for men and women. Hit the opening night reception on May 17, and be one of the first to get a peek at their threads!
What: Grand Opening of Parc Boutique
When: Saturday May 17, receptions 5–7pm
Where: 328 East Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis |
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Have you told your friends about Minneapolis Picks? Spread the word, and help them avoid future fashion disasters. xo
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