Local fashion + shopping for 11.25.09-12.2.09

Check out my Black Friday shopping guide in this week's l'étoile, It's going to be a Black, Black Friday:

Here at l'étoile, we wholeheartedly believe in penny-pinching. But what we're not a fan of? Getting up at the crack of 4 a.m. to wait in a line in the cold the day after gorging ourselves on turkey and libations. So we're here to encourage you to avoid the mall (and the stampedes) and instead, shop local this Black Friday.

[Blacklist Vintage. Image by Kate Iverson/Digital Crush]

One of our fave vintage stores, Blacklist Vintage, is hosting the appropriately-named
Blacklist Friday event. They're taking 10 percent off storewide, and offering gift wrapping on jewelry and small items with 1960s paper. (Noon-7 p.m. 2 E. 27th St., Mpls. i612-872-8552.)

Another vintage shop we frequent, Tatters, is taking 25 percent off everything in the store - hats, winterwear, vintage dresses and suits, leather jackets, and more. (2829 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. 612-823-5285.)

[A fall 2009 look by Alice + Olivia at Bumbershute]

High-end boutique 50th & France boutique Bumbershute is taking 20 percent off everything, including Opening Ceremony, D&G, and Alice + Olivia. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 5014 France Ave. S., Edina. 952-475-2684.)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

[Lingerie from Flirt]

We can't forget about St. Paul during the Black Friday madness. Here's what's going down on Friday, via the651.com:

Get a free b.tempt’d thong with any purchase at lingerie boutique Flirt, and receive a coupon for a free cupcake at the nearby Sweets Bakeshop. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. 177 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-698-3692.)

BlackBlue, our fave new local boutique - and probably the hippest men’s boutique in the Twin Cities - is taking 10 percent off everything in store. Check out new arrivals from Hyden Yoo, Fred Perry and more. (Noon-9 p.m. 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. http://www.blkblu.com/)

All regular priced clothing and shoes at trendy Grand Avenue shop Picky Girl will be 50 percent off. Discounts will continue through the weekend. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Sun. 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107.)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

[Lunalux stationery]

Holiday shopping via Vita.mn:

Get carded
During Lunalux's monthly Stationery Saturday, take in demonstrations and browse the shop's wide selection of greeting cards, holiday cards and gifts. For $29, they'll make you personalized, hand-letter-pressed stationery. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 1618 Harmon Place, Mpls. 612-373-0526.)

Lush turns one
Lush, the all-organic beauty product shop at the Mall of America, is one year old. To celebrate, it's hosting a MASKuerade birthday party with hors d'oeuvres from Crave, sparkling cider, a DJ and Lush trivia for prizes. Get there early -- the first 50 people receive goodie bags. (1-6 p.m. Sat. 952-854-9672.)

A gift bash
This month's fashion, art and music party at St. Paul salon spa and gallery FiveTwoSix offers the usual entertainment and art with some extra holiday treats. Stock up on locally produced gifts, including original art, sculpture, glass, photography and handmade candles, and enjoy a jewelry trunk show. While you're there, get a free hair touchup or facial acupressure, register for prizes, qualify for gifts-with-purchase and enjoy complimentary refreshments. (5-8 p.m. Wed. Free. 526 Selby Av., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

[Calpurnia Peach monogram screen-printed tights/Image courtesy Vita.mn]

Here’s my contribution to Vita.mn’s Holiday Gift Guide:
Calpurnia Peach monogram screen-printed tights
I've been a fan of local fashion duo Calpurnia Peach's original screen-prints since they first debuted them at Voltage 2008. So when I heard they were doing custom screen-printing on tights at a recent event, I knew I had to have a pair bearing my own initials. You can order your own pair with the color and initials of your choice. --Jahna Peloquin, Vita.mn contributor
$18 • etsy.com/shop/CalpurniaPeach

[Map necklace by Lefthand Originals at I Like You]

More local fashion and shopping events this weekend:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28: I Like You Trunk Show
The part we like best about gift and accessory shop I Like You? Everything is locally made. The supercute boutique is hosting a trunk show featuring six of its artists and designers. Jewelry by Falling Forward and Lefthand Originals, organic body products by Saint Paul Soaps, crocheted accessories by Mes Tous Petits, repurposed accessories by Spilled Milk Factory, and monster plush toys by Duckie Uglings should make for charming stocking stuffers. (2-6 p.m. 501 1st Av. NE., Mpls. 612-208-0249.)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28: Holiday Art Show at Shiny Robot Studio
Home to such prolific artists as Josh Alspach, Terrence Payne, Tara Costello, Josie Lewis, Nick Harper, and many others, Shiny Robot Studio will be offering a slew of fine art and handmade crafts from its artists for one day only. (Noon-7pm. 501 1st Ave. NE., 2nd floor, Mpls.)


NEXT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2: Home for the Holidays at FiveTwoSix
The holiday edition of St. Paul salon spa and gallery FiveTwoSix's monthly fashion, art and music soiree offers the usual entertainment and art, as well as tons of great gift ideas. For sale will be original art, sculpture, glass, photography, handmade candles, and a jewelry trunk show by local designers. You can also get your 'do done or a facial acupressure for free, register for prizes, and enjoy gifts-with-purchase opportunities and refreshments. (5-8 p.m. 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOLIDAY SHOPPING via my létoile Gift Guide.

Local fashion + shopping for 11.12-11.18

This week there’s so much happening I am simply scrambling to cover it all!

Check out my Vita.mn content below:

[Image by Stephen Stephens for MNfashion boutique, Styling by Miyagi Salon. Flower Clip by Ruby3, capelet by Attagirl by Kedrin]

Fashion: Holiday shopping events

The MNfashion Holiday Boutique opens for its second year at Gaviidae Common with all-local designers, including Calpurnia Peach, Ruby3, FOAT Design and George Moskal. (Opening reception 4-7 p.m. Thu. 555 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.)

Another pop-up boutique, The Guild, also hosts an opening. More than a dozen local designers, collectors, stylists and retailers have teamed up for this upscale boutique. Items range from Laurie Luehmann's taxidermy chic to Organic Divas skin care to June's designer resale. (5-8 p.m. Thu. 4414 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park.)

For the annual Local-to-Global Jewelry Artist Mart at the Walker Shop, jewelry designers will fly in from Brooklyn, San Francisco and Chicago for a meet-and-greet. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-375-7633.)

Robyne Robinson hosts two events for her ROX jewelry line. She'll show her most elaborate designs alongside artist Patty Paulus at a monthlong show at Frank Stone Gallery. (Opening reception 5-9 p.m. Fri. Through Nov. 29. 1224 NE. 2nd St., Mpls. 612-617-9965.)

[Christopher Straub / Image courtesy Lifetime]

Crawl: Straub leaves "Runway"
Hopes that a Minnesotan would win the current season of "Project Runway" were crushed when Christopher Straub was eliminated in the final challenge last week. After former Minneapolitan Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman got the boot in week six, Straub became the one to root for. The designer, who has been a fixture at the weekly viewing parties at Hell's Kitchen, was in New York doing press last week; he watched Thursday's episode with fellow contestant Carol Hannah Whitfield and a couple of friends in a hotel. "I would have rather been in Minneapolis, but this was a great substitute," Straub said over the phone on Friday. "The thing I was really happy with was the editing. They really treated me with a lot of respect last night," he added. "People had been calling me delusional. What's nice is in this episode, there was me saying I was very aware of being the kooky designer in the show." Straub clearly has more to come. His accessories line has been well-received (Rachael Ray even bought a piece) and the designer plans to launch an accessories line with "a major retailer" yet to be announced. He will also appear at JB Hudson Jewelers on Thursday with his collection of handbags, wallets and accessories (5-9 p.m. Thu. 901 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.)

[A Polaroid print by Nadine Gross]

Friday: "Polaroid Prints" at BlackBlue
Although Nadine Gross has been shooting exclusively on Polaroid 600 film since 2001, her work has yet to see the light of day. The 500-plus photos in Gross' collection play on color, pattern and texture, more akin to minimalist abstract art than one would expect from such a populist form of photography. "It's old-school technology, but nothing compares to the beauty and surprise of the image that instant film creates," she says. The show will be the first art opening at the new St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Bonus: Get 10% off any clothing item at BlackBlue during the reception.

Friday-Sunday: NEMAA Fall Fine Arts Show at Grainbelt Bottling House
This group show showcases the best art in northeast Minneapolis. Painting, photography, mixed media and sculpture from 150 artists were selected by a jury of curators from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Soap Factory and Fox Tax. We recommend hitting up the opening reception Friday for the chance to vote on the People's Choice award and nosh on snacks from the Red Stag Supperclub, along with open studios and opportunities to meet the artists.

Check out my l’étoile shopping guide HERE. Here are some highlights:

Luehmann animal skulls]

Thursday: The Guild Grand Opening
This new holiday shop on Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park is now open, and features an eclectic mix of merchandise from local retailers, stylists, and companies. Snag designer resale from June, cosmetics and skincare from Organic Divas, fossils and animal skull finds from Laurie Luehmann, treasures from stylist Gwen Leeds, and Pam Mondale's jewelry and accessories. (Grand opening 5-8 p.m. 4414 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park.)

[ROX jewelry]

Friday: ROX Opening Reception at Frank Stone Gallery
L'étoile fave Robyne Robinson hosts two events for her jewelry line, ROX, this weekend. Most exciting, the designer and noted arts collector will be showing her most elaborate designs alongside artist Patty Paulus at a month-long show at Northeast’s Frank Stone Gallery. (Opening reception 5-9 p.m. Fri. Ongoing through Nov. 29. 1224 2nd St. NE., Mpls. 612-617-9965.) On Saturday, head to Spalon Montage to get a glimpse of the designs she created for "Project Runway" designer Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's Fashion Week show this past fall. (Noon-5 p.m. Sat. 3909 W. 49th St., Edina.)

[New jewelry by Silver Cocoon]

Saturday: Local-to-Global Jewelry Artist Mart at Walker Gift Shop
Meet the designers behind the baubles at the annual Local-to-Global Jewelry Artist Mart event at Walker Gift Shop. Jewelry designers will be flying in from Brooklyn, San Francisco, and Chicago for the meet-and-greet, joining local designers Tia Keobounpheng of Silver Cocoon and Devon Driscoll and Ann Lambrecht. Local chocolatier J. T. McElrath will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. offering samples of his delish delectables. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1750 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-375-7633.)

Saturday: Presence of the Holidays at Suburban World Theatre
This handmade gift mart curated by artist Karla Haugen features work by 35 artists and artisans, including artwork, jewelry, fashion, food, beauty and home and holiday décor. Livening up the atmosphere will be live entertainment, food and drink, and a silent auction to benefit the theater. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3022 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. 612-743-6417.)

[Slug and Murs of FELT]

Tuesday: FELT Holiday Meet-and-greet at Fifth Element
Get your holiday greeting card photo taken with local hip hop superstars Slug, Murs and Aesop Rock in celebration of the release of their new collaborative recording, FELT 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez. While you’re there, drop off a toy for the Toys for Tots holiday toy drive and enter-to-win for prizes. They also promise “surprises,” and we’re crossing our fingers for a surprise performance from the trio. (6-9 p.m. 2411 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-377-0044.)

Tuesday: Hygge & West sale at Urban Bean
Locally-owned gift company Hygge & West hosts their annual holiday event featuring their knits, tees, plates, candles, jewelry, and stationery, as well as ceramics from Too Beautiful For You. Take in deals of at least 50 percent off while sipping bubbly and snacking on apps at one of our fave coffeehouses. (6:30-9:30 p.m. 3255 Bryant Av. S., Mpls.)

Also check out my St. Paul blog over at the651.com. Here’s some highlights:

Thursday-Saturday: W7 Collective presents "An Uncommon Market"
www.thew7collective.com This new store, open the second weekend of each month, gives you a couple of shopping opportunities before the holidays. Shop for handmade soaps, screen-printed apparel by newly-launched Rapport Apparel, clutches by A03, and jewelry by Silver Cocoon while nibbling cupcakes, sipping drinks, and taking in live music. Also open December 10-11. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. The Pilney Building, 1032 W. 7th St., St. Paul.)

Non-holiday-related fashion and shopping events this weekend:

Thursday: Malaysian-born, New York-based fashion designer Yeohlee Teng, whose sculptural, conceptual work is part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, will be at the Weisman Art Museum for a runway show of her Spring 2010 line, accompanied by a luncheon and trunk show. (Noon. Thu. $75. 333 E. River Pkwy., Mpls. 612-625-9494.)

Saturday: Children of the Revolution at Suburban World Theatre
Inspired by Bohemian Parisian artists of the late 19th century, this fashion show and masquerade party also serves as the Libertine Asylum’s biggest show of the season. The neo-Victorian collective of fashion designers (composed of Apatico, Scoundrelle's Keep, Blasphemina's Closet, KMKostumes and Megan Maude) are some of the most technically skilled designers in town, creating intricate, ornate looks inspired by the Industrial era. The night also includes live music from Sawbones, burlesque and belly dancing, and fellow revelers dressed to the heights of 19th century Parisian chic. From the sounds of it, this is the closest you’re going to get to a real-life Moulin Rouge. (7:30 p.m. $15–75. 3022 Hennepin Av., Mpls. 55408. 952-270-6700.)

Friday: Fashion Sabbath at Bedlam Theatre
This Friday the 13th-themed show features an appropriately-dark fashion show. Though info is sparse on the designers, there will be music from local dark-folk band Dark Dark Dark, which just returned from a name-making tour with WHY? Also on the lineup: Brute Heart and tête-à-tête. (10 p.m. $10. 18-plus. 1501 S 6th St., Mpls. 612-341-1038.)

Saturday: b. resale Sale
Burgeoning resale store b. resale doesn't yet have a stand-alone retail store, but they'll be selling their wares (gently used, hot designer fashions, mixed in with classic vintage and basic items) at this one-off sale. Over 500 pieces of resale clothing will be up for sale – including sneakers, t-shirts, dresses, jeans, handbags, hoodies. Muffins and mimosas will be served. (11 a.m.-2 p.m. 3504 17th Av. S., Mpls.)

Local fashion + shopping for 11.5-11.11

Check out this week's print and online edition HERE to find out about new shop Shoppe Local and Cliche's local designer sample sale, and HERE for Maiden Minnesota.

[Christopher Straub's "Petals" clutch]

Shoppe Local
There's a new way to shop local -- the aptly named Shoppe Local. Patina's little-sister store carries products from Minnesota-based companies, from the well established (Minnetonka Moccasins and Russell+Hazel) to independent designers (Amanda Christine, Rectangle Designs, Natalie Lucas Jewelry and Ferociter), as well as art from the 35W Bridge Poster Project and music by Solid Gold and Tapes N' Tapes. It's also the latest shop to carry the ultra-feminine handbag collection by "Project Runway" designer Christopher Straub. (813 W. 50th St., Mpls. 612-827-3071.)

[Fall 2009 looks by Amanda Christine]

Local designer sample sale at Cliché
Get your hands on fashions straight from the runway at Cliché's sample sale. The boutique's roster of local designers will bring in never-before-sold runway samples and mark down existing items. Cliché favorites kjurek couture, Amanda Christine, Arwyn Birch, Jenny Carle, Carmichael Claith and Kelson by Brianne Jones are among the designers. Cliché's local jewelry designers will also take temporary discounts on their items. (1-6 p.m. Sun. Cliché).

[A holiday look from Joynoëlle, via mspmag.com]

Maiden Minnesota
This third annual Lilith Fair of shopping parties gathers some of the best locally made clothing, jewelry, handbags and stationery -- with all of the vendors owned by women. More than 30 companies are participating, including Annie Fink Designs, Ann Lambrecht, Bébé Babble, Ciao Marco, Corset, Elin & Clara, Foat Design, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Jeanne Beatrice, Joynoëlle, Karin Jacobson Design, KH Jewelry Design, JW Hulme Co., Kokoon, LiveSavvy, Local Motion, Nelle Handbags, Oscar & Belle, Penny Larsen Jewelry, Post- and Urban Junket. Part of the ticket price benefits Free Arts Minnesota. (5-9 p.m. Thu. $20-$30.)

Here's all the news that didn't fit for 11.5-11.11:

[Image courtesy Drama]

THURSDAY

Take advantage of discounts, makeovers, and complimentary cocktails at GLAMOUR at Drama. A purchase of $50 or more will get you a mini-consultation with one of Jungle Red’s stylists (including brow consult, hair or makeup touch up), then get your photo take in the photo booth. Purchases over $100 receive 15 percent off. Local jewelry line m.bridget designs will also be hosting a trunk show during the event and offering 20 percent off. (7-9 p.m. 1203 Lagoon Av., Mpls. Click here for more info.)

See the latest fashions from Shorty's Loft and OPM and exclusive jewelry from Max's at the Pre-Holiday Party at The Shops at Excelsior & Grand. The Hair District and Supercuts will showcase the season’s hottest hairstyles for men and women, and RejoovMe will be offering free chair massages. (7-9 p.m. The Shops at Excelsior & Grand, 3820 Grand Way, St. Louis Park. Click here for more info.)

[Emily Johnson's "Minnesota" necklace]

FRIDAY-SUNDAY: The jewelry and accessories designers housed at the Northrup King Building are putting their stock up for sale during this weekend's ART ATTACK. In Studio 435, fine jewelry designers Emily Johnson, Britta Kauppila, Susan Frerichs, and Betty Jager will open up their studios for special orders and offer discounts on some items, as well as serving homemade treats and apple cider. Studio 288 will feature goods from handbag and belt designer Adrienne Grahn, who will have a new selection of her line for sale, and fine jewelry designer Karin Jacobson, as well as paper doll art by Paula Fynboh of Hungry Dog Designs. (5-10 p.m. Fri. Noon-8 p.m. Sat. Noon-5 p.m. Sun. Free. Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE., Mpls. www.northrupkingbuilding.com)

["One Yard Wonders"]

SATURDAY

Find out how to make something out of one yard of fabric at the One Yard Wonders event at Crafty Planet. The user-submitted guide was put together by local crafting queen Rebecca Yaker and the owners of Crafty Planet featuring 101 sewing designs - from clothes to laptop covers to kitchen accessories - able to be sewn with one yard of fabric or less. Sixteen contributors will be on hand to answer your sewing questions. (2-5 p.m. 2833 Johnson St. NE., Mpls.)

SATURDAY-SUNDAY: Get all your holiday entertaining tips and great gift ideas in one stop at The Affair, which joined forces with the Chocolate Extravaganza this year. Experts will offer tips on entertaining and local vendors will offer samples on treats, wine, cheese, and coffee. Secrets of the City will be on hand to offer up their own secrets as well as prizes. Saturday take in the VimLab & Ignite Models Lounge, featuring DJs Matt Esse, Sheik and others, plus an interactive photo booth and a fashion show with Ignite models donning fashions from local boutiques. (3 p.m. fashion show. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. $25-30.) On Sunday, Twin Cities Statement hosts The Style, a luncheon and fashion show with table setting viewing. (10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $65 including admission to the Affair. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls.)

[A look from Yeohlee Teng, courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC]

NEXT WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY: Famed fashion designer Yeohlee Teng, recepient of the 2004 Cooper Hewitt national Design Award for Fashion Design and renowned for dressing the "urband noman," is in town for a series of events hosted by JV & Company, Friends of the Goldstein, and Weisman Art Museum. Wednesday features a Cocktail Reception with Yeohlee at JV & Company where you can meet the designer and view the new Yeohlee Spring 2010 Collection. (5-7 p.m. Wed. $50. JV & Company, Gaviidae Common, 555 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. RSVP to 612-626-4747. Click here for more info) Thursday at the Weisman, the designer will also host a luncheon and fashion show presentation of the line. More on the Thursday event next week.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE at Vita.mn.

More shopping and fashion news via St. Paul blog the651.com:

[A look from Flirt / Image provided]

SATURDAY: Hunting Opener Party at Flirt
To celebrate the men being out of town for hunting opening, lingerie boutique Flirt is hosting a cheekily-named Hunting Opener Party. Indulge in champagne, cupcakes and 20 percent off one item, and sample products from Sunrider skin care and cosmetics. (3-7 p.m. 177 Snelling Av. N., St. Paul.)

[A Ben Sherman look from Details / Image provided by the store]

SATURDAY: Men's Fall Fashion Mingle
One of the very few all-men's boutiques in the Twin Cities, Details Style Lab hosts a Men's Fall Fashion Mingle. Male models will don the latest in fall and winter fashions, including looks from Ben Sherman, Skunk Funk, Cloth Logic, Bertigo, and the popular Bjorn Borg underwear line. (10-11:30 p.m. at Rumours & Innuendo, 213 4th St. E., St. Paul. 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. at Camp Bar, 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul.)

Click HERE for more happening this weekend in the651.

And as always, check out l'etoile's What's What for everything that's happening this weekend. Here's a sampling:


Weekend What's What 11/5-11/10:
THE PRE-HOLIDAY SPIRIT

As we delve into November, we bid adieu to any possibilities of running around sans jacket -- and we've come to terms with that (the first real snowfall, however, is another matter entirely). And what better to turn our focus to than the holidays? Thanksgiving is right around the corner, followed directly by the gifty season, and the Twin Cities artsy types seem to be easing us slowly but surely into the spirit of, um, buying their cool stuff. This weekend, hit up the Northrup King Building to peruse and purchase local art and related wares during Art Attack; check out The Affair at the Convention Center for festive tastings of chocolate, wine and the like; or stop into local boutiques such as Drama and Cliche to catch deals on fancy frocks for all the swanky parties that approach. And keep your eyes peeled on l'étoile early next week for our complete guide to holiday shopping events in the Twin Cities!

xo-l'étoile

CounterCouture preview

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride? That means you probably have tons of bridesmaid dresses gathering dust in the back of your closet that you'll never wear again. But Minneapolis-based eco-friendly clothing company Counter Couture was started to create a solution to that problem in a stylish way. It launches next week online at countercouturedesigns.com.

[A look by Je Ne Regrette Rien / Image by Werthless Photography]

Here's the concept: The company has gathered a collection of donated dresses, from which different independent designers select to work from. From there, they create a totally new yet eco-friendly look to be sold. (It's like the recent challenge on Project Runway in which designers had to create a new look for a divorcee out of their wedding dress.) I got the scoop from founder Angie Arner on the design process, where the line will be sold, and a preview of the designers involved so far.

Can you tell me about the design process?

The design process is simply this - I have a collection of donated dresses that the designer can pick from. I also have a scrap fabric "bank" (all from previous garments to keep in line with branding) that they have access to when forming the look for the dress. Designers have creative freedom in their execution as long as it fits with the CounterCouture brand image I've created. In other words, it has to be drastic enough of a transformation where it is unrecognizable as a bridesmaid dress. In the following weeks, the designer keeps me updated on how the dress is taking shape and I give my art direction input. Emphasis here is on collaboration in every phase. Once the design is complete to my standards (both visual and technical), I'll get it photographed and prepped for retail.

[A look by Je Ne Regrette Rien / Image by Werthless Photography]

Where will the line be sold?

So far, the MNfashion boutique is the only place they will be sold, only because I want to have more product before selling in multiple places. I plan to have some in local boutiques as well as on Etsy.com.

What are your future plans for CounterCouture?

In the short term, we're planning a few events to get the buzz going. By Spring MNfashion Week, I will have a full line to present at an event CounterCouture is hosting at the Harrington Mansion. For the long term, we are looking to grow our creative collective and product offerings, as well as explore licensing opportunities. I am quite excited about what this could potentially do for Minneapolis fashion and beyond.

[A look by Mitsurugi / Image by Werthless Photography]

What designers are involved so far?

As far as the designers, the red/black dress as well as the black/tan dress were designed by Kristy Janigo. She sells at Design Collective and her brand is Je Ne Regrette Rien. The other designer goes by Mitsurugi, she is an up and comer from Texas pursuing her masters degree in Apparel Design from the U this spring. I have full bios on the website which will be launching within two days.

[A look by Mitsurugi / Image by Werthless Photography]

Local fashion roundup for 11.1

Though I think many of this season's contestants have been super-talented (especially Ra'mon and Christopher, of course!), I can’t help but quote Austin Scarlett’s PR blog for Marie Claire on the episode, in which he laments, “To paraphrase Norma Desmond, in my day we didn’t need lines, we had talent then.” Oh, how I love Austin Scarlett!

[Christopher's Episode 1 winning design and his corresponding Episode 11 look / Images courtesy Lifetime]

I have to agree as well with Austin’s assessment of Christopher’s dress in Episode 11, in which designers had to create a dress based on one of their earlier winning designs. Though I think it was more interesting than other looks (Logan’s and Geordana’s were ugly and boring, respectively - far worse sins in my book), it was far too bottom-heavy and disjointed. I think if he would’ve found a way to blow up the bubble shape into a ridiculously over-the-top gown, a la Christian Siriano, he would’ve fared better (and I think this was his intention). And honestly, given a greater time allowance, I think Christopher could’ve pulled this off. But I think it would’ve been just fine if he would’ve forgone the bottom ruffle and kept the top half – it wouldn’t have mimicked the original design as much yet felt like part of the same collection.

Episode 11 multimedia links:
View the full episode HERE.
View Tim Gunn’s Workroom Critique of Christopher HERE.
View Christopher’s Video Blog for Episode 11 HERE.
Christopher talks more about his design at the Project Runway auction site for the dress HERE.
View Extended Judging for Christopher HERE.

Here's a new interview with Christopher Straub.

[Image of Christopher with his creation, courtesy The Rachael Ray Show]

Images are up from Christopher’s appearance on the Rachael Ray show last month, on which he won a challenge between Qristyl and Althea to make a look out of produce.

Le Petit roundup for last week:

[A look from Kevin Kramp, one of the designers announced for Voltage 2010 / Image provided by designer]

Did you hear? Last week, the local designer lineup for Voltage 2010 was announced. Check out my blog HERE for the scoop on the designers. With images!

Max Lohrbach recently illustrated a graphic novel-style series for Sandbox Theatre's upcoming production of .faust. View my blog HERE for all the images, or the Sandbox Theatre site for images with the full story.

I talk about what I wore for three different Halloween parties last weekend HERE.

Local designer Amanda Christine fills me in on what's new with her and her plans for Spring 2010. Click HERE for the blog.

Local fashion blogroll:

[Spring 2010 looks by Hazel Matthys by Scott Regan]

Check out this blog on Hazel Matthys' Spring 2010 collection with images.
Eden Prairie News also has an article on local designer Matthys. Check out l'etoile later this week for my review of her recent show.

More accolades for local street fashion blog The Minneapoline: National fashion blog TheFrisky.com recently posted, "Yes—gasp!—there are fashion-savvy girls roaming the streets outside of New York, Paris, London and Milan and The Minneapoline will make you a believer." Check out some shots in Vita.mn from the recent Rock & Roll Circus by Minneapoline shooter Ellen Dahl.

Fave local designer (and Voltage 2010 designer!) George Moskal updates us HERE and HERE on his progress on his Holiday 2009 collection, which will be available at the MNfashion holiday boutique come November 12.

Joynoelle’s bridal show in NYC was featured on the Perfect Bound blog.

Allison Kaplan of Pioneer Press goes shopping with NYC fashion designer Zang Toi, who was in town last week for a trunk show at STYLEDLIFE.

Check out this locally-based blog Things I Found at the Thrift Store for tips on thrifting from a dude's perspective.

Halloween '09 costume recap

Forgive me in advance for what will be a fairly self-indulgent post, but I thought some might be interested in seeing all the Halloween costumes I donned this past weekend - and their inspiration - as well as my picks for best costumes.

[Image by Denis Jeong Plaster / Citypages.com]

On Thursday for Ignite Models' "Costumes & Couture" event, I dressed as a German girl with two of my friends and local fashion designers Max Lohrbach and Ivan Idland, who were wearing vintage lederhosen. I threw my outfit together in 15 minutes, already having all the necessary Germanic-looking clothing, particularly a vintage wool skirt with red embroidery, my mom's dark green vintage vest, vintage oxford wedge shoes, and a headpiece by Max Lohrbach. The boys definitely had me beat with their costumes, though.

[Image by Rob Callahan]

On Friday, I dressed as a Richard Prince nurse for a house party. I was glad that a number of art geeks got what I was right away. Here's a reference point:

I dripped paint down a vintage nurse uniform and made the paper hat, and wore a black lace mask a la the Louis Vuitton collection a few years back inspired by the same paintings.

[Image by Christian Erickson via the Polaroid app for iPhone]

On Saturday for actual Halloween, I went as a Scary Doll, with my scary doll in tow. My hairstylist friend Charlie Brackney (Master Stylist and Educator at Juut) did my hair, I did my own makeup (using a liquid face mask underneath the makeup that gradually starting peeling off). My coat-dress is by Max Lohrbach, originally created for the "Charmed Life" event back in September.

[Image by Hilary Davis]

My inspiration was my actual scary doll, pictured above, which my mom gave for me for my birthday a few years ago. It since has been a recurring presence in photo shoots I've done and even the Eclecticoiffeur website. It probably dates back to the '20s and is probably the prettiest, scariest doll ever.

I found the above image from a fashion shoot online inspiring as well.

As for the most fashionable entries of the night, Emma Berg and Blacklist co-owners Vanessa Messersmith and Jennifer Sapiro took the cake.

[Image by Christian Erickson via he Polaroid app for iPhone]

Vanessa and Jennifer were perhaps the most glamorous of the evening. They went as a peacock and a lobster and both of their costumes were handmade.

[Image by Jake Rudh]

Hilary Davis (of Bella Koshka) was a perfect Betty Boop.

[Image by Hilary Davis]

And Danielle Morris was a spot-on David Bowie as the Goblin King from "Labyrinth," thanks to this perfect wig she found at Variety Beauty Supply and makeup by Molly Roark.

[Image by Hilary Davis]

Best of all was Emma's Victorian-queen-clown costume by Max Lohrbach. He also made the mask.