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May 8th, 2009
With all the hubbub about mutant viruses running rampant we found ourselves faced with a decision: curl up in a ball while awaiting a Stephen King-esque Armageddon, or soothe our anxious souls with a cocktail and some pampering. Guess which we chose? Yep, ball-curling. We found ourselves frantically stocking up on sanitizers and masks like they were Dooney & Burke bags being hawked for dollar when suddenly we realized that we were about to drop a boat-load of green on a basket of paranoia that could have darn near paid for a Yaris (or at least a used moped). So we ditched our booty and sprinted to the nearest spa for an overhaul and our favorite pub for a drink. Did our R & R completely assuage our fears? No, but nothing beats a good rub-down and an extra-dry martini to take our minds off of our theoretical demise. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Pitch-Perfect Design When it comes to art, we recently had a revelation: How come our walls get all the action? It’s high time we had something in our home that turned our décor into more than just background noise, and also showcased our fabulous taste. That’s why we were beyond excited to stroll into the comfortable elegance of Left of Center Style, a furnishing and home décor boutique akin to the swankest of European ateliers (complete with opera in the background). This interiors haven is bursting with a bevy of one-of-a-kind items that masterfully mix old style with new elements—destined to transform any blah abode into a showstopper. We gazed dreamily at the gorgeous custom-made mahogany sofa with ultra-chic Roma upholstery, perfect for injecting our living quarters with some much-needed eye candy, and we coveted everything from the cool wall art and sculptures to the handcrafted vases by talented local artists. So even if your digs (and your checking account) only have room for something small, Left of Center’s treasures are a must-see. Left of Center Style |
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| 2 | Straight-Up Style We’ve been recycling since Paula Abdul had a hit song (and wasn’t—allegedly—taking all those pills). However when it comes to fashion, it seems making planet-conscious choices often means forgoing great style. Enter Larue’s, a boutique that sported a commitment to green and stylish garb way before it was chic. This southwest Minneapolis shop is loaded with racks of hip threads made from earth-friendly natural fibers, and no matter what your age or size, they’re sure to have something just up your alley. We loved the hippie-chic dresses and tees from JWLA that feature fun, bold colors and gorgeous embroidery, and the funky assortment of fabulous handbags, hats and scarves are not to be missed. Add in their massive variety of one-of-a-kind jewelry (everything from simple silver earrings to extravagantly exotic antique gold necklaces from India) and you’re guaranteed to find something that fits not only your unique style, but also the oft-times limited budget. Even if you usually score an F in fashion, with Larue’s as your guide, you’ll leave looking (and feeling) like an A++! Larue’s |
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| 3 | Seize the O’Day Having been stuck stateside our entire life, our desire to see the world has manifested itself as an obsession with the Travel Channel and John Krakauer novels. Unfortunately our budget would have to be roughly the size of the Great Wall of China in order to realize our dreams, so until then we’re exploring the Oriental treasure in our own backyard. O’Day Cache is a destination well worth the trip. Choose from a chief selection of eye-popping pearl, jade and coral necklaces, embroidered Asian slippers (with a heel!), and porcelain tea sets from Spin—known for their mod items made with techniques from the Ming Dynasty. We collected a colorful Lampe Berge bottle that diffuses exotic perfumes sans smoke or flame (which keeps our absent-minded incense and candle-loving selves from a potentially hazardous situation) and we joyously packed our new floral-printed purse with tiny Happy Buddhas. Fine art and antiques—like a 400-year-old carved mask and intricately carved wooden windows—practically makes this shop museum-worthy. Now you can frequent the Orient without ever needing a passport! O’Day Cache |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Big Apple Beauty The last time we dug into our makeup stash we nearly fell asleep from sheer boredom. Nothing but a sea of safe neutrals as far as the eye could see—yawn! So when we managed to snag some shadow in a luxe shade of green from Dex, we were stoked. Their ultra-bold mineral shadows are loaded with anti-aging technology, are 100% paraben-free, and just what we need to add a little spring-zing to our faces. |
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| 2 | Top Shelf Goods We’re a sucker for anything being hawked on the tube—hence our cupboard full of cha-cha-cha chia’s—but when we laid eyes on the kitschy cute goods at Prince Design UK we swore to never shop via TV again. This spot-on Etsy purveyor offers up a sweet selection of handcrafted bowls and dishes in fanciful shapes like birds, leaves, and flowers that are absolute perfection. There’s no way they’ll be banished to the nether regions of our Tupperware shelf. |
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| 3 | You Give Us Fever We have a bit of a hoarding problem when it comes to scented candles. What this leads to is a lot of clutter on the mantel. But we can’t help adding one more—the gorgeously luxurious Scarlet Grapefruit candle from Delirium & Co. The scent is layered and rich—wafting ruby red grapefruit, red currants, apple, mandarin, jasmine and amber through the air—and the silvered glass it comes in looks absolutely glamorous on the mantel! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Gifters Delight In our world one can never have enough jewelry, so we’re ecstatic about the upcoming jewelry sale at the Walker. Seventeen ultra-talented local jewelry artists and designers (like Robyne Robinson and Karin Jacobson) will be showcasing their must-have goods just in time for Mom’s Day—or um, for treating yourself to a little somthin-somthin. What: Jewelry Artist Mart |
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| 2 | Give Us More Give your eyes something cool to look at and your brain something to ponder by hitting the More Is a Four-Letter Word exhibit. Five noteworthy artists explore the idea of wanting more—in an era that tells us to want less. It is sure to be a thought-provoking experience. Be sure to stop in for the opening-night reception! What: More Is a Four-Letter Word |
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| 3 | Rock the Garden We know June is still a far-off fantasy, but Rock the Garden is one of those fun affairs that shouldn’t be missed—and is known for selling out super fast. This year’s primo lineup includesThe Decemberists, Calexico, Yeasayer and Solid Gold, with tasty bevies (mmm… Summit) and good eats aplenty from around town. |
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