|
 |
July 30, 2010
We’re curious: Who actually buys fall apparel in the middle of July? Last week we were enjoying a slushy as we strolled along a bustling metro shopping district, when we suddenly felt the need for new sundresses. It seemed perfectly logical. But upon entering the shops, we quickly spotted racks of nothing slinky or short, but of (gasp!) blazers, sweaters and scarves. Now, no offense to our beloved boutiques (kiss-kiss!), but the last thing we want to do in middle of summer’s hottest stretch is try on heavy garb. Just the idea sends sweat beads running down our back. While slightly frustrated at facing the reality that summer will come to an end (ignorance is bliss!), we have to give props to those who stock up on next season’s must-haves while the rest of us procrastinate, because we’ll likely be jealous of you in October when we witness you wearing the coveted, sold-out-everywhere Frye boots. But please don’t take our bitterness too seriously; fall is actually our favorite season to shop (hellooo—accessories galore!) but only when we’re ready. For now, we’ll continue to soak up every last drop of summer in our sandals and sundresses! |
||
Minneapolis Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Gaga for Green We love being “green.” As kids we turned too-small sweaters into leggings, or broken necklaces into earrings. We viewed recycling as being creative, and back then, it maybe wasn’t so cool, but evidently we were ahead of the trend. Luckily, living in the Twin Cities makes being eco-conscious fun and productive—recycling programs, bike rentals, local farmer’s markets, and now, Moss Envy! This nifty store focuses on everything green: eco-friendly items for the home, wardrobe, baby, and more. They only carry items that will somehow make the world and environment a better place—a stance we support. From eco-conscious clothes and jewelry made from reclaimed materials to organic sheets and all-natural grooming products, Moss Envy has something new every time we stop in. We love their baby products, too. They make perfect gifts for moms who don’t have the time (or energy) to look any further than the closest big-box store for diapers. No matter what you are in need of—an eco-friendly mattress, a solar backpack, or all-natural makeup, stop by. You’ll be doing yourself (and the environment) a favor. Moss Envy |
|
|
| 2 | Skin So Soft We lucked out in the skin department—no acne was to be found on our teenage faces. (Our fashion choices were another version of acne, but that’s another story.) Fast-forward a decade or so, and everything changed: college partying, shunning SPF, and hormonal breakouts had us searching for skin solutions. Luckily, we have to look no further than Be Well Beauty. This St. Louis Park facial salon has everything you need to get that youthful glow back. Owner Kristin customizes her facials, creating a personalized routine that will tackle whatever issues your skin has. From wrinkles to large pores, acne to sun spots, she will use oxygen, dermabrasion, LED lights or simple massage to get that glow going again. And on top of facials, she offers customized waxing services (face and body), as well as eyelash and eyebrow tinting. With local and international skin care lines (we love Galen Labs), everything you need to get back to looking like a teenager—minus the inevitably bad accessory choices—is right here. She’s by-appointment-only, so call today for the full menu! Be Well Beauty |
|
|
| 3 | A Few of our Favorite Things Although we’ll only admit it to our BFFs, there are certain words that have power over us and our better judgment. There’s free and sale—those are just givens. But then there are the seriously powerful words like shoes. Handbags. Chocolate. And here’s two more for you: pizza and wine. For Sauce, one of the new restaurants to open at the posh West End, pizza and wine are just the start. They serve a variety of Italian dishes including chopped salads, soups, panini, gourmet pizzas (of course!), pasta, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. as well as another one of our favorite words: dessert. There’s even a mini menu for the bambinos, too. Place your order, grab a number, and find a seat—everything is prepared fresh for you in their oh-so-casual yet hip atmosphere. The prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. It’s so good it will get your acquainted with two other words: more, please! Sauce |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Do the Fandango Back in the day, our mom was the best when it came to punching up our kiddy wardrobe. With old fabrics, she’d add pops of patchwork in animal shapes, hearts and zig-zag designs. Combining bright colors, different textures, and fun patterns to create unique, one-of-a-kind characters, Minneapolis-based Fandangled shirts have adorable appliqués cuts from recycled fabrics which are sewn onto new or gently used shirts. |
 |
|
| 2 | Morning Motivation We love going to the gym. Okay, that’s a lie. Actually, we don’t mind busting our butts on the stepper, but it’s only once we get there that we remember that part. Getting there is half—err, more like 90%—of the battle. Sometimes we just need a small reminder from an unexpected place. The last place you’d think of? Your bed. Yet somehow this decorative pillow by Alexandra Ferguson does not pad the issue! |
 |
|
| 3 | Call on Me Awkward moment #741: We make a new friend or potential business contact, then we hastily pass along our personal deets to them via blah business card or crumpled cocktail napkin. Classy. Thankfully, Lisa Nelson anticipated these social foibles and began creating adorable yet practical personalized calling cards as part of her charming stationery line: My Little Buffalo. Now we can pass along our digits and URLs ever-so-nonchalantly with an air of silver-screen grace… at least, until we spill wine on our blouse two minutes later. Little Buffalo Calling Cards |
 |
|
| Event of the Week: | |||
Dogs deserve vacations, too. But better than packing them in the family van for a road-trip cross-country, treat ’em to a dog-gone good time at the 5th Annual Paws On Grand, benefiting the Pet Project and more than 10 local pet rescue groups. Celebrate the dog days of summer on St. Paul’s Grand Avenue with your furry friend and take advantage of sales, treats, wading pools and even a doggie kissing booth! If you haven't entered your pooch in the Pet Pick Contest yet, swing by the Minneapolis Picks booth at Grand + Grotto where photographer Becky K. of Lucky Mutt Photography will be on hand to snap a free picture of your four-legged friend to upload to the contest page! |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Feed Your Fashion Addiction |
 |
|
| 2 | Living La Vida Loca Every now and again, a girl needs to let her hair down and go little crazy. (We don’t mean tequila-shooters wild… although that has its place, don’t we know!) We mean sales racks for miles, call the nanny for overtime, hide the bags in the trunk and bring them in sporadically to avoid attention kind of nutso. Time to live a little, ladies! What: Crazy Days |
 |
|
| 3 | Oh-So Glam For all who may have been too busy to check the calendar, it’s almost August! And that means one thing for Twin Cities’ fashion insiders and stylistas: Macy’s Annual Glammorama benefiting Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Take in this year’s whimsical wonderland with music by Macy Gray and fashions from the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs and more! What: Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama |
 |
|
We’re betting that, like us, you’re not ready to give up outdoor seating at your local eatery or pack away your swimsuit. So forward this issue to all the peeps you know who take flip-flop season seriously, or just sign them up for a free subscription at www.MinneapolisPicks.com! |
|||
Be sure to visit www.MinneapolisPicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.MinneapolisPicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at Picks@MinneapolisPicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Minneapolis Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
