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December 26th, 2008
Did you know that the collective “we” that is the voice of Minneapolis Picks is actually a bevy of saucy, fashion savvy, and uber-talented “me’s”? Our fabulous band of lovely ladies take all of the guesswork out of shopping locally by diligently pounding the pavement and sussing out the latest and greatest places to spend your hard-earned dollars, and they do a darn fine job! That’s why this issue is a much-deserved shout-out to them, and includes each writer’s favorite “Pick” of 2008. Dig their style? Love their choices? Send us an email declaring your love! We’re big fans of being buttered up! |
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Minneapolis Picks Writers’ Favorites, 2008: |
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| 1 | Eco-tique
Worry-Free Fashion We’ve always been worriers. We worry about our family, we worry about our health, we worry about the economy, acquiring Lyme disease, the fate of the blue whale, retaining water, premature aging, our friend’s second cousin who just got dumped… it’s just who we are. But now thanks to Eco-tique we can cross sweatshops and polluting products off of our list of anxiety inducers. This hip, earth-centric boutique is packed with a precise selection of eco-fashions that are high on style and surprisingly low in price. The Me to We tees are consistent top-sellers, wooing women with their ultra-soft texture and 100% organic goodness, and the coats and dresses by Kate exude a classic vibe a la “Vogue” that we love! But what really had us drooling was, oh um, everything by ecoSkin! Their gorgeous tops and dresses are positively luxurious, fit and flatter like a dream, and scream contemporary chic. A spot-on selection of accessories, robes, shoes, and home-décor items—many of which benefit non-profs throughout the country—stylishly complete this conscience-soothing storefront, making for truly fashionable do-goodery. Eco-tique |
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| 2 | Nick and Eddie
The Perfect Pair Mick and Keith, champagne and dancing, chocolate and peanut butter, Lip Smackers and smooching, birds and bees… and now, Nick and Eddie. Basically it’s the place we now go on dates, to hang with friends, take a visiting relative, or sometimes just solo to nurse a drink at the bar, nosh on some fantastic duck-fat fried French fries, and gaze out at the lovely Loring Park. There was Nick and Nora, and “Eddie and The Cruisers,” but now Minneapolis has Nick and Eddie—the best pair of all! |
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| 3 | Flirt Boutique
Flirt Alert Pasty-white skin, naked trees, dirty snow lining the streets… it’s official: winter has arrived. But we’re a glass half-full kind of team. Think of all that ice and snow as one more reason to heat it up indoors. Our favorite fire-starting trick? Sexy underthings from Flirt. This shabby-chic Grand Avenue boutique is stocked with lingerie, bath goods and accessories. The vintage-inspired lingerie line from Lucy B will have you channeling Bettie Page faster than you can say, “Crack the whip!” She also carries Hanky Panky—the sexy, no-V.P.L. (visible panty line) lace knickers which sold us on the idea that thongs can be comfy. And with a smattering of stylish handbags, jewelry, scented drawer liners and sachets, Flirt has everything to make a lady feel hot this winter (save the bearskin rug). Insider tip: Sign up for Flirt’s e-mail list for discounts, news and special shopping events. Flirt Boutique |
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| 4 | Drama
Striking Style We know it just snowed, but that doesn't mean we can't start dreaming up a warm-weather wardrobe complete with fresh silk tops and summery cocktail dresses. So what if open-toed shoes are a recipe for frostbite? At urban boutique Drama we can put our winter worries aside and score fashionable must-haves. This on-the-cusp boutique offers up a fabulous mix of alluringly feminine tops, premium denim, and beyond-gorgeous party wear that we swear will leave you completely smitten! We fell in love with the subtle sophistication of their Nu Collective line (a fave among the starlets), and with the luxe chiffon blouses by Bilingual Clothing, perfect for work or play. And we absolutely couldn't resist the old-Hollywood glamour of the House of Henry eveningwear. Add to that Drama's pocket-friendly prices, and you'll be left with enough extra change to splurge on some extras—like the exquisite jewelry, handcrafted by local artisans. No matter what you're looking for, Drama promises compelling designs and stylish perfection! Drama |
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| 5 | Il Vostro Boutique
La Dolce Vita We studied abroad in Firenze, Italia (a.k.a. The City of Fire). It was a complete “Under the Tuscan Sun” experience: gorgeous Guidos, finely chiseled artwork, flavorful house wine, rolling vineyards and to-die-for-fashion boutiques on quaint cobblestone roads. Sadly, our experience abroad was over quicker than you can say Prada, Gucci, and Ferragamo. We’ve never stopped swooning for Italian-inspired style or ambience, so “Bella!” escaped our lips when we saw the new downtown St. Paul location of Il Vostro boutique. Inspired by the owner’s love of Italian culture, “Your Boutique” brings the native experience to the Minne hood. Humming along to the tunes of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, we found couture cocktail dresses from lines like Yoana Baraschi, trendy tops from Hale Bob and Johnny Was, and Level 99 denim wear. Sprinkled amidst the old-age salon décor was a stylish selection of Tano leather handbags, Espe wallets, colorful scarves, leather gloves, and sophisticated jewelry. A dolce vita experience… all we need now is a glass of Chianti and a Pavarotti sing-along! |
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| 6 | Belle Reve Boutique
Well Hello, Gorgeous! Despite the past months spent agonizing over our dwindling 401K, a Ford Focus running on fumes, and the irritatingly dry skin we seem to be experiencing, we’ve always prided ourselves on our ability to rise above less than desirable circumstances (or at least have the resourcefulness to find a doctor to prescribe it to us). So we aim to fend off our flagging confidence with some show-stopping style. When looking to impress, feeling pretty is half the battle, and clothes that exude feminine confidence with a flash of intrigue are what make N.E. new-comer Belle Reve our new go-to. This meticulously designed shop stocks a bevy of twenties-inspired cocktail dresses by Foley + Corinna—the edgy yet elegant all-over fringe number was our favorite—and we warmed right up to a luscious winter coat with faux-fur trim in a muted green tone. Cross-continental designers include By Francine, the quintessence of French femininity, and the Korean line Mcginn, known for classic yet ethereal styles. When times are tough, our wish list may lengthen, but a girl’s gotta check off at least one item (or three) when faced with slammin’ selections like those found at Belle Reve. Belle Reve Boutique |
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A great big thanks to you, dear readers, for inviting us into your email inbox each Friday. Please help us to continue supporting our wonderful, locally owned boutiques and indie businesses by telling everyone you know to sign up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com. |
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