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.

Local fashion roundup for 2.8.10-2.14.10

Every week, I gather all the best in local fashion links, fashion show photos and reviews, and social media updates from local fashion makers - so you don't have to.

• Here's our Valentine's Guide to Getting Lucky over at l'etoile.
  
• Visit my sales and shopping guide at l'etoile and my St. Paul sales and shopping guide over at the651.com for more Valentine's events.
  
• Check out Kara Nesvig's Last minute Valentine's Day Beauty Guide for the Ladies for The Minnesota Daily.
• Vita.mn's Alexis McKinnis also has a nifty little guide via her personal blog Girl Friday.

[Faatemah Ampey on episode 2 of Shear Genius; Image courtesy Bravo]

• Faatemah Ampey, contestant on Shear Genius, has just survived the second episode of the third season (she ended up safe in the middle of the pack). Check out her blog on the episode here. Faatemah is interviewed about her hair for Modern Salon Magazine. Check out another new interview with Faatemah over at the Scissor Sharpening blog.
• In other local reality TV news, local model Raina Hein was announced this week as contestant in America's Next Top Model, Cycle 14. It will premiere March 10 on CW. [LOL-OMG!, Le Petit, Vita.mn]
• Local model Will Defiel is interviewed about balancing schoolwork with modeling in Vita.mn's @work
  feature.

[Monique Darton; courtesy Lifetime]

• Local model Monique Darton looking gorgeous in a design by Jay Nicolas Sario on this week's episode of Project Runway. She (and Jay) were deemed safe by the judges.
  

[Mike Elmquist for DKNY]

• Local Vision model Mike Elmquist photographed in DKNY for its Fall 2010 presentation during New York Fashion Week.
• Sara Glassman reports from the Project Runway season 7 finale runway show at New York Fashion Week for Star Tribune.
  

[Carrier Pigeon jewelry]

• Local jewelry line Carrier Pigeon has jewelry in a New York boutique called Old Hollywood.
• Local jewelry designer Robyne Robinson gets her first UK press in glossy Side View Magazine.
• Vita.mn's 2010 Hotness winners have been announced. Finalists included local graphic designer Chris Larson (art director for Voltage, MNfashion and l'etoile magazine) and occassional l'etoile model Trenton Raygor.
• I just received an invite to a private showing of Calpurnia Peach's Spring 2010 collection on February 21. Can't wait to see what these talented girls are cooking up! Look for a review in l'etoile magazine in coming weeks.
• Local fashionistas tweet about Alexander McQueen's death. [LOL-OMG!]
  

In review
Reviews, photos and video of the (In)Sight U of M Senior Fashion Show and more:

[A look from (In)Sight by Mae Rodgers; Image by Stacy Schwartz]

• View photo galleries of (In)Sight by Stacy Schwartz, Amy Gee, and Nick Patton.
• Check out (In)Sight reviews by Lauren Gantner for l'etoile magazine, METRO Magazine, Carl Atiya Swanson of Cake In 15, and my review for Vita.mn.
• The U of M website has a video of the entire show here.
• City Pages has a slideshow of images from Thursday's Funk 'N Fashion Show at Lost and Found Vintage.
• Images from Curster's Dollmighty Fashion Show by Stephanie Colgan are up at SooVAC's facebook page.
  

Social media uploads and updates

• Christopher Straub reports via facebook that's he's "bumming around NYC with Jay." They both attended Friday morning's Project Runway season 7 finale runway show.

[A new JoyNoelle headpiece uploaded this week via facebook]

• Fashion designer Joy Teiken gears up for her (invitation-only) "Evening of Couture" show at the Goldstein on February 25.
• Local fashion writer Sara Glassman reports that Glamorama 2010 is a go and Nordstrom is planning a major fashion show in June locally. [via @PopFizzDaily]
  

• Local hairstylist Faatemah Ampey (current contestant on Shear Genius) meets the inimitable Tabatha Coffey of Bravo's Salon Takeover.

• Former Minneapolitan identical twin designers Coco and Breezy walk the space for their debut New York Fashion Week show. [via Facebook]

Stuff I wrote: 2.11.10-2.17.10

This week in Vita.mn, I offer up both ideas for Valentine's flavored events and a mini gift guide.

My busy Valentine: A guide to events (via Vita.mn)
A guide to fun V-Day events - for couples and singles.
By Jahna Peloquin

For lovers
These couple-friendly events this weekend should bring out the romance in you.

[From "The Lourve and the Masterpiece" at MIA]

I [Heart] Art
Minneapolis Institute of Arts' Louvre-inspired "In Pursuit of a Masterpiece" makes for a perfect special event for artsy lovers. Watch Korean dance performances, learn about the art of monotype printing with William Blake's "Nebuchadnezzar," try your hand at refiguring Jasper Johns' "Figure 2" with charcoal, pencil and chalk, and make your own art-inspired Valentine. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free. 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. 612-870-3131.)

Valentine's Day Iron Pour
Here's an unusual idea: Franconia Sculpture Park hosts a hot metal iron pour with a romantic angle. (It's "hot," get it?) Bundle up with your sweetie and brave the cold to witness 10 nationally recognized metal sculptors cast their work in iron. We suggest bringing a thermos of cocoa -- or a flask of whiskey. (Noon-5 p.m. Sun., free. Franconia Sculpture Park.)


'Paper Hearts'
The closing reception for Rogue Buddha's love-themed art show "Till Death Do Us Part" doubles as a Valentine's Day party. The party is sort of like a live version of Missed Connections: Guests are encouraged to write cute messages on hearts made out of construction paper, and they'll be posted on the wall for all to see. With treats from Cake Eater Bakery, free drinks and love songs spun all night by Matt Perkins of Minnesota Public Radio. (7 p.m. Sun. Rogue Buddha Gallery.)

More options
* "Moonshine Love: Valentine's Day Edition." Valentine's-themed specialty cocktails and drink specials. (5-11 p.m. Sun. Free. Prohibition Lounge, W Hotel.)
* Minnesota Zoo Love Tour: Offering a glimpse into the mating rituals of animals followed by dinner in Discovery Bay. (5:45-10 p.m. Sun. $175 per couple. Minnesota Zoo.)

Singled out
Don't have a date for Valentine's? You just might meet someone special at these singles-friendly parties.

Punk Rock Dating Game
If your style is more "Punk Rock Love" than "Endless Love," Bedlam's Punk Rock Dating Game is the place to be. Anti-authoritarian bachelors and bachelorettes will be up for grabs, as will be live accordion music, beer, a photo booth and safe-sex supplies. E-mail punkrockdatinggame@yahoo.com to sign up. After the game show, stick around for sets by Zombie Season and Sleeping in the Aviary. Need not be a punk to apply. (7-10 p.m. Fri. $5-$15 donation. Bedlam Theatre.)

St. Valentine's Funk 'N Fashion Show
Eat Street businesses eschew romance in favor of funk for a night of fashion, food and music. A fashion show from vintage shops the Lost and Found and B-Squad kicks off the night. DJ Rambo Salinas provides the funk soundtrack. Then head over to A25 at Azia for an after-party. (Fashion show 7 p.m. Thu. After-party 10 p.m. Thu. Free. The Lost and Found, 2524 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. 612-886-1397.)

Sweet Hearts Staraoke Night
Arzu and crew host a special Saturday-night version of their popular karaoke night on the intimidating Triple Rock stage. Known for its comprehensive song library, Staraoke is sweetening the deal with cupcakes and other treats from Cake Eater Bakery. We're thinking power ballads and duets should be a theme. (10 p.m. Sat. $5. 21-plus. Triple Rock Social Club.)

More options
* Valentine's: An MPLS.TV Premiere: Live music by Gospel Gossip and Elite Gymnastics; DJs Bach and Real Talk Radio; and a premiere screening of the new "MPLS.TV" episode. (8-11 p.m. Fri. $5. All ages. Suburban World Theatre.)
* Our Hearts Are Gold: A Valentine's Event: Music from electro indie-rockers Aaron & The Sea; DJs It's a Celebration, I Am the Break He Is the Beat and Plot Twist; and a dance performance by Dance Nineten. (9 p.m. Fri. Free. 1419, 1419 Washington Av. S., Mpls.)

[Dresses from last week's Heart of Fashion show at MOA]

Fashion: Go Live - Go Red (via Vita.mn)
In the first of its Go Live event series, happenin' St. Paul salon and gallery FiveTwoSix extends its usual art-meets-fashion-meets-music equation to also include charity. In nods to Valentine's Day and American Heart Month, the subject matter of the juried art show centers around matters of the heart, both romantic and anatomical. Also on display will be the winning designs from last weekend's Heart of Fashion show at the Mall of America, featuring red dresses by students from collegiate apparel design programs. The night's rounded out by live hair and makeup styling by FiveTwoSix stylists, hors d'oeuvres from Cheeky Monkey and CRAVE, wine from Solo Vino, and DJ Mike Swoop. Featured art will be for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the American Heart Association. -Jahna Peloquin

[A "Bohemian Scenes" look by Blasphemina's Closet; Image by Drayke Larson]

(Behind the) Bohemian Scenes (via Vita.mn)
Ever wished you were alive to experience 19th-century bohemian Paris? Want to live the life of "Moulin Rouge" for a day? You'll have your wish with this event based on classic Italian opera "La Bohème." The evening includes 19th-century-inspired art from Jamie Dean, Ryan Nygard and Bethan Heemeyer; gypsy jazz from the Parisota Hot Club; and a handful of opera-inspired fashions from Blasphemina's Closet (with neo-Victorian jewelry by Bionic Unicorn). Adding an extra dose of authenticity, the stars of the Minnesota Opera's current production of "La Bohème" will be on hand for a salon-inspired Q&A. Dress up as your inner dandy, bohemian, lothario and vixen, and don't forget your absinthe flask. -Jahna Peloquin

[Annie Enneking in "Hedda Gabler"; image by Eric Melzer]

'Hedda Gabler' at Southern Theater (via Vita.mn)
First published in 1890 by famed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, "Hedda Gabler" has long been a standard bearer of 19th-century realism. The title protagonist is often called "the female Hamlet," and the conflicted character has been alternately portrayed as sympathetic, heroic and villainous. In this new interpretation by promising local director Genevieve Bennett, the dynamic Gabler reportedly traverses from darkly funny, to ruthlessly ambitious, to charismatic in the space of five minutes. Local favorite Annie Enneking, regularly lauded for her gritty performances, plays the lead. An opening night reception is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Red Stag Supperclub. -Jahna Peloquin

Valentine's mini gift guide (via Vita.mn)
Jewelry and other stylish accessories are a sure way to a girl's heart, especially when you shop locally.
By Jahna Peloquin


Karin Jacobson's felt heart jewelry
The local designer has launched a new mini-collection in honor of Valentine's Day. The limited-edition heart-shaped collection is made of laser-cut pink and red wool felt, making them cute and affordable. The earrings ($14 to $16) and cuff bracelets ($22) are available at www.superkarin.com.


Alexander McQueen's Lips scarf
Nothing says "I love you" like a piece by your sweetie's favorite designer. But since you probably can't afford couture, the next best thing is the all-new "Lips" scarf. The silk scarf offers a fun pop-art print to add a French twist to her wardrobe. ($315 at OPM, 3700 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-567-7399.)

[Wool coil bracelet by silvercocoon]

Walker Gift Shop
The Walker Gift Shop is always a hit when it comes to jewelry shopping for the design-conscious. Local line silvercocoon is offering a selection of its architecturally inspired, Valentine-ready red and white plastic jewelry. Through Sunday, shoppers receive free gift packaging for in-store jewelry purchases, and members save 10 percent.

Click here for more Valentine's shopping events at Vita.mn.