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As local shops clear our their winter stocks at huge discounts, they’re also adding incentives to shop for spring with limited-time discounts, deals and shopping events. Check out our comprehensive sales and shopping guide – updated weekly – for deals and other fun shopping-related events at the Twin Cities’ hippest shopping destinations.

WEEK OF MARCH 29-APRIL 4:

Wednesday: Soundrelle’s Keep Open House
What: Local neo-Victorian designer Heather Luca is inviting her customers (and the curious) into her world. View the spring 2010 collection by the custom couturier, which incorporates steampunk and corsetry elements, exquisite leatherwork, and romantic ruffled blouses, and see where the magic happens.
When: 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, March 31.
Where: 2500 University Ave., Ste. C12, St. Paul. www.scoundrelleskeep.com.

Saturday: Duckie Uglings Trunk Show
What: We have to admit, we’re not grownups when it comes to loving cute things, particularly when it comes in the form of adorable, locally-made, handcrafted plush toys (with a side of creepy) like Duckie Uglings. The designer of the plush, Rebecca Jo Malmstrom, will be showing off her latest creations at this trunk show – just in time for for you to fill the Easter basket of your favorite niece or nephew. Or, check out her Etsy shop.
When: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, April 3.
Where: Bibelot, 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-0321. www.bibelotshops.com.

Through Saturday: Picky Girl Spring Sale
What: St. Paul boutique Picky Girl still has a winter clearance section stocked with items marked up to 70 percent off. Mention you’re a facebook friend, and receive 25 percent off all regularly-priced clothing through April 3 – including new spring collections from national lines Kenzie Girl and Covet, and local darlings Calpurnia Peach.
When: Through Saturday, April 3.
Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-4107.

Through Wednesday: Meet the Experts at Juut Salonspa
What: Get a taste of spring makeup trends – and learn how to properly apply a cat is eye or the season’s strong lip – this month at Juut Salonspa. Juut makeup artists, including esteemed makeup artist Janell Geason, will teach the tricks of the trade. The registration fee of $100 with Geason and $35 with other artists is fully redeemable in Aveda makeup and skincare products the day of the event.
When: Various dates through March 31.
Where: Juut Salonspa at Victoria Crossing: 857 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-4121. At Rosedale Center: 2480 Fairview Ave. N., Roseville. 651-639-0576. www.juut.com.

Through Wednesday: Smashbox Promotion at FiveTwoSix
What: 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.
When: Through March 31.
Where: FiveTwo Six Salon and Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.

Through Wednesday: Bibelot Special Offer
What: 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.
When: Ongoing through March 31.
Where: Bibelot: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-0321; 4315 Upton Ave., Mpls. 612-925-3175; 300 E. Hennepin. Ave., Mpls.. 612-379-9300; 2276 Como Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-5651.

BlackBlue Shoe Sale
What: 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.
When: Ongoing while supplies last.
Where: BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com.

Content shared with the651.com partner l’étoile magazine.

As local shops clear our their winter stocks at huge discounts, they’re also adding incentives to shop for spring with limited-time discounts, deals and shopping events. This week, check out Juut’s makeover opportunity, plus ongoing sales at BlackBlue, Stephanie’s, Picky Girl and more:

[A makeup look by Janell Geason for Juut]

Through March 31: Meet the Experts at Juut Salonspa
Get a taste of spring makeup trends – and learn how to properly apply a cat is eye or the season’s strong lip – this month at Juut Salonspa. Juut makeup artists, including esteemed makeup artist Janell Geason, will teach the tricks of the trade. The registration fee of $100 with Geason and $35 with other artists is fully redeemable in Aveda makeup and skincare products the day of the event. (Various dates through March 31. Juut Salonspa at Victoria Crossing: 857 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-4121. At Rosedale Center: 2480 Fairview Ave. N., Roseville. 651-639-0576. www.juut.com.)

[kjurek couture Spring 2010/Photo by Loren Kollmar]

Karma Winter Sale & kjurek couture Spring 2010 launches
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. While you’re there, check out the new spring collection of dresses by local line kjurek couture by Kimberly Jurek. (Karma, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-291-1997.)

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 through the month of March. (FiveTwo Six Salon and Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

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. (Through March 31. Bibelot: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-0321; 2276 Como Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-5651.)

[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.)

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.)