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September 25th, 2009
Our computer was down for the count for not one, not two, but for four freakin’ weeks and we went into some serious withdrawal. We’re talking full-on shakes and queasy knots of anxiety and we have to say, it was more than a little disturbing. We had no idea how dependent we had become on our laptop! Not only is it the keeper of all our magnificent ideas and pithy words of wisdom that will one day be transformed into a runaway bestseller (ha-ha-ha! We made a funny…), but more importantly, its little electronic brain is the gateway to all of our most beloved online shopping destinations, and it quickly became obvious that without our bookmarks we were totally lost. Up was down! Left was right! Drunk was sober! It was complete chaos and we hope we never have to go through it again. Know what makes everything better? New stuff! Forward this issue to 5 or more friends and cc: picks@MinneapolisPicks.com and one lucky reader will score something pretty from Meghan Elizabeth Pottery—see below! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Eclectic Attitude Remember all that Dutch Elm disease talk a while back? Yeah, we’d forgotten about it too, until we were out for a walk last weekend taking in the first hints of fall color, and it got us to wondering: What happened to all of those poor, sad trees that had to be cut down? It turns out that a slew of them ended up at Corazon. This hugely local gifters haven is equal parts pretty papers and top-notch knick-knackery and features a bevy of stylish musts, from lovely jewelry and wall adornments by talented local artists to kitschy sock-knitting kits and snazzy garlic peelers. And it turns out those downed trees didn’t die in vain, but rather, were transformed into the finest of housewares. We found beautifully crafted picture frames alongside cool coasters and cutting boards, all by Wood from the Hood. You can even find the zip code of that particular tree’s former residence on the packaging—talk about locally sourced goods! With Corazon’s chic-meets-eclectic goods you’re sure to find the perfect gift, bribe, or self-indulgent treat. Corazon |
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| 2 | Baby Got Style When the little pastel envelope arrived in our mailbox, we were ready. Ever since we found out that one of our best girls was pregnant we’ve been chomping at the bit to get out and find that spot-on, one-of-a-kind treasures that will win us the “coolest gift at the baby shower” acknowledgement. So off we skipped to Baby Grand. This baby paradise is a veritable shrine to babies. Darling artwork adorns the walls, from kittens to kites. But it was the selection of upscale, designer baby gear that really blew us away. There they were: Chicco car-seats and strollers; and, over there, look: Peanut shell baby carriers and cool Moby Wraps! We had a blast pilfering the racks of precious mini-me clothes, and with of-the-moment lines like Zutano and Rebel Ink, how could one go wrong? Our only trouble was deciding which pair of Robeez our favorite tyke couldn’t live without. Part boutique, part neighborhood spot, with a knowledgeable staff to boot, this little baby-land left us hoping the stork flies through again soon! Baby Grand |
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| 3 | All About Us Our significant other swears that, faced with a gift-requiring occasion, we’d end up buying more presents for ourselves than the intended giftee. Um, guilty! So when we headed into this party-of-a-shop recently, we were so tempted with self-indulgent treats that we blanked on why we were there. Baby gift? Hostess present? Whatev. First, what about me? There are plenty of choice finds all over All the Best’s surprisingly large space. One nook has a rustic, “Up North” motif, but wander a little farther over and you’ll find an entire section dedicated to chic cocktails and bar accessories. There was so much sparkle in this swell little boutique that it was hard to know where to start, but having recently resolved to add some bling to our own lives, we headed straight for the jewelry counter where the Pandora charm collection quickly became our new love. We picked up a starter set and will be dropping hints for all occasions. Hey, isn’t Arbor Day coming up soon? The whole spirit of the store seems like one big celebration, so it can’t hurt to celebrate yourself just a little bit, can it? All the Best |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Oh My Love We once took a pottery class and we’ll be honest—we were totally channeling a Demi Moore/Patrick Swayze kind of thing. Come to find it takes real skill and creativity to make perfectly formed pieces and not just a cute dude sidled up behind you. Luckily we have Meghan Elizabeth Pottery to feed our artistic fantasies! This ultra-talented local creates a bevy of lovely mugs, platters, bowls and pots, masterfully combining beauty and function for pieces that are eye-catching works of art. |
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| 2 | Show a Little Leg Is it weird to be totally jealy of a product for children? 'Cause these baby thigh-highs are positively adorable. And get this—they're made for kids from six months to eight years old. No more lost socks, and much easier diaper changing! The Pork Chop is warm on their toesies, and makes each and every baby runway ready. Since we can’t have our own, we will just have to dress up our fashionable little niece! |
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| 3 | Prep-Style Posh As teenagers, we dreamed about going away to a private boarding school, and how glamorous it would all be… right down to the cute plaid skirts and East Coast old-money heirs. And the pieces from Tomtom Jewelry would have been the perfect prepster accessories. Unique and edgy with a preppy twist, we are in love with the Swallowed By The Sea necklace, handcrafted with navy ribbon and bronze, silver, enamel and brushed gold chains. Very Serena from “Gossip Girl”—natch! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Bibelot’s Anniversary Sale Savvy savings abound at Bibelot’s Storewide Anniversary Sale! Today and tomorrow only shoppers can score 20% off Bibelot’s wide array of ultra stylish gifts, clothing, jewelry, stationery, and eco-friendly goods. Purchases totaling $100 or more garner a $10 gift card for use on a future shopping trip! Who says fabulous finds aren’t affordable? What: Bibelot’s Storewide Anniversary Sale |
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| 2 | Eye on the Sky A slew of St. Paul fashion hot-spots including Karma, Picky Girl, Stephanie’s, and Flirt will be strutting their stuff at Fashion In the Sky. Catch an eyefull of the trend-worthy must-haves, and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar provided by Salut and Barrio, all while cutting a rug to DJ Stevie. Party in style! What: Fashion in the Sky |
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| 3 | Be Scene! Finish off fall fashion week with a bang at Sceneasota! This home-grown fashion show features the lust-worthy collections of ultra-talented local designers including those of Carmichael Claith, Renate Adjei, and Jenny Carle. Be sure to note your faves, because garments from each designer’s collection are available the next day at Cliché! What: Sceneasota 2009 |
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