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October 9th, 2009
Even though we’re all about the local love we still enjoy a good romp around the old Mall of America. Where else can a gal shop, indulge in a cocktail, and ride a cartoon-themed roller coaster all in one day? Plus the people-watching is fierce, and the source of many valuable style lessons. For example, this past week we learned that just because you can button your pants it doesn’t mean that they actually fit. Honestly, people, it was a veritable mountain of muffin-tops everywhere we turned. Which had us wondering: just why are people soooo obsessed with squeezing into a certain size? We’ve got a little extra junk in the trunk and you don’t see us buttering up our back-ends just so we can slide into a size 6. That would be insanity, not to mention painful—for us and the viewer! Personally, we’d rather be comf. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Our Kind of Therapy Some days the pendulum just doesn’t swing our way. Recently, in a span of six hours, we lost our cell phone, sat on our designer sunglasses, got a parking ticket on a broken meter, burnt our grilled-cheese dinner (comfort-food fave), and managed to turn an entire load of white laundry a less-than-lovely shade of pink. Resorting to retail therapy, we dragged our beaten-down derriere to a boutique born to cheer a chica up. Cynthia Rae’s bold, eccentric arrangement of kitschy chandeliers, fuchsia velour curtains, and a spattering of antique furnishings sets an ideal backdrop for its eclectic pickings. A trove of trendy handbags, chunky jewelry, vintage cowboy boots and affordable party dresses unite with a number of distinctive designs by Madam Rae herself. We were all about the butt-flattering pants—long enough for our 5’8 frame—a total rarity—and knew our luck was on the up when we scored the perfect pair of black leather riding boots! Displaying grace under fire may not be our finest quality, but having style under stress? Now that’s something we can be proud of! Cynthia Rae |
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| 2 | Just Breathe Groan. Pop. Wince. Snap. That’s a sampling of the miserable sounds we make at most yoga classes. But we’re happy to report that a new studio has left us emitting a loud “sigh” of delight. Sigh Yoga offers something for every variety of yogi, from Heated to Jivamukti to Kundalini. There is, sadly, no All-Shavasana class for the truly lazy among us, but it’s more than compensated for by luxurious amenities. The luscious shower spaces sport premium organic hair and body products, along with stacks of fluffy towels, all free. Teachers often use Aveda chakra spray during classes, and provide tea and Lara bars afterward. That local vibe we love is definitely in full play at Sigh, with Alora Ambiance products, Foat design, and locally sourced clothing and headbands for sale. All this fun is not any pricier than the going rates around town, either. One class a week is selected for "community donation," with entry for as little as $5. There’s also a weekly happy hour vinyasa flow that features post-shavasana wine. Cocktails and nirvana? Bring it on, Buddha! Sigh Yoga |
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| 3 | Spice It Up If you took a peek inside our purse you’d find all the staples: wallet, cell phone, lip gloss, concealer, and a of course, a bottle of Tabasco sauce. That’s right, you heard it—we have a penchant for spicy food. A little shake here, a little splash there, and our taste buds are a-swirling. Which leads us to Tejas, a Southwestern cuisine restaurant with just the right about of zing and zang to keep that bottle in our handbag. We love their menu—filled with apps like crab cakes drizzled in chili and garlic, tortilla soup and Southwestern Caesar salad. As far as entrees go, we can’t get enough of the hickory grilled burger with chipotle Gouda, the chicken wild-rice burrito with mango habanera (zing!), and the Lobster quesadillas with corn salsa. Even the ambience has its own flavor with adobe walls sprinkled with pottery, artwork and animal-skull decoration. And no trip to the Southwest would be complete without a salty margarita! Try the Mojito or West Texas Sunset—they’re sure to quench that fire in your mouth. Tejas |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Luxe For Less We’re the type of gals who diligently doggie-ear our favorite looks when paging through the fashion mags, but nine times out of ten we can’t afford the star-styles we covet. But times they are a changing thanks to Runway Rundown. This fashion savvy super-site specializes in turning lust-worthy looks into reality by honing in on the hottest trends from around the world and then building the same luxe look for less, with where-to-buys included! And the best part? It’s free! |
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| 2 | Herban Wonderland We’re all about getting bendy and twisty at our weekly yoga class, but we’re not huge fans of workout wear—spandex and Lycra just aren’t our friends—so we were completely smitten when we stumbled upon the casually cool pieces at Herban Devi. Every item from the yoga pants to the wraps and tunics is handmade from organic cotton and customizable to your unique shape, making it easy for you to go from downward facing dog to comfy-street-chic in one fell swoop. |
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| 3 | Heels to You Our mother always told us that there are "many fish in the sea,” and that there are endless opportunities to find a great "catch,” but given our track record, we think we may be swimming upstream in a river of homely catfish. Luckily there are limitless options for shoe opportunities, especially at sites like Heels.com, where a gal can find a bevy of stylish kicks (from Betsey Johnson to L.A.M.B.) that are sure to cure the love blues. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Make a Statement Are you on the hunt for some stylish new statement pieces? Then look no further than the Sarah Graham Trunk Show at Max’s. This ultra-talented metalsmith produces breathtaking and original pieces using gold, blackened steel, and diamonds for a truly unique look. Don’t miss out on your chance to score one of her swank baubles! What: Sarah Graham Trunk Show |
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| 2 | Good Night, Great Cause Get your warm fuzzies for the year by hitting the Fall Fashion Event at FIVETWOSIX benefitting Children’s Hospital Association. This worthwhile good time features an evening of delish wine and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction with items from local retailers, artists, and restaurants, and of course a super swank fashion show. What: FIVETWOSIX Fall Fashion Event |
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| 3 | Couples-Only Fun Do you need a break from reality? Then grab your sweetie for a luxe night of relaxation at the award-winning Ivy Spa Club. Couples receive two 50-minute Ivy Signature massages, two glasses of champagne, a delish cheese, crackers and fruit platter, chocolate-covered strawberries and a gift from B. Kamins. Space is limited! What: Date Night at Ivy Spa Club |
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We’re kind of needy today…show us a little extra love by telling all of your fab friends to sign up at www.MinneapolisPicks.com! |
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