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Shopping typically doesn’t cross paths with theater, but with tonight’s performance of one-woman play “Full Gallop” at St. Paul shop Allee Metro Chic, it does – and for good reason. Les Reines Formidables Theater Company’s latest production centers around the life of iconic Vogue editor Diana Vreeland and her abrupt fall from fashion. The performance by Sally Wingert follows Vreeland as she attempts to dinner-party her way back to the top. Head down to Allee early for wine and shopping and stay for a reception and more shopping; Allee is offering 10% off and Patina next door is offering 20% off when you show your ticket. Space and performances are limited so snag your tickets fast. (6:30 p.m. wine and shopping reception, 7:30 p.m. performance. $25. Allee Metro Chic Boutique, 179 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-769-4534, www.alleemetro.com)

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.

Also launching this month at Picky Girl is the new spring collection from local handbag line NELLE. Laura Nelli’s adorable confections are a favorite of brides and the girly girl and vintage lover alike. The “Just Bowtiful” purse and clutch, “Classic Flutter Clutch” and her all-new “Flora Sash” range in price from $66 and $190. Visit shop.nellehandbags.com to view the styles.

Down the street from Picky Girl on Grand Avenue, vintage and designer consignment shop My Sister’s Closet have done the unprecedented and are taking a stunning 75 percent off all fall and winter items beginning this week. In addition to sweet vintage dresses, they have a great selection of vintage and designer accessories – jewelry, hats, shoes, handbags and more. (1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-2819, www.mysistersclosetmn.com)

On Friday, the w7 Collective pop-up shop returns with a pop-up sale from Barbara Anderson-Sannes, the former owner of the beloved St. Paul toy store Essence of Nonsense (which closed last year). From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., scoop up handmade goods that are all things Valentine – cards, bears, bunnies and more. (1032 W. 7th St., St. Paul, w7collective.posterous.com)

Trendy women’s boutique Stephanie’s has just taken some fresh markdowns on their remaining fall and winter stock. Save 50 to 70 percent off on lines such as Yumi Kim, Nicole Miller, Tibi and Voile. Get there sooner than later, as these prices aren’t going lower. (758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com)

Now through February 6, Selby and Snelling boutique Allee Metro Chic is taking all merchandise (including new arrivals) discounted at 10 to 40 percent off. (179 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-414-0274, www.alleemetro.com)

Lingerie lovers should swing by local shop Flirt, which carries national brands as well as local line Jagress Intimates. Through the month of February, they’ll be giving customers a coupon for 25 percent off one item during the month of March with all February purchases. (Limit one per customer.) Then mark your calendars for a couple of upcoming events: Guy’s Night Out on Thursday, February 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., where guys can come shop for their sweeties while enjoying a scotch and beer tasting, compliments of Solo Vino. With purchase, they’ll also get a cigar from Stogies on Grand to take with them. (Helpful hint: Ladies, register online with your sizes beforehand.) Then on Saturday, February 12, The Corner of Selby and Snelling will host a daylong Valentine’s shopping event. Purchases at The Corner stores (Lula Vintage Wear, Up Six, Allee Metro Chic, Everyday People and Flirt) totaling $100 or more gets you a free gift and treat at the “Kissing Booth” on the corner. (177 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-698-3692, www.flirt-boutique.com)

More Valentine’s gift ideas:
Check out my Sweets in St. Paul guide from last year, featuring Saint Paul Classic Cookie, Chocolate Celeste and more St. Paul favorites.

Vintage lovers, swing by St. Paul Retro Loop shops Lula’s Vintage Wear, Succotash, Swank Interiors, Up Six and Classic Retro @ Pete’s. Also check out my vintage guide for the651 for a listing of more St. Paul vintage shops.

This week in St. Paul shopping, Guild teams up with the Goldstein for a benefit and holiday shopping open house, Selby and Snelling shops’ special shopping night, and more:

Thursday: Guild presents Goldstein Museum of Design Benefit & Holiday Open House
What: This weekend, the artsy curators at Guild boutique have teamed up with the Goldstein Museum of Design for a festive holiday styling event. Get in the know on holiday styles with professional stylist Gwen Leeds on top of tons to table décor tips from Nancy Koch from Dayton’s Paris Flea Market and Tami Roth from Meli Melo. Plus, all proceeds will support the Goldstein Museum! -Lauren Gantner
When: 6–9 p.m. Thursday, November 11.
Where: The Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434, guildcollective.wordpress.com

Thursday: Shop by Candlelight at Selby & Snelling
What: Start of the Season right with the shops on Selby and Snelling! This Thursday, resale shop Everyday People, lingerie boutique Flirt, vintage haven Lula, Euro-chic shops A. Michele and Allee Metro Chic, and gift store Patina have teamed together to bring you a candlelit shopping experience full of cheery treats, special sales and tons of surprises just in time for the holiday season. Plus, receive a $20 gift card from A. Michele for every $100 spent at the store. -Lauren Gantner
When: 6–9 p.m. Thursday, November 11.
Where: Selby & Snelling Aves., St. Paul.

Friday-Saturday: Allen Brewer & Pam Valfer Studio Sale
What: It’s obvious that we have already fallen in love with the husband-wifey art team Allen Brewer and Pamela Valfer after their recent joint exhibition at the SooVAC, so naturally we are ecstatic about their open studio sale this weekend. Now is your chance to step into an artistic adventure world while perusing tons of their creative pieces (often cleverly combining colorful sketches and text) for your own collection. -Lauren Gantner (Pictured: Allen Brewer)
When: 6–10 p.m. Friday, November 12 & Noon–6 p.m. Saturday, November 13.
Where: Pam and Allen’s Studio, 2242 University Ave. #202, St. Paul, dothedow.info

Friday: “Loss of Innocence” Opening Reception
What: St. Paul photographer and l’étoile fave Rhea Pappas is at the center of this multi-faceted, fashion-forward event at FiveTwoSix Salon and Gallery. Pappas will be debuting her latest collection of enchanting, haunting underwater photography. Rounding out the night, photographer Darrin Commerford will be doing a live shoot with models wearing hand-dyed scarves by Wendie Zekowski and jewelry by Jamie Ingham – with hair and makeup by FiveTwoSix’s expert stylists, of course. -Jahna Peloquin (Photo: Rhea Pappas)
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, November 12.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

November Deals at FiveTwoSix Salon
What: Every month, St. Paul salon FiveTwoSix – which was recently named one of the top 100 salons in America by Elle Magazine – has tons of ways to keep you pretty with great deals and promos. This month, get your winter hair fix with Bumble & Bumble’s Wear and Care Quenching Treatment; the line starts at $35, and you can take 20 percent off when you invest in all four treatments from the line. For your dry skin fix, take in a winter skin spa treatment from Dermalogica; get a 30 minute treatment for only $35, and take home its Smooth and Renew kit with free travel size samples for only $36 ($66 value). More deals running through the month: get a free 4 oz. Bumble & Bumble hairspray with a Messy or Dressy production collection purchase; free makeup touch-ups from Smashbox Cosmetics after any hair or spa appointment; and if you refer three people to your stylist, you’ll receive a free haircut, and they’ll receive a complimentary Bumble & Bumble product.
-Jahna Peloquin
When: Through November.
Where: 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

This weekend in St. Paul, local European-styled boutique Allee Metro Chic officially rings in their establishment with a grand opening party of grand proportions. Over at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, also check out the renowned Antique Spectacular.

Saturday: Allee Metro Chic Grand Opening
What: This weekend, take a trip to Europe at the intersection of Snelling and Selby in St. Paul. Saturday marks the grand opening of the European-inspired boutique Allee Metro Chic, and the mother-daughter owners are inviting you in to their shop to nom on macaroons and croissants, sip on espresso and fancy French wine and make a celebration of their first day open. On top of all the food and drink, the classy clothing shop will be hosting live music as well as debuting their wide selection of European-inspired fall offerings. -Lauren Gantner
When: Noon Saturday, October 2.
Where: Allee Metro Chic Boutique, 179 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-414-0274, alleemetro.com

Saturday-Sunday: The Antique Spectacular Show and Flea Market
What: One of the biggest traveling antique shows and flea markets in the Midwest is making its biannual stop in the Twin Cities this weekend. Scoop up pristine vintage wares from expert vendors in this long-standing show, which is celebrating its 22nd year. Download this coupon for a dollar off the $6 admission. -Jahna Peloquin
When: 8 a.m.-6 pm. Saturday, October 2 & 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, October 3.
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, mnantiqueshows.com

Content shared with l’etoile magazine

Our comprehensive shopping guide, 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. WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7-12: Beginning Friday: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Boutique Week What: For its first annual Boutique Week, Mpls.St. Paul Magazine has done the unthinkable: they’ve brought together over 50 local boutiques for seven days of super sales, exciting exclusives and fall trend news straight from its editors! Shops from Stillwater to Wayzata, from Edina to Minneapolis-St. Paul will participate, including Grand Avenue’s Karma with trunk shows from Helen Wang jewelry and Lockheart Handbags (September 15); a Trollbead trunk show at Goodthings (September 10-12); and a special appearance from Mpls.St.Paul Magazine editor Melissa Colgan at Stephanie’s (3-4 p.m. September 12.) And don’t forget to swing by Rosedale for an appearance from MyTalk 107′s “The Shop Girls” after their radio show at Pandora’s Roseville location (2-3 p.m. September 11.). (Click here for a full schedule.) While you’re there, be sure to enter these promotions at participating retailers, including retailer and spa gift certificates up to $500. -Lauren Gantner When: Friday, September 10-Friday, September 17. Where: Various metro area boutiques, www.mspmag.com Friday-September 17: Boutique Week at Selby & Snelling What: Selby & Snelling’s chic consortium of boutiques have joined forces for a stylish week if deals and in-store events to parallel New York Fashion Week. This weekend, lovely Euro-chic shop A. Michele is offering a $20 gift card for every $150 spent Friday through Sunday, plus wine and cupcakes. Initially Yours Monogramming & Gifts will offer a $10 gift certificate (and complimentary wine) for every $50 spent this Friday through next Friday, September 17 for use on a future visit. This Saturday, decadent lingerie shop Flirt will offer treats and champagne as well as a 10 percent discount on a future visit with a spend of $100 or more. Tennis on Selby will offer a $20 gift card for every $100 purchase all week (Friday-next Friday). Next weekend, new Parisian-styled Allee Metro Chic will have treats and wine next Thursday and Friday, September 16 and 17. And of course, next Tuesday through Sunday Up Six Vintage will be celebrating its ninth anniversary with 30 percent off clothing and accessories and up to 50 percent off all furnishings and housewares. -Jahna Peloquin When: Friday, September 10-Friday, September 17. Where: A. Michele, Initially Yours Monogramming & Gifts, Flirt, Alle Metro Chic, Tennis on Selby, and Up Six Vintage. Friday: CAF Vintage Fashion Show & Wine Tasting What: Airplanes and a vintage runway show combine in this fashion event brought to you by Minnesota’s very own Commemorative Air Force. Hosted at their plane hangar in St. Paul, the evening kicks off with wine tasting, socializing and silent auctions thanks to Warehouse Winery and Import Iberia. Then, grab a seat to fawn over tons of vintage looks as they march down the runway from The Girl Can’t Help It Deluxe Clothing as well as attagirl by kedrin. On top of that, attendees will be able to peer through a history inspired trunk show and bid on tons of their favorite pieces throughout the night. -Lauren Gantner When: 6 p.m. (fashion show at 8 p.m.) Friday, September 10. Where: MN Wing Hangar #3, 319 Airport Rd., St. Paul, 651-455-6941, www.cafmn.org Now open: Allee Metro Chic What: St. Paul’s Selby and Snelling intersection is becoming a charming European-styled shopping district as of late, thanks to a independently-owned lineup of shops and cafes – including Lula’s Vintage Wear, Up Six, A. Michele, Cosmic Coffee, Two Smart Cookies. Now, there’s another new storefront popping up: Allee Metro Chic, which has set up shop in the cobblestone alley. The shop offers women’s fashion with European flair culled by a mother-daughter team of June Berkowitz of Nina’s Café and her daughter Kelissa Stempski. -Jahna Peloquin When: Beginning Wednesday, September 1. Where: 179 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-769-4534, www.alleemetro.com Beginning Tuesday: Details Style Lab What: Sharp-styled men’s store Details Style Lab is celebrating the beginning of fall with a post-Labor Day sale. Take 50 to 75 percent off spring and summer offerings from the likes of Ben Sherman, Skunkfunk, John Varvatos, Ted Baker, Bertigo and more. When: Beginning Tuesday, September 7. Where: Details Style Lab, 346 Saint Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700, www.detailsmn.com Next Monday: Rosedale Center Plaza Stroll What: Kick off the fall shopping season by making a night of it with Rosedale Center’s girls’ night out. Enjoy in-store offers, food sampling, complimentary brow waves and yoga demos. Rocco Altobelli’s Salons & DaySpa will also be offering 2010 fall trend demonstrations and consultations. Proceeds benefit the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at MNMO.com/tickets. When: 6-8 p.m. Monday, September 13. Where: Rosedale Center, Roseville, 651-633-0872, www.myrosedale.com Now open: H&M Maplewood What: St. Paul gets its first H&M this weekend when everyone’s favorite fast fashion retailer opens at the Maplewood Mall. The store – the fourth now open in the Metro area – takes up about 18,000 square feet on the mall’s second level. When: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday, August 26. Where: H&M at Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, 651-773-3773 , www.hm.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 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 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. When: Ongoing. Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com 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 “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/ Content shared with l’etoile magazine.