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September 5th, 2008
Last weekend we had our final backyard blowout, and bid a fond farewell to Minnesota’s fairest of seasons. And while the goodbye was bittersweet, there’s a part of us that is ready for the cool temps of fall. We’re ready to pack up our sundresses, sandals, and swimsuits and trade them in for cozy cable-knits, leather riding boots and peacoats. Actually, if the truth be told, fall is our favorite season for fashion, and here’s why: we’re not huge fans of showing so much of our skin. We’re not blessed with the whole bahama-mama thing. In fact we’re so pale that we should probably be providing people on the street with protective eyewear so as not to burn their retinas on the glare of our legs. Okay—maybe we’re exaggerating (we’re so not), but the fact remains that we just rock denim a little bit better than a mini, therefore fall is our time to shine. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Our Fair Lady We have a special ritual. We pick up a large, nonfat, half-caf soy latte, climb into our comfiest PJ’s, and snuggle ourselves on the couch, waist-deep in thousands of intoxicating pages of the latest fashions. One look at our matching “end tables” and you realize reading magazines is more than a hobby—it’s habitual. Last week, after hours of sipping coffee and flipping through glossies, we had this season’s style down. It’s all about shoes and accessories! Good thing we know just the place to find fall’s must-haves. Ladyslipper Boutique boasts Botkier handbags in striking shades of cobalt and violet, and kickin’ leather boots by Frye. We fell head over heels for a pair of sexy red patent-leather pumps by Naughty Monkey, and dug the display of dazzling gold and silver clutches. CC Skye’s mod bracelets and rings—mixed in with an impressive variety of vintage pieces—offers something beautiful no matter what your budget. After acquiring such amazing accessories, we’re adding another ritual—regular sprees to this spot-on store to maintain one wicked wardrobe! Ladyslipper Boutique |
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| 2 | Release Your Inner Spinner! We were driving home from our best friend’s baby shower (while simultaneously undoing the top button on our skinny jeans—waaay too many snacks and cocktails) when an uber-chic workout studio caught our eye. Ok, so maybe we were a bit tuned-in to calorie burning after all that calorie-consuming, but we soon discovered that at Inner Strength Fitness the mission is simple: to be an alternative to stale, corporate health clubs. You won’t find sweaty locker rooms and weight machines here—instead you’ll be surrounded by sleek, top of the line spinning bikes and yoga gear, super-friendly and knowledgeable instructors, and access to a full range of spinning, yoga, strength, and core-training classes to combat the inevitable mid-winter Buddha belly. We are so taking their Bridal Bootcamp, perfect for prepping our bods for our BFF’s wedding this fall. And once our gal-pal ejects that cute little bun from her poverbial oven, we’ll be treating her to the Mommy and Me Bootcamp. So go on… find your inner strength! You’ll be fit and fabulous before you can say downward-facing-dog. Inner Strength Fitness |
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| 3 | Constant Craving Diets suck. We despise the daily waistline watch: egg whites for breakfast, lettuce wraps for lunch, cottage cheese for dinner. Sure, we look fabulous after 30 days of starvation, but our dietary commitment is at the breakup point, and we wanna cheat. To fill the vacancy in our culinary love-life we head to Café Cravings, White Bear Lake’s hidden gem for convenient comfort food. The menu contains all of our diet no-nos: Stuffed French Toast (filled with walnut cream cheese), Bananas Foster (rum caramel sauce, whipped cream, and waffles), Chicken Pot Pie, and a Three-cheese Grilled Cheese. When we’re really lusting for some naughty nosh, we love their famous creamy chicken wild rice soup and wickedly delicious white chicken spinach lasagna. Weight Watchers mantras aside, we never leave without a nibble of their decadent desserts. We’re talking rhubarb bread pudding, lemon cheesecake, and chocolate mousse cake. The best part? Café Cravings has a drive-thru, so our momentary indiscretions can forever remain undetected. Yes, we are officially proud members of the Cravings Clean Plate Club! Café Cravings |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Puddle Jumping We’ve spent one too many damp days trudging down the street with wet feet only to arrive at work with seriously soaked pant legs. Not exactly beacons of professionalism, we know, but rain boots always seemed, well, dowdy … at least that’s what we thought before laying eyes on the stylish Aigle Boots. Made from 100% cotton and natural rubber and available in a myriad of hip patterns and colors, we guarantee these chic beauties will have you steppin’ in style during the next downpour. www.aigleboots.com |
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| 2 | Bodacious Baby Butts New moms have enough on their plates without adding diapering dilemmas to their list of worries. Choose cloth and you’re wasting water (and frankly, P.U.), choose disposable and the looming shadow of diaper mountains wreaks havoc on your conscience. So what’s an earth-friendly mom-on-the-go to do? Try gDiapers. Flushable, biodegradable, and yes, even compostable, these cute diapers are sure to be gracing baby butts nationwide, leaving moms with one less worry, and the planet breathing a sigh of relief. www.gdiapers.com |
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| 3 | Independence Day Our girlfriend has her finger on the pulse of independent design, from the hippest of home décor to the coolest of clothes. Unfortunately we haven’t been blessed with her keen eye, but thanks to sites like Stars and Infinite Darkness, we can score hot finds not found on every coolie in Uptown. Loaded with a precise selection of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, and home goods, this site is sure to leave you decked out in head-turning style. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Dear Juliet… Did you know people have been flocking to Juliet’s tomb and pouring their hearts out to her in letters for hundreds of years? Neither did we. That’s why a musical production that masterfully tells the tale of these letters being answered is intriguing. If you long to see Juliet in a whole new way, The Juliet Letters is bound to please. What: The Juliet Letters |
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| 2 | Jewelry, On the Rox Are you a die-hard jewelry junkie looking for a fix? If so, don’t miss the Rox Trunk Show featuring the luxe, organic designs of local TV anchorwoman Robyn Robinson. Accessory mavens can score dead-gorgeous baubles and enjoy cocktails, tasty apps, and performances by the Jawaahir Dance Company, all set to the auditory delights of DJ Wicked. What: The Rox Trunk Show |
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| 3 | Feed the Hungry, Feed Your Spirit Sampling ultra-tasty food and drinks in order to raise money for local food shelves is frankly a no-brainer, so don’t let this worthwhile (and yummy) event pass you by. Delectable food, wine, and beer samples from over 25 local eateries will delight your taste buds, while live performances promise to entertain. What: Taste of Lake Street for Minneapolis Hunger Relief |
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Goodbye cocktailing-it on the patio, hello Peppermint Patties and roaring fires! Fall is nearly here, people. So go shopping and make the best of it—and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! |
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