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April 30, 2010
Okay, that’s it. We’ve had it with our car—if you can call it that. We’ve been wheeling around a tin can for way to long. We’re fed up with feeling like a pinball as we hit the patchwork pavement that makes up Metro roads. We’re done with passers-by honking at us as we push the pedal to the rusty metal. And we’re sick and tired of listening to gawd-knows-what rattling somewhere between the tire and the trunk. With summer around the corner we’re thinking... convertible! We can see it now—gliding into supple leather seats, wind blowing through our beach-wavy hair, sun kissing our shoulders, chic designer sunglasses to match our sleek, sporty wheels. But, alas, it’s just a dream. We’re much too practical in real life. Our champagne taste must yield to our beer budget, so a reliable, pre-owned, economy car it is. We’re just happy to upgrade to something that has more than one working air vent. Besides, we like beer… just not while we’re driving! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Keep the Faith Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but we’ve always seen rhinestones as the equivalent of a go-to girlfriend—the super-fun cosmo-slurping bud, the one who always seems to attract the cutest guys at the club and who never minds making introductions. Rhinestones show up early, stay late, and have fun every step of the way. Rhinestone Central these days is smack dab at The House of Amore & Fede, where pretty, shiny bits of rock bedazzle just about all the merchandise. Get bling-ified from top to bottom: the torso (sparkly sports team t-shirts), the butt (rhinestoned camo cargo-capris, selling fast this spring) and the toes (jeweled flip flops, with just a bit of heightened heel). With a huge selection of those distinctive-pocketed Miss Me jeans, the shop promises to find a pair that flatters every physique, no matter how willowy or zaftig. With that in mind, we think it’s high time to grab the variety-size pack of gal pals for a Sisterhood of the Traveling Miss Me’s shopping excursion, where everyone ends up looking good, and absolutely everyone gets to sparkle. The House of Amore & Fede |
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| 2 | Details, Details Add one new thing to our “enjoy to do” list: walking into a men’s store to find something for the sig other… only to discover men’s clothes packing some serious style at not-so-serious prices, and the added bonus of women’s clothing, too! That’s what happened at Atmosfere in Uptown. Owner Damon won us over with his sweet disposition and hardcore knowledge of men’s style—current yet understated trends with an element of surprise, like a button-down shirts with side pockets, or lightweight jackets with heavy zippers. He turned us on to new lines (JC Rags) and current ones (John Vartvatos), each with its own unique detailing. Plus they carry a smashing deal for weddings: a modern slim-cut suit, shirt and tie can be his for under $300, and don’t forget smashing-looking groomsmen who won’t be in the poorhouse! Add in the half dozen racks of women’s trends—printed tunics, loungey rompers that even we would consider wearing, and jeans that fit every woman perfectly (we can back this up) by DL 1961—and Atmosfere’s a one-stop shop for on-trend style. Atmosfere |
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| 3 | Endless Decisions We like having our senses overloaded—Valleyfair, Mall of America, any of those game-themed sports bar/restaurants. The more stimulating the better. Walking into Provisions in Excelsior made us just plain giddy—so much to see, smell and touch! From the adorable, ruffled aprons in cupcake prints and excellent selection of cookbooks to colorful stacking bowls to a huge assortment of upscale home and body products (k. hall, Caldrea, Thymes), everywhere you look you see something new. Really! We went around the store three times and discovered super-cool wrapping paper, a fruit-infusion pitcher that gives you all the flavor without the pulp, a great selection of Voluspa candles, and the cutest party plates that will have your guests drooling—even if your food (like ours) is sub-par. Whether you need a gift for a hostess, bridal or baby shower, you’re planning a party, or simply want a new rug or cute kitchen gadget for yourself, stop by. New items are always coming in, so each trip is like your first lap around the store! Provisions |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Lips of an Angel Even though winter has come and gone, our lips remain chapped. It seems no matter which treatment we try—lip balm, ChapStick, or straight petroleum jelly, nothing fixes the flaking. We need to get smart. LipSmart restores collagen with a secret combo of amino acids, such as soy extract and peptides, which moisturize and plump your pout. Think it costs a fortune? Think again. This saving grace is just 30 bucks! Find it at Cos Bar at 50th & France. |
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| 2 | If I Had a Hammer We’ve noticed lately that every piece of jewelry that ends up on our must-own list has one thing in common—hammered metals. While some metal jewelry can appear too harsh, shiny or mod, hammered metals are subtly edgy and much more organic in feel. Right now we’re loving sterling silver cuffs. Loose Wire Studio, based out of Minneapolis, achieves perfectly distressed and brushed metal pendants, cuffs and earrings. |
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| 3 | One Heel of a Deal From the moment we donned our first pair of Jellies, we’ve been obsessed with shoes. Moccasins, peep-toes, riding boots, heck—even flip-flops. So when a pal tipped us off to Shoe Fabulous, we darn near dropped dead. Each month subscribers get a fabulous pair of shoes, hand-selected by celebrity stylists, for a mere 40 bones. Buy one pair or buy five, each pair is only $39.95! Shipping’s always free and you can skip any month and not be charged. How cool is that? |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Baby’s Getting Big Uber Outlet is moving out of its current location! But first, an Everything Must Go sale with women's and maternity apparel, baby clothes, kids shoes, blankets and bath towels for $10 an item—or even less—plus men's designer apparel will be 75–90% off. With goods for us and our beau, and gifts for upcoming baby showers, everything might go home with us! What: Everything Must Go Sale |
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| 2 | Divine Redesign The design gurus of Art + Architecture and JUNKMARKET Style are collaborating on a first-of-its-kind flea market and style weekend featuring vintage furniture, art, repurposed accessories, garden decor, and handcrafted jewelry. The festivities kick off with a charitable gala followed by four days of shopping, music, raffles, cooking demos, seminars and an Anthropologie fashion show. What: Art + Architecture, Junkmarket Style |
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| 3 | Morning of Gratis Grandeur Does a day get any better than complimentary refreshments, gifts bags and hair styling, followed by shopping? Not on this planet! Gather the girls and head to Excelsior & Grand for an informal fashion show featuring trends from OPM, Shorty’s Loft and Max’s. The first 150 guests will receive a special gift bag. Ooh, we love free stuff! What: Spring Fashion Opener at Exclesior & Grand |
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| 4 | Work Hard, Play Hard! The Limited knows how to outfit the working gal as she makes her way to the top, and they know how to entertain her too! Join best-selling author and career expert, Nicole Williams, in a VIP event including a fashion show, cocktails and great conversation with The Limited design team. Enter a raffle to win $250 Limited gift card! Talk about job motivation. What: The Limited Exclusive VIP Event with Nicole Williams When: Tuesday, May 4, 6 pm Where: The Limited, Mall of America RSVP: thelimited.com/nicolewilliams |
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Mom loves you, so return the favor with more than flowers and a card for her special day. Sign her up for Minneapolis Picks, and she’ll really know you care! |
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