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.

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

This week in St. Paul, a new lingerie shop opens its doors to all sizes, the semi-annual clearance sale kicks off at My Sister’s Closet, plus more sales and deals:

[A look from Aubade at Allure]

Lingerie shop Allure opens on Grand Avenue
Busty ladies tired of boring basics when it comes to bras, this news ought to make your eyes light up. New shop Allure, recently opened along Grand Avenue’s shopping district, stocks romantic, stylish lingerie for all sizes. Its shelves are stocked with an eclectic assortment of bras from noteworthy lines like Aubade, LeMystere, and Cosabella that mix support with style - meaning colors, lace, and embellishments. The locally-owned shop also features a chic selection of undies, pajamas, swoon-worthy cashmere robes, sweaters, yoga wear, and bridal lingerie, as well as a knowledgeable staff that will help you find the perfect fit. (Allure, 1051 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-493-6773.)

[My Sister's Closet]

Beginning Monday: My Sister’s Closet Winter Clearance Sale
A longtime favorite of this writer, My Sister’s Closet is having its bi-annual blowout sale. The sister-owned shop housed in one of Grand Avenue’s historic houses will be taking 50 percent off everything in stock, including vintage and designer consignment. (Jan. 18-30. My Sister’s Closet, 1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819.)

Friday: Face à Face eyewear trunk show at InVision
Local eyewear shop InVision is hosting a trunk show by French eyewear brand Face à Face at its three Metro locations. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. InVision Grand Ave.: 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-291-0318.)

[Painting by Sarah Wieben]

[Details Style Lab]

Through Jan. 31: Details Style Lab Deal
What: Bring two or more non-perishable food items and receive a 10 percent discount at spa and men’s clothing boutique Details Style Lab. The store plans to donate 800 pounds of food this year, providing 150 meals to a family of four. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

[Sale items at Picky Girl]

Ongoing: 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.)

Ongoing: Deals at 526 Salon
Kick off your 2010 right with new deals 526 Salon. Now through January, Stephen Trevino’s happening salon and gallery is offering a facial or massage for only $49 (originally $65). A selection of Bumble & Bumble hair treatments are on clearance through January. Take 20 percent off one item, 25 percent off two, and 30 percent off three. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839.)

[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 their latest addition, men’s denim line, A.P.C. from France. (Ongoing while supplies last. BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

‘Animal Dreams’ at The Grand Hand Gallery

The Grand Hand opens a new show this weekend with a fun reception on Saturday evening. See the animal-themed work of painter Adu Gindy, whose colorful abstract figure works incorporate a sense of whimsy with a folk art meets Basquiat twist; and potter Aaron Sober whose imaginative salt-fired ceramic pieces use surface design to tell darkly graceful tales of  the woodland. Gindy’s work is in numerous collections, including the Minnesota Museum of American Art, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, and the Walker Art Center, while Sober is a graduate of Macalester College and Penland School of Crafts, he relocated from Minnesota to Maine.  Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, conversation and great art!

Saturday, Jan 16th /5-8pm                                                                                                                                                                            Runs through Mar 7th

For more info visit www.thegrandhand.com

‘Robozoology’ at Nicademus Art

The opening reception for this show has passed, but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t stop in to check it out! Local illustrator, Chuck U, busts out a big, bold exhibit at the hip Saint Paul frame shop/art gallery. A longtime staple in the Twin Cities art scene, Chuck is known for his intricately designed rock and hip hop show posters and artistic album cover art. There’s no denying his signature style, which is consistently recognizable and impressive; deftly drawn lines that together present and almost psychedelic feel, though the artist’s humor is always front and center.

Runs through Feb. 9th                                                                                                                                                                                      Tues-Thurs 11-7pm; Fri 11-6pm; Sat 10-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm

For more info visit www.nicademusart.com

If you’re like me, you get a little claustrophobic at the mall or big box stores around the holidays with thousands of people clamoring for that perfect gift.  I mean look at what OSHA has spent their time on recently:

OSHA Tries to Prevent Holiday Shopping Trampling Deaths

Thursday November 19, 2009

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new guidelines on how retail employers can prevent their employees and shoppers from being trampled to death - yes, trampled to death - during holiday season sales events. (continue reading…)

Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller

@ Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave, St. Paul

Friday Nov 20th reception 6-8pm / Free
Exhibit runs through Jan 17th

The Goldstein Museum of Design plays host to a neat new traveling exhibit focused on the iconic furnishings of Michigan-based company, Herman Miller. Some of the most recognizable American furniture has been churned out by this group, and the exhibit showcases drawings, prototypes, photographs and original design models from the company’s iconic portfolio of products. Detailing the creation process on up through product evolution, the show focuses on 20th and 21st century artists such as Gilbert Rohde, Alexander Girard, Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick. Hit up the opening reception this Friday from 6-8pm or stop into the museum on any given day through January 17th, aside from Mondays and Holidays, to take a gander!

For more info visit http://goldstein.design.umn.edu

TU Dance Fall 2009 Concert

@ The O’Shaughnessy, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul

Friday 20th 8pm, Saturday 21st 8pm, Sunday 22nd 2pm / $16-$27

Immerse yourself in modern dance this weekend as TU dance company kicks off their sixth season with the premiere of Danial Shapiro and Joanie Smith’s performance of “Dance with Army Blankets”. The piece is presented in its first full staging since the original commission by Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (New York, 1992). Also on task is company founder, Uri Sands who will debut his new duet with Macriano Silva dos Santos, entitled “Me & Him.” You’ll also be treated to Sands’ latest in a series delving into “the synergy between human senses and elements,” and a signature TU piece, “Tones of Adney,” inspired by the “shifting states of a Minnesota Lake.” The way TU interprets thoughts, feelings and unusual concepts into movement is always thought provoking and mesmerizing, and most definitely worth your time.

For more info visit www.tudance.org

Handcrafted Holidays Open House

@ Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Avenue, St. Paul

Saturday, Nov 21st / 4-8pm / Free

Head to the Grand Hand Gallery this Saturday for a festive fete featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz tunage from potter and pianist Chuck Solberg. While you’re there, get all your thoughtful holiday shopping done, as the Grand Hand’s Handcrafted Holiday show is up now! Find sweet deals on all manners of artist-made, one of a kind gifts such as art pieces, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, pottery, textiles and more. This open house event is the Grand Hand’s “thank you” to customers, artists, friends and neighbors who’ve made the little gallery’s first 5 years of business a booming success. What’s better? A portion of Saturday’s sales go to benefit CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). The reception runs from 4-8pm but feel free to stop into the gallery during regular business hours, Mon-Fri 10am-8pm and Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.

For more info visit www.thegrandhand.com

Munny Decorating Workshop

@ Tomodachi, Rosedale Mall, #655, Roseville

Every Saturday 2-6pm / Free

Ok, Roseville isn’t technically Saint Paul, but it’s definitely a kissing cousin! And this ongoing event is just too cute for me not to give a shout out to. Every Saturday from 2-6pm adults and children alike are invited to stop in to cuter-than-cute collectible toy shop, Tomadachi, and play “toy designer” for a day with the help of staff and guest artists. Munnys are cute lil’ vinyl toy-guys that come in white, blue and pink. Basically, blank canvases on which you can custom-decorate your own toy. Compatible with many different art materials, the sky’s the limit when it comes to Munnys! Create one in the likeness of a friend, let your kid go crazy on one, make your own army of artsy robots, etc. Not to mention, a custom-made Munny makes an awesome straight-from-the-heart, yet hip, holiday gift. While you’re there, you might as well stock up on all manners of limited edition, collectible toys and knickknacks from the likes of KidRobot, Sanrio, Tokidoki, Paul Frank and more. Nifty gifty!

For more info visit www.tomodachi.us

Holiday shopping season is finally upon us, and St. Paul doesn’t lack in any shopping opportunities this weekend. And just because you’re shopping doesn’t mean you can’t party - the BlackBlue art opening tonight - plus Fiery Furnaces at the Turf and Unknown Prophets at Big V’s on Saturday - should keep you going.

Nadine Gross shows Polaroid work at BlackBlue

FRIDAY: “Polaroid Prints” at BlackBlue
Though Nadine Gross has been shooting exclusively on Polaroid 600 film since 2001, her work had yet to see the light of day – until now. For her debut exhibition, Gross selected 30 of her 500-plus photo collection, printed in large scale for you to purchase. The images play on color, pattern and texture, more akin to minimalist abstract artist like Ellsworth Kelly than one would expect from such a Pop Art form of photography. The show will also be the first art opening at new St. Paul boutique BlackBlue, which will be offering ten percent off all clothing and accessories during the reception. Not to mention the fact that BlackBlue knows how to throw a party! (7-10 p.m. Fri. Free. 614 Selby Av., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com.)

(continue reading…)

[Eisley]

THURSDAY: Say Anything, Eisley, Moneen + Moving Mountains at Station 4
Orange county mall-punkers Say Anything don’t exactly break the mold when it comes to the pop-punk equation, but their latest double-disc offering In Defense of the Genre is a welcome return to stories about girls and apologies to past and present band members. The real ones to watch for is Texas quintet and family act Eisley, whose sweet pop tunes are wrapped in longing and a whimsical romanticism that will bring you back to the innocence of youth. (5 p.m. $16-19. All ages. 201 E. 4th St., St. Paul, 651-298-0173.)

(continue reading…)

With MNfashion Week kicking off early this weekend, it’s no surprise there happen to be a ton of stylish events happening in St. Paul this week. After all, Minneapolis isn’t the only Twin City with a happening fashion scene.

Thursday: An Evening at Eastcliff

Looks from Amanda Christine's Fall 2009 collection / Image by Nic Marshall / Styling by Eclecticoiffeur

The Friends of St. Paul’s Goldstein Museum of Design are behind this official MNfashion Week event at the beautiful home and gardens of the President of the University of Minnesota. Two local fashion designers, Amanda Christine and Allison Quinnell (both of which were featured in Voltage 2009), will share a selection of their Fall 2009 collections as guests sip wine and take in a rare opportunity to take in the surroundings at Eastcliff. Since space is limited, be sure to RSVP for entry to gmd@umn.edu. (6-8 p.m. Free. 176 N. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. 612-627-6800.)

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

The Kimono Show

Friday, August 7th
Reception 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Through September 5th

Tonight’s festive opening reception at the Artists’ Mercantile is a doozy. Lay eyes on gorgeous Japanese kimonos of all shapes, styles and colors. The opening reception will include an Origami paper folding demo, appetizers from Sakura, Asian-inspired art of all mediums by local artists, and a raffle to win your very own kimono! Don’t miss this vibrant exhibit based on Japanese tradition, and the beauty surrounding it.

The Artists’ Mercantile, 24 West 7th Place, St. Paul

FOR MORE ART EVENTS THIS WEEKEND CLICK HERE

(continue reading…)

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.)