The651.com

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.

[Tees by Tilton]

Saturday & Sunday: Dream of Spring Event at Bonne Chance
Local artisans coalesce at St. Paul gift boutique Bonne Chance. Find hand-crafted jewelry, scarves and accessories. That includes Carole Hallman’s up-cycled slip dresses, hand dyed in bright colors, and trench coats; hand-bound journals by Robyn Priestley; and knit tees by Katherine Tilton. Sadly, with this event comes the announcement that Bonne Chance will be closing for now, with hopes to reopen at another location eventually. (Noon-5 p.m. Bonne Chance, 713 E. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul. 651-771-1791.)

Friday: Artist Mercantile’s Art of Romance Soiree
Artisan co-op Artist Mercantile starts the romance early at their annual Valentine’s themed “Art of Romance Soiree.” Listen to live poetry by the St. Paul Poetry Slam team and live music from Sam Hall, enjoy chocolates and wine, and shop for handmade goods from the Mercantile’s 65 artists. Valentine’s gift ideas include locally-made candles and bath products, stained and fused glassware, jewelry, and painted chairs. You can also try your hand at poetry and bring in a love-related quote on a postcard-sized card stock and you might get it displayed in the storefront window. (6-9 p.m. Artist Mercantile, 24 7th Pl., St. Paul. 651-222-0053.)

Saturday & Sunday: Grand Hand Local Jewelry Trunk Show
Minnesota jewelry artists Laura Stamper and Mitra Vahhaji’s latest creations will be in display at this jewelry trunk show, just in time for Valentine’s Day. New to the gallery is Laura Stamper, whose collection is composed of mixed materials, while Mitra Vahhaji’s designs are composed of silver, pearls and stones. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Noon-5 p.m. Sun. The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-312-1122.)

Thursday: Details Salon Spa Color Offer
Details Salon Spa is letting you reap the benefits of cancellations in their books. This Thursday only, receive 50 percent off any new color service that you book and receive. Call or go on-line to book at 651-251-8700 or www.detailsmn.com. (Details Salon, 346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700.)

Monday-Wednesday: Hot Mama Denim Sale
Stylish moms-to-be, head to Hot Mama’s Annual Denim Sale. Get 25 percent off all premium jeans, including new arrivals. (Hot Mama, Rosedale Center, 612-633-9400; 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-0222.)

Tuesday: Minnesota Opera’s Girl’s Night Out
Get your culture fix at the Minnesota Opera’s Girl’s Night Out event, centered around the Opera’s current production of Roberto Devereux. Enjoy free appetizers and drink specials at the St. Paul Grill, where 107.1’s Lori and Julia will broadcast their show live. Then head over to the Ordway, hear FM107.1’s Ian Punnett and MN Opera’s Artistic Director Dale Johnson talk about Roberto Devereux, and enjoy the show. (3 p.m. $30 including price of show. St. Paul Grill, 345 Market St., St. Paul. 612-333-6699. Click here to purchase tickets.)

Friday: “How Secretaries Changed the 20th Century Office: Design, Image and Culture”
Find out how woman’s secretarial role in the office over the years has transformed the style of the workplace as we know it in this new exhibition at Goldstein Museum of Design. Enjoy refreshments at the opening reception, and bring gently-used women’s business wear for Woemn Achieving New Directions during the exhibit’s run. (Opening reception 6-8 p.m. Fri. Ongoing through May 23. Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul. 612-624-7434.)

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.)

Winter’s plentiful shopping events and sales continue this week.

[My Sister's Closet]

Through Saturday: 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. In other news, look for a second My Sister’s Closet location opening in Uptown Minneapolis at 2741 Hennepin Avenue South on February 1 with all-new stock. (Jan. 18-30. 1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819.)

Sunday: Rocco Altobelli Salon Spa fund drive and discounts
Locally-owned salon and spa Rocco Altobelli is offerings discounts on services and products for a good cause. Get discounts on services between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. with a donation of three nonperishable food items per service. Cash or check will be accepted for a haircut ($20 plus food), accent color ($20 plus food for 10-12 foils), brow wax ($10 plus food) and lip wax ($7 plus food). All proceeds go to Second Heartland. Appointments can be made beginning Jan. 28. (Jan. 31. St. Paul: 665 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. 651-690-5491. Rosedale: 1655 County Rd. B2 W., St. Paul. 651-631-2289.)

[A look from Details Style Lab]

Through Sunday: Details Style Lab Deal
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.)

[Painting by Sarah Wieben]

Through Sunday: The Grand Hand Winter Sale
Art and gift boutique The Grand Hand is clearing out their stock to make room for new art for the New Year. Save 20 percent on Sarah Wieben paintings, Michael Tonder glass, Tom Homann pottery, and Jemerick pottery. UPDATED: New additions to the sale include 75 percent off Lori O’Neill jackets and Mary Lynn O’Shea jackets and bags, as well as jewelry at 20 to 75 percent off. (Ongoing through Jan. 31. The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-312-1122.)

Through Sunday: Deals at 526 Salon
Kick off your 2010 right with new deals 526 Salon. Now through January, this 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 Salon, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839.)

[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: Winter Sale at Stephanie’s
What: Both of Stephanie’s locations in Highland Park and 50th & France are taking 50 to 70 percent off fall and winter merchandise. In other news, the store is planning to close its 50th & France location, opting to keep open its popular Highland Park boutique and focus on opening an online shop. No blowout sale is planned for the closing storefront.
When: Ongoing while supplies last
Where: Highland Park: 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul. 651-690-3802; 50th & France: 5005 France Ave. S., Mpls. 612-929-2087.

[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.) (Ongoing while supplies last. BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul.)

Freaked out that you still haven’t crossed all the names off your list? St. Paul shops are offering a few last-minute shopping opportunities.

[Ann Taylor is among the stores open for 83 hours at Rosedale]

Monday-Wednesday: Rosedale Center 83-Hour Non-stop Shopping
The most noteworthy has to be Rosedale’s 83 hour non-stop shopping spree. Many stores are staying open all night Monday through Wednesday of this week. Macy’s Rosedale location also will be the lone Minnesota Macy’s location to remain open for 24 hours during the final days of the shopping season. Call 651-639-6600 or visit myrosedale.comfor more details, and click HERE for more store-specific special offers and sales. (Mon-Wed. 10 Rosedale Ctr., Roseville. 651-639-6600.) (continue reading…)

Dudes get plenty of last-minute shopping help this weekend in St. Paul.

[A holiday look from A. Michele]

Point and Sip at A. Michele
What can we say? A lot of dudes put it off until the last minute, but fortunately a lot of shops are prepared. This one is hosted by A. Michele owner Amy Michele Mullen’s husband, natch – and they’ll have plenty of helpers on hand to assist in selecting your gifts while you mull it over with martinis, wine and beer. (6-9 p.m. Thu. 1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-735-8088.)
(continue reading…)