l'etoile's Guide to Sales & Shopping: January 31-February 6

This week in local shopping and style events, eyewear designers Coco & Breezy return to their hometown for an in-store appearance, the new "Diana" exhibition is unveiled at the Mall of America, Cliche hosts its annual "Avoid the Grey" fashion show, an Art Shanty fashion show, and Valentine's shopping events galore.

Photo: Cody Litdke

Saturday: "Avoid the Grey"
What: For more than seven years, beloved boutique Cliché has made their annual Avoid the Grey fashion show their signature event. But this year, they're ditching the runway for a less traditional showcase of their bevy of local talent. Inspired by the idea of voyeurism, local designers including Danielle Everine, Needle & Black, Amanda Christine, K.Jurek Couture, and Rachel Blomgren will each show one over-the-top look viewable through individual chambers. The multi-media event is rounded out by artwork by Bryant Locher, Caroline Debevec, Daniel Jaffe, Emilie Robinson and Isa Gagarin, a short film screening from Andrea Bursott, a cash bar, and tunes from DJs Ken Hannigan and DJ Cardigan (AKA Cliché co-owner Josh Sundberg). Tickets are $10 and available in advance at Cliché (2403 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis). (Photo: Cody Lidtke)

Visit letoilemagazine.com for details on that show and more.

Now online: l'etoile's Guide to Sales & Shopping

With the smattering of holiday shopping events popping up this weekend, one thing's clear - the holiday shopping season is upon us. Check out my weekly shopping guide for l'etoile magazine here.

Here's a couple to get you started:

Thursday: Shiny Objects Shopping Night at MIA
What: Treat yourself and get a jump on holiday gift giving with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts’ free holiday shopping event, “Shiny Objects.” Local designers Helen Wang Jewelry, Ruby3 accessories, Urban Junket handbags, Penny Larsen Jewelry and others will sell their wares, plus bites, gift drawings, and cocktails from a cash bar. Members receive a 10% discount. (Pictured: Ruby3. Photo: Stephanie Colgan)
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, November 10.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Avenue S, Minneapolis, 612-870-3000, www.artsmia.org






Thursday: Primp West End Grand Opening
What: It’s been less than a year since St. Paul cheap-chic boutique Primp opened its doors. This week’s, it’s already opening shop number two. They’re celebrating with a grand opening this Thursday evening with wine, treats and plenty of affordable fall trends.
When: 4-10 p.m. Thursday, November 10.
Where: Primp West End, 1628 West End Boulevard, St. Louis Park, 651-414-0091, www.primpyourself.com

Click here for more.

Now online: l'étoile's Guide to Sales & Shopping

l'étoile's weekly Shopping Guide, which I edit, is now online. Here's an excerpt:

Saturday: Give Us Wings Design Challenge
What: Local designers give back with a Project Runway-style twist: to design a garment with fabrics from Africa. The annual benefit for African nonprofit Give Us Wings also includes live art by John Olympio, emcee Faatemah Ampey (Shear Genius), African handmade jewelry and gifts for sale, live models, food and drink, and live and silent auctions featuring some of the fashions created for the challenge. The 11 participating designers include Emma Berg, Jenny Carle and Renate Adjei. Tickets are $35 with proceeds going toward Give Us Wings; RSVP at www.giveuswings.org. (Pictured: Emma Berg's 2010 Design Challenge look. Photo: Stephen Stephens/Digital Crush)
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, November 5.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon Spa Gallery, 526 Selby Avenue Saint Paul, 651-222-3839, www.giveuswings.org

For more local shopping events and retail news, head over to l'étoile's weekly Guide to Sales and Shopping.

Weekend local shopping guide

This week in local shopping, St. Paul store picky girl closes, Giambattistas Valli for Macy's launches, and Grethen House, Electric Fetus and Drama hold fall sales. Head over to l'etoile's weekly shopping guide for all the details. Here's a sampling:

Beginning Wednesday: Giambattista Valli for Impulse Only at Macy’s
What: Hot off collaborations with Matthew Williamson, Kinder Aggugini and most recently Karl Lagerfeld, Macy's launches what looks to be its more promising capsule collection thusfar - Italian fashion designer Giambattista Valli. His eye-popping, 35-piece collection will include frilly ruffles, colorblock dresses, delicate blouses and the very-on-trend animal prints all priced between $50 to $150. It's a far cry from his namesake offerings, which go for $1200 to $6000.
When: Beginning Wednesday, October 26 through
Where: Select Macy's stores nationwide include 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-375-2200, and www.macys.com

Weekend wrap-up: Local fashion links

• Knitwear designer Annie Larson (who just moved to NYC after starting her career in Minneapolis) was mentioned in a Forbes Magazine article about limited-edition e-commerce websites like Of a Kind, where she sells her knitwear. Her fall collection has also just become available on her ALL e-shop, including 12 new hat designs, a new selection of sweaters, and new basics in black and cream.

• Minnesota Monthly puts the spotlight on local line Hackwith Design House.

• Modern Salon Magazine recently selected local hairstylist Faatemah Ampey (who appeared as a contestant on Bravo reality show Shear Genius) as one of its "Women of Style" in its October 2011 issue, and profile her on her big break, her mentors, and her latest project.

• Mary O'Regan picks her favorite looks from Zara's Fall 2011 lookbook, noting that the collection is finally available to us Minnesotans now that the Spanish brand's e-store ships to the entire U.S.

• Allison Kaplan reports on local line Nelle Handbags' new showroom at L'atlier Bridal in downtown Minneapols for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.

• Eyewear designers Coco & Breezy get new spreads in XO Magazine, XEX Magazine and Fiasco Magazine.

• Beauty Bets editor Elizabeth Dehn writes about the new beauty swap trend, and how to put one together yourself, for Star Tribune.

• I preview a number of events for this weekend's issue of Vita.mn, including Walker's After Hours preview party (which encourages attendees to dress in their favorite PANTONE color) on Friday, the opening reception for "The Curative" at Burnet Art Gallery and A Holiday Bazaar fashion show and sale at Ritz Theater on Saturday, as well as the ongoing Haunted Theater at Loring Theater (which asks for guests to dress in their '60s best) and new men's store Askov Finalyson. Check out l'étoile's shopping blog, which I edit, for more locally-focused weekend shopping events, sales and news.

Weekend shopping: STYLEDLIFE 5 Year Anniversary, Stephanie Lake Trunk Show & more

l'étoile's weekly shopping guide is packed with tons of weekend shopping events and local retail news. Here's a sampling:

Thursday-Saturday: STYLEDLIFE 5 year anniversary
What: Twin Cities preeminent accessories haven STYLEDLIFE is celebrating five years of style with an anniversary weekend of events. New York-based fashion designer Zang Toi will be in store for the third straight year on Thursday and Friday, showcasing his A/W 2011 designer collection and meeting fans. The store will also be hosting the country’s first OrYANY handbag trunk show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with OrYANY Sales Director Michelle Flaherty on hand Friday and Saturday. All weekend, enjoy giveaways, style consultations, cocktails and sweets, and get you photo taken in a vintage photobooth. (Pictured: Zang Toi A/W 2011)
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Thursday-Saturday, October 20-22.
Where: STYLEDLIFE, 3410 Galleria, Edina, 952-928-8888, www.styledlife.com

Friday-Sunday: Stephanie Lake Design Trunk Show & Cedric's Furs Sample Sale
What: Local jewelry designer Stephanie Lake joins forces this weekend with a suitably luxe partner: Cedric's Luxe Collection furs. Snag some rare deals on thousands of Cedric's fine and faux furs at sample, closeout prices throughout the weekend, and on Friday only, peruse hundreds of Lake's jewelry designs made from decades of reclaimed vintage pieces. Select jewelry will be 50% off during the event only.

When: 3-8 p.m. Friday, October 21. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cedric's sale continues Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23
Where: The Westin Edina, 3201 Galleria, 952-567-5000, www.stephanielakedesign.com & www.cedricsluxe.com






Friday: Becca Cosmetics Launch at Roe Wolfe

What: Celebrate the official launch of Becca Cosmetics - and try out a new fall look - with the styling experts of new designer boutique Roe Wolfe. Reserve your spot with Becca Cosmetics' National Makeup Artist Jo Levy, get a hair consultation from Evolution Salon stylists, enjoy wine and food from The Wine Market and The Olive Grove, and take 20% off all apparel and accessories. Makeup appointments are $70, with the money including product and a gift bag.
When: 3-9 p.m. Friday, October 21.
Where: Roe Wolfe, 750 Main Street, Mendota Heights, 651-330-4434, www.roewolfe.com





Saturday: HandmadeMN Fall Market
What: The Minnesota chapter of Etsy sellers is hosting a market featuring everything and anything handmade. Find glossy acrylic jewelry from Jennifer Merchant, jewelry crafted from reclaimed vintage pieces by Lefthand Originals, richly-hued silk scarves by BaronessColor, knit fingerless gloves by Margaret Mousley, lavender-filled eye compresses from Dawn of ShantiDesigns, and much more from over 45 vendors. Bonus: two lucky visitors will take home gift baskets filled with $150 worth of handmade products donated by HandmadeMN members. Bonus #2: The first 25 visitors to the market will receive swag bags filled with even more handmade product. Get there early - shoppers tend to line up for the chance to take home a bag. (Pictured: Jennifer Merchant Design)
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, October 22.
Where: Balletine VFW, 2916 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis, etsymn.blogspot.com

Click HERE for more shopping events from l'étoile.

Now online: l'etoile's Guide to Sales & Shopping

When I'm not blogging for Le Petit and writing for Vita.mn, I'm also the fashion editor over at online magazine l'étoile. Our comprehensive shopping guide is updated weekly with limited-time discounts, deals and stylish events at the Twin Cities' hippest shopping destinations, is the go-to guide for any local fashionista.

FASHION EVENTS FOR WEEK OF AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 5:

Friday: Cliché's "Crosswalk"
What: Why did the model cross the road? To show of her latest fall look, of course! That's the idea behind Cliché's semi-annual fashion show "Crosswalk," where the runway is the streets of Uptown Minneapolis. This time around, fall lines by local designers Jenny Carle, Sarah M. Holm, and Rachel Blomgren will exit the store and take a stroll at the intersection of 24th Street and Lyndale Avenue. Don’t be fashionably late - the show starts promptly at 7:15 p.m. Stick around afterward for music from DJs Cardigan (AKA Cliché co-owner Josh Sundberg) and Ben Grimes and a 20 percent off storewide discount. -Jahna Peloquin (Photo: Cody Lidtke)
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.
Where: Cliché, 2303 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-870-0420, www.clichempls.com

Visit l'étoile for more of the latest shopping events, sales and news.

This week in local shopping guides

Some local shopping-related blogs of note:

I just did a new post on sales and shopping in St. Paul for the651. Check it out. An excerpt:

After two long years of vintage collecting, REfind Vintage is shutting down with a weekend long sale event on its restyled, repurposed vintage finds. Stop by Friday night for heart-shaped cookies, tarts, wine and other treats. (4–9 p.m. Friday, February 11 & 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, February 12. REfind Vintage, 1173 Burr St., St. Paul, 652-239-3852.) (Click here for more.)

While you're at it, check out the weekly local shopping guide I edit for l'etoile magazine.

Shopping & style in The651 relaunches

In addition to contributing to Vita.mn, l'etoile, LOL/OMG and this blog, I also have been doing a weekly shopping column for St. Paul blog the651.com (formerly St. Paul Staycation) for the past couple of years. After a January break, we're back. Check out my new post on Valentine's Day shopping:

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there are plenty of great gift ideas right here in the capital city.

Beginning this month, a new skirt by local designer Anne M. Cramer is hitting St. Paul shops Picky Girl and Allee Metro Chic. The structured cotton twill striped "Flynn Skirt" comes in a plethora of colors (moss, sunshine, cherry, nautical and ink) and retails for $160. (Picky Girl: 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107; Allee Metro Chic: 179 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-769-4534; annemcramer.com) While you're at Picky Girl, be sure to check out its fall sale, including 50 percent off hats, gloves and scarves, 40 percent off boots and denim, 25 percent off all accessories, and 10 percent off new arrivals.

Click HERE to read at the651, and HERE for the weekly shopping blog I edit for l'etoile magazine.