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May 28, 2010
We recently watched The September Issue, the documentary in which Vogue’s editor in chief, Anna Wintour, wields one wowza-size issue. It was Wintour’s notorious reputation, ominous poker face and take-no-BS attitude that drew us to it, but it was fellow Vogue editors who blur the lines between the all-too real (overworked and seriously needing a hair brush) and the really weird (Louis Vuitton luggage at tennis practice?) that really had us fascinated as they exclaimed ridiculous things in all seriousness, like, “It’s the famine of beauty!” and “The jacket is the new coat.” While we were totally infatuated with our glimpse of the underpinning of the fashion bible, and may not be here without it, we way prefer our fashion fun and free from pressure and pretension. That is why we love being at the helm of Minneapolis Picks (and smiling while we’re at it)! We get to report on a boatload of superb shopping destinations, artists, services, and world-class eateries, all for you—our savvy shoppers who like a little silliness and sass served with their style bites. We couldn’t ask for more. Vogue we are not, but then again, we never want to be! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | An Inviting Idea When it comes to planning important events, we are old-school: we like picking out and creating the invitations, want our guests to feel special when they arrive, and love nothing more then sending them off with a party favor in a pretty little box. The last time we had a party to plan, we went to Paper Rock Scissor. This adorable invitation studio (truly—the whole store is so cute) has everything you need to announce your stellar, not-be-missed event (well, they don’t have champagne, but you get the idea). Invitation options galore, seating cards and favor boxes, one-of-a-kind gifts bags customized to your needs, and so much more. Owners Patty and Erica are nicer than nice, and will guide you through the whole process, working with your needs and budget. From the initial invite to the parting gift, everything will be seamless, chic, and statement-making. Whether you’re planning a birthday, graduation, wedding or baby shower, your invitation and table accessories will be covered. The store is by appointment only, so give them a call or book an appointment online—it’s simple, and simply a must for a memorable soiree! Paper Rock Scissor |
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| 2 | Define Your Style Summer is all about adventure! With escapades on the brain, a recent road trip to Stillwater is a must. Amidst ancient antiques and old-school malt shops we found a retail gem that completes us from head to soul. Enter Local Color on Main, a bohemian-chic boutique complete with women’s apparel, accessories and gifts galore. From the funky ambiance (exposed brick walls and stained glass) to hip offerings (detail and color!), the LC reminds us why shopping is still an imaginative quest for items that truly define our style. We found bold dresses from Desigual, romantic shirts by Nick & Mo (perfect for date night) and frivolous skirts by T-box. As Accessories Queens, we’re obsessed with their colorful array of Raj scarves, Objeto bags from Argentina, saucy wallets from Skunkfunk, gorgeous Ellie necklaces with bold turquoise stones, and one-of-a-kind leather Rebel bracelets. With candles, journals and gifts to boot, we are officially color happy! Stop in to Local Color this weekend for their fifth anniversary and enter to win one of 5 $50 gift certificates with any purchase. Now that’s a trip worth taking! Local Color on Main |
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| 3 | Over the Moon Everyone has their “happy place.” Maybe it’s in a Snuggie on the couch, or under a tree by Lake of the Isles on a balmy afternoon, or at the bar where everyone really does know your name. For us, Blue Moon Coffee Café is one of our happy places. It has a bunch of the things that make us happy: excellent coffee, a laid-back and eclectic vibe, ever-changing local artwork, just the right amount of food offerings, games to play, and lots and lots of seating options. Located on a sleepy corner on Lake Street, once we have coffee in-hand, we like to kick back with friends in the shade of the big, old trees in nice weather, or sit on the storefront bench sipping java and people-watching. And inside is a bevy of old couches mimicking our 1970’s basement rec room (hmmm—another happy place!), plus tables for laptops or board games or drawing or eating—whatever, it’s all good here. Next time you are in need of a coffee fix, want to relax amongst others, or are meeting friends and looking for a new setting, stop by the Blue Moon. The occasional live music is just the whipped cream on top of the latté! Blue Moon Coffee Café |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | 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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| 2 | Adorable Distractions On a recent trip, we bought a ton of goodies and promptly left the bag in the taxi. Color us furious. One of the cab casualties? A cute collapsible tote, perfect for marketing. But out of the ashes… a watermelon? To lift our spirits, Mom picked up a teensy slice of juicy goodness that unfolds into a shopping bag. Not a melon fan? ModCloth has a strawberry version as well. Now that we’re feeling fruity, we’ve almost forgotten about the taxi debacle. Almost. |
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| 3 | Revenge is Sweet We recently received a text-message dumping from a guy we weren’t that into anyway, and we’re feeling slighted. So we’ll share our annoyance with a little gloriously anonymous revenge! Douche Bouquet is the perfect way to say, “It’s not me, it’s you. Because you’re a douche.” And because the Douche Bouquet is basically a bucket containing black silk roses, a 5-foot enema tube, and a straightforward card that proclaims his douchebaggery in no uncertain terms, there’s no chance he’ll miss the message. www.douchebouquet.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Thrifty Nifty We love a good deal that deals out goodwill. Hit up Thrifty Thursdays at Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores & Donation Centers through July and get a 25% discount on tons of merchandise, including gently used clothing and household items. Every purchase helps kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It’s Shopping with a Purpose™! What: Thrifty Thursdays |
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| 2 | Silver, Gold, and Platinum, Oh My! We all have jewelry that is out of style or busted. Donate your precious metals to the Bring in Your Bling event at Romens @ The Find. All proceeds benefit Smile Network, and 25% of store sales go to the local non-profit as well. Then stay for an evening full of great deals, adult carnival games, appetizers by CRAVE, live music and a silent auction. What: Bring in Your Bling at Romens @ The Find |
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| 3 | Cosmos with Carrie Celebrate the return of fashion’s four most fabulous girls with Drama, starting at Seven Sushi's rooftop. Enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail (in a commemorative martini glass!) and swag, including a $10 gift certificate to Drama. Be the best-dressed guest and you could win the $100 Drama gift certificate. (Post-party at Chambers following SATC 2 showing. ) What: An Evening with Sex and the City |
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Did you know that Minneapolis Picks isn’t just for women? We’re a great go-to resource for the shopping- or dating-impaired males in your life! If your honey needs a little hint-hint, sign him up for www.MinneapolisPicks.com. It’s free and you’ll stand a better chance of scoring something you want (handbags) rather than something he thinks you want (an innovative new pet-hair remover). |
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