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It’s that time again – the most stylist week of the season, MNfashion Week. St. Paul gets into the swing of things with a couple of fashion events this weekend:

Saturday: Children’s Hospital Association Benefit Fashion Show
What: In the spirit of MNfashion Week, many of Minnesota’s great salons are teaming up with tons of local clothing shops to create a total Twin Cities-centric runway event. For instance, this Saturday Selby Ave’s 526 Salon (and the Children’s Hospital Association) is bringing together local boutiques Picky Girl, Flirt, Allee and Karma (including designs from Seth Hardin and Maggie Dayton) to hit the catwalk at a positive and proactive fashion event. Help raise money for CHA while admiring local trends, patrolling photos from Elizabeth Barnwell and Karen Klein and filling yourself up with food and drink from Solo Vino, The Cheeky Monkey, Sweet Rush Bakery and more. -Lauren Gantner (Pictured: A look from Picky Girl)
When: 6–8 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Where: 526 Salon, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, www.526salon.com

Saturday: Lucie Lu Trunk Show at Bombshell
What: Join the Twin Cities’ only plus-sized boutique Bombshell as it hosts its first trunk show with designer Lucie Lu. Lucie Lu brings a fresh point of view to plus-size clothing by focusing on style rather than size. Enjoy happy hour drinks, view the collection, and place orders. -Jahna Peloquin
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Where: Bombshell Boutique, 794 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-2605, mnfashionweek.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.

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/

This week in St. Paul shopping and style, check out a storewide sale at Phenom, special offers at Picky Girl and FiveTwoSix Salon Spa Gallery, and Grand Avenue’s new plus-size boutique, Bombshell. Also head to sales at A. Michele, Picky Girl, and Patina, and visit the Goldstein for their latest exhibitions, “Flights of Fancy: A History of Feathers in Fashion” and “Off the Top of My Head: Hat Habitats.”

Tuesday-Sunday: Phenom Storewide Sale
What: Streetwear and sneaker shop Phenom just announced a huge overstock sale at both of its Twin Cities locations through this weekend. Get 30 percent off any purchase or 40 percent off on a purchase of two items or more, storewide.
When: Now through Sunday, August 15.
Where: Phenom St. Paul: 153 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-224-9100, http://www.phenomglobal.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/

Ongoing: “Off the Top of My Head: Hat Habitats”
What: We’ve always thought a hat finishes off any great ensemble, but it took awhile for the rest of the fashionable flock to catch on. Now, thanks to a resurgence in interest in mid-century fashion, hats are back in a big way.  It features the hat-inspired works of artists Cynthia Rapacz and Ryan Haro in mediums from photography and design to fashion and architecture.
When: Ongoing through September 3.
Where: ALA Library, Rapson Hall, 89 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 612-624-6383, https://events.umn.edu/Off-the-Top-of-My-Head-Hat-Habitats-005267.htm

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.