Neat as a Pin

When you’ve earned your reputation as a shopping ninja, it’s hard to admit a fatal flaw.  But while we rule the world in finding just the right gift for any occasion, we totally suck at that all-important final step—gift-wrapping. Sloppy corners. Uneven bows. Usually, we admit defeat and try the shove-it-in-a-bag-and-toss-in-some-tissue method. 

Which is why we were so excited to discover that not only does Specially Yours carry just about anything you might need for a hostess, wedding or shower gift, but they gift wrap. Beautifully. And for free. Once we spied the rows of colorful paper and ribbons at the front counter, we were off and running. Happy-face spoons for hostess gifts? Cute as a button Mary-Jane booties for that baby shower at work? Local-artist crafted “forever” nail files for Mom, sis, and okay, for us, too?  We bought them all and we had them all wrapped, even the presents for ourselves. 

We’ve now got a stash of beautifully wrapped treasures, and there isn’t a sloppy corner in sight. Take that, you lazy gift bag!

Specially Yours Gifts
719 Main St.
Hopkins, MN 55343
952.988.6963
www.speciallyyoursgifts.com

Tressed to Kill

Back in the day, we were all about funky, daring hairstyles. Our tresses were a canvas, and damned if we didn’t express ourselves with a multitude of colors and shapes. But now that our lives have calmed down (at least relatively), we’ve come to realize that a more sensible, natural look is where it’s at.

That’s why nowadays we get our ’dos done at Foiled Again, an adorable salon in the cozy NE Minneapolis Johnson Street neighborhood. All the stylists are personable and down-to-earth, and all have spent tons of time perfecting their craft. The talent is top-notch, but there’s no sales pressure, no edgier-than-thou attitude. And in addition to being just plain cool, Foiled is also green-minded. Their featured product line is Davines, an Italian brand whose factory is completely wind-powered.

Plus, the residential setting means plenty of parking. With the time you save not looking for a space, you can peruse Foiled’s walls full of local artwork (which changes every six weeks or so).

Foiled Again
2807 Johnson St.
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612.781.5150
www.foiledagainsalon.com

WAM, Bam, Thank You, Ma’am!

It takes something special to get us back onto a college campus after all this time (it makes us feel too nostalgic… and old). But we were definitely glad we made it over to the Weisman Art Museum Store on the University of Minnesota campus. A look at the building itself is worth the trek, but the store inside is just as worthy of our attention.

The store’s space is small, but the selection is more than big enough for finding the perfect gift. Besides a great collection of art- and art history-related books, the WAM Store has beautiful jewelry (like a breathtaking gold bracelet from Boe) and unique trinkets like the OOTS! Lunchboxes that are equal parts adorable, futuristic, and practical.

Too comfy in your pajamas to get out to campus? No worries, the museum will soon be launching an online version of the store so you can snag your all the great gifts without leaving the house. And while you’re on campus, reliving old memories, why not check out the Weisman Museum’s fantastic collection? Admission is free every day!

Weisman Art Museum Store
333 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612.625.9494
www.weisman.umn.edu

Shark Week

We spy with our little eye something cute and evil. Dangerous by design, sneaky by nature, and one of the world's most fearsome creatures.

The token bad boy that stole your heart? No. Tell him and his crotch rocket to ride off on a permanent vacay. We're talking sharks. Like this bejeweled gold number from Cheeky Monkey Jewelry, complete with a fair-trade ruby, sapphire or recycled diamond for an eye. We’re hoping it will fend off any incoming bottom-feeders.

www.cheekymonkeyjewelry.com

Fake Out

Remember when fake bakes made you look like you’d been soaking in henna? (See: Tara Reid, circa 2002. We adore you, you crazy girl, but OMG.) Happily, times and technology have changed. You can even get organic tans—you read that right!

And we are loving Lavera’s organic self-T. With vegetable-derived DHA, organic soy extracts and jojoba oil, plus calendula, aloe vera and rose water for ultimate moisturizing, it’s guilt-free, streak-free and totally natural-looking. Take that, UV rays! And take that, henna.

www.lavera.com

It’s In the Details

We might not be going back to school this fall, but we’re not letting that stop us from doing some back-to-school shopping. After all, we need to inject some new life into our fall wardrobes too—why should students have all the fun? First stop—accessories.

The repurposed lace necklaces and earrings from White Owl are a perfect balance of gothic-chic and Victorian cool. Add in some knee-high boots and a cozy cardigan, and it’s style central, baby!

www.whiteowl.etsy.com

Adorn:  MNFashion Week on Grand Avenue

Get glam on Grand at Adorn, a style-centric night showcasing hot local designers and luxe Grand Avenue boutiques and businesses. Lust-worthy highlights include customized screen-printed tights courtesy of Picky Girl and Calpurnia Peach, style tips, chair massages, and a slew of fabulous trunk shows at Karma. Crave even more? Fab fashion week specials are being offered all week long!

What: Grand Avenue: Adorn
When: Thursday, Sept. 24, 5–9 pm
Where: Grand Avenue, St. Paul
Cost: Free!
Visit: www.grandave.com

What’s Old Is New

Learn how to dress to impress for less at Re-Fashionista! Stylish local designers will be on hand to help you select the looks that best flatter your body type and coloring while teaching you the ins and outs of shopping second-hand. Admission is free, but be a gem and donate a designer garment. Item’s help support Goodwill/Easter Seals.

What: Re-Fashionista
When: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7–9 pm
Where: Second Debut, 4300 W. 36 ½ St., St. Louis Park
Visit: www.seconddebut.org

Sharp-Dressed Men

If your man’s wardrobe primarily consists of ratty band tees and jeans, then hog-tie him and hit Invigorate, Elsworth’s Fall Fashion Show at The Lab Theater. Not only will your guy spy some killer styles to rock this fall, but you’ll be able to admire the strapping young gents on the runway. Ooh la la!

What: Invigorate, Elsworth’s Fall Fashion Show
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 pm
Where: 700 N. 1st St., Minneapolis
Cost: $20
Visit: www.elsworthmens.com