|
 |
October 30th, 2009
When we were little we lived for Halloween and all its ghoulish offerings. The scary costumes, the apple-bobbing, the zombie movie marathons on TBS that left us stiff as a board with blankets pulled up to our eyeballs, ears on high-alert, listening intently for chainsaw wielding maniacs, and completely convinced that if we were to pull open our shades we’d see that creepy vampire kid from “Salem’s Lot” floating outside our window, faintly scratching the pane and whispering our name. Ooh! We just made ourselves shiver. But these days we’re afraid of completely different things. You know what gives us the heebie-jeebies? Stretch marks, gravity, and our dark circles the morning after ladies’ night. If we want a real scare, all we need to do is leave our makeup on overnight, get buck-naked, and stand in front of the mirror. Now that’s worth a scream or two. Know what else is scary? Unclaimed treats from the Picks prize closet. The first person to forward this issue to 5 or more friends and cc: picks@minneapolispicks.com will receive a stylish surprise! |
||
Minneapolis Picks: |
|||
| 1 | My Fair Lady One of our aunts just got a hybrid car and has turned on the smug full-blast. “Oh, hybrids are soooo much better—you simply must get one.” Gag. However, now that we’ve come across a shopping-meets-salon hybrid, we have to admit she has a point. What makes Lady Jane stand out from its many Minnetonka counterparts is its balance of high-impact fashion and luxe salon/spa offerings. Their fashion front oozes high-quality wearability, with a slew of stylish pieces. We loved the eye-popping lining in a chic fall jacket, and the skirts with hipper-than-hip metal details exuded an edgy-meets-everyday vibe. Plus everything is available in a wide range of price points, making it easy on the ol’ pocketbook. On the flip side of this dual personality boutique is a full complement of Aveda salon and spa services including hydrotherapy, hair and waxing, with stylists available to help piece together a swank new look. One afternoon here will leave anyone glammed up, refreshed, and wondering just who that foxy girl in the mirror is. Fashion, foils, and facials? Count us in! Lady Jane Boutique/Sanctuary Salonspa |
|
|
| 2 | Beauty and the Bride When our best girl announced her engagement we were positively giddy with excitement, but if the truth were known, we were also a titch jealous, and frankly a little scared of what we might end up wearing down the aisle. Puff sleeves? Salmon pink? Yikes! Fortunately she had the good sense to send us to Brides of France. From vintage jewelry to some of the most reasonably priced veils in town, this family-owned boutique is a wedding must. We fell head-over-heels for La Sposa, their popular Barcelonan line of bridal gowns. As a bridesmaid, we appreciated the Amore line as well as the consigned designer dresses, which left us enough cheese for a vintage fur coat and jewelry direct from those to-die-for French flea markets. And tux rentals in the same building meant that the bride could outfit our entire party in one place. No more running all over with fabric samples! With two convenient locations and a swank selection, Brides of France will have you looking forward to being a bridesmaid—if that’s possible! Brides of France |
|
|
| 3 | More Is More With deepest apologies to Mies van der Rohe, we never bought into that idea that less is more. We are definitely an “if some is good, more is better” sort of girl, especially when it comes to the ultimate ideal: cute clothes. Using that life philosophy as a barometer, it’s easy to see why we love Isabella Collections, with its emphasis on pieces you’ll want to buy one of … one in every color, that is. We found ourselves scooping up Zenna camis by the armload, finally ready to ditch the summer’s faded and stretched out models for a collection with hot colors, marvelous design, and a great price. The weekend-wear the shop favors is spot-on for the latest trends and styling, so we’re sure that this transfusion of new fall looks will spice up our wardrobe like a crisp gingersnap and some hot apple cider. Some superbly styled jeans, a brand-new cami, and a twinkling accessory or two, and we’re so ready for the upcoming season. Too much is just about right for us, every time. Isabella Collections |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Local Love We’re not natives of our fine state, but rather ex-pats from some hillbilly state that shall forever remain nameless. We’re not even of Scandinavian descent, but before you get your knickers in a knot, let us redeem ourselves by declaring our love for Rapport Apparel. This online retailer boasts a small but comfy-cool selection of men’s and women’s tees and accessories adorned with original screen-printed designs, and made from an ultra-soft organic bamboo/cotton blend. They’re locally made to boot! |
 |
|
| 2 | Let It Snow! We have a confession—we cranked the heat on Saturday morning. Do you know what that means? That, ladies, means that boot season is really truly here. And we have a new addition to our boot wardrobe this year: Sorel’s Joan of Arctic Winter Boots. Not only are they the cutest winter necessity our tootsies have ever rocked, but they are the warmest thing they’ve ever snuggled in. We say, bring it on fall/winter! Let it snow—we’re ready for you this year. |
 |
|
| 3 | Forget About It We’re convinced we’re going to be one of those old ladies who calls all her grandkids by the wrong name and misplaces her glasses on top of her head. We simply have no retention skills—we blame it on living a little too large in college. Thankfully our bunk brains have Gift Elephant, a novel little site that allows you to track the gifts you give and receive, remind you of special occasions, and even help manage your thank-yous. |
 |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Truly’s… Ornament Trunk Show When it comes to holiday shopping and prep work, our procrastination skills reign supreme, but this year we vow to be different, starting with the Duckie Uglings trunk show at Truly... A bevy of delightfully kitschy, handcrafted ornaments and stuffies by local artisan Rebecca Jo will be up for grabs, with tasty drinks and treats on hand to make mouths happy! What: Duckie Uglings Trunk Show |
 |
|
| 2 | Decorate Your Nest If there’s one thing we need it’s new décor for our pad, as the 15-year-old college remnants are getting a tad embarrassing. Feel our pain? Then hit EuroNest’s anniversary sale. A ton of fab finds abound at discounted prices, ranging from 10–50% off. Sale ends tomorrow, so don’t miss your chance to score! What: EuroNest's Anniversary Sale |
 |
|
| 3 | Happy l’etoile-o-ween! Embrace your devilish side at l’etoile-o-ween at Clubhouse Jager. Cool costume contests with prizes, a photo booth by Digital Crush Photography, spooky games, delish drinks and candy, and stellar dance music combine to make this night of debauchery a must for the Halloween fanatic. And it’s a mere five bones to get in—bonus! What: l’etoile-o-ween |
 |
|
The holidays are right around the corner—that’s right, we said it—so why not give the gift that keeps on giving? Sign your peeps up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com. It’s FREE! |
|||
Be sure to visit www.MinneapolisPicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.MinneapolisPicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@MinneapolisPicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Minneapolis Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
