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MINNEAPOLIS PICKS™ |
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life + style in the Twin Cities
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June 6th, 2008
Lately we’ve seen a sudden influx of apparel that, in our humble opinion, shouldn’t be making a comeback. Example: We were at Café Latte scorin’ some tasty treats for an upcoming brunch when in walks a man wearing Zubaz. You heard us right people, Zubaz. And they appeared to be new. Now we have been known to embrace the occasional animal print, but Zubaz? Come on!
These terribly unforgiving glorified pajama pants do not belong on anyone’s bod. Seriously, they make the wearer look like they’ve been beat with the ugly stick.
What’s next? Banana clips? Uber-frosted, pinned jeans? Matching our Keds to our turtlenecks? Pa-leeze! We’re sorry, but certain items should remain in the past, valiantly serving as examples of what not to wear. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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House of Style
When a chat with our portfolio manager sent us spiraling into recession-depression and the wine cellar (okay, wine rack), we cursed the heavens and swore only to invest in the things we love and can wear. Fatefully we found the Grethen House, a posh designer boutique focused on investment-worthy attire.
Grethen House helps clients pick runway-worthy ensembles perfect for a trip to Monte Carlo or dinner at the White House (hey, we’re up for a promotion!) From casual to funky, formal to couture, cutting-edge lines include sequin tops by Rozae Nichol, flowing dresses by Maria Corneja, and our personal fave: a chiffon bomber jacket by hotter-than-hot Rick Owens. This International House of Panache is topped off with an assortment of chunky belts, imported shoes, and styling purses.
So before we put another dime into our 401k, we plan on a little image-enterprising first! Grethen’s goods may be worth a pretty penny, but they’re sure to make us look like a million euros. Shop ASAP and receive 10% off when you mention Minneapolis Picks!
Grethen House netc.
3928 West 50th St.
Edina, MN 55424
952.926.8725
www.grethenhouse.com |


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A Good Pour
Examine the color. Sniff, swirl, swig, spit. Okay, okay, we confess! We don’t exactly get what we’re doing when it comes to the whole wine-tasting thing, but we do know this: when it’s good, fill ’er up! And when we fill ’er up, we shop Solo Vino.
Located on St. Paul’s Selby Avenue, this on-par boutique-style wine shop stocks its shelves with the good stuff, but don’t fret—Solo Vino knows not everyone is interested in dropping a fifty on a 2005 Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis, and therefore has plenty of delish options to choose from in the “starving freelance writer” range. Whether we’re thinking spicy Thai take-out with our guy, or a bottle to complement our next juicy gossip session, their helpful and knowledgeable team always manages to hook us up with the perfect Shiraz, Pinot or Prosecco—within our budget.
An added bonus: Solo Vino has a fabulous contraption that chills any bottle in eight minutes, so no need to toss (and possibly forget) one in the freezer. How cool is that?
Solo Vino
517 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102-1728
651.602.9515 |


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As The Birds Do
With summer upon us, it seems we’ve contracted a severe case of nest-itis. We’re obsessed with revamping our kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, even the garage! What’s a girl to do? Ditch the plastic plates for real dinnerware and trade in the peeling New Kids on the Block posters (though we’ve already bought tickets for their reunion) for motifs that are mom-approved.
Fast-forward to Gather, an upscale home accent and table-top mecca stocked with gossip-worthy decorations that are sure to cure our seasonal craze. We loved the piggy-patterned dishes by Les Cochons, Tuscan wall art by Tutto Mio, and French bistro platters featuring our favorite tower, The Eiffel. Amongst this lovely collection of European lines we also discovered a few exotic gems (perfect for our sophisticated globe-trotter image), including South African monkey apples (like gourds) and painted Russian ornaments inspired by cultural fairytales.
Think decorating is for the birds? Gather is a gift goldmine, with a spot-on selection of gorgeous Italian plates available for custom monogramming. Now that’s decorative perfection!
Gather
4999 France Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.920.1400
www.gatheronfrance.com |


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Chick Picks: |
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Jewelry Habit
We’ve always been addicted to shoes, but lately we devour all things jewelry-related. There’s just sumthin’ about a sweet new bauble that makes us giddy.
Our current obsession? Anything from Art Works Jewelry. Featuring a ton of lust-worthy trinkets by a variety of designers, this site has something for even the most finicky of shoppers. We love the turquoise and copper pearl necklace. It totally exudes the chic organic vibe we crave for summer.
www.artworksjewelry.com |
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Confessions From the (Shoe) Closet
We love a sassy gal who tells it like it is, and looks fabulous while doing it! That’s why lately we’ve been totally digging this crazy-cute little blog called Shoe d’état.
This funny local blogger mostly gives the skinny on all things shoe-related, but she also manages to seamlessly incorporate the little nuances and lovely realistic moments of her life. The end result? A blog about shoes that reads like a diary.
www.shoedetat.blogspot.com |
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Seeing (Rock) Stars
Our BFF’s son envisions himself a rock star (much to our friend’s chagrin), but we think it’s way too cute, and love to indulge his wild side.
Our pick for designer duds with a fierce vibe? The ultra-trendy online children’s boutique Rock n Sprouts. From Johnny Cash to the Ramones, this site is packed with tons of edgy attire, so we have no problem scoring something cool for all the little rockers in our life.
www.rocknsprouts.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Drinks, Tunes, and Photos, Oh My!
Digital Crush Photography is celebrating the launch of its sweet new website at the 414 Soundbar. Come prepared to dance the night away to music by DJ Bach, Millions Billions, and Bryan Gerrard, plus enjoy the visual delights of Digital Crush and Alphasuede. Come early: Open bar from 8–10 pm.
What: Digital Crush Photography Website Launch Party
When: Friday, June 6, 8 pm–2 am
Where: 414 Soundbar, 414 3rd St. North, Minneapolis
Cost: Free admission before 10 pm, $8 after
Visit: www.digitalcrushphoto.com |
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A World of Fun
Celebrate diversity by attending the opening night kick-off of Minneapolis Mosaic. Each year thousands of people descend upon Hennepin Avenue to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of our culturally diverse city with art, music, theatre, film, and ultra-tasty foods from around the world.
What: Opening Night Celebration of Minneapolis Mosaic
When: Saturday, June 7, 6–10 pm
Where: Hennepin Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets
Visit: www.minneapolismosaic.org |
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Art That Speaks
Feast your eyes on the talented visual stylings of Jennifer Davis. This local artist beautifully captures the whimsy and emotion of humanity through her paintings while at the same time lending a touch of familiarity to her works that we all can relate to. This is a unique exhibit that is not to be missed.
What: Through the Looking Glass,
New Paintings by Jennifer Davis
When: Opening-night reception, Friday, June 20, 6–9 pm; ongoing through Wednesday, Aug. 20
Where: The Toomer Gallery at the Soo Visual Arts Center,
2640 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
Contact: 612.871.2263
Visit: www.soovac.org |
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