Once Upon a Dress

Some brides get married for love, the promise of growing old together, or to start a family full of loveable, squealing young’uns. That’s all good, but secretly we would marry just to wear that perfect wedding dress. (Is that bad?)

When our wedding-gown dreams must come true, we click our heels and head to L’Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique. The owner has a fondness for fairytales and makes sure each bride is living hers. Tucked into a cozy locale on Selby Ave., L’Atelier provides private appointments for couture superstar fittings such as Vera Wang (think Kate Hudson’s dress in “Bride Wars”), Rosa Claire, Le Sposo de Gio, Peter Langer, and Elizabeth Fillmore. From edgy and unique to simple and elegant, a bride’s imagination can run wild with possibilities, and the magical selection of local artisan jewelry adds the final touch of sparkle.

Personalized treatment and high-end gowns dripping with romance make L’Atelier a must for a nuptial fashion. But don’t forget to peruse the sweet and sexy lingerie—it’s sure to make it a night to remember!

L’Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique
493 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651.602.9492
www.lateliercouturebridal.com

Natural Selections
 
Sometimes in life there is no gray. Like black licorice, jam bands, or kung fu movies, taxidermy is something you either love or hate. But if you can appreciate whimsical, natural design elements, we have the shop for you.
 
Located in a tiny, rustic space, Luehmann’s Curious Decor is beautifully and imaginatively arranged, and full of interesting, and often bizarre pieces. We found vintage coral jewelry, candle holders crafted from antlers, ivory napkin rings and ostrich-skinned boxes displayed throughout the store. Additionally, they carry some vintage designer duds (think Chanel bags) and high-end candles from Dayna Decker, which have a wood wick that crackles as it burns. Luehmann also deals odd animal artifacts, like polished skulls, horns, mounted heads and even an umbrella stand made from a genuine elephant foot. We dare you to touch it.
 
Sound creepy? It is. But it’s also absolutely gorgeous, in a Tim Burton sort of way. Any piece from this hidden gem is just the thing to bring character and conversation to any space. Now that’s something to love.
 
Luehmann’s Curious Decor
5005 Bryant Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
612.285.8467

Heaven…We’re In Heaven
 
Between giving thanks for leftover apple pie and making sure everyone in our lives is pampered with presents, it’s easy to forget to exercise. But honestly, the only downtime we’ve had lately is a quick drink at the bar near our office. Oh, if only exercise and happy hour could join forces… now that would get our hearts pounding!
 
Happily, Inner Strength Fitness read our minds! This is the first fitness boutique we’ve ever heard of that combines working out (yuck) with liquoring up (yay!). Every Friday, their 5:30 "happy hour" spin class comes with a fierce workout and a complimentary post-sweat beverage. Their sleek locations on St. Paul’s Grand Ave. and on Minneapolis’ Lyndale Ave. catapult them into a whole new realm by offering up “commuter specials,” “yoga, wine and cheese Saturdays,” and yes, even babysitting during certain classes, making it the perfect place for one and all to tone and tighten.
 
And we guarantee that their fun mix of spinning, yoga,
strength, and core-training options will quickly de-winterize those Santa-inspired arms and thighs… before bikini season rears its ugly head.
 
Inner Strength Fitness
758 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
612.644.1953
www.innerstrengthstudio.com

A Gift Worth Receiving
 
Every once in a while our goofy family steps up to the plate and gifts us with something that we actually like (unlike the smooching pig knick-knacks from last year’s b-day). This year, we were more than pleasantly surprised when we tore open a present and found a super cute soap kit.
 
Made from au naturale ingredients, these heavenly soaps are perfect for pampering our fiercely dry skin, and have quickly become our new fave in the tubby.
 
www.vodasoap.com

Flora, Fauna, and Jewelry, Oh My!
 
Our love affair with jewelry began with charm bracelets and Swatch watches and slowly but surely morphed into the full-blown addiction that we battle today. Hence our recent fascination with the delightfully chic designs at Prismera.
 
These embellished beauties are intricately designed after a plethora of lovely botanicals, from exotic night-blooming flowers to simple dogwood leaves. Every one is as unique as it is beautiful, and lends an earthy grace to anyone who wears them.
 
www.prismeradesign.com

Pretty Up the Planet
 
We readily admit to being a bit of a nerdy-bird, and we definitely subscribe to the philosophy of “waste not, want not,” so we were immediately smitten with the strangely alluring plantable papers we spied at Botanical Paper Works.
 
Every paper on this eco-friendly site, from stylish wedding invites to birth announcements and thank yous, are made to be lovingly planted in the earth, magically transforming what would be garbage into beautiful blossoms.
 
www.botanicalpaperworks.com

Dum, Dum, Dee-dum
 
Newly betrothed mavens, rejoice! It’s time once again for the always fabulous Wedding Fair. Nearly 200 of the Twin Cities’ top wedding experts will be on hand to help you plan every aspect of your big day, from announcements and attire to honeymoon destinations, making it a can’t-miss for anyone getting hitched.
 
What: The Wedding Fair
When: Sunday, Jan. 18, 11 am–5 pm
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave. S.
Cost: $15
Visit: www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com

Ice, Ice Baby
 
It wouldn’t be winter in Minnesota without some frozen fun, and there’s no fun like pond hockey. Even if you’re a mess on skates like, ahem, us, you’ll still appreciate the rollicking good time that accompanies a smash’em/bash’em round of ice hockey, plus there’s plenty of beer to keep you warm!
 
What: U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
When: Friday, Jan. 23–Sunday, Jan. 25
Where: Lake Nokomis Park,
4955 W. Lake Nokomis Parkway, Minneapolis
Visit: www.uspondhockey.com

Shake Things Up

Surprise your love by thinking outside the ol’ chocolate
box this Valentine’s Day! Get tickets for the next Walker After Hours party. Not only can you and your sweetie take in some fabu artwork, but you can see and be seen while munching
on delish Wolfgang Puck apps and indulging in some oh-so-tasty cocktails.
 
What: The Walker After Hours, “Elizabeth Peyton:  Painting”
When: Friday, Feb. 13, 9 pm–midnight
Where: The Walker Art Museum
Call: 612.375.7600
Cost: $35 (members: $25)
Visit: www.walkerart.org