Shop Talk: Openings, Sales, and Great Spring Shopping

It's finally warm enough to don spring dresses, skirts, and sandals, yet my warm-weather wardrobe still needs a few updates. With two store openings and lots of sales, this weekend is an ideal time to stock up on spring and summer essentials.

Covered's new Uptown location (shown, left) is now open, and owner Stacy Larson is celebrating with a grand opening party Saturday night. Save 15 percent on all merchandise, and receive a free gift with purchases more than $100. Plus, food, drink, music, and the chance to win a pair of jeans. The naturally lit space is filled with the designer denim we love at Larson's Dinkytown store, plus a larger selection of dresses, separates, tops, accessories, and footwear. May 17, 6–9 p.m. 1201 Lagoon Ave., Mpls., 612-825-1610

Also Saturday night, Northeast Minneapolis welcomes its newest retailer, Parc Boutique, with its own grand opening celebration. Guests enjoy wine, cheese, 10 percent of all purchases, and the chance to win a $250 gift certificate. Situated in a historic bank building, Thao Bui’s hip storefront boasts “park-themed” décor, complete with a picnic table, park bench, and vespa—not to mention lots of young, trendy apparel for men and women. Find Free People, LA Made, Affliction, and Junkfood, plus premium denim, belts, scarves, and other accessories. May 17, 5–7 p.m. 328 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-353-4966

Plus, big sales at Joynoelle, Birch Clothing, Gabberts, Great Estate Home and Garden, and Arafina, and a fashion show at The Lounge. Check 'em all out here. Happy spring and happy shopping!

Home: BluDot's Big Weekend

Some 25,000 modern design aficionados flocking to New York for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) this weekend are eagerly anticipating the launch of cool new products from more than 600 designers and manufacturers. Among them are this sofa and bench (we have a sneak peek!) from Minneapolis-based BluDot, which will have an impressive presence at the cutting-edge show.

Buzz is particularly surrounding the unveiling of a lounge chair by the late architect Ralph Rapson, who actually won a design competition announced at last year's ICFF that was sponsored by BluDot and Dwell magazine.

It has been four years since I attended the show, and it's easily one of my favorites. I wish I could be there this year (the past few days I've received dozens of e-mails about press parties), but our eyes and ears on the show floor this year will be savvy Minneapolis designer and field editor Alecia Stevens. She'll report on Style Parlor right after the key press conferences and parties. Look for her inside take and photos next week.

On a related note, I just had to share a new YouTube video of a squirrel (OK, a person dressed like a squirrel) putting together a BluDot Real Good chair, which we've featured a couple of times online and in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. It's totally corny, but hey, it includes footage of Lake Calhoun and jazzy music. Not to mention a chair that's easy to assemble. Enjoy!

Fashion: Dressing College Grads

Your first job out of college: You're finally in the real world, ready to take on a nine-to-five, navigate the downtown skyways, and prove yourself in your career. Exciting, transforming, and overwhelming—all at the same time.

Although I'm still a fairly recent college grad, I think I've finally adjusted to the early wakeup calls, long meetings, important deadlines, and responsibilities that come along with my "real" job—and I'm pretty sure I can find my way to (almost) anything in the Minneapolis skyway system.

I've also learned:

- That my morning alarm will go off at least three times before I peel myself out of bed.
- That coffee is a necessity (and a venti soy chai latte with espresso is a luxury).
- That it's (usually) better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- That flip-flops are not appropriate office attire.
- That working hard and achieving professional success are far more rewarding than getting a good grade in any college class.
- That life in the real world isn't half bad.

But for those college grads just starting out, Sara Rogers (left), trend specialist for Mall of America, is making the transition from sweatpants-clad coed to business-suit-wearing employee a little easier with her new "Graduate Program."

For $100, recent grads receive a two-hour personal shopping session with Rogers. She'll help with all the basics: what to wear to a first interview, how to build a work wardrobe, what's appropriate for casual Fridays, etc.

A great gift for yourself or your favorite 2008 graduate. Schedule an appointment by calling Rogers at 612-396-4729 or e-mailing sara@sararogers.com.

What We Found: Eco-Chic Shopping Totes at Nordstrom

I can’t begin to count the number of “reusable totes” I have bought over the past few years in hopes of breaking my plastic bag habit. Some are buried in my closet, some are in the trunk of my car, others have been dropped off at Goodwill full of my castoff garments. The one place these bags never seem to be are in my hand (or purse for that matter) when I make an impromptu grocery or shopping stop.

I blame it on the fact that I have too much of a big picture personality and can’t remember minute details such as packing extra eco-friendly shopping bags into my overstuffed work tote . . . just in case.

But now, my problem might just be solved thanks to Nordstrom. Tucked neatly inside sleek metallic casing, Nordstrom’s new eco-chic collapsible tote can fit easily inside my purse so that I always have it on hand. And although other companies have come up with similar products, Nordstrom’s version has the added bonus of actually looking chic (brushed metallic linen and drawings by artist Reuben Toledo).

I, of course, have already tucked mine neatly into my Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel (also a Nordstrom find) ready to use should a spontaneous shopping stop occur.

Available starting May 19, at Nordstrom, Mall of America, 952-883-2121

Point of View: Shopping with Toddlers

I took my daughters to MOA last Friday. It wasn’t a first, but I have only been brave enough to take the twins to the “mall of all malls” a handful of times. This time I took my energetic three-year-olds without the help of a stroller. Just didn’t want to deal with the contraption. First stop: a return at J. Crew. But of course, I did a little shopping. As I sifted through the adorable summer preppy wear in the Crewcuts section (J. Crew for kids), my girls were going a little crazy trying on shoes, hiding under racks, playing with the big stuffed dogs on display. This captain had lost control of my little crew, and at that point, I just trying to have forward motion with my shopping. I was seriously trying to not sweat too much. Thankfully the store wasn’t very busy. I managed to pick up a couple of cute tanks, headbands, and T-shirts for the girls and a skirt and pair of mod capris for Mom. (The Cheddar Bunnies in my bag helped tame the beasts in the fitting room). The prices are a little steep for children’s play clothes, but they are so darn cute.

Next stop: the new Janie & Jack store. MOA marketing director, Jeff Hoke, first told me about the more refined Gymboree sister store a few years ago. He promised then it would be at MOA one day. It’s a great addition to the kid mix. The early summer collections are a little more Hamptons-inspired than I was looking for on Friday. But I’ll be back. I was actually surprised that they didn’t take the lead from Gymboree and offer a little TV and chairs. (Maybe those more refined children mind their mothers and stay by their sides.) We trotted off to nearby Gymboree, and I nabbed a couple of sundresses and sun hats (they were having a good sale that day) while the girls watched Thomas and Barney on the TV. I don’t dress our twins identically, but I do like them to coordinate (I have had other twin moms tell me they do that, too.) And Gymboree makes it a little easier with their seasonal collections.

Our main reason for visiting MOA was to get some new shoes for the girls at Nordstrom, but since I had bribed them with a few rides in the Nickelodeon-themed park, I needed to pony up. We took a spin on the carousel (a good option if you need to chaperon two kids under forty-two inches since I could stand between two of the horses), plus the girls qualified to ride the semi-truck-themed ride (thirty-six inches, no chaperon necessary). We followed with lunch under the skylight ceilings in the park area, and we popped into a nearby photo booth to commemorate our girlie play date.

I think I overstayed my welcome because shortly after purchasing the toddler sandals, the signs of the naptime-witching hour were upon us. One melted down and needed to be carried from Nordstrom to the lot outside Bloomingdale’s. The other also wanted to be carried, which wasn’t going to be possible for this mom. So we had to have a little sideline negotiation. And then I did the unthinkable—I broke out two pacifiers in my emergency stash side pocket. Me, the mom that can’t believe Kate Hudson’s son, Ryder, still has pacifiers in his mouth. Perhaps the paparazzi grabbed that shot on the one day Kate shopped a little too long and cut into naptime.

Shoes at Nordstrom, $78. Summer wardrobe additions, $400. Ride at MOA, $20 pass. Lunch in sunny courtyard, $19. Photo booth, $5. Shopping with my daughters, priceless.

Shop Talk: New Arrivals at Local Color

One of downtown Stillwater's best-kept secrets is a charming storefront called Local Color on Main. Carrying an eclectic, ever-growing collection of accessories, apparel, home décor, gifts, stationery, and even baby items, it's a worthwhile stop on your next trip to the river city.

Founded in 2005, Local Color reopened earlier this year in a larger storefront (just down the street from its original) where owner Mary Kovar and daughter Bethany are slowly adding lines to the bohemian-chic mix. The most recent additions include London-based clothing label Mina, a favorite among British celebs, such as Sienna Miller, Kylie Minogue, and Kiera Knightly, but new to the U.S. market. Pretty tops (such as this Kimono-style chiffon blouse, left) and cute, colorful dresses are priced for less than $130.

Also new is the store's shipment of embroidered purses by Laga Designs. Handmade by women survivors of the Tsunami, the bags provide income for women and families who have lost their livelihood ($70–150). And behind each bag's name is a meaning: The bag at left is the Pulih (which means Recover) and at right is the Damai (which means peace).

 

Local Color, 312 S. Main St., Stillwater, 651-351-0558

Shop Talk: Clutch to Close

As a reporter of local retail, one of the least favorite parts of my job is having to share the news that a local retail gem is closing up shop, especially when it is a unique store broadening the retail landscape of the  Twin Cities.

Such is the case with Clutch Boutique. Lori Cheadle’s chic shop recognized that truly fashionable women didn’t need a bag emblazoned with the logo Gucci, Fendi, or Prada—what they needed was a handbag that was well constructed and as unique as the individual toting it.

For the past few years, Cheadle has lined her airy 50th & France shop with handbags from lesser-known designers, such as Hayden-Harnett, Lauren Scherr, Jamah, and Katherine Kwei as well as jewelry from Danish designer Dyrberg/Kern and handbags from local designer Laura Nelle.

Although I have featured a number of Cheadle’s handbags in the magazine, I had never purchased a bag from her store for myself. I attribute this mostly to the price point—for me, if I am going to spend $500 on a handbag, I must be able to use it seamlessly in my day-to-day life, and I never found one that I could justify. But I have purchased jewelry from Clutch, and the two Dyrberg/Kern rings I have I wear almost daily (and have been complimented on them more times than I can count).

As we rev up again to bring your our annual Shops magazine, I start thinking again about how important local retail is to the life of our community. Retail can help freshen up little neighborhoods and encourage foot traffic to places seemingly off the beaten path.

Lori Cheadle told me she doesn’t know what she will do next (she has been in retail most of her adult life) but in the meantime is selling everything in her shop—jewelry and handbags, of course, but also her furniture—marble-topped tables and cozy brown velvet settees. Right now, the inventory is market at 30 percent off, and Cheadle hopes to be out by the end of the month.

On the bright side, if you’re an accessories fiend like me, you won’t have to wait long for another accouterment-devoted shop to open in the area. The gals behind Bluebird Boutique are opening a new store, Ladyslipper Boutique. Although they still haven’t settled on which designer lines they will be carrying (we are told we’ll know once they come back from market), we can expect a carryover of some of the great vintage pieces available at Bluebird as well as shoes and contemporary accessories.

Clutch Boutique, closing the end of May, 5005 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-455-0606
Ladyslipper Boutique, opening August 1, 4940 France Ave. S., Edina

Home: On Newsstands Now!

The grass is greening up, the lakes have finally thawed (at least in the Twin Cities!), and anxious gardeners have started digging up their beds. As we throw open our windows and welcome spring indoors, we at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine knew the home-improvement bug would be biting soon inside as well. So, we're thrilled to present our best-ever batch of befores and afters in the latest issue of Mpls.St.Paul Home, which just hit newsstands.

Our cover story is an exquisite renovation by designer Andrew Flesher of Gunkelman Flesher at Minneapolis's landmark 510 Groveland building. It joins an impressive lineup of befores and afters, including a Kenwood Victorian for architect David Heide and a wonderful cottage redo in Edina. You'll also find wonderful home decor trend stories, all featuring products you can buy locally. Perhaps most impressive is the beautiful preview of our 2008 ASID Showcase Home near Lake Harriet, which opens next week.

Pick up a copy today, and find inspiration for your weekend home-improvement scouting and shopping!

Design: A first look at W Foshay

Not that I’ve been keeping count, but it's hard not to notice that we’ve had four new luxury and/or boutique hotels open up in Minneapolis throughout the past few years. There’s the recent Ivy with its lauded Porter & Frye restaurant; the Westin in the old Farmer’s & Mechanics Bank; Graves 601 with its ultra-chic rooms and posh eatery, Cosmos; and, of course, Ralph Burnet’ s modern art-filled Chambers.

Within the next year, downtown Minneapolis will see two more hotels open up: The Hotel Minneapolis (a Doubletree Hotel) will open in August in the elegantly restored Midland building, promising a central location and luxury amenities for travelers of both business and pleasure. But the most anticipated new hotel for local history buffs, national architecture aficionados, and world travelers is Ralph Burnet’s W Minneapolis—The Foshay.

I had a chance to view the new W Foshay yesterday during a hardhat tour (the hotel is still under construction, but we were assured it will open on July 28, plenty of time before the RNC).

Although I am not originally from the Twin Cites, I had long heard my parents and grandparents (all from the Milwaukee area) tell stories of how the glorious and majestic Foshay building was the Minneapolis skyline. As soon as you saw it peeking over the horizon, you knew you were close to the city. I recognize the importance of such a historical building to our urban landscape and was pleased to learn that Burnet had purchased the building in hopes of turning it into another luxury hotel. The respect he demonstrated in refurbishing the building that now houses the Chambers has translated to the Foshay.

The W is certain to be sexy, provocative, and hip (a W Hotel's forte), but what is most impressive is the care that the Burnets, ESG Architects, Munge Leung Design Associates, and Shea Company construction have taken to restore the glory of the original 1928 building. Terrazzo floors were uncovered and refinished, original ceiling moldings were restored or, when beyond repair, completely replicated, and the exterior limestone will remain untouched.

But to inject a contemporary vibe into one of the greatest examples of art deco architecture, the décor will have more modern elements—color palette of gray, lavender, and shocking pink; clean-lined, lacquered furnishings; and plenty of dramatic lighting. Because of the unique architecture of the building, the 230 guest rooms will comprise fifty-three different design styles.

Nothing has been announced yet as far as the first floor restaurant goes, though knowing Burnet’s dedication to dining (he brought Jean George to the Chambers), we will likely get another important addition to our local dining scene. In addition, Keys will continue to operate and will also be an integral part of the room service offered to guests.

The main bar and lounge is situated in the grand first floor, but I think my friends and I will be spending most of our time in the African mahogany-paneled twenty-seventh floor, where the sweeping views of Minneapolis and cozy snugs are certain to spark romance.

The original ceilings are currently being restored to their art deco glory.

Artist rendering of the bar and lounge

W Living Room

W Great Room, a special event space

Guest room

 

Guest room bathroom

The guest room bar and lounge area

A view from the thirtieth floor observatory, which will once again be open to the public.

W Minneapolis—The Foshay opens July 28, 2008. 821 Marquette Ave., Mpls., 612-215-3700

Fashion: Target at Barneys?

In what Women's Wear Daily declared as one of the oddest pairings in fashion history, luxury retailer Barneys New York will introduce Rogan for Target GO International at Barney's Madison Ave. flagship on Friday, May 8, and then at Barneys Los Angeles store on May 16 (as we reported a month or so back, the eco-friendly Rogan for Target collection will not be available in Target stores or online until May 18).

 

This partnership celebrates Barneys and Target's shared appreciation of Rogan Gregory's leadership in the eco-friendly design movement. Although Barneys has carried Rogan Gregory's primary collection—trousers for $230, dresses for $320, and anoraks for $450—for a few years, this is Target's first foray into eco-friendly fashion.