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This week in St. Paul shopping, Patina has an outlet sale at Highland Park, Smashbox launches at FiveTwoSix Salon, Hot Mama has a week-long sale; plus ongoing sales at Karma, BlackBlue, Picky Girl, Flirt and Stephanie’s.

Thursday-Sunday: Patina Outlet Sale
What: Take 50 percent off or more on everything in Patina’s Highland Park outlet this weekend. We totally heart the Profile Magnet Set (pictured above) and Lace Magnet Set ($11.97 each). Give yourself some R&R with the Soaptopia Vanilla Bean Salt Soak ($6.26), Vanilla Vixen Bubble Bath ($13.26) and the Spongelle Mandarin Pedi-Buffer ($9.06).
When: Thursday, February 25-Sunday, February 28
Where: Highland Park (lower level): 2057 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. 651-695-9955 and online.

Smashbox Promotion at FiveTwoSix
Did you hear? FiveTwoSix Salon in St. Paul now carries Smashbox Cosmetics. To celebrate, they’re offering a makeup application for only $32, which then applies toward any Smashbox purchase. (FiveTwo Six Salon and Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

Initially Yours relocates
Monogramming boutique Initially Yours has relocated from Grand Avenue to Selby and Snelling, giving it a fresh update. Beyond the plethora of items that can be personalized, the shop sells sleepwear, accessories and handbags. It joins Selby and Snelling neighbors Patina, A. Michele, Lula’s Vintage Wear, Up Six Vintage, Go Vintage, Everyday People, and Flirt. (Initially Yours, 1585 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-225-0900.)

David Tutera for Faviana

Saturday: David Tutera by Faviana Personal Appearance
Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera of WE TV’s My Fair Wedding will unveil his new bridal collection, David Tutera by Faviana at the Wedding Shoppe. Appointments are required to meet with Tutera. (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27. The Wedding Shoppe, 1196 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-298-1144.)

[A look by kjurek couture; Image by Stacy Schwartz]

Just announced: Karma Winter Sale
Grand Avenue boutique Karma is taking 25 percent off everything in the store, including regular priced items and spring arrivals, and an additional 25 percent off sale items. That includes locally-made dresses by one of our favorites, kjurek couture by Kimberly Jurek. (Karma, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-291-1997.)

Tuesday-Sunday: Bibelot Special Offer
If you bring any gently-used clothing donations to any of Bibelot’s four Twin Cities locations, receive a coupon for 20 percent off any regularly-priced clothing items. All donations will go to Arc’s Value Village. (Feb. 23-28. Bibelot: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-0321; 2276 Como Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-5651.)

Tuesday-Sunday: Hot Mama Semi-Annual Clearance Sale
Get up to 60 percent off winter and spring merchandise at locally-owned maternity boutique Hot Mama’s semi-annual clearance sale. (Hot Mama: Rosedale Center, 612-633-9400; 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-0222.)

[Lingerie from Flirt]

Through Sunday: Flirt Special Offer
Throughout the month of February, you can also receive a coupon for 25 percent off one item in March at Flirt. (Feb. 7-14. Flirt, 177 Snelling Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-3692 & Azia, 2550 Nicollet Av., Mpls. 612-813-1200.)

Ongoing:

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 to 60 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (Ongoing while supplies last. Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
Highland Park boutique Stephanie’s is taking 50 to 70 percent off all its fall and winter merchandise, including lines like Nicole Miller, Tracy Reese, and LuLuLame. (Ongoing while supplies last. Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

BlackBlue Winter Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. They’re also offering 20 to 50 percent off on select fall/winter 2009 clothing and footwear. brands include: Hyden Yoo, Cockpit, Shades of Greige, Fred Perry, Original Penguin, Woolrich, Generic Surplus, and Tretorn. While you’re there, check out the new spring arrivals. Fred Perry and Shades of Greige SS10 are already in; look for Filson bags and travel luggage and more Red Wing styles coming soon. (BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

This week, St. Paul shops gear up for Valentine’s Day with new sales, shopping events, and other stylish happenings. Take it all in, or pick and choose - there’s something here for everyone.

[Leather goods by Rapport]

[Lingerie from Flirt]

Through Sunday: Flirt & Azia Special Offer
Receive a coupon for a free cocktail at popular Asian fusion eatery Azia with any purchase at Flirt lingerie boutique. Doubling your savings, with any dinner purchase at Azia, receive a coupon for 10 percent off at Flirt in the month of March. Throughout the month of February, you can also receive a coupon for 25 percent off one item in March at Flirt. (Feb. 7-14. Flirt, 177 Snelling Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-3692 & Azia, 2550 Nicollet Av., Mpls. 612-813-1200.)

Saturday: Arc’s Half-off Sale
Arc’s Value Village thrift stores are having a storewide 50 percent off sale. Be sure to head to their vintage and designer sections first; they also have great vintage neckties and other accessories. (Sat., Feb. 13. 2446 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 952-920-0855. Visit www.arcsvaluevillage.com for location info.)

Friday-Sunday: Selby & Snelling Special Offers
What: Redeem your receipts totaling $100 from any combination of stores at Selby and Snelling at the “kissing booth” on the corner and get a free Shimmer Puff. Stores include Flirt lingerie, Lula’s Vintage Wear, Up Six Vintage, Go Vintage, Everyday People, Patina, and eateries including O’Gara’s Bar & Grill, The Neighborhood Cafe, Two Smart Cookies, and Cosmic Coffee. (Feb. 12-14. Selby & Snelling Avenues, St. Paul.)

Ongoing:

[A look from Details Style Lab]

Details Sweater Sale
Fellas need gifts for Valentine’s Day, too. Buy one sweater from lines like Skunkfunk, Bertigo, and Ben Sherman and receive 20 percent off; buy two and take 30 percent off; and buy three to receive 40 percent off. (Ongoing through Feb. 14. Details Style Lab, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 to 60 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (Ongoing while supplies last. Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
Highland Park boutique Stephanie’s is taking 50 to 70 percent off all its fall and winter merchandise, including lines like Nicole Miller, Tracy Reese, and LuLuLame. (Ongoing while supplies last. Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

BlackBlue Shoe Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last, as well as men’s Generic Surplus footwear. (While you’re there, check out new men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France.) (Ongoing while supplies last. BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

The holidays are over, and you know what that means - stores take huge discounts on the remaining fall and winter stocks. We still have at least three months of cold weather left, so take advantage of the deals at St. Paul’s eclectic selection of shops and stock up on your winter wardrobe.

Just announced: Flirt Final Winter Clearance
What: St. Paul lingerie boutique Flirt just receives its first shipment of Valentine’s Day goodies. To make space, they’re marking all final clearance items down an additional 20 percent (60 percent off original prices).
When: Through Jan. 10
Where: Flirt, 177 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-3692.

[Picky Girl]

Ongoing: Picky Girl Winter Sale
St. Paul boutique Picky Girl is kicking off its winter sale with 25 percent off all regular-priced clothing, shoes and accessories, plus 10 percent off already marked-down items, with offerings from national lines like Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach. (949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.)

Friday-Sunday: Let It Be Record Sale
The owner of the old Let it Be record shop in downtown Minneapolis is holding another one of his massive three-day sales, this time in a new location and with new co-conspirators, GoJohnnyGo and Riffs-Ahoy. Almost all of the stock will be new to this sale, including $1 records, an assortment of nicer affordable vinyl, books, videos, posters, and more. (3 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. Noon-4 p.m. Sun. Carlton Lofts, 2285 University Ave., St. Paul.)

[Holiday chocolates from Chocolat Celeste]

Through Friday: Chocolat Celeste New Year’s Sale
New Year’s resolutions be damned, at least until you stock up at Chocolat Celeste’s New Year’s sale. Take 50 percent off on all in-stock truffles, bonbons, toffee and more at the sweet St. Paul chocolate shop. (2506 University Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-644-3823.)

[Scarf by San Francisco fiber artist Jenne Giles]

Through Sunday: The Grand Hand Winter Sale
Art and gift boutiqueThe Grand Hand only does sales twice a year, so when they do it, they don’t mess around. Find huge discounts on hand-crafted items by regional and national artists, including fine jewelry by Karin Jacobson and Brittany Foster, painting, sculpture, glass, and more. You never know, you may find something perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift. (619 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-312-1122.)

Through Mon., Jan. 11: Cooks of Crocus Hill Winter Sale
Cookware shop Cooks of Crocus Hill is clearing the way for new spring merchandise. Save 20 to 70 percent on most items (excludes major brands like Wusthof, All-Clad and Le Creuset). (877 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-228-1333.)

Through Jan. 15: Stephanie’s Winter Sale
All fall and winter apparel is 50 to 70 percent off at chic boutique Stephanie’s, including evening dresses, premium denim, coats, sweaters and more. (758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

Ongoing: BlackBlue Shoe Sale
UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last, as well as men’s Generic Surplus footwear. (While you’re there, check out new men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France.) (614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com)

The holidays are over, and you know what that means - stores take huge discounts on the remaining fall and winter stocks. We still have at least three months of cold weather left, so take advantage of the deals at St. Paul’s eclectic selection of shops and stock up on your winter wardrobe.

[F-Troupe at BlackBlue]

Ongoing: UK brand F-Troupe, represented out of the Opening Ceremony showroom in NYC, is now on sale at St. Paul boutique BlackBlue. Take 25 percent off any pair of F-Troupes in both men’s and women’s styles, while supplies last. (614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com)

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Fall 2009 looks from Macy's

Rosedale may be located in our neighbor to the west, Roseville, but we still fondly claim it as “St. Paul’s Mall.” Their Holiday Hullabaloo (much less macabre-sounding than Black Friday, no?) kicks off early at 5 a.m. with goodie bags for the first 250 shoppers, register-to-win opportunities including the chance to win a $1,000 Rosedale shopping spree, gift card and prize giveaways at the mall’s various retailers, and deals galore. Macy’s, for one, will have loads of deals - check out www.macys.com to view a list of the 250 morning specials beginning at 5 a.m. Take a shopping break at Granite City’s Black Friday Buffet - it’s just $8.99 from 8 to 11 a.m., and bottomless champagne and mimosas are only $7.99. Fancy! (5 a.m.-9 p.m. Rosedale Center, 10 Rosedale Cnt., Roseville. 651-638-3553.)

Jewelry from Picky Girl

All regular priced clothing and shoes at trendy Grand Avenue shop Picky Girl will be 50 percent off. Discounts will continue through the weekend. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Sun. 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107.)

Lingerie from Flirt

Get a free b.tempt’d thong with any purchase at lingerie boutique Flirt, and receive a coupon for a free cupcake at the nearby Sweets Bakeshop. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. 177 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-698-3692.)

Stephanie’s is taking 20 percent off everything, and they’ll also have a few racks of 50 percent off merchandise. (Opens 10 a.m. Fri. Through Sun. 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802.)

BlackBlue

BlackBlue, our fave new local boutique - and probably the hippest men’s boutique in the Twin Cities - is taking 10 percent off everything in store. Check out new arrivals from Hyden Yoo, Fred Perry and more. (Noon-9 p.m. 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. http://www.blkblu.com/)

Selby & Snelling shop A. Michele is offering 20 percent off your total purchase, and if you spend $150, you can receive a $20 gift card for your next purchase. (11 a.m. Through Sun. 1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-917-6966.)

Treadle Yard Goods

Treadle Yard Goods is having its biggest sale ever. They’re taking 20 percent off all fabric, plus an extra 20 percent off already discounted merchandise. That includes major pattern lines and trunk show merchandise. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Sun. 1338 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-9690.)

Eco-friendly beauty shop StormSister Spatique will help you get your fix on luxe, healthful beauty products with 25 percent off everything. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 635 Smith Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-221-4668.)

On tap this weekend in St. Paul: a new residency from DJ Jonathan Ackerman, First Friday Happy Hour in Lowertown, a men’s fashion show, and Mark Mallman at the Turf Club.

Jonathan Ackerman

THURSDAY: DJ Jonathan Ackerman at Barrio Lowertown
Prolific beatmaker Jonathan Ackerman hops over the river for his first weekly residency - at the newly-minted Barrio Lowertown, natch. The hip Mexican fusion bar and eatery should provide the perfect backdrop for Ackerman’s eclectic sound, alternately hard-rocking and gently-grooving. While you’re there, take advantage of the night’s drink specials: $3 Barrio margaritas and $4 Red Bull vodkas. (9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. 235 6th St. E., St. Paul. 651-222-3250.)

Artists' Quarter

FRIDAY: Lowertown First Friday Happy Hour
Every first Friday of the month, St. Paul’s independent art galleries and studios join forces for the First Friday open studio. Afterward, a bunch of Lowertown clubs and bars get into the mix with an evening happy hour. This month, the Artists’ Quarter will open early just for us Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live jazz music from McNally Smith College of Music students and free pizza compliments of Wild Tymes. The Artists’ Quarter is located in the basement of the Hamm Building. As usual, you can expect two-for-ones on select tap beers at The Blackdog Wine Bar & Cafe, The Bulldog Lowertown, Rumours/Innuendo, Senor Wong, Station 4, and Trattoria da Vinci. Just say “FIRST FRIDAY” to receive your discount. (6-9 p.m. Free. Various locations. Click HERE for more info.)

Also recommended: The 8hz label releases its first compilation with a lineup including many of the featured bands: Me and My Arrow, Fort Wilson Riot, Economy Team, Buildings, Phantom Tales, and Speed’s The Name. (9 p.m. $5. 21-plus. 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

SATURDAY:

A look from Flirt boutique

Hunting Opener Party at Flirt
To celebrate the men being out of town for hunting opening, lingerie boutique Flirt is hosting a cheekily-named Hunting Opener Party. Indulge in champagne, cupcakes and 20 percent off one item, and sample products from Sunrider skin care and cosmetics. (3-7 p.m. 177 Snelling Av. N., St. Paul.)

A Ben Sherman look at Details

Men’s Fall Fashion Mingle
One of the very few all-men’s boutiques in the Twin Cities, Details Style Lab hosts a Men’s Fall Fashion Mingle. Male models will don the latest in fall and winter fashions, including looks from Ben Sherman, Skunk Funk, Cloth Logic, Bertigo, and the popular Bjorn Borg underwear line. (10-11:30 p.m. at Rumours & Innuendo, 213 4th St. E., St. Paul. 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. at Camp Bar, 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul.)

Mark Mallman

Mark Mallman at Turf Club
Mark Mallman blows the lid off Turf Club with his madmen piano stylings. Boasting “the fastest piano in the Midwest,” Mallman should be up to his usual antics, which have included driving a motorbike onstage and playing from inside a refrigerator box for hours on end. He’s sure to dip mainly from his latest release, September’s The Invincible Criminal, as well as his catalog from over the past ten years. The Alpha Centauri and Total Babe open. (9 p.m. $6. 21-plus. 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

With last weekend’s busy MNfashion Week kickoff in St. Paul now under wraps (check out my recap at l’etoile magazine), the buzz had dimmed to a murmur – that is, until today. The sheer amount of fashion events happening in St. Paul this weekend will tempt you to want to take a STAYcation. Here’s a St. Paul-specific guide to MNfashion Week events happening in our fair city.

British fashion icon Zandra Rhodes will be appearing at the Ordway

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE (continue reading…)

A. Michele Boutique

In 2006, Amy Michelle Mullen set out to create her own boutique, styled after her love for all things romantic and vintage, with a dash of rock ‘n roll flair. Two years later, her dream became a reality when she opened the doors to her quaint, feminine shop A. Michele at Selby and Snelling, cementing that intersection’s reputation for being one of the city’s best shopping locales. Her shop carries a mix of feminine fashions, including Ruby Pearl slip dresses (which are made from vintage slips and silk scarves), fitted jackets, silk blouses, jewelry, oversized bags, gifts and more.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

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Store closing sales

REfind Vintage closes at the end of the month

With all the store openings St. Paul’s been seeing lately (Everyday People, Flirt, Stella.blu), it’s only natural it will see a few closings as well. Vintage home shop REfind Vintage and downtown gift shop Evoke Gallery are closing before the end of the month, but take advantage of the loss by shopping their store closing sales.

REfind Vintage opened just over a year ago by the former owner of Jerebek’s New Bohemian bakery, Mellissa Deyo, who filled the store with a different kind of treat: Vintage knickknacks, accessories and home décor. The huge store closing sale June 25-28 will include repurposed wicker furniture, potting plants and crafting glass garden totems as well as artwork and, of course, baked goods. (Noon-7 p.m. Thu. & Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 1105 Payne Av., St. Paul, 651-776-5122.)

A glass beaded necklace by Pretty Babies Glass from Evoke Gallery

One of the few retailers located in St. Paul’s downtown, Evoke Gallery has long been a resource for contemporary gifts (handbags, jewelry, candles, etc.) as well as Minnesota-themed dish towels -perfect for the cabin. Everything will be on sale for half off, as will be fixtures and shelves. On the upside, Evoke will continue to sell at festivals like St. Paul’s Taste of Minnesota and its online shop, EvokeGallery.com. (355 Wabasha St., St. Paul, 651-224-6388.)

Vintage Sale + more at MN Fairgrounds

The mascot for the Midwest Vintage Show?

The Midwest Vintage Clothing, Jewelry and Textile Show is back at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds once again this year. The annual traveling vintage flea-market style show held in the Fine Arts Building always brings out collectors near and far. This year’s show features 50 booths of vendors from throughout the country, with finds from the 1880s to 1980s. On Friday night’s festivities includes a live rockabilly set from the Twin Cities’ own Al’s Rockabilly Quartet, a vintage fashion contest, and a cocktail bar. While you’re there, check out the Star of the North Antique Show and the Twin Cities Used Book Fair on the Fairgrounds the same weekend. (5-10 p.m. Fri. $6/$1 off if you dress vintage. Early buying at 3 p.m. for $25. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. $4.)

More sales

Beginning this Monday, June 29 and going through July 5 Hot Mama, a local boutique for stylish moms and moms-to-be, will offer 25 percent off one item. (867 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-209-0222.)

Through Friday, July 26, Rocco Altobelli Salon & Day Spa will offer 25% off h2t foot therapy products, 50% off dermAstage toner when you purchase a Sulfate-Free Cleanser, and $6 off Altobelli hairsprays. (665 S. Snelling Av., St. Paul, 651-690-5491.)

Grand Old Day is said to be the biggest Minnesota one-day festival of the year, and always boasts a great roster of live music. (Check out St. Paul STAYcation’s Juleana Enright’s blog for more on the event in general, and Arts & Culture blogger Kate Iverson’s Grand Old Day Art Guide.) Besides a chance to check out some of the Twin Cities’ best musical acts, art, and parades, Grand Old Day provides the perfect opportunity to explore everything Grand Avenue has to offer every day of the year – namely, shopping.

SHOPPING

Courtesy jenontheradar.blogspot.com

St. Paul’s two most fashion-forward boutiques, Karma and Picky Girl, are both hosting special Grand Old Day in-store events. Karma, which carries mid-priced designer lines like Trina Turk, Tulle, Velvet, and Betsey Johnson, will be setting up their pop-up shop Beeline Boutique in front of the store. Expect deals on clothing, handbags and accessories ranging from $5-and-under to $34. (867 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-291-1997.) Picky Girl (home of lines like Kenzie Girl, Covet and 213 Industry) will be featuring special in-store guests Allison and Ashley Abbott of AbraCadabra Vintage, a new locally-owned online vintage shop. They will be giving tips on how to mix vintage with modern styles, plus there will be a fashion show and storewide sales. (949 Grand Av. @ Hamline Av. 651-698-4107.)

The lesser-known but equally chic boutique Sorrayah Studios boasts a sophisticated mix of Free People and Ella Moss, and for the plus-size shopper, the popular line Big Shirt. (794 Grand Av. @ Avon St. 651-228-0414.)

More Grand Old Day specials:
Lillian’s on Grand: The designer-inspired shop will be having a doorbuster sale, free gifts to first 200 to stop in, free EcoDiva tote bag with purchase of $25+. (841 Grand Av. b/w Avon St. & Victoria St. 651-290-2040.)
Stella.blu: The bohemian-styled shop will have sales booths in front of the store and on Grand & Victoria in front of Dixie’s. (1104 Grand Av. @ Lexington Pkwy. 651-644-4830.)
Trade Winds: The free trade boutique will have storewide sales of up to 20% off plus bounce-back coupons. (857 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-293-9275.)
Hot Mama: The chic maternity shop is having a 10% off storewide sale. (867 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-209-0222.)

Some of my other fave shops to hit up when I’m on Grand:

My Sister's Closet

My Sister’s Closet, which is a consignment store built into one of the old Victorian-style houses that line Grand Avenue. It has a great selection of vintage dresses, shoes, hats, and jewelry, and is owned by two sisters, natch. (1136 Grand Av. b/w Dunlap St. & Lexington Pkwy. 651-222-2819.)

Flirt is a new-ish independent lingerie shop. If I had money to be so fancy, I would totes buy all my undergarments here. (1330 Grand Av. @ Hamline Av. 651-698-3692.)

Photo by David J. Turner courtesy Minnesota Monthly

Getting married seems to provide a great excuse to buy delicate jewelry, frothy veils, and sweet little handbags. If you’re so inclined, hit up Che Bella, one of the most sophisticated and sweet bridal boutiques I’ve seen. (611 Grand Av. @ Dale St. 651-209-8822.)

Locally-owned gift shop Quince has a decent mix of gifts, accessories, and clothing. They’re a little on the crunchy granola side but you very well could stumble upon a handmade treasure or super-cute baby gift. Plus it happens to be in the same building at Café Latte, so you can get your fancy caffeine fix at the same time. (850 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-225-9900.) For more gifts, there’s always locally-owned chain Bibelot (1082 Grand Av. @ Lexington Pkwy. 651-222-0321.)

The Grand Hand Gallery is primarily a fine art and sculpture gallery, but it also carries jewelry from some of my favorite local jewelry designers, Karin Jacobson, Brittany Foster, and Emily Johnson. Karin in particular does a lot of work with fine metal and semi-precious stones, but I fell so in love with the laser-cut plastic earrings she made for a Cliché show that I commissioned her to create oversized versions for the Voltage ’09 runway. (619 Grand Av. @ Dale St. 651-312-1122.)

A selection from the "Lotus Collection" by Karin Jacobson

I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the crunchy-granola style of most organic goods, but there are definitely some items worth checking out at eco-friendly shop Eco-tique. There’s a lot you can do with the soft, basic organic scarves, and it’s a go-to for organic home items like bath towels. The latest addition is goods from St. Paul-based all-organic online cosmetics shop The Nature of Beauty. (1045 Grand Av. @ Oxford St. 651-222-3127.) For more eco-friendly goods, check out Ten Thousand Villages, which offers fair-trade jewelry, gifts and home décor from around the world. (867 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-225-1043.)

The Twin Cities have a huge Scandinavian and Irish heritage, so it’s no surprise there are a bunch of shops selling themed goods along Grand Avenue. For the Finnish, there’s Saga Living, which boasts the largest selection of Marimekko products outside of Finland. (1055 Grand Av. @ Oxford St. 651-290-8577.) For the Danish, there’s Danish Bohemia, a children’s apparel and accessories shop from Scandinavian designers. (1144 Grand Av. b/w Lexington Pkwy. & Dunlap St. 651-222-8383.) For the Irish, check out Irish On Grand for Irish-themed gifts (i.e., a gigantic Guinness tambourine). (1124 Grand Av. b/w Lexington Pkwy. & Dunlap St. 651-222-5151.)

Little known fact: I was a dancer for 13 years throughout my childhood, so I made regular visits to locally-owned dancewear shop Grand Jeté. Funny thing is, I still take inspiration from dancewear, whether it be little black leather oxford-style jazz shoes, ballet flats, leotards and tights. Why go to American Apparel when you can get the real deal? (975 Grand Av. @ Chatsworth St. 651-227-0331.)

Speaking of which, why buy the $200 military-inspired bag or jacket when you can get the real thing for $20? Now that Ragstock has dropped their St. Paul and Minneapolis Warehouse locations, the go-to now is Zimmerman Dry Goods. It’s a little rough around the edges, sure, but you’ll walk out with a steal. (1656 Grand Av. b/w Macalester St. & Cambridge St. 651-699-4273.)

J. Crew: What can I say, it’s a chain mall store, but such a guilty pleasure. Clean and preppy basics are always chic, especially for the fellas. And if Michelle O approves, so do I! (870 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-292-1470.)

SALONS AND SPAS

phresh salon spa

You’ll need a break from the craziness and heat of the Grand Old Day festivities, so what better retreat can you have than a facial or mani/pedi?

The ladies of phresh spa salon treated me to a facial yesterday. Phresh is located in one of the old charming houses of Grand Avenue, so had a much cozier feel than your typical sterile white-walled spa. My esthetician Jessica offered me two options - one, a dermatologist-approved treatment and the other an organic treatment, which I chose. After applying steam to my skin, she cleansed, toned, and exfoliated it. After she applied a Quince Ice Wine Masque, she treated me to massages to my feet, arms and shoulders. Finally, the best (and least fun) part: The extractions! Good to get that junk out. She then used this electronic machine that restored my skin’s pH balance and finally applied a Rose Whip Moisturizer, Cucumber Eye Gel, Honey Apple SPF, and Citrus Lip Balm. Today, my skin feels amazingly smooth and looks radiant once again! I may very well go back in the recommended 4-6 weeks for another. ($85-90 for 60-minute facial.)

Other salons and spas on Grand Avenue worth checking out:

Juut Salonspa: Regardless of the location, Juut’s got the best haircutters, colorists, estheticians and spa specialists around, plus all yummy Aveda products. (857 Grand Av. @ Victoria St. 651-222-4121.)
Grand Hair and Beyond: The full-service hair salon specializes in color and cuts. (1674 Grand Av. @ Cambridge St. 651-699-7074.)
Mella & Co.: This specialty spa is St. Paul’s only day spa; it’s dedicated exclusively to facials, ultrasonic, peels, and massage. (1204 Grand Av. b/w Ayd Mill Rd. & Dunlap St. 651-292-8406.)