The651.com

This week in St. Paul shopping and style, check out a Nelle handbags trunk show, special offers at Picky Girl and FiveTwoSix Salon Spa Gallery, and new stores including Express Yourself resale and plus-size boutique Bombshell. Also head to sales at BlackBlue, A. Michele, Picky Girl, and Patina, and visit the Goldstein for their latest exhibition, “Flights of Fancy: A History of Feathers in Fashion.”

Beginning Thursday: Nelle Trunk Show
What: Laura Nelli’s line of confectionery clutches, Nelle, first hit the scene back in 2004, and it’s steadily gained a following locally ever since. Most recently, her line has found its way into Henri Bendel stores in New York and gotten a spread in Oprah’s O Magazine. Check out Nelli’s latest line at this Thursday’s trunk show at St. Paul bridal boutique L’atelier Couture. All Nelle clutches – as well as her adorable hair accessories – will be 10 percent off during the show. Appointments are encouraged. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, August 19-Saturday, August 28.
Where: L’atelier Couture, 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492, nellehandbags.com, www.lateliercouturebridal.com

Now open: Express Yourself Clothing
What: The Selby and Snelling neighborhood is proud to show off their newest addition: a totally trendy, teen resale boutique called Express Yourself Clothing. But this resale store isn’t your typical “Plato’s Closet”: Express Yourself is a non-profit project started by teens, made for teens, and run by teens, teaching teenagers the essentials of starting up and running their own small business. Plus, their mounds of cutesy, brand-name swag is always for a good price and the proceeds go toward an even better cause. -Lauren Gantner
When: Now open
Where: Express Yourself Clothing, 1154 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-287-7932, www.expressyourselfclothing.com

Just announced: BlackBlue Summer Sale
What: The on-trend menswear shop BlackBlue is kicking off the new season by getting rid of their warm weather wear to make room for new fall must-haves. Guys, now’s your chance to stop by the friendly shop to browse their big selection of summer clothing and footwear which will all be conveniently marked down 40 to 60 percent – and ladies, there’s some footwear (and potentially unisex-y clothing) for you too! -Lauren Gantner
When: Now
Where: BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave, St. Paul, 651-260-5340, www.blkblu.com

Ongoing: Picky Girl Accessories Competition
What: Picky Girl devotees, get you accessories photo ready. The St. Paul shop is holding a photo contest for the chance to nab a prize. Simply snap a photo of your favorite accessory from Picky Girl -jewelry, scarves, handbags, or shoes – and post it to Picky Girl’s Facebook page. On August 20, they will announce one winner, who will receive an adorable tote ($15 value) by Picky Girl designer Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame.
When: August 5-August 19.
Where: 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, pickygirlmn.com

Now open: Bombshell
What: Plus-sized ladies looking for stylish threads, forgo the mall and head to St. Paul’s Grand Avenue district. The new, locally-owned boutique opened last week offering sizes 14-24, on the heels of chains like Old Navy and Ann Taylor removing their plus size options from their stores. The shop is already filled to the brim with apparel and fashion accessories from nationally-known lines including many Twin Cities’ exclusives, such as Kiyonna, Igigi, Gayla Bentley, Trentacosta New York, Jibri and Ines.
When: Now open
Where: 794 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-2605, www.bomb-shell-boutique.com

FiveTwoSix Salon Spa Gallery Promotions
What: Through August, FiveTwoSix has a plethora of beauty deals to keep your hair and skin looking fresh. First, receive a free travel-size Antioxidant HyrdraMist when you purchase a Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30 moisturizer. Also, Smashbox Cosmetics has just hit the racks at FiveTwoSix. Check out their new fall make-up line, Masquerade, and receive a complimentary make-up touch-up after your hair or spa treatment. Looking to try out a new stylist on the cheap? FiveTwoSix’s stylists-in-training program offers haircuts starting at $15. Or just looking for a free haircut? FiveTwoSix are looking for models. Register to be on their call list and receive a complimentary cut or color from a stylist in an advanced training class. Finally, for every three people you refer to your stylist, you’ll receive a free haircut – and each referred person receives a complimentary Bumble & Bumble product.
When: Ongoing Through August
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon, 526 Selby Ave, St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.qwestoffice.net

Saturdays & Sundays: Stephanie’s Summer Savings Sale
What: Every weekend through Labor Day, Stephanie’s Summer Savings Sale offers sidewalk deals of 70 percent off with racks replenished weekly. In addition, all regularly priced merchandise is 10 percent off, and items already 40 percent off an extra 10 percent off.
When: Weekends through Labor Day
Where: Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com

Picky Girl Summer Sale
What: Head to Picky Girl on Grand Avenue in St. Paul for new markdowns on select spring and summer items. Sale racks are marked down 40 to 70 percent off – plus for a limited time, take 30 percent off all regular priced items. Look for national brands like Kensie Girl and Covet, and local designs from Calpurnia Peach, Carmichael Claith and Rapport handbags. (Pictured: Carmichael Claith)
When: Ongoing.
Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com

Ongoing: Patina Summer Sale
What: Local gift shop Patina is slashing prices for its annual summer sale, both in-store and in its e-shop. Take up to 50 percent off in-store and up to 70 percent off online on items including furniture (in-store only), candles, jewelry and accessories, gadgets, home decor, kitchen goods and more. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Ongoing.
Where: www.patinastores.com; 1581 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-5444; Highland Park: 2057 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-695-9955, www.patinastores.com

Ongoing: “Flights of Fancy: A History of Feathers in Fashion”
What: This Friday marks the opening of the Goldstein Museums newest exhibit: Flights of Fancy. With the help of the local Raptor Center and the Bell Museum, curators at the Goldstein have brought together a fluffy showcase of feathers and flair from fashion legends like Oscar de la Renta, Bob Mackie, Victor Costa and more. This exhibit will dive into the feathery styles of western culture, starting from feathers in nature to the appeal of feathers on clothing. (Image: Oscar de La Renta)
When: Exhibition runs through September 12.
Where: Goldstein Museum, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434, http://goldstein.design.umn.edu/