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February 5th, 2010
We are hemmers and hawers, and by that we mean that we are horrible decision-makers. We debate the minutia of life with a thoughtful seriousness normally reserved for presidential elections. Most recently we held an internal back-and-forth with ourselves over which pashmina to buy for an upcoming road trip: the grey one, or the darker grey one. After an hour and a half (for real) of eyeing ourselves up and down in each and carefully weighing the pros, cons, and subtle nuances of wrap techniques, we realized that we had officially gone insane. What the holy heck is wrong with us? We’ve acquired jobs, men, dogs, and tattoos in less time. We’ve given less thought to medical decisions for crying out loud! We obviously need help. Do they have twelve-step programs for mind-boggling idiocy? |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Stick Your Neck Out It may be true that our attention occasionally drifted a bit during math class, but we always perked up at the sight of the infinity symbol. No wonder Tiffany & Co turned it into a necklace, and better luck next time, long division. Now our fave math symbol is moving into warmer neckwear, with the “no ends on me” Infinity Scarf, currently being snatched up by the cold, naked-neck throngs making their way into Fringe. This cozy boutique features trendy and designer-inspired necklaces, rings, purses, scarves and more, and while this tres chic neighborhood might be pricey, the goods here are definite deals. We couldn’t resist the way a layered swath of long chains made our neck look positively Hepburn-esque (Audrey, not Katharine). And guess what? They looked especially sparkly with a bold-colored Infinity Scarf for contrast. Sold! For your next girls’ night out, spread the love (of bargains) around with a Fringe in-store party. Guests receive a discount, or Fringe will donate a percentage of proceeds to a designated charity. The store provides wine and apps—you bring the guests and checkbooks! Fringe |
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| 2 | Revisiting the Classics Sure, we’re proud of the way our well-manicured finger is always squarely on the pulse of What’s Hot Right Now, but sometimes keeping track of it all can cause a tiny furrow in our brow. Shoulder pads, in or out? Is black the new black, or was that last week? Fashion is a challenge, but home design can be a major wrinkle-inducer. Tuscan or Minnesota Contemporary? Industrial or French Countryside? Our brow grew wonderfully unfurrowed after a recent stop-in at Casa Verde, where a total lack of trendiness is the new trend for kitchens and baths. This kitchen and bath design showroom features truly timeless ideas, proving that the good style is always in style, like the trestle table crafted from a 150-year-old Finnish cabin. There are also great giftables, like Lisa Elias’ handcrafted metal fireplace tools, Maren Kloppman’s minimalist ceramicware, or chemical-free Paddywax Candles, for the next eco-conscious shower or hostess present on your list. This warm and welcoming space is perfect for lingering and dreaming of big—and not at all trendy—things to come. Case Verde |
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| 3 | Curry Delight on a Moonlit Night There are many things we crave on any given day: Godiva chocolate, Cabernet Sauvignon, a phone call from our true love, a good laugh with our BFF. But there’s one thing we refuse to go without for more than a week: Indian food. Yes, we are curry groupies—hot for spice, cream and lots of doughy carbs. Enter India Palace, a suburban ethnic restaurant that answers our constant cravings. Located in Tamarack Village in Woodbury, this clean, minimalistic curry house is a delightful surprise from the standard chain restaurant. And most important, their food rocks our world and our tastebuds. From mango chutney to potato samosas, tikka masala to chicken vindaloo (so hot you might cry!), shrimp tandoor to Aloo Gobi (cauliflower and potato), you’ll find something for the meat, veggie, or spice lover. And for those who are watching their teeny-tiny wallets (yes, we live on writers wages), their Sunday lunch buffet is priced so well (only $10.99) you’ll eat like a queen. Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, India Palace has just the right amount of tasty kick to curb any curry craving. India Palace |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Hit the Bottle In college, we carried a Nalgene bottle everywhere we went—it was totally “in” back then, we swear. Now that we’re workin’ gals, it’s a little too granola for our tastes. Plus, it just doesn’t mesh with our stilettos and pencil skirts. Luckily, there’s a fashionable alternative—the reusable glass bottle with a ceramic swing-top lid by Love Bottle. They can be personalized with stickers, bands for grip and color, and you can even write directly on the bottle to express yourself. We’re always evolving! |
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| 2 | Fashion Meets Function Some people look at old sweaters and see new mittens, while others (ahem, us) simply see ratty, past-its-prime woolen-wear. Crafty visionaries we are not, so we’re all the more impressed when we spy something ordinary transformed into something cool, like the kitschy bags by AlaMode. Handwoven from seatbelts, these sleek bags amp up the interest factor of what could have been a plain-Jane messenger, transforming it into a durable urban it-bag that oozes industrial chic. |
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| 3 | Get Knotty Texture is a big deal to us. If our food is the wrong consistency, we turn up our noses. If our hair doesn’t have that slept-in piecey-look, we wear a hat. If sheets are too rough, we cringe. Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly parlay our OCD into another avenue we found a textured ring that we can’t live without. This lust-worthy little bauble is hand-knit—that’s right, knit—from pure silver wire, and made to order for a perfect fit. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | New Kid on the Block Grab your favorite man-friend and help men’s clothier Hammer-Made celebrate their swank new digs by hitting their grand opening celebration. Patrons will receive Hammer Bucks that are good for $20 off that day’s purchase, complimentary shirt fittings, plus learn the ins and outs of putting together stylish man-centric ensembles. What: Grand Opening of Hammer-Made |
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| 2 | Embrace Your Independent Spirit Are you getting ready to tie the knot this year? Don’t miss Something New: An Independent Wedding Fair at Five Event Center. Aiming to promote the crème de le crème of local independent businesses, this stylish soiree features a bevy of top-notch vendors including Chowgirls Killer Catering, Just Bloomed, and Liebling Designs. What: Something New: An Independent Wedding Fair |
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| 3 | Ain’t Nothin’ But a Shoe-Hound Shoes are the yin to our yang, so we darn near did backflips when we found out about MODE’S Designer Shoe Event. More than five hundred swoon-worthy pairs of shoes from forty luxe labels including Marc Jacobs and Cole Haan will be offered up to shoppers for a mere $40! Ooh—we just got shivers! What: MODE’S Designer Shoe Event |
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Don’t keep all this great info to yourself: sign up a friend at www.MinneapolisPicks.com! |
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