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It’s that time again – the most stylist week of the season, MNfashion Week. St. Paul gets into the swing of things with a couple of fashion events this weekend:

Saturday: Children’s Hospital Association Benefit Fashion Show
What: In the spirit of MNfashion Week, many of Minnesota’s great salons are teaming up with tons of local clothing shops to create a total Twin Cities-centric runway event. For instance, this Saturday Selby Ave’s 526 Salon (and the Children’s Hospital Association) is bringing together local boutiques Picky Girl, Flirt, Allee and Karma (including designs from Seth Hardin and Maggie Dayton) to hit the catwalk at a positive and proactive fashion event. Help raise money for CHA while admiring local trends, patrolling photos from Elizabeth Barnwell and Karen Klein and filling yourself up with food and drink from Solo Vino, The Cheeky Monkey, Sweet Rush Bakery and more. -Lauren Gantner (Pictured: A look from Picky Girl)
When: 6–8 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Where: 526 Salon, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, www.526salon.com

Saturday: Lucie Lu Trunk Show at Bombshell
What: Join the Twin Cities’ only plus-sized boutique Bombshell as it hosts its first trunk show with designer Lucie Lu. Lucie Lu brings a fresh point of view to plus-size clothing by focusing on style rather than size. Enjoy happy hour drinks, view the collection, and place orders. -Jahna Peloquin
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Where: Bombshell Boutique, 794 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-2605, mnfashionweek.com

Content shared with l’etoile magazine

It’s fall MNfashion Week, and you know what that means – shopping, deals, fashion shows, and a celebration of all that is Twin Cities fashion! Take it from us – it’s one of our favorite times of the year. And St. Paul is not without its share of MNfashion Week events.

Fall into Style with Local Color
What: For MNfashion Week, join local artist co-op ELINOR to peruse its extensive fall collection from over 40 Midwestern artisans and crafters. Get ready for the season by shopping their latest goods – jackets, scarves, clothing, art and jewels from designers like Knit-n-Jules, Susan Horowitz and more. The night also includes prizes, discounts and tasty treats. -Lauren Gantner
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, September 23.
Where: ELINOR Artful Adornments, 1559 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, 651-771-1791, elinor7.wordpress.com, mnfashionweek.com

Thurday: The Circle: Design & Antiques Fair Preview Party
What: The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is bringing together young art gurus all over the state to chit-chat about art, mingle with art fans and experience the MIA in an all-new way. This month, its young adult members group “The Circle” is hosting a Design and Antiques Fair, and all members are getting a totally awesome (half price!) discount. Now’s your chance to peruse tons of designer booths, chat with awesome art curators, and buy new pieces for just $50, rather than $100. -Lauren Gantner
when: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, September 23.
where: St. Paul Armory, 600 Cedar St., St. Paul, 612-870-3033, artsmia.org

Next Wednesday: Saint Paul Capitol Collective
What: Get a taste of St. Paul style with this IamMoody-produced runway show from a collective of the capital city’s best and brightest. Womenswear from eclectic shops Karma and Allee Metro Chic will make their way down the runway, as will Parisian-styled lingerie from Flirt and vintage threads from Lula’s Vintage Wear. Ladies, bring your guys – top menswear boutique BlackBlue will give your fellas something to crave. Best of all, proceeds go to benefit the CapitolRiver Council, which work for the physical revitalization and economic growth of the historic St. Paul downtown. The evening is rounded out with gift bags and a catered afterparty. -Jahna Peloquin (Pictured: a look from BlackBlue)
Cost: $40
When: 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show. Wednesday, September 29.
Where: Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., St. Paul, mnfashionweek.com, iammoody.com

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

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

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

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

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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.)

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