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March 27th, 2009
We’ve inadvertently begun the transition from hip chick to big ol’ nerd and we didn’t even see it coming. We used to hit happy hours with the confident grace and stellar style of an A-list (okay, B) celeb, dance at the hottest clubs, and snag the numbers of the cutest guys (beer goggles notwithstanding), but the last few Fridays (or months) we’ve found ourselves happily perusing the aisles of our favorite drugstore while simultaneously keeping an eye out for the Snuggie and internally debating anti-wrinkle creams. Luckily, one of our perpetually cool cohorts was kind enough to point out our sudden metamorphosis, so hear us now: We vow to haul our lazy butts out of our jogging pants, release our flowing tresses from our mom-bun, and get back out on the scene! Do you need rescuing from impending nerd-dom? Forward this issue to 5 or more friends and cc: picks@minneapolispicks.com and you might win something stylish to up your oomph-factor! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | The Art of Style We’re not handy, crafty, or artistic women. Not only did our impromptu attempts at throwing pottery garner several warped dinner plates and one very lumpy jewelry holder-slash-ashtray, but we’re fairly certain that we once caught our art teacher crying after our botched attempt at basket-weaving. Maybe that’s why we’re completely smitten with the Artists Mercantile. Throw in the selection of handmade jewelry, note cards, and ultra-luxe vintage kimonos, and you’re left with a downright delightful assortment of crazy-cool must-haves perfect for bedecking your bod (or pad) in style. The Artists Mercantile |
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| 2 | Bag It Up We may not have our priorities straight, but we do have them set: happy hour and new handbags will always be of importance to us. Why? Both can make a bad day good and a good day better. (We even combine them—a nice big purse can be the perfect way to carry around our own makeshift happy hour.) Big, small, leather, cloth, colorful or classic, we have no bias. Which is why we like It’s My Bag—they have just about any color, style and pattern we could want, at wallet-friendly prices. From oversized totes with chunky hardware to sleek wristlets in punchy colors and metallic passport covers, there’s something for everyone. We love the rhinestone-studded clutch, perfect for punking up an outfit or adding some dazzle to a “jeans and tee” kind of day, and the vegan in us likes that Michele, the owner, carries a wide variety of trendy non-leather goods. Head over to It’s My Bag now through April 27 and mention Minneapolis Picks to receive a 10% discount on anything in the store! It’s My Bag |
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| 3 | Vive la Victoire! There is something alluring about scent, especially in a shop. When good, it lures you in. When bad (ahem, chain store aimed at teens featuring scantily clad models) it repels. So we were thrilled at the enchanting scent when we entered Victory—and that was just the beginning of a yummy sensory overload of sorts. This vintage/contemporary furniture/design/bath accessories store has a little of everything, and stokes all our senses. Our eyes can’t get enough of the Jonathan Adler-esque white vases, throw pillows and vintage portraits; our ears love the straight-from-Paris radio station playing; and our mouths water over the amazing selection of fashion and decorating books and the extensive line of candles (which created the amazing scent!). Add in the house-made Victory shea butter and yes, our touch senses are pleased, too! It’s the kind of place that lifts your spirits and provides inspiration. The next time you need a girlie gift, a new look for your home (owner Carrie Ciardelli does interior decorating, too!), a candle or accessory, or just some design inspiration, head to Victory. Your senses will leave victorious! Victory |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | All Dressed Up We’ve had it up to our eyeballs with our poor little dollar barely buying us cheap pantyhose, so we were beyond thrilled to find an uber-affordable home-interior haven in the Well Dressed Home. |
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| 2 | Bloomin’ Gorgeous We’ve grown tired of the same ol’ same ol’ when it comes to our underpinnings, so we’ve decided to throw caution and undies to the wind by bidding a fond farewell to our department-store mainstays and restocking our drawers with three of everything from On the Inside. Their beautifully constructed skivvies are perfectly fanciful and available in a variety of lovely fabrics, designs, and colors. All of which will keep your girlie parts covered in serious style. |
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| 3 | Oh My Darling Let’s be honest about how many baby items our own moms used that were flammable, covered in chemicals and probably riddled with lead. We turned out okay, didn’t we? Though that’s debatable, choosing organic, safe and sustainable products now is an absolute must. We love Clementine NW’s large selection of eco-friendly gift items, plus safe products for pregnancy, new mamas and babies. Bonus? Each purchase comes with free gift packaging! That’s the icing on the cake… naturally! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | On the Catwalk Prepare for a fashion frenzy as a bevy of beauties rock the runway while sporting the come-hither threads of top designers including “Project Runway’s” Terri Stevens, Andrew Christians, and Christina Simone (to name-drop a few). Live performances by former “Idol” contender Paris Bennett, as well as Asher Roth, Rich Girl, and Jay Rock round out the mix! What: Rip the Runway |
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| 2 | The Other SNL Preview a dozen entertaining performing arts events in one fell swoop—it’s Sample Night Live at the History Theater! Past performances have included everything from lilting classical music and theater to escape artists, light-bulb eaters, comedians and indie films. Act 1 is G-rated for those with delicate sensibilities, while Act 2 is no-holds-barred! What: Sample Night Live |
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| 3 | Solid Gold—Pure Magic No matter how old you are, you never outgrow a night at the Turf Club. This eclectic rock favorite is playing host to a night of musical mayhem that includes headliners Solid Gold (fresh on the SXSW circuit) as well as Yer Croonies and Switzerland. Get ready to rock your arse off. What: Solid Gold at the Turf Club |
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