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October 23rd, 2009
We’ve always subscribed to the theory that if we wore something during its first trend cycle that we couldn’t (or wouldn’t) wear it again, so if you would have told us 20 years ago that we’d be sporting leggings again, sarcastic snorts and chortles of disbelief would have echoed throughout the land, but here we be, lycra-ed up and loving it! Not only are leggings super comfs, but they’re quite forgiving of the miscellaneous lumps, bumps, and squishy parts that we’ve acquired since turning the big 3-0. Plus they go with everything! Throw on a sweater and we’re a ski-bunny. Toss on a denim mini with our Fryes and we’re artistic and edgy. They are the perfect pant and we stand happily corrected in them, but we’re wondering what’s next? Flannels? The skort? Normally we’d say never in a mil, but 10 years from now we might be skipping down the street in Doc Martens and a baby-doll dress, so who the heck knows. |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | A Girl’s Best Friends When the cute guy in our yoga class asked us out, our girly minds went straight to the obvious question: What should we wear? Before long, we had settled upon a classic little black dress and shoes that would have done Carrie Bradshaw proud, but something was missing… Bare neckline? Bare wrists? Not on our watch, sister! Enter Stacey Johnson Jewelry Design, a fabulously sophisticated little nook boasting a chic selection of must-haves, most of which are masterfully handcrafted right on site by Stacey Johnson herself. Our eyes lit up at this season’s “it” stone—tanzanite—set in sterling silver and 14-karat gold and twisted into the most beautiful set of earth-toned earrings our pretty peepers had ever laid eyes on. We were tempted by daring turquoise strands paired with dangly earrings, and the geometric stone designs from the Swiss Einstein line left us truly torn. Happily, the prices are as reasonable as the pieces are eye-catching, and we managed to snag more than just one outfit’s worth of jewelry. Affordable and stunning? Be still our beating hearts! Stacey Johnson Jewelry Design |
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| 2 | Put Your Best Foot Forward We like our manicurists like we like our stylists: trendy, thorough, and someone with whom you have a relationship. After too many one-off, less-than-thrilling manicures (with colors from 2001), we were thrilled to discover a little slip of a place called Polished. They do things the old-fashioned way—two women, available only via phone, at a by-appointment-only spot. But oh what a spot it is—and what women they are! Owner Kelly is not only sweet and extremely good at doing up the digits, she makes sure that they carry all the latest colors by OPI and new trends like matte polish by Zoya. Plus they carry products like Poor Foot, a year-round heel savior—just rub it on for instantly moisturized tootsies! Polished is inviting, charming, and the perfect spot for a date with friends (sneak in a bottle of champagne—no one will complain!) Kelly’s sidekick, Danica, is just as wonderful, and each can work around your schedule. Tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you when you book your appointment, and get 10% off any service! |
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| 3 | Gelato Bennissimo There are many things we miss about our European travels: adorable dogs in bicycle baskets, how the women all look so cool, and gelato. As in, “can’t stop shoving it into our mouths oops we finished it oh look there’s another gelato stand” kind of gelato. And, of course, the hot European men. But that’s another story. So when we discovered Jackson’s Gelato and Coffee shop in Uptown, we were giddy. With 14 rotating flavors, plus coffee and espresso (their cold-press is to die for), homemade sandwiches and other treats, it’s like a little slice of Europe. We like the pineapple and dark chocolate, but the Di Saronno & Amaretto is the perfect way to end a date (the goodnight kiss notwithstanding). Whether you crave a taste of Italy, want to sip some coffee and work on your laptop (free Wi-Fi) or need a casual bite to eat, Jackson’s is the place. And if you aren’t in the mood for a big sloppy scoop of gelato (crazy, we say), try the kid size—a cute little cone with just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth! Jackson’s Gelato & Coffee |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Say Cheese Our camera never works and we always end up pointing it at ourselves while peering inquisitively into the lens, and then—you guessed it—it flashes in our face temporarily blinding us and leaving us with yet another macro shot of our nose. But thanks to Sarah Beth Photography, bad pics are a thing of the past. This ultra-talented local masterfully captures the subtle nuances of people and pets, turning what would’ve been mere pictures into snapshots showcasing the very spirit of life. |
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| 2 | Rock of Love We firmly believe that every girl has a fantasy of making out with a rock star at some point in her life. We personally dream of Steven Tyler from Aerosmith—there is something so mysteriously sexy about that man! For those of us who will never get to make fantasies come to life, we’ll just indulge in the Rock Star perfume from Rich Hippie. Chemical-free and 100% natural, with scents of tropical flowers and Madagascar vanilla bean, its sensuous and racy—just like your chosen rock star. |
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| 3 | Back to the Future We’re a constant lesson in bad decisions. Whether we’re begging some totally unworthy uber-dork to take us back, sporting ginormous bangs, or inserting our well-heeled foot into our big ol’ mouth, we’ve had more than our fair share of wish-we-knew-then-what-we-know-now moments. Maybe that’s why we love the idea of Future Me, a site that lets you email yourself up to 25 years in the future, enabling you to warn, ward, and otherwise fend off the bevy of bad choices that are bound to be made. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Get Ghoulish on Grand Grab your costumed cuties and treat them to an afternoon of spooktacular fun at the Boo Bash. Kids can trick or treat down Grand Avenue while enjoying activities like live music, pony rides, face painting, games, and moon jumps, along with great food and drink deals at a variety of participating businesses. Fun for the whole fam! What: Boo Bash |
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| 2 | Costumes and Couture Design Collective is hosting a fabu runway show highlighting hot fall fashions from top-notch local designers. Afterward, you can score the stylish runway couture at their mini-boutique and then rock out at the swank Halloween dance party. Costumes are highly recommended and a whole lot more fun, so don’t be a fuddy-duddy. What: Costumes & Couture Halloween Bash |
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| 3 | Homegrown Goods Celebrate the crème de le crème of Minnesota-based, women-owned companies at Maiden Minnesota. This charitable shopping event showcases a slew of beauty, fashion, accessories, food, and décor items along with exclusive sales and cocktails, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Free Arts Minnesota. The first 200 tickets sold include fun gift bags, so get yours now! What: Maiden Minnesota 2009 |
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We’re greedy, greedy, girls… must have more friends! Please tell your classy cohorts to sign up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com! |
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