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April 10th, 2009
Why is it that we women are left with all of the drudgery and unsavory aspects of day-to-day life? We wash windows, dishes, pets, and baby butts with the meticulous fervor of a modern day Mary Poppins hopped up on speed, and what do we have to show for it? Nothin' but dishpan hands and a significant O that thinks that our pad is magically made spotless each week by a bevy of happy gnomes. All we want is a little recognition for our good deeds and hard work. We’re not talking about ticker-tape parades here, people… we’d be happy with a sweet new pair of Jimmy Choos to grace our tootsies, an extra dry martini in our hand, and a rub-down from some handsome fella. We say: dream big or go home. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | On a Mission We have a confession to make: sometimes after a shopping excursion that was meant for restoration, we are instead left with severe shopper’s remorse. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, temptation triumphs over checkbook as we reach for another pair of designer jeans, leaving us in dire need of some serious salvation. Just when we thought we’d hit Rock & Republic bottom, we saw the light and found the path to guilt-free shopping at Amore & Fede, an uber-divine boutique devoted to purposeful purchasing. We found inspiration in their plethora of must-have trendy tops, including their bead and crystal cross tees that are truly stylish perfection. We oohed over their lovely selection of pendants with wise Proverbs, and avoided falling into the dark-side of denim by picking up a pair of Miss Me jeans that offer designer details without shattering our spirit or savings account. It’s not just lip-service—a portion of all sales go to the charity World Vision, which helps impoverished kids around the globe, making for ultra-stylish do-goodery! Amore & Fede |
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| 2 | Wax On, Wax Off When we look back at our high-school yearbook pix, two things cross our minds: “Nice hair,” and “OMG what is up with those eyebrows?” Yes, our brows resembled wooly worms, and as a distraction we made up for it making our hair as awesomely big and mall-like as possible. How we wish pH OREM Skincare had been around back then—and not just for our unruly brows. This awesome loft-like downtown Minneapolis skin spa has everything you need to look as youthful as you did back then, but with the tamed brows and other, um, hairy parts, all reined in. They offer a full waxing menu, done with a firm but totally gentle touch, as well as facials and massage. You leave hair-free (where you want to be), glowing, and relaxed. (It’s like asking the cool guy to the Sadie Hawkins dance and having him say yes!) Stop in check out all their services, and don’t forget to pick up some of the Korres products they use. (We fell for this Greece-based line a while ago—it is unlike any other!) pH OREM Skincare |
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| 3 | Kiddie Couture We cringe at pictures of our preschool days spent in corduroy overalls, velour jumpers, and plaid bells so big our feet got lost in them. It’s as if our parents took their design cues from Danny Bonaduce. But today’s trendy tots? Well, they look freakin’ cool with their faux-hawks and shades, all dolled up like sub-ins for the Jolie-Pitt clan. If you want your little one to look picture-perfect for those scrapbooks, Oh Baby! has you covered… with infant to grade school-size clothes and accessories you’ll go gaga for! Oh Baby! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Gorgeous Greenery We wish we were the tending-the-earth type, who could become one with nature while rocking Dickie bibs and crocs, but alas, our thumbs are not green and bibs make us look chesty. Green Ware Design to the rescue! These green girls are our kind of gardeners, offering up an assortment of handcrafted planters complete with beautiful succulents neatly embedded. And starting at a mere $35, we can afford to splurge on some for ourselves and for our plant-loving pals. |
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| 2 | Bird Is the Word Bird flu aside, we’ve always had a soft spot for our fine-feathered friends and their ultra-vibrant plumages. Unfortunately, feather boas are limited to a few special occasions (or playing dress-up with our niece). Thankfully, Pluma is upping the cool quotient on the feather and making it acceptable in daily wear with the stylish whimsy of their headbands. Exquisitely handcrafted from a variety of feathers, these hair accessories are surprisingly cool and perfect for dressing up summer ensembles. |
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| 3 | Rock of Love Typically, our taste in jewelry is simple, classic and elegant. Lately though, we’ve been dying to try something new that will really jazz up our outfits. When we stumbled on the natural agate necklaces from Stone and Honey, we knew our search was over. Rough but pretty, eye-catching and brightly colored, these ethereal necklaces are all one of a kind, and definitely kick our look up a notch. A girl’s gotta keep it original, after all! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Recessionistas, Rejoice! Our purse strings have been tied in triple knots lately so we nearly passed-dead-out when we caught wind of Arc’s Spring Accessory Spruce Up! Beginning April 13, savvy shoppers can score amazing deals on a bevy of must-have accessories from chic handbags and shoes to scarves and jewelry. With deals this fabulous, anyone can greet spring in stand-out style! What: The Spring Accessory Spruce-Up at Arc’s Value Villages |
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| 2 | We Heart the Art Our artistic skills are limited to coloring books (at best), which is why we’re gung-ho to show our support for local talents at the Altered Esthetics anniversary party. Not only will attendees be able to spy a bevy of stand-out works, but they’ll also be treated to cool tunes, tasty bevies, raffles, and prizes. Let the awesomeness begin! What: The Altered Esthetics’ 5-Year Anniversary Party |
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| 3 | They’re Crafty Prepare to be dazzled by more than 240 top-notch artists and artisans at the American Craft Council Show. Besides the eye-popping creations in metal, fiber, glass, and more, this year’s crafty lovers can also score beautiful Green goods. Come after 5 pm on Friday for $5 admission. (The first 200 entrants receive goodie bags!) What: The American Craft Council Show |
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Spring has sprung, people! Get out and shop til you drop! |
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