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May 15th, 2009
One of our oldest and dearest pals is currently “in the family way” for the first time. And while we love her with all of our heart, we can’t help but notice that she’s turned into the baby-mama equivalent of the oft-hated and always annoying bridezilla-type character. We’re not sure if it’s the hormones, the food aversions, or the fact that her innie has become an outie, but our wine-swilling, Dorito-chomping partner in crime has been replaced by an obsessive, neurotic mess who’s demanding opulent showers and high-end goods that would make JLo’s twins do a double take. She actually registered for onesies that were part silk. Silk, people! Doesn’t she realize they’re going to be pooed on? What’s next? Itty-bitty cashmere rompers and baby wigs? Pa-leeze! Baby goods that cost more than Jimmy Choos are where we draw the line. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | All the Days of Our Lives Ok, we admit it: We’ve been dreaming about “The Big Day” ever since the fourth grade, every detail planned out from the flower arrangements to the groom (Jonathan Taylor Thomas, we’re still waiting), so when that question finally pops, our first stop will be the charming shop I Do and Baby Too. We couldn’t get enough of their classy yet modern silk and taffeta gowns, and cooed at the darling flower girl dresses. And the range of colors and flattering styles available means we brides can fit our wedding party with that oft-mentioned but rarely-seen urban myth, the bridesmaid dress that can actually be worn again. The “Baby Too” part of the boutique is a chic selection of baby gifts, gear, and books sure to be a hit with any mom (or mom-to-be). IDBT puts a premium on small and local businesses, like St. Paul-based Rebel Ink Baby. But their highest priority is making their customers feel like family. When it comes to two of life’s biggest milestones, this place takes the (wedding) cake. (Sorry, couldn’t resist…) I Do and Baby Too |
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| 2 | Fur Sure We are suckers for animals. Big, small, furry or feathered, some of our closest friends and confidants growing up were our cats and dogs. (And, yes, the random hamster, though those didn’t stick around as long.) So it’s kind of a no-brainer to us to choose fashion that is both forward-thinking and cruelty-free. The key here is “fashion-forward” and luckily we have Fast and Furless. This awesome vegan shop is like happiness and colors and a great closet all rolled up in one. From bright purses and wallets to shoes (for men and women), this Minneapolis store has you covered, from clothing and beauty products to food (we love the Crispy Cat bars), magazines and gift items. The best part? Every item is cruelty-free, will satisfy even the pickiest “It” girl, and Whiskers the cat and Pork Chop the pug will be glad you did the animal kingdom a solid. Next time you are looking for a hip, trendy, item for your closet that doesn’t include leather, fur, wool, silk or down, stop by—and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you! Fast and Furless |
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| 3 | Heavy Metal Master Our week sucked. We broke up with our beau, discovered that half our tax refund had been seized for parking indiscretions, and lost our coveted signature ring. We briefly contemplated an all-out assault on our cat (who we were sure ate it), when a faint sparkle caught our eye, and with one exhaustive exhale proved that life marched on without man or money, but not without precious metal. Enter Studio Vincent, a classy gallery that gleams with gold, silver and platinum and offers exceptional small-shop service we’re sold on. We tried on—and almost bought—an elegant engagement ring as sophisticated, unique and classic as we are. For the more non-traditional couples there’s an uber-stylish selection of stunning steel or gold knot rings, perfect for showcasing your sense of cool, and we were inspired by the positively poetic Muse collection and the modern zodiac pendants, distinct enough for special occasions yet not too dressy for the everyday ensemble! If you have an eye for extraordinary craftsmanship, you will revel in Studio Vincent. Bonus: Trying on jewelry can totally undo a bad week! Studio Vincent |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Unbreakable Style For our b-day our guy thought waaay outside the box, forgoing his typical rules of practicality and gifting us with something that we actually wanted (jewelry) rather than what he thought we needed (wooly camping socks), and we couldn’t be happier! Our love of our new sparkly bauble from The Glass Onion knows no bounds! A beautiful necklace comprised of deep ebony and aqua Chalcedony, this piece exudes an earthy summer vibe that we find simply irresistible. |
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| 2 | Rock Your Body Just when we were on the verge of giving up on our skin and all of its finicky ways, we discovered the luxe lathering ways of the SoapRock. Each bar is artistically illuminated beneath water and made to slowly weather away like a stream stone. Plus these geo-chic soaps are packed with a bevy of skin-soothing agents like comfrey, lavender, and almond oil, deeply cleaning skin while retaining its natural oils. They’re perfect for pampering precocious skin. |
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| 3 | Sack It to Me When the handles breaking on our paper grocery bags (for the umpteenth time) resulted in bruised fruit, scrambled eggs, and mild (ish) cursing we found ourselves hunting for cool reusables. We struck gold, or um, green, at Green Girl. Their ultra-hip bags are fantastically chic, come in a variety of sizes, and are emblazoned with a slew of funky, eye-popping prints. And get this: these sturdy totes are totally reversible for double the style! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Pack Your Bags! Join FM 107.1’s Lori and Julia at the Pack Your Bags handbag-donation event benefiting Arc’s Value Village. For each handbag donated, you’ll be entered to win a fabu trip for two, including hotel and airfare, courtesy of Worry Free Vacations. Need more incentive? Try a bevy of other cool prizes and mini massages! What: The “Pack Your Bags” handbag-donation event |
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| 2 | Bad As We Wanna Be We love up-and-coming designers, therefore we love BadJoan.com, a fashion-forward site featuring overstock from ultra-talented indie designers. Bad Joan members always score a whopping 80% off everything, but for one fabulous week Minneapolis Picks readers can get 80% off their entire order without a membership—use the discount code MPICKS80 at checkout… It’s good to be bad! What: Minneapolis Picks Discount at BadJoan.com |
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| 3 | Food, Beer, and Tunes—Oh My! If gourmet food, beer, and music are your night-out trifecta, then hit Gastro Non Grata. The oh-so-tasty eats of Chef Heather Hartman, delish beer from Rush River Brewing, and chocolate from the Rogue Chocolatier will be making mouths happy, while tunes from Dreamland Faces, Evening Rig, His Mischief, and the Birthday Suits will keep toes tappin’. What: Gastro Non Grata |
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