Interior Motives
 
We’ve been through many “design” phases in our life: splatter-painted walls in grade school, a penchant for palm trees in junior high, and the inevitable sheet-over-the-hand-me-down-couch in college. Now that we are “grown up” (term used loosely), we want a a put-together, modern yet feminine look.
 
Our wants have been realized, thanks to Vivid Home. Part of Vivid Home Interiors in Bryn Mawr, their focus is classic home furnishings, accessories and gifts that are modernized for a fresh, clean updated look. From the breathtakingly sleek silver chandelier and the unique white ceramic accent pieces to the semi-elusive home-scent line from k. hall design (a cultish obsession of ours for years), we want everything in the store. Candle holders, mirrored side tables, and beautiful rugs will have you and your home (or office or business) covered when it comes to good taste.
 
Next time you are in the neighborhood, stop by. The all-female staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and can help you find exactly what will take you from the dollhouse to your house.
 
Vivid Home
226 Cedar Lake Road So.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612.874.3282
www.vividinteriors.net

A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll
 
With the breathtaking views, rugged mountains, chest-deep powder-laden ski trails, and smokin’ hot cowboys o’ plenty, the West certainly puts a level-five charm spell on us Midwestern gals. 
 
For those who dig a little Rockies flair, check out Shorty’s Loft in St. Louis Park. This shop boasts fab accessories we drool over:  buttery leather handbags from local designer Urban Junket, warm shearling coats, luxurious wool jackets from CoVelo, and funky cowboy boots. If you’re a little less country and a little more rock and roll, you’ll swoon over their selection of belts and tees from tattoo-inspired designer Ed Hardy. Plus, find a smattering of cool lamps, jewelry, gifts, and scarves.
 
If mountain-esque weather keeps you homebound this winter (sometimes braving the ice, snow and cold really chaps our, um lips), no sweat: Shorty’s offers a wide selection online for home-shopping pleasure.
 
Shorty’s Loft
4590 Excelsior Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952.473.0404
www.shortysloft.net

City Chic Tots
 
There’s this picture from fourth grade (a time when our walls were plastered with “Teen Beat” cutouts and our hair was a massive ball of frizz), where we’re beaming a toothless grin for the camera in glitter-glue tanks and wrists blinged-out with snap bracelets, proving that childhood was a time for many things, but fashion? Not so much.
 
But times, they are a changin’! With Edina boutiques like Bébé Babble cropping up, it’s hard to not bring some pint-size style to the playground. The feel in this cozy, discerning boutique is handpicked and global. Packed wall to wall you’ll find a rich spread of fabrics and styles, including modern-swank bulldog tees by Appaman and classic knit sweaters by Imoga. Add in their ultra-cute shoe collection and art by local designers, and you’re left with a fashion-forward parent’s new BFF, and a place where the discerning tot can’t go wrong!
 
One visit to Bébé Babble Boutique and you’re mini-fashionista will be swanking-up the school bus in merch that epitomizes cool. Now if only that tutu came in our size....
 
Bébé Babble Boutique
3904 Sunnyside Road
Edina, MN 55424
952.922.2020
www.bebebabble.com

Eerie Aesthetic
 
We love anything that bucks conventionalism. Tattooed bodies, super-bendy people that twist up like pretzels… love’em, but when it comes to jewelry it can be downright difficult to find something that masterfully mixes odd and cool, which is why it was love when we spied a pair of thorn studs online.
 
Not only do these beauties satisfy our sense of the unusual, but they exude a fierce yet natural modern vibe that we love!
 
www.eriebasin.com

The Great Green Way
 
We know a boat-load of people getting hitched this spring, and while people in our neck of the woods seem to favor a certain bulls-eye emblazoned retail giant as their registry go-to, we prefer to think outside the big box.
 
Green Grass Design and their bevy of housewares, gadgets, and wearables to the rescue! This spot-on purveyor’s offerings run the gamut from chic and modern to so-odd-it’s-cool (think voodoo doll toothpick holders), making for uber-stylish gift-giving.
 
www.greenergrassdesign.com

The Write Stuff Baby
 
We’ve been known to be a little obsessed with paper, i.e. when other kids were spreading out newspaper for craft time, we were busy folding ours into cranes and huffing the newsprint. And while we no longer sniff our stationery (much), the quest for pretty prints has never waned. 
 
That’s why we love Kate’s Paperie. This lovely paper haven is stylishly stocked with beautiful note cards, wrap, and papers, making it the perfect place to feed our addiction. 
 
www.katespaperie.com

Women Rule
 
We love supporting our female cohorts because, let’s face it, girls rule and boys drool. (Kidding, men—kiss, kiss!) That’s why we’re stoked about the upcoming Changing Identity Preview Party that features a slew of talented Vietnamese women artists. For $12 you can dine on delish hors d’oeuvres, sip drinks, listen to tunes, and view their stunning artwork.
 
What: Preview Party for Changing Identity: Recent Works by Women Artists from Vietnam
When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 7–10 pm
Where: Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum,
333 E. River Parkway, Minneapolis
Cost: $12
Visit: www.weisman.umn.edu

Give a Little, Get a Lot
 
It's no secret that shopping is the peanut butter to our jelly, but shopping and doing good? Now that's something fabulous! From Sunday, Feb. 1, through Monday, March 31, shoppers who bring gently used clothing to any of Bibelot's four metro shops will receive a coupon good for 20% off a single clothing item bought at Bibelot. Shoppers who donate will receive one coupon per visit.
 
What: Arc’s Value Village Partners With Bibelot
When: Sunday, Feb. 1–Tuesday, March 31
Where: All of Bibelot’s metro locations
Visit: www.arcsvaluevillage.com

Fight of the Century

Get ready to rumble! The highly anticipated, totally entertaining Fashion Fight Night returns for a third bodacious bout at Uppercut Boxing Gym. Hundreds of local fashion-lovers will be on hand to watch six teams of photographers and models go head to head in a fashion-photo shootout. P.S… lose the shabby duds. This event is dress to impress baby.

What: Fashion Fight Night 3 benefitting the LEAD Project
When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 pm
Where: Uppercut Boxing Gym, 1324 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis
Cost: $50, $5 of each ticket goes directly to the LEAD Project
Visit: www.metromag.com