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December 4th, 2009
We hate spam. Not the funky canned goodness that Minnesota is home to, but rather the deluge of garbage that infiltrates our email inboxes each day promising everything from can’t-miss “shagging potions” and gold replica watches to the miraculous weight-loss benefits of the acai berry. Our personal fave (after the shagging potions, that is) is the one where we’ve won the Irish lottery, and all we have to do is forward them our bank information so they can direct-deposit the cash. Pardon us, but do we have the words “raging idiot” stamped on our foreheads? Seriously, we’ve fallen victim to a number of lies and ruses over the years (including that we look good in tube socks and short shorts, and that Long Island teas don’t contain that much alcohol), but love serums and the opportunity to make 10,000 bucks a month working from home? Pshaw! We aren’t gullible enough for that! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | It’s The New Style We are on a clothing budget. Everything we bought last year needs to be re-worn before we will let ourselves buy new clothes. It’s a total drag, but luckily our self-restraint bargain doesn’t include accessories. Which is a good thing, because we stopped by the Styled Life flagship store at the Galleria and found about 1,500 necklaces we want. Not to mention an adorable Anya Hindmarch cross-body purse, a Pucci scarf to liven up our old, dreary coat (they’re the only place in the Twin Cities to carry them), about 12 different pieces of mint-condition vintage jewelry, black-and-white two-tone tights that are all the rage (see how easy it is to update an old wardrobe?), and a cool military wool hat and a leather travel-backgammon set in purple and Kelly green. We could go on, but you get the point—Styled Life is stocked with everything but the shoes! And the clincher? Half the store is under $78 and they regularly donate to women-based charities. Looks like the holidays just came early! Styled Life |
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| 2 | We Want Candy We like John Hughes movies, boys in cool kicks, being crafty, and big glasses of wine. But our true love is candy. Hard candy, chocolates, cheap or expensive, it doesn’t matter. So when a store called Sugar Sugar pops up, you know our attention has been grabbed. This one-room wonder is an homage to the sweet tooth: huge glass canisters lining one wall are filled with gumballs, rock candy and organic jelly beans, locally made and gourmet chocolate bars and truffles are in handy reach, and the display case filled with Papabubble concoctions (the only place in the Twin Cities we have seen these edible wonders) is like heaven. Owner Joanie knows and loves her product, and carries items from rare to retro, selling bulk candies by the piece, weight or even a dollar amount. Whether you want exquisite holiday gifts, exotic sweet treats, a chocolate mustache on a stick, or simply have 30 cents on you and are craving a Mary Jane, stop in, say hi, and walk out with a satisfied smile on your face. Sugar Sugar |
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| 3 | Brains and Beauty With all the holiday parties coming up, we’re bound to run into our ex and his new, too-skinny girlfriend. Fortunately, we’re totally over him, and we’re having the time of our lives cavorting from soiree to soiree. But that doesn’t mean we’re not looking forward to making his jaw drop the next time he sees us, so we’re hitting Northeast haven Intelligent Hair & Skin. With its Hindi goddess statues atop the building, we were already feeling more hip as we pulled into the parking lot. An experienced stylist snip-snipped us a groovy new `do, and a rockin’ colorist coaxed us into trying that shade of red we’d found equally tempting and terrifying. Turns out, it’s the perfect color to go with that little sequined number we’ve been saving! And as if that weren’t enough, their extensive selection of natural oils and jewelry got some of that hostess shopping out of the way. So before you head off to all those once-a-year, gotta-look-my-best festivities, swing in to Intelligent Hair & Skin. Consider it a present to yourself! Intelligent Hair and Skin |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Butter Your Buns Our skin is a horror story capable of making Stephen King shudder. We’re not talking a little combo-skin action, either. Dry skin, oily skin, acne, backne…you name it, our poor bod has been cursed by it. So when we received a jar of patchouli body butter from Concord Soap we thought, “Um, dirty hippie?” But we were so wrong! Earthy and refreshing, this moisturizer is heavenly, and its ability to smooth even the finickiest of skin has won us over! |
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| 2 | Rebel, Rebel We’re hesitant to share this, but we’ve been fingerprinted, and not at one of those safety rallies for kids, either. Don’t ask…we were um, framed, and it was totally not legit. So when we spied the elegant yet tough Skin Cuff we knew we had to have it! This chic sterling silver cuff is emblazoned with a leaf texture for an utterly organic and modern vibe. It’s sure to grace your arm is standout style. |
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| 3 | Drawing on the Past We don’t mean to toot our own horn, but back in ye olde college days we were quite the arteest, and had we not been stricken with a terrible case of carpal-tunnel syndrome, we’re certain we’d be knee-deep in a lucrative animation career right now. And though it wasn’t in the stars, we continue to doodle, lately in the Still of the Night sketchbook we scored at Poketo. Hardbound with a black foil finish, this little beauty captures our artistic sensibilities in style. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Stylish Wonderland Join local powerhouses Joynoelle, Apiary Design, Penny Larsen Jewelry, and Urban Junket at their holiday soiree. This stylish shopping event will feature chic fashions and jewelry, plus luxe handbags and beautiful paper goods, making it the perfect place to score lovely gifts for those on your list… or for simply treating yourself! What: The Holiday Soiree |
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| 2 | Embrace the Arts If your walls are still adorned with plastic-framed Pearl Jam posters, have no fear! The CVA Holiday Art Sale is here. Featuring the artistic endeavors of students, alumni, faculty, and staff, this top-notch annual sale promises a bevy of must-have pieces for perusal and purchase that are sure to punch up your pad with style. What: CVA Holiday Art Sale |
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| 3 | Décor Done Right Seeking some holiday inspiration? Look no further than the holiday decorating and shopping event at Casa Verde Design. Afternoon musts include book-signings, fine-food tastings from Simon Pearce’s new book A Way of Living, ideas for injecting your holiday table with eye-catching style, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists. What: Casa Verde Holiday Event |
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Get your gifty-goodness on by shopping our lovely local businesses! And don’t forget to tell them that Minneapolis Picks sent you. |
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