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June 13th, 2008
Once (against our better judgment) we agreed to go on a blind date. Wanting to put our most stylish stiletto forward, we shaved and plucked ourselves within an inch of torture and donned our most fabulous ensemble. When our date arrived, we stood poised and ready to stun. He stood in cargo shorts, a ratty band tee, and mandals with black socks. The next Kennedys we were not. The date was a horror (naturally), but what really chapped our hide was that a perfectly rockin’ look was wasted on a guy who flossed his teeth at the dinner table (at McDonalds). We vowed then and there to never date blindly again, and to always dress to impress ourselves. Are you in need of a chic new look that’s just for you? Forward this issue to 5 stylish friends and cc picks@minneapolispicks.com. You could score $25 off your next purchase at Parc Boutique. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Nordeast Charmer Northeast Minneapolis is known for its art scene, delightful corner bars, and its commitment to supporting local businesses. Its thriving fashion district? Um yeah, not so much. But change is on the horizon, beginning with the opening of the trend-worthy Parc Boutique. With sassy Joy Han dresses, sexy premium jeans, and an array of cotton duds from Fluxus, this shop has everything a lady needs for a day at the office or a night on the town. We were especially impressed with Fortune Denim’s sailor jeans, complete with hand-set Swarovski crystal-laden buttons, satin-lined pockets, and a personalized fortune (fancy!). The amazingly inexpensive smattering of accessories (we picked up a ring and necklace for under twenty bucks) is not to be missed, and like many other hot shops of the moment, Parc’s selection of men’s clothing will keep your favorite male shopping buddy occupied. So the next you’re trolling for some fierce new threads, check out Parc Boutique. The look you leave with is sure to garner compliments and inspire sly winks when you’re out on the town. Parc Boutique |
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| 2 | New Girl in Town When it comes to shopping, dining, and entertainment, we love to support local businesses, but when items created in the 55105 go for 90210 prices we start to rethink our Minnesota-made loyalties. Thankfully we don’t need to be trust-funders in order to snag locally designed jewelry, handbags and clothing. Check out Stella Blu, the younger, trendier sister of One World Imports. This cute shop is chock full of fun and affordable items. We blushed with pride at the homegrown tees by Greenhouse Clothing, especially the “St. Paul Girls are Hot” ones (like we didn’t know). Not wanting to be too Minne-centric, they also stock well-known national lines like Bungalow Bags, IT Jeans, and a big (and we mean Kelly/Brenda/Dylan love-triangle big) selection of trendy jewelry. And we love the adorable Dumpling Dynasty line of pig-tail, explorer, sewing, and baking kits that positively ooze retro-kitsch charm. This new girl on the block proves that we don’t need to shell out big bucks to score star-worthy goods. Maybe the Beverly Hills set could learn a thing or two from us. Stella Blu |
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| 3 | The Perfect Fusion We love, love, love to travel. In fact, there is nothing we would rather do; except for maybe eat. So when we found Marx Wine Bar and Grill we were tickled to have our two passions realized: fantastic fusion food packed with ingredients from the far reaches of the planet, and an internationally inspired ambience. (Think: paintings from Haiti.) Peppered with primary colors in Caribbean-esque style, this contemporary restaurant presents an uber-package of creative cocktails, exotic entrees, and decadent desserts. We sipped Cristina Ascheri Moscato d’Asti bubbly (try remembering that after two drinks) and snacked on crispy potato and yam samosas. For dinner we fancied the cannelloni with garlic beef, but we were obsessed with the butter-poached wild Alaskan Salmon—the definition of gourmet. Stuffed to the brim, we couldn’t resist their legendary banana cake (recently featured on Good Morning America) covered in homemade whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Dee-lish! A true world-class experience, be sure to stamp your passport and prepare for a culinary voyage at Marx Wine B & G! Marx Wine Bar and Grill |
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| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
We avoid plastic and buy organic food, but organic vodka? Merely a pipe dream… or so we thought! Enter Prairie Organic Vodka, a completely organic and kosher vodka distilled right here in Minnesota. With subtle hints of fruit on the nose and a delightfully smooth finish, it easily rivals the world’s top vodkas, making for truly luxurious cocktails that are nothing short of decadent. Red Hawk 2 Parts Prairie Organic Vodka Pour ingredients into a shaker over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf. Enjoy! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | The Inspired Home We love decorating so much that HGTV has morphed into a sick addiction, and we’ve become masters at surfing the net for lust-worthy interior goods. From hand-carved frames to embossed wallpaper, we’ve got it covered. Yet time and time again we return to Burke Décor.com. Stocked with everything from chic bedding ensembles and luxe throw pillows to hand-tufted rugs and gothic-inspired serving trays, this on-par boutique scores big points with us for originality, quality, and standout style. |
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| 2 | Cutting Edge We’ve been known to sport a variety of ’dos in our day, from “The Rachel” to a blue pixie cut. When it comes to change, we never fear, so when we’re itchin’ for a bold new look we browse UKHairdressers.com before heading to the salon. A hairstyling mecca, this site from across the pond sells sought-after products, offers up sound hair advice, and houses a ginormus selection of trend-worthy hairstyles you won’t see on main street America. |
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| 3 | Not Your Grandma’s Quilt Over the years we’ve amassed a ridiculous collection of band tees. Unfortunately they’re starting show their age, and though we rarely wear them, we really don’t want to give our youthful memories the boot either. Our solution? Have them made into a quilt. That way Tori Amos, Neil Young, and KISS can all rest seamlessly alongside a slew of our other favorite crooners and we’re left with something surprisingly cool to snuggle up in next winter. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | If Walls Could Talk Put on your thinking caps and prepare to explore the Wall-to-Wall project, a unique exhibit of photography and the written word that captures people making pilgrimages to the Western Wall and to the wall surrounding Graceland. The swank opening night reception features tasty apps and wine, and promises to be thought-provoking. What: Opening Night Reception for the Wall-to-Wall Project |
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| 2 | Art, Food, and Fun Are you a sucker for festival? Then embrace the arts and hit the Stone Arch Festival. Featuring more than 250 artists, theater, and music performers, this event has a little somethin’ for everyone: original artwork, family activities, live music, a Culinary Arts Quarter, the Art of the Car Show, and tasty food aplenty! What: Stone Arch Festival of the Arts |
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| 3 | All That Jazz Sit back and take in the auditory delights of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. A slew of Jazz giants will be performing, including the Ravi Coltrane Quartet and Charmaine Neville, as well as homegrown favorites like the Latin jazz group Salsabrosa and the much-loved Moore by Four. Feel the music, people. What: The Twin Cities Jazz Festival |
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Do you love us so much it hurts? If so, please shower us with your declarations of love. We’re suckers for sweet-talk! |
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