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August 8th, 2008
We’ve never been the type of women who shy away from a challenge. We can change a tire (if forced), run a half marathon (albeit slowly), and juggle two kids, two phones, and a hedgehog named Maybelline while simultaneously whipping up supper for seven. We even once cut our dorm-mate’s hair—don’t judge … she was broke and we were game, ‘nuff said. But lately we’ve grown tired of the Super Woman vibe we’ve been vainly trying to rock. We, dear readers, are feeling lazy. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Happy-Happy, Joy-Joy We're embarrassed to admit this, but we never went to prom. It wasn’t that we were homely or social pariahs; we simply weren't dating anyone and our best guy friend was out of town (that's our story and we're sticking to it). Since then we’ve learned that we don’t need a prince in order to dress like a princess, and what better place to begin our own happily-ever-after than at Joynoelle. Every dress, overcoat, and wedding gown in this chic boutique is a one-of-a-kind creation. Scores of samples are ready to be expertly fitted, and are steeped in rich colors and adorned with intricate beading and rouching. The luxe Ready to Wear line includes 40's-inspired silk dresses and retro overcoats made of textured tapestry. While celebrities adore the line, modest Midwesterners (like us) can easily pull them off as well. And we fell hard for a stunning green cocktail dress embroidered with a bouquet of bold hues, perfect for mid-summer soirees! Date or no date, we’re sure to make quite an entrance in Joynoelle’s couture creations! Joynoelle |
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| 2 | Express Yourself We wish we were creative. We have design-savvy friends who make their own jewelry, paint their own Monets, and even sculpt replicas of The David from kitchen granite (no lie), and though we don’t have their mad skills, it doesn’t mean we’re giving up on art, we just choose to purchase it instead. Enter Gallery 310, a high-end art haven that puts our Renaissance friends to shame. We love their original home-accent pieces, including the sea stone bottle-toppers and wine-barrel folding chairs. For our naked walls we coveted the B.C. Nolan Southwestern paintings (complete with sweeping desert vistas and galloping horses), and longed for the Eric Sletten canvases that perfectly capture the look and feel of the metro. 310’s spot-on selection of tabletop accessories including gorgeous, hand-blown wine glasses, ceramic bowls, and uber-funky salt n’ pepper shakers round out the mix. Jewelry more your thing? Check out the stunning pendants made of fossilized minerals and gemstones. Shop now and receive 10% off any jewelry purchase when you mention Minneapolis Picks! Gallery 310 |
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| 3 | Ahead of the Times The Twin Cities isn’t New York or LA. We don’t have fabulous ocean views or a world-renowned high-end shopping scene, but thanks to sweet boutiques like A Day Ahead we’ll never be accused of being style-deficient. This hidden gem caters to the fashion-forward, showcasing unique and stylish accessories in a streamlined boutique setting. In the market for eye-catching, high-quality handbags that won’t be slung over the shoulder of every trendsetter in Uptown? Look no further. A Day Ahead carries a precise and limited selection of come-hither bags from noteworthy independent designers, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. We love the green-but-not-granola-y bags from Mexican designer Nahui Ollin that are made from recycled materials. And if you’re looking to channel your inner bad-ass, handmade rhinestone cuffs and belts from BB Simon will have you looking like Kat Von D (minus LA Ink-ing your face). They even carry designer bling for Fifi and Fido. With fabulous finds like these, who needs the coasts? Besides, 10,000 lakes trumps the ocean any day. A Day Ahead |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | It’s Easy Being Green We are totally digging the new trend in going green. From designer reusable grocery bags to the hot stars speaking out against global warming (Leonardo DiCaprio 2.0 anyone?), we are into doing our part. The next step is taking it to our closet, which is easy-breezy with the contemporary organic clothing line SPUN. Debuting with six basic pieces every girl needs in her closet, made in the U.S. with 100% certified organic cotton, we can all be eco-fabulous! |
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| 2 | Punk Rock Fever We like our babies like we like our men … easy on the eyes and a little edgy, so it’s understandable that the rock-star styles we found at Rocker Bye Baby made our hearts skip a beat. From the ultra-plush blankets and made-to-order crib sets embellished with skulls to the rhinestone emblazoned clothes, this punkiefied proprietor is sure to please with its bevy of hip baby goods and fiercely original style. |
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| 3 | Campfire Decadence |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Day Trippin’ Need a change? Escape the concrete jungle by heading to scenic Stillwater for the Square Lake Film and Music Festival. A ton of cool films will be shown with stellar musical performances from bands like Black Blondie and The Owls. Feeling ambitious? Score 75% off your tickets if you bike-it. What: 7th Annual Square Lake Film and Music Festival |
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| 2 | Light the Night Are you the kind of culturally cool parent who digs exposing your offspring to worldly delights from far-off lands? If so, load up the mini and prepare to be dazzled by the captivating beauty of the Japanese Lantern Fest. From Taiko Drums and sushi to origami and dancing, you’re sure to be entertained and leave enlightened. What: The Como Park Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival |
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| 3 | Burn Baby Burn Get ready for a twenty-four hour marathon of free (you heard us right) entertainment showcasing the outstanding Minneapolis/St. Paul art scene. Music, theater, and dance performances will be held around-the-clock at Peavy Plaza and Orchestra Hall, with an additional sixty-plus venues stepping up to keep the party going. What: Spark24 |
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Another fun and fabulous issue under our belt! We love supporting our local business owners, so when you’re out shopping, eating, drinking, and doing, tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! |
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Be sure to visit www.MinneapolisPicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.MinneapolisPicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@MinneapolisPicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Minneapolis Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
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