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December 25th, 2009
I love producing the Minneapolis Picks Writers’ Favorites issue because I’m able to give our collective “we” voice the ol’ heave-ho and give a much-needed and well-deserved shout-out to the rockin’ editorial staff who make each issue of Minneapolis Picks possible. It might look like an easy gig, what with the good times and stylish duds, but the talented writers that comprise our team are some fiercely hardworking women who diligently pound the pavement looking for the next great place so you don’t have to. This issue is an homage to them, with each contributor sharing their fave find of 2009. Be sure to visit our About Us section so you can match up our sassy mugs with our names, and please know that we’re truly thankful to each and every one of you for allowing us to inform and entertain you each week. Now kick back with a cup of holiday cheer, a.k.a. hot cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps, and enjoy! - Kristen Aeikens, Managing Editor |
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Minneapolis Picks Writers’ Favorites, 2009: |
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Fierce, Fabulous Finds Some women love flowers, some love jewelry, and others swoon for shoes. We do quadruple back flips for handbags, hence our newfound and perhaps overly hearty obsession with Pursecution. This urban boutique is a haven for the accessories addict, offering up a tightly honed selection of handmade, high-quality bags, purses, and leather goods that are as stylish and cool as they are completely original. Owner Jackee’s luxe line of custom-made creations take center stage and include a variety of lust-worthy handbags in deep reds, grassy greens, and rich browns, as well as ultra-hip peek-a-boo wrist and ankle cuffs, each one a masterful example of how to do fierce-meets-fabulous right. And Pursecution stays true to their handcrafted mission by stocking a bevy of other like-minded designer lines, including fun messengers by Bratpacks and eye-popping satchels by Blue Orchard Handbags. The only problem we can foresee with this Minneapolis hot spot is getting out the door with just one bag, so we suggest not even trying. Buy one of everything, and prepare to turn heads everywhere you go. Pursecution |
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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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A-List |
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Prime Time Ah, autumn. The time of year when men clamor over football—we reunite with our Frye boots. Kids swarm classrooms—we reach for cashmere cardigans. Grannies happily knit mittens—we nestle up to glossies drenched in musk. You get the point—fall fashion has permeated our beings. Anxious to expand our cool-weather wardrobe, we made a beeline to Meridian Ltd., a boutique that combines New York chic with Midwest sensibility. Earthy tones and natural décor adorn this generous space, defined by pieces such as figure-flattering silk print tunics form Yoana Barashi and fitted jackets from the likes of detail-addicted designers Luii and Cynthia Steffe. We went mad for the Tylie Malibu suede handbags drenched in rich hues and crystal embellishments, and were in absolute awe of the exquisite pendant necklaces by Georgia Fletcher—she combines vintage beading and antique European medallions that are over a century old. Standout service, a comfy contemporary atmosphere and pieces at the pinnacle of fashion with purse-friendly prices—we’ve definitely fallen for this prime destination. Meridian Ltd. |
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All the Days of Our Lives Ok, we admit it: We’ve been dreaming about “The Big Day” ever since the fourth grade, every detail planned out from the flower arrangements to the groom (Jonathan Taylor Thomas, we’re still waiting), so when that question finally pops, our first stop will be the charming shop I Do and Baby Too. We couldn’t get enough of their classy yet modern silk and taffeta gowns, and cooed at the darling flower girl dresses. And the range of colors and flattering styles available means we brides can fit our wedding party with that oft-mentioned but rarely-seen urban myth, the bridesmaid dress that can actually be worn again. The “Baby Too” part of the boutique is a chic selection of baby gifts, gear, and books sure to be a hit with any mom (or mom-to-be). IDBT puts a premium on small and local businesses, like St. Paul-based Rebel Ink Baby. But their highest priority is making their customers feel like family. When it comes to two of life’s biggest milestones, this place takes the (wedding) cake. (Sorry, couldn’t resist…) I Do and Baby Too |
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Eclectic Attitude Remember all that Dutch Elm disease talk a while back? Yeah, we’d forgotten about it too, until we were out for a walk last weekend taking in the first hints of fall color, and it got us to wondering: What happened to all of those poor, sad trees that had to be cut down? It turns out that a slew of them ended up at Corazon. This hugely local gifters haven is equal parts pretty papers and top-notch knick-knackery and features a bevy of stylish musts, from lovely jewelry and wall adornments by talented local artists to kitschy sock-knitting kits and snazzy garlic peelers. And it turns out those downed trees didn’t die in vain, but rather, were transformed into the finest of housewares. We found beautifully crafted picture frames alongside cool coasters and cutting boards, all by Wood from the Hood. You can even find the zip code of that particular tree’s former residence on the packaging—talk about locally sourced goods! With Corazon’s chic-meets-eclectic goods you’re sure to find the perfect gift, bribe, or self-indulgent treat. Corazon |
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Good Butt Day Six Bikram classes, one sauna, and three days of juice fasting later we are, for the moment, having a Good Butt Day. So much better for the ego and love-life than a mere good hair day, this occasion demands just the right jeans to showcase our newly developed pride and joy, and only one pair of jeans will do—the Miss Me brand super-tighties with the totally blinged-out posterior we spied at the candy colored, girly-girl shop Pink Door Boutique. If we stick with the carrot juice and cucumber water, we might even be able to slip into our Miss Me’s again on Saturday night. Pink Door Boutique |
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Thanks for a fabulous year! Please continue to help us spread our shop local message by telling everyone you know to sign up for a free subscription at www.MinneapolisPicks.com. |
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