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St. Paul is busy with tons of Valentine’s Day shopping events and sales this weekend.

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.)

On Friday, Minneapolis-based chic handbag design company BC Designs is launching its debut line of handbags and wallets at w7 Collective art and design co-op. Lead designer Bridget Connell will host a night of cocktails, cupcakes and discounts on the affordable handbag line. (5–9 p.m. Friday, February 11. w7 collective, Historic Pilney Building, 1032 W. 7t St., St. Paul, 651-398-5582, www.bcdesignsinc.com)

Friday-Sunday: Local Jewelry Trunk Show
What: Local jewelry designers Emily Johnson of EC Design and Britta Kauppila of Britta Lynn Design (pictured) will showcase their latest collections in a weekend long trunk show at the Grand Hand Gallery. (Friday, February 11-Sunday, February 13. The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com)

Sad news: artwear boutique ELINOR is closing its doors. But not without a bang – their roster of artists are bringing in past work to sell at all-time-low prices. (Friday, February 11-Saturday, February 19. Friday night socials from 4–9 p.m. on Friday, February 11 & Friday, February 18. ELINOR, 1559 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-771-1791, elinor7.wordpress.com)

On Saturday, Temple of Fashion will host its monthly open house event just in time for Valentine’s Day. A collaboration of three local designers, Temple of Fashion features clothing by Laura Hlavac, silver and gemstone jewelry by Bridget Clark (pictured), and accessories made from repurposed fabrics by Lisa Wolfe will be among the offerings, plus wine and snacks. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, February 12. 1190 James Ave., St. Paul, www.bridgetclark.etsy.com)

On Saturday, local handbag company HeddyFreddy is offering 14 percent off all purse shells and executive tote shells during its showroom opening party. While you’re there, check out Zinnia Folk Arts, which will showcase Mexican artwork including ceramics, pottery and beadwork. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, February 12. 1595 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-308-1368.)

Flirt lingerie shop and The Shops at Snelling & Selby are also having some Valentine’s events this weekend. Check out last week’s shopping guide for more.

This week in St. Paul shopping, a stylish trunk show at Picky Girl, a shopping night for the fellas at lingerie boutique Flirt, and more:

Thursday: Anna Hovet Trunk Show at Picky Girl
What: Whether you’re looking for warm wool jackets, cutesy sweaters or jersey dresses to keep you warm this year, emerging Chicago fashion designer Anna Hovet has got it all. And now, you can peruse her entire winter collection first-hand at picky girl boutique in St. Paul, available in Minnesota for the first time. Her totally wearable and trendy line, inspired by European streetwear and fashions of the 1910s, includes cute coats, lovely leggings and other warm winterwear perfectly suited for Minnesota winters. Best of all, at $49 to $280, the line is priced relatively reasonably. Bonus: The designer will be in town just for the trunk show, so take the chance to catch her ear. -Lauren Gantner
When: 4–9 p.m. Thursday, December 16.
Where: Picky Girl Boutique, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com

Thursday & Friday: Myrth & Merriment at ELINOR
What: Be merry this holiday season with local textile and artist co-operative shop ELINOR. This Thursday and Friday, the artsy boutique will be throwing a Christmas bash. Stop by their shop to celebrate the holiday season and score totally awesome freebies, including mounds of yummy chocolate treats, super-awesome giveaways and even 10 percent off anything you purchase that day. -L.G.
When: 4–8 p.m. Thursday, December 16 & Friday, December 17.
Where: ELINOR, 1559 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-771-1791, www.elinor7.wordpress.com

Thursday: Guys’ Night Out at Flirt
What: Is your guy a little oblivious when it comes to his Christmas shopping? Don’t worry girls, sassy and classy lingerie boutique Flirt has got you covered this holiday season. Send your man over to the cutesy shop this Thursday to sit-back and enjoy all the things he loves: salty snacks, a couple of brews and totally hot lingerie (for your Christmas stocking, of course!) If your man doesn’t know much about what fits, just send your sizes and preferences to flirtboutique@gmail.com so he’ll know exactly what to get you this season. Plus, for stopping in he’ll get his own manly stogie to puff on the drive home. -L.G.
When: 5–8 p.m. Thursday, December 16.
Where: Flirt Boutique, 177 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651698-3692, www.flirt-boutique.com

Saturday: Give Us Wings Trunk Show & Sale
What: St. Paul’s FiveTwoSix Salon is offerings its exclusive collection of imported jewelry from Africa, all made by volunteers from Give Us Wings non-profit. While you’re there, enjoy refreshments and take in Rhea Pappas’ latest collection of dreamy underwater photography. Plus both days, take advantage of a buy one, get one gift certificate offer: spend $25, get $5; spend $50, get $10; spend $100, get $20; and spend $200, get $40. -L.G.
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, December 18.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

Handcrafted Holidays
What: The Grand Hand’s annual Handmade Holiday bazaar opens for the holiday shopping season just in time for Thanksgiving. Stock up on fresh finds and perennial favorites, including a wide selection of ornaments, jewelry, prints, and pottery as well as work in fiber, glass, metal and wood. We’ll be adding new goods throughout the season, with plenty of options under $60. -Jahna Peloquin (Pictured: Jewelry by Brittany Foster)
When: During store hours November 19-December 24.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, thegrandhand.com

December 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, buy one of any product and get 10 percent off; buy two, get 15 percent off; buy three, get 20 percent off.
Plus 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. -L.G.
When: Through December.
Where: 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

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This week in St. Paul shopping, holiday shopping events at ELINOR, Picky Girl, w7, the Grand Hand and more.

Thursday & Friday: ELINOR Holiday Shopping Event
What: Eclectic art boutique Elinor is givin’ us the ol’ razzle dazzle with an evening of holiday shopping. Stop by this Thursday and Friday to peruse tons of handmade gifts, pretty art pieces, knit accessories, wearable wools and tons more winter staple items from over 50 local crafters. To make it a real bash, ELINOR will be serving up treats, chocolate, gifts and discounts throughout the night. -Lauren Gantner
When: 4–8 p.m. Thursday, November 18 & Friday, November 19.
Where: ELINOR, 1559 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-771-1791, elinor7.wordpress.com

Thursday: Picky Girl Shopping Event
What: Get picky this holiday season with handpicked designers from Grand Avenue shop Picky Girl. This weekend, the shop is showcasing a handful of their faves, including original clothing from Calpurnia Peach (one-of-a-kind pieces exclusive to Picky Girl), Annie Fink, accessories from Vintage City Classics, and more. To make this soiree even more special, Picky Girl will be handing out tons of freebies, from gift certificates to floral arrangement and local designer must-haves. -Lauren Gantner
When: 6–9 p.m. Thursday, November 18.
Where: picky girl Boutique, 949 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-698-4107, pickygirlmn.com

Friday: w7 Collective November Social: Holiday Sparkle
What: Get into the holiday spirit this Friday when w7 Collective pops up at Shamrock’s in St. Paul’s historic brewery district. Shop the Collective’s locally curated art, design, fashion, accessories and gifts (with special guests anne & c friends of Wayzata’s Artists’s Mart) while enjoying food and drinks from Shamrock’s and music. -Jahna Peloquin (Pictured: Attagirl by Kedrin)
When: 1-9 p.m. Friday, November 19.
Where: 995 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-228-9925, w7collective.posterous.com

Beginning Friday: Handcrafted Holidays
What: The Grand Hand’s annual Handmade Holiday bazaar opens for the holiday shopping season just in time for Thanksgivin. Stock up on fresh finds and perennial favorites, including a wide selection of ornaments, jewelry, prints, and pottery as well as work in fiber, glass, metal and wood. We’ll be adding new goods throughout the season, with plenty of options under $60. -Jahna Peloquin (Pictured: Jewelry by Brittany Foster)
When: During store hours November 19-December 24.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, thegrandhand.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

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This weekend in St. Paul shopping and style, get gussied up for the Sex And the City 2 premiere with a shopping party at A. Michele, plus Half-Price Books’ 20% Off Sale, Second Début2 opens, and Britta Lynn Design launches at the Grand Hand Gallery.

“Sex And the City 2″ Deal
What: Sex And the City 2 opens this weekend at Rosedale Center’s AMC Theatres and Rosedale’s Ruby Tuesday has an offer you and your girlfriends can’t refuse. Grab a $5 Cosmo before the show, and stop back after the movie with your ticket stub for a free appetizer.
When: Friday, May 28.
Where: Rosedale Center, Roseville, 651-633-0872, www.myrosedale.com.

“Sex And the City 2″ Shopping Party
What: This Wednesday, unleash your inner Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda at a shopping party this week at St. Paul boutique A. Michele. A. Michele will be hosting a cocktail party with a raffle for a necklace by Tracy Bennett of local line Scout Vintage, and the first eight people to spend $100 get a gift bag. (Pictured: Jewelry by Scout Vintage)
When: 5-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 26.
Where: A. Michele, 1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-917-6966.

Spring into Summer at ELINOR
What: It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and you know what that means – it’s (unofficially) summertime. Kick it off at occasional St. Paul boutique ELINOR for a summer shopping party, complete with drinks, chocolates and other delectables. New offerings includes hand-painted silks, bead-woven jewelry, new tops, handbags, woven bamboo scarves and shawls, and more.
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, May 28.
Where: ELINOR Artful Adornments, 1559 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-771-1791, elinor7.wordpress.com.

Half-Price Books 20% Off Sale
What: Book discounter Half-Price Books is offering 20 percent off everything in all of its seven metro area locations, including St. Paul and Roseville locations.
When: Thursday, May 27-Monday, May 31.
Where: St. Paul: 2041 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul, 651-699-1391‎. Roseville: 2481 Fairview Ave., Roseville, 651-631-2626‎. www.halfpricebooks.com.

Second Début2 opens
What: A second location of Goodwill-owned Second Debut 2 opened on University Avenue in St. Paul recently. Find gently used designer goods for fractions of the original price.
When: Now open
Where: Second Début2, 1825 University Ave., St. Paul, 651-645-5048, www.seconddebut.org.

Britta Lynn Design at The Grand Hand
What: Jewelry by local line Britta Lynn Design is now available at The Grand Hand Gallery in St. Paul. The jeweler will have her full collection available, which consists of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings in fine metals arranged in asymmetrical and textured configurations.
When: Now available.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com, brittalynndesign.blogspot.com.

Special Offers at FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa
What: While supplies last, buy a Dermalogica Daily Microfolian and receive a travel size Special Cleansing Gel and Active Moist for only $50 (an $80.50 value). Through May, receive 10 percent off all Dermalogica products. Looking to try out a new stylist on the cheap? FiveTwoSix’s stylists-in-training program offers haircuts starting at $15. Plus now through June, enjoy a $49 Dermalogica facial with Amanda or a $49 massage with Amyjo (originally priced at $69). 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 May.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon Spa & Gallery, 529 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839, www.526salon.qwestoffice.net.

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MNfashion Week is one of our favorite times of the year. When else can you have so many stylish events packed in a one-week period? Of course, this spring it’s more like MNfashion Month, with fashion shows and events happening throughout the month of April. There’s so much going on, we can understand if you feel overwhelmed – so to help you out, we’re highlighting the must-be-at events in St. Paul, as well as offering a comprehensive listing of the rest.

WEEK OF APRIL 19-25:

Christopher Straub Premier Collection (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Former Project Runway contestant Christopher Straub has kept himself very busy since appearing on the sixth season (and coming in fourth) of the reality show. He opened an e-shop, announced an accessories line for ShopNBC, created a dress out of packaging from the Project Runway Wii game, and will be participating in Voltage as a handbag designer for PFT Couture and Emma Berg’s lines. This spring, he’s showcasing his very first full men’s and women’s clothing collections (accompanied by accessories, of course). Tickets are $15 to $50 and available online at www.vitalculture.com. (Pictured: A sketch from Christopher Straub’s Spring 2010 collection.)
When: 4-8 p.m. (5:30 p.m. show.) Sunday, April 25.
Where: Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul. www.christopherstraub.com

Saturday: A Man’s Show (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Guys don’t ever seem to get as much attention as the ladies in the fashion scene. Fellas, feel neglected no more. This runway show will feature sartorial options from VState, Elsworth, Details Style Lab, and eyewear from the Spectacle Shoppe. Live music from the School of Rock’s student band Road Crew will provide a rockin’ accompaniment to the runway show, which includes an all-underwear segment. You can buy a retail discount ($10 for 10 percent up to $30 for 30 percent) for any of the retailers involved for a $5 donation, with proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities. Free, but be sure to RSVP at event@detailsmn.com.
When: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, April 24. (Pictured: A spring look from Elsworth; photo by Chris McDuffie.)
Where: Lowry Theater, 16 W. 5th St., St. Paul. Details Style Lab: 651-251-8700. www.detailsmn.com

Thursday-Tuesday: “The Office on Film” (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Presented in conjuction with the Goldstein’s current exhibition, “How Secretaries Changed the 20th Century Office: Design, Image, and Culture,” this film series highlights secretaries’ role in the working world over the years. Tuesday evening, the series kicks off with Skyscraper Souls, set during the market crash in the 1930s as romantic and financial entanglements provide the backdrop to costumes that range from day to evening. On Wednesday, Joan Crawford stars as a tough lady-boss in 1950s-era The Best of Everything. The series finishes off with over-the-top big-hair ‘80s classic Nine to Five – that’s right, the one starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Free. (Pictured: Joan Crawford in The Best of Everything.)
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 20-Thursday, April 22.
Where: Goldstein Museum of Design, 32 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul. 612-624-7434. www.goldstein.design.umn.edu

Saturday & Sunday: Bibelot Spring Sale
What: Locally-owned gift and accessory shop Bibelot is hosting its spring sale at all four locations and its e-shop. Take 20 percent off storewide on jewelry, gifts, clothing and stationary, and get a $10 gift card when you spend $100 or more. (Pictured: Anne Garrison moon earrings.)
When: Saturday, April 24 & Sunday, April 25.
Where: Grand Avenue: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-0321. Como: 2276 Como Avenue St. Paul, 651-646-5651. www.bibelotshops.com

Thursday: Shop Local at Picky Girl (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: St. Paul boutique Picky Girl showcases its collection of local designer wares at its MNfashion Week event – including our favorite local design duo, Calpurnia Peach. The whimsical clothing line for the girly-girl with good taste and a heart for story-telling features original hand-drawn screenprints in a bright sherbert color palette. Other local lines featured include handbags by Nelle, Post-, and Rapport, and accessories Julian Capelle and Perfect Pumps, with complimentary drinks and apps from D’Amico. The event also doubles as the launch of the “Picky Perks” card: With a $100 purchase of regular-priced merchandise, you’ll receive a Picky Perks card good toward future purchases. Simply present the card with each visit and receive 10 percent off all regular-priced merchandise (good through one year), and 25 percent off any purchase during your birthday week. (Pictured: A Spring 2010 look by Calpurnia Peach; photo by Lauren Gantner.)
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 22.
Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107. www.pickygirlmn.com

Thursday: Carrie Cordelia Handbags Trunk Show (Official MNfashion Week event)
What: Check out the new handbag line by Carrie Cordelia at this launch party and trunk show at W7 Collective. The line incorporates a creative application of high-tech fabrics and traditional materials, with designs incorporating feminine silhouettes and a gender-neutral aesthetic that should appeal to women and men alike. While you’re there, enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres and wine, and if you RSVP to the show, you’ll receive a discount card for 20 percent off at the event.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 22.
Where: W7 Collective, Pilney Building, 1032 7th St. W., St. Paul. www.w7collective.com

Spring Promotions at FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa
What: Mark your calendars for May 1 and make a date with Mom: FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa will be hosting a Smashbox Saturday event just in time for Mother’s Day. For $75, you’ll get a makeup application redeemable for Smashbox product, a photo session, a printed photo and refreshments. (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Also May 8. Appointment required.) Now through May 8, buy a $50 gift card and receive a travel bag and two free 2-oz. samples of Bumble & Bumble product. Also while supplies last, buy a Dermalogica Daily Microfolian and receive a travel size Special Cleansing Gel and Active Moist for only $50 (an $80.50 value) – and through May, receive 10 percent off all Dermalogica products. Looking to try out a new stylist on the cheap? FiveTwoSix’s stylists-in-training program offers haircuts starting at $15. 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 May.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon Spa & Gallery, 529 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839. www.526salon.qwestoffice.net.

BlackBlue Winter Sale + New Spring Offerings
What: BlackBlue has finally made the full transition into Spring. The hot men’s shop has just received shipments from Original Penguin and Hyden Yoo, in addition to Fred Perry, Shades of Greige, Tretorn, and more styles of Red Wing Boots as well as a fresh stock of A.P.C. denim in both the New and Petit Standard. While you’re there, fall clothing at men’s boutique BlackBlue has just recently undergone another round of markdowns with some items over 50 percent off. Brands include: F-Trope, Hyden Yoo, Cockpit, Shades of Greige, Fred Perry, Original Penguin, Woolrich, Generic Surplus, and Tretorn.
When: Ongoing while supplies last.
Where: BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com.

Friday: Elinor Grand Opening
What: St. Paul welcomes a brand new boutique, featuring the work of area fiber artists and jewelers (many of whom can typically be found at juried art fair venues such as the American Craft Council Show). Pieces ranging from sophisticated and sleek to whimsical and eclectic. Meet the artists, or swing by over the weekend during the St. Paul Art Crawl.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 23. Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, April 24. 12-5 p.m. Sunday, April 25.
Where: Elinor, 1559 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-771-1791, http://elinor7.wordpress.com

Saturday & Sunday: Wearable Art Midwest at St. Paul Art Crawl
What: WAM (Wearable Art Midwest) collective capitalizes on the St. Paul Art Crawl this weekend with a sale featuring more than a dozen local designers and artisans showcasing handmade fashions and artwear. Everything from clothing, accessories, hats, bags, jewelry, scarves and more will be for sale, and many of the items are made from repurposed and recycled materials.
When: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, April 24 & noon-5 p.m. Sunday, April 25.
Where: Downtown Embassy Suites, 175 E. 10th St., St. Paul, http://www.facebook.com/wearable.art.midwest

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