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June 4, 2010
Only in theory is swimsuit shopping a good way to start the summer. In reality, it’s a total buzz kill—at least for us. As if being reminded of our flaws in the fitting room’s three-way mirror isn’t already torturous enough, let’s throw in spandex, fluorescent lighting and perky sales associates. The harsh reality is: bikinis are out. Not out of style (oh-so many cute ones, darn it!), but out of our reach. With a spare tire still clinging to our midsection—in part due to our gluttonous cravings for macho nachos and cervezas since the temp tipped 70 degrees—we’ve got a way to go before belly-baredom. We know what you’re thinking—someone who habitually chows down Tex-Mex shouldn’t expect to squeeze their bum into brightly colored, frilly numbers. It’s just too bad we had to find out the hard way. After a day of wiggling in and out of skimpy suits and seeing our beach-body dreams dwindle, all we can say is please pass the chip bowl. Have more willpower and motivation than we do when it comes to getting fit? Mention Minneapolis Picks and receive a 20% discount on your first visit to Fit Training Studio in St. Louis Park. Check www.fittc.com or email owner/trainer Aaron (aaron@fittc.com) for schedules and additional summer sessions! |
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Minneapolis Picks: |
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| 1 | Love Match With the 2010 French Open upon us, it dawned on us: it’s time to get our game on. But a closer look at our banged-up racquet and our dingy skirt revealed that before we hit the courts, a little shopping was in order. The timing couldn’t be better for opening a brand-new boutique dedicated to outfitting enthusiasts. Meet Tennis On Selby! Far from a tacky sports store-feel, this small shop is welcoming, and almost homey. From an old brick wall backdrop, a plethora of Prince racquets and Wilson shoes popped out to greet us. We found a fine line of men's and women’s apparel, including a darling Lacoste bag that we just had to have. And that final icing? Custom racquet stringing by a certified Racquet Technician. When we left, with our new Babolat shoes and custom racquet, we knew that if our game isn’t at its best this season, we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves and our unruly backhand. Thankfully, nothing boosts our confidence and gives us an adrenaline rush more than getting new apparel and professional equipment. We just hope that feeling rubs off on our game! Tennis On Selby |
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| 2 | Step by Step We got the phone call the other day. Our little baby niece had just taken her first steps. Right away, we realized those steps represented a number of things: the gulf between babydom and little-girlhood had just been bridged, a growing measure of independence was bubbling up, and of course, a sudden, urgent need for uber-cute shoes was upon us! We headed off to Little Feet, an upscale boutique specializing in high-end children’s shoes. We loved perusing shelves of Stride Rites and Sauconys, all in Mini-Me sizes. In celebration of spring, we also found a complete line of Hatley rainwear, including slickers, umbrellas, and matching galoshes. Racks of Roxy and Quiksilver lined the walls, with promises of the sun-soaked, beachy days to come. The staff was phenomenal, with one-on-one help for sizing, as well as for explaining the differences between their many brands. Whether it’s a pair of soft-soled Bobux (Robeez’ New Zealand-made forerunner) for a baby shower gift, or a new Melissa & Doug toy for the neighbor girl’s birthday party, swing into Little Feet. You’ll be amazed at the selection of uber-cuteness! Little Feet |
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| 3 | The Fitting Room The snow is long gone and we’ve tucked away our wintry wear in favor of strappy sundresses and barely-there bikinis. Between backyard barbecues and biking the lakes, it’s easy to forget the recent frozen season, save for one maddening souvenir: our pesky layer of winter “padding.” Our savior? Fit Training Studio, a personal- and group-training space founded by former Minnesota Thunder soccer player, Aaron Leventhal. Fit more closely resembles an urban loft than an exercise space. Workouts are personalized for each individual and are as creative as they are challenging—think tire-jumping and speedy sprints interspersed with kettlebells and ab exercises. (Repeat: Yes we can!) Don’t be intimidated—from professional athletes to everyday Joannas struggling to drop pounds (ahem—us), you’ll find all shapes, sizes and athletic abilities. Note: The sign at the entrance may be hard to spot. Then again, Aaron promised to get us into tip-top shape soon, so when you see us passed out, exhausted, in front of his studio, you won’t need a sign—you’ll know exactly where to turn. Fit Training Studio |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | A Rebel with a Cause Every hipster’s wardrobe is based on vintage tees with funky sayings, something former American Eagle graphic designer, Shea Mullen, knew inside and out. But while populating the prep-nation with uniformity for corporate profit, she saw all take and no give. So Mullen set out to license images from real charity fundraisers from decades past, print ’em onto super-soft cotton tees, and pass on a percentage of the proceeds to various charities, thus founding Give and Take Tees. |
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| 2 | Science is Sacrifice We've been hearing for some time that science-inspired fashions are totally hawt right now. Good news for all of us brainy Periodic Table-lovin' types. Someone passed along this site before we could say Bunsen Burner. This clutch is crafted from 700 post-consumer pop tops. It has a zip closure, and comes in a futuristic metallic silver. It’s totally “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” with a “Dexter” twist. Lurv. |
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| 3 | Hanging by a Thread Any regular reader of Minneapolis Picks knows of our obsession with all things pretty, sparkly and shiny… especially when it comes to jewelry. We have a weakness for baubles, and aren’t ashamed to admit it. Our latest jewelry crush is on the Thread pieces from Asha Patel Designs. These East-meets-West pendants feature nine aura-centered designs on different colored cords. From Hamsa for peace, protection and happiness to Clover for good luck, we want one for each day of the week. www.ashapateldesigns.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | A Fair to Remember Mention “fairs,” and we picture Ferris wheels, carnies, and fried food in the middle of a dirty field. But prefix “art” and put it in the middle of the cities’ classiest shopping district, and you’ve got some serious (and clean) fun. 50th & France’s Annual Art Fair features 350 local artists, 20 food vendors, fashion shows and more! What: The 44th Annual Edina Art Fair |
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| 2 | Get the Party Started How do Minneapolitans know it’s officially summer time? Not by the calendar (and not by Minnesota’s manic whether) but by St. Paul’s annual big-ass block party, Grand Old Day! Activities include drinking beer, a parade, beer, an art fair, more beer, and an entire evening of music, including local acts Red Pens, Doomtree and The Melismatics. What: Grand Ole Day |
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| 3 | Exc & The City Start with a beach town full of superior shopping, add a Girls’ Night Out and a street fashion show, and you’ve got one haute event! Excelsior boutiques present Exc & The City Fashion Show, featuring styles from Cythia Rae, House of Amore and Fede, and more. Get tickets at Cynthia Rae, Avanti Shoe Boutique, and Pantouf's, goody bag included! What: Exc & The City Fashion Show |
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We’re feeling kind of needy—we blame it on the swimsuit debacle—and want to make more friends. Please sign up everyone you know at www.MinneapolisPicks.com! |
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