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September 11th, 2009
Have you ever had a thought, idea, or plan that is fabulous in theory, but in reality kind of blows? Well that’s kind of how the state fair is to us. Each year we convince ourselves that we want to go, that it’ll be so much fun, and that we must see the head carved from butter, the 2,000-pound pig, and some touring hair band from the 80’s. So we go, and stuff ourselves with cheese curds, deep-fried Twinkies, and ten different concoctions on a stick (all while swilling beer, mind you), and then the inevitable happens: we hit the rides. And this, dear readers, is where we go wrong each year. We always eat, drink, and get way too merry and then go on the rides, which in turn makes us sick. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that spinning in a circle while upside down should come before grease with beer chasers. Like the Ogilvie home perm and matching our socks to our top, this is one lesson that we need to learn the hard way. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Prime Time Ah, autumn. The time of year when men clamor over football—we reunite with our Frye boots. Kids swarm classrooms—we reach for cashmere cardigans. Grannies happily knit mittens—we nestle up to glossies drenched in musk. You get the point—fall fashion has permeated our beings. Anxious to expand our cool-weather wardrobe, we made a beeline to Meridian Ltd., a boutique that combines New York chic with Midwest sensibility. Earthy tones and natural décor adorn this generous space, defined by pieces such as figure-flattering silk print tunics form Yoana Barashi and fitted jackets from the likes of detail-addicted designers Luii and Cynthia Steffe. We went mad for the Tylie Malibu suede handbags drenched in rich hues and crystal embellishments, and were in absolute awe of the exquisite pendant necklaces by Georgia Fletcher—she combines vintage beading and antique European medallions that are over a century old. Standout service, a comfy contemporary atmosphere and pieces at the pinnacle of fashion with purse-friendly prices—we’ve definitely fallen for this prime destination. Meridian Ltd. |
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| 2 | It’s a Cinch We love being opinionated. But while it’s the easiest thing in the world to tell someone else who to date and how to dress, it’s more complicated when we’re trying it for ourselves. Is he really worth the heartache? Does this dress make my butt look ginormous? Big questions, tough answers. Enter Corset, a personal styling consultant and boutique that provides practical suggestions and cutting-edge ideas. Snap up their not-seen-in-the-mall pieces one by one at the store, or order an “Everyday Runway” package, which delivers fabulous grab-and-go looks, styled just for you, each season. And they’ve got more than fashion chops, they’ve got great memories, too. They’ll keep track of your wardrobe and provide ideas for pairings and outfits from your whole closet. If you ask, the experts at Corset will tell you that the hot trends for fall are a return of 80s, shoulders standing out, and “pops” of purple and teal. And yes, they will even tell you if those pants do, indeed, supersize your hindquarters. Now, about your boyfriend? The Corset chicks won’t say, but let’s meet for drinks and we’ll give you our opinion. Corset Personal Styling |
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| 3 | Rise and Shine We have to admit, we are way too good at this being semi-unemployed thing. Awaking at the crack of noon, marathons of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” (Aaden is our fave) and happy hours that last until—well, whenever we want. It’s all in a day’s work. Since our day job has amounted to forming sink marks in the sofa, our friend suggested we venture out and visit a funky farmhouse-style shop off the beaten path. With the same name as its Stillwater counterpart, Cockadoodledoo adds pizzazz to the quaint Bryn Mawr neighborhood through a pastiche of garden and home goods like whimsical wooden carved figurines, antique furniture, embroidered linens and a carefully edited collection of vintage watches, wall decor and children’s books. While our inner-child begged for the handmade dollhouse, we happily settled for the shop’s rather iconic pillow boasting a stitched image of a rooster—perfect for concealing that crater in the couch. If you love a good yard sale, you’ll enjoy rummaging through the eclectic mix of retro knick-knacks, contemporary accessories and country furnishings… until the cows come home! Cockadoodledoo |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
The countdown is on! MNFashion Week is right around the corner, giving you a mere week to dig up something snazzy to wear and plan out your week of fashion-centric fun! This year more than 25 local clothing and accessories designers (including Calpurnia Peach, Kjurek Couture, and Rox Mpls) will be showcasing their ultra-luxe lines, with a slew of businesses hosting super-swank parties, shows, and events that highlight our talented fashion community. Dress to impress, belly-up to a bevie, and show our local designers some love. This is one week of fabulous fun that can’t be missed! What: MNFashion Week, Fall 2009 |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Head Gear Mock us if you may, but we have always wanted to be a bridesmaid—we blame missing prom (ahem, geeks)—so when we were tapped for big-day duties we were stoked! We began searching for a signature piece that would make us stand out, and we hit the style lottery with Bethany Lorelle. This ultra-talented local gal handcrafts gorgeous headbands, hair clips, and barrettes, adorning them with things like brilliant feather plumes and silk organza blossoms that positively exude an ethereal, romantic vibe. |
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| 2 | What’s Old Is New We harbor a mini-obsession with Marilyn Monroe. The platinum hair, the curvy figure, the bevy of men at her beck and call… what’s not to love? Alas, we’re brunettes, and the men are mysteriously absent, but luckily our curves can rock similar threads thanks to Posh Girl Vintage. This expansive vintage site is loaded with high-quality apparel and accessories including stunning period wedding and cocktail dresses, tough leather motorcycle jackets, and even lingerie to channel our inner pinup. |
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| 3 | Read My Lips When we were in middle school, a mood ring was pretty much the coolest accessory a girl could rock. We had several, and we lived and died by the wisdom of the mood ring—convinced that it always told the truth. So we were delighted to stumble upon the Mood Swing lip gloss from Too Faced. Ranging from clear to deep fuchsia, it gives us a more “grown up” chance to wear our emotions on our sleeve—er, lips. www.toofaced.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Blast from the Past Are vintage fashions the Laverne to your Shirley? Hit the CAF Vintage Fashion Show featuring top-notch threads from local hot-spot Go Vintage as well as from Minnesota artists and boutiques. Besides the cool clothes and accessories, attendees will be treated to a swank trunk show, swag bags of goodies, tasty apps and even tastier bevies. What: CAF Vintage Fashion Show |
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| 2 | Celebrate Style Love a little drama? Hit the swank soiree celebrating Drama Boutique’s new location. Stop in on Thursday, Sept. 17, to get an eyeful of the hot new digs and enjoy complimentary wine and beer as well as music from DJ GSP. Be one of the first 100 guests to RSVP and receive a sweet goody bag! What: Drama Boutique’s Re-Opening Party |
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| 3 | Women Rule Support your local female superstars by hitting La Nouvelle Femme 2009, a girl-centric night that features emerging artists in a variety of mediums including art, music, and fashion. Runway shows by Frances Zerr and Calpurnia Peach, music by Bella Koshka and Hildur Victoria, and visual art by Tori Bonar and Hillary Berg make this a can’t miss! What: La Nouvelle Femme 2009 |
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Help us to keep the “shop local” message alive—sign everyone you know up at www.MinneapolisPicks.com! Thanks a mil! xoxo |
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