Max Lohrbach illustrates Faustian tales for Sandbox Theatre

I just got my hot little hands on these amazing illustrations by my favorite local fashion designer Max Lohrbach. He did them as part of a four-part graphic novel series, available only on Sandbox Theatre's website highlighting various Faustian adventures to promote Sandbox's upcoming production .faust. Four different local artists took on a series of adventures for each week of the series. .faust opens November 7 at the Red Eye Theater. Read the full story along with the images at Sandbox Theatre's website.

"Faust in Hell"
Art by Max Lohrbach, Images courtesy Sandbox Theatre

Local fashion + shopping for 10.29-11.4

It's Halloween this weekend, which means I take a bit of a step away from fashion toward parties. But Halloween wouldn't be what it is without the costumes, now would it? (For the record, I plan to be at l'étoile-o-ween on Saturday night, and tonight I am judging the costume contest at the "Costumes & Couture" event at Ignite Model Studio.) Here's a sampling of my Vita.mn guide to the best Halloween parties this weekend:

[A holiday 2008 look by Max Lohrbach / Image by Nic Marshall / Styling by Eclecticoiffeur]

Thursday: Costumes & Couture
If you're the type to make your Halloween costume yourself, this is the party for you. The winner of the costume contest will nab $250, and finalists get to walk the runway. Also on tap are DJ Bach, drinks, a haunted house and a creepy couture fashion show hosted by boutique Design Collective. Whatever you do, don't arrive in a store-bought costume lest a fashionista turn up her nose at you. (7-10 p.m. Thu. $5-$7 or free before 7:30 p.m. Ignite Models Studio, 600 Washington Av. N., Mpls., 612-354-2415.)

Friday: Tortured Cinema
Horror godfather Lon Chaney's two best-known films, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom of the Opera," will be shown, accompanied by the spooky sounds of the Fitzgerald Theater's Wurlitzer organ. In between screenings, actor Peter Moore will spin some yarns and musicians deVon Gray and Alicia Wiley will perform. (7:30 p.m. Fri., $10-$12. Fitzgerald Theater.)

Saturday: L'Etoile-O-Ween
Clubhouse Jäger's cozy yet debauched environment is the setting for online fashion magazine L'Etoile's Halloween shenanigans. The agenda includes sexy-spooky visuals; DJs Demietoile and Deux ex Machina playing darkwave, electro and synth; costume contests for most stylish, most scary and most original; and a styled-out photo booth.

Saturday: Monster Print & Poster Show
Self-proclaimed "geek art gallery" Pink Hobo hosts a print and poster-art show that's "monster" both in scope and in subject matter. Creepy crawlers, fanged creatures and ghostly figures are at the center of this show assembled by top Twin Cities' poster artists Amy Jo, Jennifer Davis, King Mini and others. With booze, food, costume prizes and DJ Kenny Kingston. (7 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat. Pink Hobo Gallery.)

CLICK HERE to read more

And we can't forget Day of the Dead festivities:
The Twin Cities area offers many ways to celebrate the Mexican version of Halloween, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The biggest celebration happens in St. Paul's District Del Sol; it features a Day of the Little Angels ceremony on Friday and a sugar skull making class, a tour of ofrendas (offerings made for the deceased) and a traditional procession and ceremony on Saturday. (Day of the Little Angels: 7 p.m. Fri. Procession & ceremony: 6 p.m. Sat. Free. El Rio Recreation Center, 179 E. Robie St., St. Paul. 651-222-6347.) CLICK HERE to read more.

[The sidewalk coat sale at Blacklist Vintage during Tasty Eat Street]

Tasty Eat Street (originally published in Vita.mn)
More than 15 local restaurants, bars and shops will offer specials and sales during this Thursday/Friday event. Blacklist Vintage will have a sidewalk sale of vintage coats and 10 percent off everything until 9 p.m., while vintage shop Lost and Found is offering 25 percent off all sweaters between 5 and 10 p.m. Get the full experience at salon/boutique Head to Toe, which will take 10 percent off all clothing and 50 percent off haircuts to first-time customers. (5-10 p.m. Thu.-Fri. Nicollet Av. S. between 25th and 29th Sts.)

[A look from RunwayRundown.com]

Runway Rundown's cheap chic (originally published in Vita.mn)
Though the locally run daily fashion blog RunwayRundown.com was launched only last month, it's already garnered national attention for its frugal, DIY take on runway fashion. Co-founder Kim Halzle says the recession inspired her to start the site, which breaks down runway looks and finds lower-priced counterparts at such cheap-chic havens as Forever 21 and Top Shop -- with direct links to purchase the affordable items. It's a clever take on making high fashion a reality.

More local fashion and shopping for this week, via Vita.mn online exclusive:

[Bluebird's Edina location]

Thursday: The second location of chic Edina shop Bluebird Boutique is opening this weekend in Maple Grove. The shop will carry the same fashions as its original location, plus accessories and handbags. (7-9 p.m. 12177 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove.)

Today through Tuesday: Designer handbags will be as much as 80 percent off during the Opitz Outlet purse sale. Brands include Coach, Kooba, Charles David, Cole Haan, Michael Kors and more. (4320 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park. 952-922-2435.)

Thursday-Saturday: Take 20 percent off storewide during the annual Grethen House Pumpkin Days Sale on Halloween, or receive 10 percent off on Thursday and Friday. (4930 France Ave. S., Edina. 952-926-8725.)

Friday-Sunday: Take 25 percent off storewide at local boutique Cliche, which stocks a mix of local designers and national lines.

[Get vampire fashion inspiration from the fall runways]

Saturday: Thanks to True Blood and Twilight, no Halloween costume is bigger right now than vampires, and the Minneapolis Community & Technical College is capitalizing on it. The MCTC Vampire Fashion Show features fashions by MCTC students in a runway fashion show and live photo shoot; show up in your own vampire outfit for the chance to walk the runway yourself and snag a prize. (6:30-10 p.m. $4-8. Whitney Fine Arts Theatre at MCTC, 1424 Yale Pl., Mpls.)

Ongoing: Mall of America is giving away four Bare Minerals Get Started Kits, valued at $174, to readers of the MOA Fashion Sense blog.

[A Joynoelle Spring 2010 bridal look / Images by Photogen-Inc.]

Ongoing: For $25 enter to win a Joynoelle custom dress and support the groundbreaking of the Minnesota Shubert Center on November 19. Designer Joy Teiken will work personally with the winner to design a custon dress for the opening night gala of the Minnesota Shubert Center. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online or by mailing a check to the Minnesota Shubert Center. The winner will be announced after the groundbreaking ceremony.

Voltage 2010 designers announced

It's official: the runway designers for Voltage 2010 have been announced. (Full disclosure: I was one of a group that selected the designers.] There's a lot of unknowns, a couple of designers from previous seasons, and only one designer from Voltage 2009, but I'm really excited about it. It should harken back to the crazier, innovative, diverse Voltage shows of the past - but with higher level of craftsmanship than ever before. Oh, and there's not one, but two menswear designers this year. Drumroll please:

[A Fall 2009 look by Brianne Jones / Image by Erin Johnson]

1. Brianne Jones: Jones is a returning designer (Voltage 2008), and slipped off the radar for awhile to complete her senior collection for the U of M. Though a brand-new graduate, Jones' sophisticated and polished aesthetic belies her youth. She currently sells her line Kelson at Cliché.

[A Fall 2008 look by George Moskal / Image by Nic Marshall]

2. George Moskal: One of my all-time favorite local designers recently returned to the Twin Cities after spending a year on the west coast, designing textile patterns. The Voltage 2007 & 2008 alum is creating designs that are a sophisticated twist on what a woman of the 1940s would wear today, but is focusing on incorporating more wearable separates at a more practical price point. He will selling his holiday 2009 line at the MNfashion holiday boutique beginning November 12.

[Knitwear designs by Kevin Kramp]

3. Kevin Kramp: Originally from the Twin Cities, Kramp moved away at 18 to study fashion design in New York and London and only returned two months ago. He designs crazy knitwear for men that can perhaps best be described as Missoni meets Henrik Vibskov.

[A Fall 2009 look by PFT Couture / Image by JWN Visual Addictions]

4. PFT Couture by Pafoua Thao: This Hmong designer, regularly featured in the Fresh Traditions annual show, was for many the highlight of the Envision show this past fall.

[Looks by Raul Osorio / Image provided by the designer]

5. Raul Osorio: This recent Honduras/California transplant is making some really interesting menswear, involving Grecian draping and Mariachi/military-styled jackets.

[A Fall 2009 look by Danielle Everine / Image by Emily Utne for City Pages]

6. Danielle Everine: The longtime-yet-obscure Minneapolis designer has always infused sculptural and conceptual qualities into her work, and does a lot of leatherwork. She recently showed at "Couture Noir" this past fall. Her jaunty collection will be inspired by traditional British menswear.

[A Fall 2009 look by Frances Zerr / Image by Charlie B. Ward]

7. Frances Zerr: Brand new to the cities, this young designer showed her first-ever collection in La Nouvelle Femme this past fall. It was simple but strikingly fresh.

[Looks by Elena Mercurio / Image provided by the designer]

8. Elena Mercurio: Another young designer, Mercurio has spent time studying overseas but just graduated from U of W Stout. She seems to have a really fresh, structural take on fashion and is pushing the boundaries of what's considered wearable.

[A Fall 2009 look by Emma Berg / Image by Stephanie Hynes]

9. Emma Berg: Her debut collection was the high point of SCENEaSOTA during this past fall's MNfashion Week, stunning everyone with her multi-faceted talents. Her Voltage collection will be inspired by the cult movie Auntie Mame.

[A Fall 2009 look from Carmichael Claith / Image by Stephanie Hynes]

10. Carmichael Claith by Christine Carmichael: The lone Voltage 2009 designer, Carmichael's line will be inspired by the "Wind in the Willows" books, offering a menswear twist on classic pieces. She recently showed at both Envision and SCENEaSOTA this fall.

Voltage 2010 will be held Friday, April 16 at First Avenue.

Local designer update: Amanda Christine

I just got an update from local designer Amanda Christine, who's keeping herself very busy.

[Amanda Christine Designs Spring 2010 / Image by Rod Hasse]

What's new, Amanda? It's been a while since we've seen you!

I've been super busy! I left for Denver and then I was back for 2 days and left for LA for 7 days for a trade show. Since I've been back, I have been working on managing production for a huge order from Shoppe Local in Minneapolis, plus some other orders, too.

[Amanda Christine Designs Spring 2010 / Image by Rod Hasse]

Why did you decide not to apply for Voltage again this year? You've been a strong figure in the show for the past two years.

I am really focusing on sales, selling, and designing strong collections so I can grow my business. I really don't think I have the time to design for Voltage this time around being that I am continuing to add on stores, managing production, and am currently designing for Fall '10. Plus, I was thinking about doing my own show next fall.

[Amanda Christine Designs Spring 2010 / Image by Rod Hasse]

Amanda Christine Designs are available locally at Cliché, Karma, and as of Nov. 1, Shoppe Local.

Here's a link back to an earlier preview I did of the collection.

Local fashion roundup for 10.26

Check out Le Petit Connaisseur every Monday for the latest in local fashion news. This week: A Tiny Machine and I speculate the final three of Project Runway, I get the latest on Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's post-PR plans, and recaps of last week's "Rock & Roll Circus."

PROJECT MINNESOTA

[Christopher Straub's look for Episode 10]

We were on the edges of our seats for the third time in a row as local Project Runway contestant (and America's sweetheart) Christopher Straub was in the bottom two. I thought his look was more chic than that of Nicolas Putvinski, but we're really waiting to see Christopher knock it out of the park like he was earlier in the season. We're all crossing our fingers, and biting our nails for next week's episode.

A Tiny Machine and I speculated on which designers would make it to the final three based on the runway collection images that are available – namely because it appears many of the designers used their favorite models in their shows. It’s spoiler-ish, though of course it’s based on speculation alone. She also has some dish about Nicolas supposedly being the third designer to have the stars tattoo, in addition to Ra’mon and Christopher.


Christopher Straub's wallet designs now at ROBOTlove at Design Collective. The line includes clutches, keychains and men's and women's wallets, ranging in price from $20 to 200.

As for local favorite Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman, he will be doing a benefit fashion show with fellow former Project Runway contestants Korto Momolu, Jerrel Scott and Zulema Griffin in Washington, D.C., on November 8. Here's a clip of Ra’mon on Fox 6 News in Milwaukee as part of his participation in Milwaukee Style Weekend a couple of weeks ago. Alloy.com has another new interview with Ra'mon.

LOCAL FASHION BLOGROLL

Local fashion plate Marina Maric's must-read tumblr blog highlights a quote from my interview with Project Runway Season Four winner Christian Siriano, originally published online at Vita.mn:

JP: So I’ve read your book, but just to give a little blurb, what’s the difference between a hot mess and a hot tranny mess?
CS: Well, I know I said basically a hot tranny mess - because, you know, my terminology being hot tranny or being tranny is really being like overly glam. Like overly done, like you know with tons of sequins and jewelry and makeup and hair, it’s not really about being an actual tranny. Being a hot mess is basically wearing all these things, and basically being this whole person at one time. So when I say hot tranny mess, it’s the idea that there are drag queens out there that are definitely a mess, and they kind of emulate normal people. It’s when you’re wearing everything and you have your red lips and all your bangles up to your arms and your Ugg boots and your plaid bolero and all these things at the same time. So I guess that’s what it is."
-vita.mn ‘s Jahna’s Peloquin talked to Christian Siriano and asked the question we’ve all been pondering.

Star Tribune also interviewed Christian Siriano last week.

Minnesota Monthly’s Best of the Twin Cities 2009 issue is out. I'm super-excited they named Fox Tax Gallery as Best Gallery (congrats to curator Emma Berg!) and l'étoile magazine Editor-in-Chief Kate Iverson as Best Social Director. (Also picked: Picky Girl as best Women’s Boutique, Hooked Studios Skincare as best Skincare Product, June as best Resale Shop.) Fashion editor Elizabeth Dehn’s blog has a few shots from the event.

Minnesota Monthly's Elizabeth Dehn also has a new beauty blog, BeautyBets.com. The editor is a self-professed beauty junkie, having worked for Aveda and Kiehl's in the past.

[Fashion by Mackenzie Labine/Image by Emily Utne]

Angie Hanson, local stylist and illustrator, posted this recent photoshoot with local burlesque performer Tomahawk Tassles. It features shoes she hand-painted with her original illustration “Love vs. Hate” for creative director Emmanuel Cienmandrogaras to show in an exhibit touring Spain.

Mpls.St.Paul Fashion Editor and freelance writer Christy DeSmith looks at Target’s dominating influence on the development of commercial art in the Twin Cities for PrintMag.com.

[The incomparable Tammy Faye Bakker]

The Daily Planet recently published a story about the fascinating history of the Band Box Theater in downtown Minneapolis. My favorite bit: "After several decades as a movie theater, the 1920 building served as a Pentecostal church presided over by the to-be-notorious Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. The basement was the gathering place for their youth group, the Navigators Club, and its walls still bear dusty hand-painted murals of the Holy Land, complete with a once-functioning wall-mounted fountain. It must have been a magical land for those little Navigators."

Fast fashion news: Star Tribune reports we won’t be receiving the Jimmy Choo for H&M line at any local locations, including the newly-opened Southdale location. But we're all jumping up and down in excitement for the coming Rodarte for Target line on December 20, and the just-announced Jean-Paul Gaultier for Target line on March 7, rumored to be inspired by Madonna. Also just-announced is Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's line for JC Penney called Olsenboye.

[A Fall 2009 look by Kate Spade]

Melly at the Galleria will be the only store in the state to carry Kate Spade's new clothing line. The locally-owned store has carried Kate Spade handbags in the past, and will home to the "very-Jackie O." collection of separates, coats and dresses.

METRO Magazine has the first look at local jewelry designer Stacey Johnson's new jewelry boutique.

Check out photographer Eliesa Johnson's blog for behind-the-scene photos from METRO's November fashion shoot. From the looks of it, it appears to very high-end and editorial for a local magazine. I can spot one of my fave models Kelly Streigel getting her hair and makeup done.

Walker After Hours parties are always on my social calendar, and the first since last April has been announced. It features music from hot up-and-comers Lookbook (recently written up in Pitchfork), Party People photo booth, free food and dranks from Wolfgang Puck, and fancy peeps.



[Solid Gold's "Bible Thumper" video, directed by John Carlucci, with additional visual effects from Suzanne Dyer]

Solid Gold is just getting back from CMJ this week, but not without first stopping by the MTV studios. They filmed for a segment there, and also have announced their self-made "Bible Thumper" video is going to be added to the MTV2 rotation.

LOCAL FASHION EVENT RECAPS

[Image by Ellen Dahl/The Minneapoline]

The Onion's AV Club has an interview with Bella Koshka on last weekend's Rock & Roll Circus. City Pages has a slideshow and Vita.mn has photos by Alex Uncapher, and The Minneapoline has shots from their photobooth up.

[Anthem Heart's Ken Hannigan helming the screen-printer]

Juleana Enright interviews Ken Hannigan of Anthem Heart on his Worn to be Wild studio series for l’étoile. City Pages has a slideshow of images from the party. (And I managed to snag my own custom-printed shirt featuring layered prints in multiple colors. Sweet!)

Check out this photo set from the MIA’s opening party/annual member party for “The Lourve and the Masterpiece” last Saturday. The wigs and makeup were by Suzy Martin of Denny Kemp Salon and Spa.

Ellen Dahl shot some stylish folks at BlackBlue’s grand opening for Vita.mn.

Check out this just-released video of SCENE-a-SOTA posted by Anthem Heart A/V:

Sceneasota Fashion Show '09 VIDEO from Anthem Heart A/V on Vimeo.

My Halloween shopping guide (via Vita.mn)

Check out my Halloween shopping guide in this week's print issue of Vita.mn:

What are you going as? Tips for selecting the right Halloween costume - and how/where to find it.

The first step in creating a great Halloween costume is deciding what you want to be. Here's our Top 10 list to help you get started:

1. Avoid sure-to-be popular costumes (i.e. dead celebs and vampires) -- unless you can provide an original spin on it.
2. If you do dress as a popular character, try zombifying it (i.e., Zombie Barbie & Ken).
3. Ladies, avoid any costume that is preceded by the term "sexy."
4. Never, ever buy a ready-made costume. They're cheap-looking, unoriginal and lazy.
5. If you have a lot of cash, get a local designer to make your costume.
6. Handy with a sewing machine? Make your own, or add extra details.
7. Team up with your cronies to come up with a group costume for maximum impact. The fact that you're Zack Morris from "Saved by the Bell" will be more obvious when you show up with Screech and Slater.
8. Props are key to a great costume, and give you an instant party trick.
9. If you have a strong enough concept, you can go the simple route with your costume. For example: a murdered health care bill.
10. If you're really clever and can get away with it, you could forgo the costume altogether. One of my friends last year dressed in her normal clothes, and when people asked what she was, she would look them up and down with a smirk and say, "a pervert."

Shopping guide
Whether you've already decided what you're going to be, or want to start shopping first and let inspiration hit you, now's the time to go shopping.

Costume warehouses

This is the way to go for the serious costume-wearer. Costume Rentals (855 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-375-8722), the co-opted warehouse for the Guthrie Theater and the Children's Theatre Company, offers more than 30,000 theatrical costumes for public rental. Twin Cities Magic and Costume (250 E. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-227-7888) is another go-to, with one of the nation's largest costume selections available for sale and rental.

Vintage

About this time of year, many local vintage shops tailor their selections to showcase potential Halloween gear. Blacklist Vintage (2 E. 27th St., Mpls., 612-872-8552) also confirms they are stocked up for Halloween, particularly if you're in need of a hat. Other vintage shops to try: Lula's Vintage Wear, B-Squad Vintage and Tatters.

Secondhand & thrift

If you're willing to do a little more digging to put your outfit together, try any number of the Twin Cities' secondhand and thrift stores. Resale shop Buffalo Exchange (2727 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-9115) promises to be stocked up with Halloween outfit ideas -- everything from '80s music icons to '70s disco stars, from country-western to hair metal. Then there's the always-popular Ragstock (323 14th Av. SE., Mpls., 612-623-9095; 2912 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-824-3112), which has uniforms and acid-wash galore. (Also try the locally owned version, Everyday People.) If nothing else, you can always try Goodwill, Salvation Army, Arc's Value Village, and Unique Thrift.

Local fashion + shopping for 10.22-10.28

Check out my style writing in this week's Vita.mn, particularly my interview with none other than Christian Siriano:

[Image provided by Mall of America]

Mall of America gets 'Fierce'
After winning the fourth season of "Project Runway" in 2008, 23-year-old fashion designer Christian Siriano has shown at New York Fashion Week four times, had his entire fall 2009 collection picked up by Saks Fifth Avenue and designed collections for Puma, Bluefly, Payless and even a beauty line for Victoria's Secret. Now, he's penned his own style guide, "Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self," which he promoted at the Mall of America last weekend. We sat down with the diminutive designer at the megamall.

Q: Is this your first time in Minneapolis?

A: Mm-hmm. We're staying at the W Hotel, and when we got in, it was literally a nightclub. I was like, I've never seen so many sequins. It was a weird Vegas moment. It was really crowded and everybody was wasted, and we're waiting to get into the elevator, and everyone's like "Wahhhhh, I love youuu!" And I'm like, where are we?

Q: So you have a new Payless line coming out.

A: Yes. Fall is in stores now, holiday launches next month, and they're really, really good. It's my favorite collection so far. The fall collection was my first collection, so it was very tame. This new collection is very edgy, it's very downtown, and I named all of the shoes after friends of mine. There's a cool, zippered pump, and it will be the best New Year's/holiday party shoe.

Q: And then you have your book, you have shoes, you have Victoria's Secret...

A: The whole world is mine! And clothes.

Q: You know Prince is from Minneapolis. What would you dress him in if you could?

A: Omigod. Well I think Prince has quite fabulous style. I think I'm feeling like a full gold sequin jumpsuit. Head-to-toe gold paillettes. That's what I'm feeling.

Q: What are you going to be for Halloween?

A: I can't tell! It's a surprise. I posted on Twitter that I was going to be a Disney movie character. It's very iconic.

Check out the full text to the interview exclusively at Vita.mn online.

[Emily Bryngelson in her Tender Cuts line]

Tender Cuts at Cliché
A fashion education is never complete without a stint working in retail. That's the lesson that up-and-coming designer Emily Bryngelson must have learned, having worked at local boutique Cliché since May. It turns out that while the shopgirl and sometime model has been studying apparel design at the University of Minnesota, she's also been crafting her debut line, Tender Cuts. The retro-tinged collection quietly hit the store last week, and not only is it on-trend and well constructed, but it offers enough unique touches to make Bryngelson one to watch.

[Luehmann image courtesy Lucky Magazine]

Luehmann at June
The Twin Cities lost a unique gem when Laurie Luehmann closed her creepy/charming shop, Luehmann, this year. The antiquarian shop, perhaps best described as "Ralph Lauren meets Charles Darwin," gained national exposure after a write-up in Lucky magazine for its blend of taxidermied critters, gold-dipped animal skulls and other historical oddities. For one night only, Luehmann returns with its bevy of treasures for a trunk show at resale boutique June. (6-9 p.m. Thu. 3406 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. 612-354-3970.)

[Tweed ride inspiration via Marie Claire Magazine]

Mill City Tweed Ride
Throw on your most dapper elbow-patch jacket, newsboy cap and knickers -- the first Mill City Tweed Ride is on. A tweed ride is a new, retro-inspired form of critical-mass bike ride in which riders are expected to dress in traditional British cycling attire, namely tweeds. Riders will gather in the 8-acre Gold Medal Park along the Mississippi and bike past such landmarks as Mill City Museum and Grain Belt Brew House. If your woolens aren't enough to keep you warm, pack a flask. (5:30-7:30 p.m. Fri., free. Gold Medal Park, 2nd St. & 11th Av. S., Mpls.)

Check out more local fashion & shopping events for this week via a Vita.mn online exclusive:

[A Fall 2009 look from H&M]

THURSDAY: H&M grand opening at Southdale
It's hard to believe we've only had Swedish cheap-chic retailer H&M in our state since 2005. Now, we're welcoming our third H&M location, this time at Southdale. It's doubtful as many people will wait in line as they did when the Mall of America store opened, many should still line up for the free giveaways and special offers they're promising the first 100 shoppers, particularly a gift card with a random value of $10-100. (Noon-1 p.m. 1835 Southdale Center, Edina.)

THURSDAYS: "Project Runway" screening at Hell's Kitchen
L'etoile's weekly viewing party for "Project Runway" & "Models of the Runway" kicks off at 8 p.m. with fashion trivia. The eatery is owned by the stepfather of Runway alumnus Katherine Gerdes (who doubles as the restaurant's baker), and current contestant Christopher Straub is known to stop by. (Trivia 8-9 p.m. Screening 9-10:30 p.m. Thursdays. Hell's Kitchen, 80 S. 9th St., Mpls., 612-332-4700.)

[A painting by Ryn Gibson]

FRIDAY: Ryn Gibson artist open house at Cliché
Check out the colorful, abstract art of Ryn Gibson during the first artist open house to happen at Cliché in quite some time. The young student's Elizabeth Peyton-esque paintings of swooning girls are a chic complement to Cliché's racks of wearable dresses and separates. Even if you don't care about the art, all clothing and accessories are 25 percent off during the reception, and there's always plenty of wine and scrumptious snacks to go around. Mark your calendars: there's also word the boutique is hosting a local designer sample sale on November 8. (7-9 p.m. 2403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-870-0420.)

[The original "Minneapolis" t-shirt design by Anthem Heart]

SATURDAY: Worn to be Wild: Anthem Heart Studio Series
How many chances to you have to get your own custom-printed t-shirt by one of the hottest t-shirt screen-printers in town? With their new monthly studio series, now you have one chance every month. For the second in the series, Anthem Heart is releasing a brand new version of their hugely popular "Minneapolis" shirt (which shows a Miami Vice-esque view of the Minneapolis skyline). You can pick your own ink colors and shirt style for only $10, or $5 if you bring your own shirt. And it wouldn’t be an Anthem Heart studio event without cheap drinks (PBR & Red Bull are sponsors), DJs (Book B, Gigamesh, Real Talk Radio, The Nightstalker, and Deus Ex Machina) and live visuals (Time Squid). Last month's party was one of the craziest-fun Mpls has seen in quite a while. (10 p.m.-4 a.m. Free. 1224 Quincy St. NE., 2nd floor, Mpls.)

[A vintage playsuit from last summer's Midwest Vintage Show]

FRIDAY-SATURDAY: Midwest Vintage Clothing, Jewelry and Textile Show at State Fairgrounds
The biggest flea market trade show in the Midwest makes its triannual round to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with its collection of over a century of one-of-a-kind wearables and collectibles. Friday's event kicks off with a fashion parade, a cash bar, prizes and contests, with demos all day Saturday and concessions all weekend. Serious shoppers will come in for early shopping at 3 p.m. on Friday if they're willing fork up $30. (5-10 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. $5-7. Fine Arts Building, 1755 Dan Patch Av., St. Paul, 612-208-1085. www.catspajamasproductions.net) (Check out my recap of the last Midwest Vintage Show at the651.com)

[Clothing from the Lake sisters' collection]

FRIDAY-SUNDAY: Spinario Design & Lake sisters warehouse sale
We're lucky Spinario Design calls the Twin Cities home. It means the occasional warehouse sale with bargain-basement prices on the modern furniture and home décor line. That means tables, furniture, lamps, cabinets, and more. If that wasn't enough, they joined forces with chic collections Stephanie and Susan Lake, who will be selling more than ten racks of vintage (1960s coats and hats), designer (Dolce + Gabbana) and contemporary (DKNY) clothing from their personal collections. (11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Noon-5 p.m. Sun. Free. 13777 Grove Dr. N., Maple Grove. View the facebook invite for more images.)


SUNDAY: Elite & Vision Model Casting at Vision Studios
Model agent Micki Schneider of Elite Model Management in NYC is in town for a joint model casting with Vision Management Group of Minneapolis. Schneider has worked with the ikes of Coco Rocha, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Veronica Webb, and clients ranging from Vogue and Elle to Neiman's and Saks. They'll be scouting for new models and talent, if you're interested. (1-4 p.m. 25 N. 4th St., Suite 501, Mpls. View the facebook invite for more info.)

CLICK HERE for more local fashion and shopping news at Vita.mn online.

Check out what's happening in St. Paul in the newly-launched the651.com. My first post highlights the In the651: Style & Nightlife for 10.22-10.28:

[Eisley plays Station 4 on Thursday]