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October 16th, 2009
When it comes to trends, we know that what goes around comes around, and most of the time we can get on board the fashion train no problem-o, but we’re just saying no to the hugely pointy Vulcan-style shoulder pads we’re seeing on some “of-the-moment” tops and dresses. And it’s not just pointy pads that get our goat, its big pads in general. We didn’t like ‘em in the 80’s and we don’t like them now. In fact when we were little, we remember thinking shoulder pads were unflattering on our dear beautiful mother—she’s a lady, not a linebacker—so we did her a solid and cut each and every one of them out of her blouses, dresses, and jackets and then repurposed them as Barbie furniture. Sewn together they made perfect little beds and sofas. Of course we got our behinds rearranged for altering her wardrobe, but a stylish 8-year-old’s gotta do what a stylish 8-year-old’s gotta do. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Our Little Secret Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? At D.B. & Company, with marigold buds, and Shea butter suds, and silver teacups all in a row. Upon entering this enchanting floral gift shop, we suspected they shared a mutual admiration for our favorite children’s book. Its “Secret Garden” charm is revealed though cobblestone flooring, lace tablecloths and porcelain tableware surrounded by a flourishing of beautiful fall floral arrangements. A lovely collection of crystal vases, heavenly-scented European soaps and a vast selection of vivid jewelry round out the space, which is now home to the feminine fashions of Ta Dah! Our finicky sniffer fell for the bergamot and tobacco-scented candle from Archipelago, and while our tootsies may be tucked into boots for the season, we couldn’t resist Miss Oops’ pedicure in a bottle. Just before we hit the autumn chill, we nabbed the adorable “lake girl” hoodie—a must-have for every Minnesota gal! With individual floral arrangement services at the cornerstone of this boutique’s budding assortment of crafts, apparel, and home décor items, D.B. is definitely one secret worth sharing! D.B. & Company |
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| 2 | All About the Abode We’ve been tragically misled by so many couches in our lifetime. The fluffy pillows, the inviting upholstery, and the inevitable gouge of discomfort when we sit. Can there ever be a marriage of cocktail-party elegance and Sunday-nap delight in one piece of furniture? Yes! Our delicate buttocks and our aesthetic sensibilities were both ecstatic after a recent drop-in to Abitare Design Studio. This huge, homey haven boasts plenty of super-trendy must-haves from sofas and chairs to cocktail tables, pillows, and miscellaneous décor items, all of which exude a comfortable-meets-contemporary vibe that’s perfect for shining up your abode. Not gifted with an eye for design? (Ahem, guilty.) Enlist the style-savvy fellows at Abitare. They’ll design a room, freshen up a house, or even create an entirely new swank interior, taking the guesswork out of design and giving you a pad to be proud of. We felt so at home at Abitare that we were totally tempted to return in sweatpants, lugging the Sunday paper under one arm, for an all-day lounge-fest. We got the feeling they’d understand. Abitare Design Studio |
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| 3 | Our Big, Fat, Greek Meal In our childhood hometown, the only Greek restaurant around was a chintzy affair with fake marble fountains and plenty of “Opah!!!” And considering how much hairspray we used when we were 13, that flaming cheese was more risk than reward. When we moved to the big city we were relieved to learn that Greek food isn’t necessarily synonymous with an over-the-top Parthenon atmosphere. Gardens of Salonica’s understated space ensures your focus is on the food. They’re committed to serving fresh, seasonal ingredients—many garnered from local producers—and showcasing them in tasty daily specials. Offering up a menu that is a perfect balance of old favorites like moussaka and gyros, and innovative, soon-to-be comfort-food faves like the house specialty boughatsa (a phyllo dough stuffed with delish ingredients like feta and spinach—yum). And we couldn’t get enough of the skordalia, a mix of potato, olive oil, lemon juice and plenty of garlic. New to Greek eats? The super helpful servers will happily guide you around the menu, helping choose a feast fit for a goddess, all while keeping your wallet intact. Gardens of Salonica |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Feeling Knotty Every fall we inevitably crave cozy sweaters, cool boots, and jaunty strolls through brightly hued woody havens, and this wood nymph vibe spills over into our jewelry choices too. It was no surprise when we found ourselves completely smitten with a sweet and simple pendant from Shi. Emblazoned with wood-grain detailing and adorned with an eye-catching smoky quartz gemstone, this little beauty is chic, au naturale perfection without being “outdoorsy.” After all, we’re ladies, not lumberjacks. |
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| 2 | Green with Envy Green living gets easier every day, but not always cuter. Thank goodness for Sparrow Handbags, who prove that organic and sustainable textiles can be downright adorable. Right now we’re eyeing the Taylor, which features a graphic print that was designed in-house, along with a bottom made from recycled tetra boxes and handles of stiff hemp webbing. What’s more, Sparrow isn’t just kind to the earth—they also love animals. Cruelty-free, fashionable and fabulous! |
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| 3 | The Big O After an unfortunate run-in with some less-than-natural face wash, we were left with a mug that only a mother could love. We’re talking a full-on breakout the likes of which haven’t been seen since we were wearing braces and sporting a spiral perm. Now we shop Saffron Rouge to keep the uglies at bay. This online shop boasts a plentiful selection of organic beauty products from mascara to deodorant, none of which contain nasty ingredients like petroleum, plastics, or dyes. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | A Truly Happy Birthday Bash Celebrate indie goodness at Truly’s Birthday Bash! For one fabulous day shoppers with an eye for style can sip delish bevies, indulge in decadent red velvet cupcakes, and vie for a cool prize... all while scoring 20% off of this handmade haven’s lust-worthy selection of gorgeous goods, including eye-catching handbags, jewelry, stationery and more. What: Truly’s Birthday Bash |
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| 2 | Raucous and Roll Get out there and root for your homegirls as the MN Rollergirls All-Stars take to task the Carolina Rollergirls. This is a fierce yet fab good time, plus a portion of proceeds are donated to worthwhile charities. We wish we were half as tough as these chicks, but we bruise easily, so we’ll settle for being their cheerleaders. What: MN Rollergirls All-Stars vs. Carolina Rollergirls |
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| 3 | Celebrate Style Help celebrate STYLEDLIFE’s anniversary while at the same time checking out their fabulous new flagship store at the Galleria. Shoppers who hit this fashion Mecca can indulge in delish sparkling wine while rubbing elbows with top-notch designer Zang Toi. STYLEDLIFE’s expert wardrobe stylists will also be on hand to help you swank yourself up. What: STYLEDLIFE’s Anniversary Party |
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