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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there are plenty of great gift ideas right here in the capital city.

Beginning this month, a new skirt by local designer Anne M. Cramer is hitting St. Paul shops Picky Girl and Allee Metro Chic. The structured cotton twill striped “Flynn Skirt” comes in a plethora of colors (moss, sunshine, cherry, nautical and ink) and retails for $160. (Picky Girl: 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107; Allee Metro Chic: 179 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-769-4534; annemcramer.com) While you’re at Picky Girl, be sure to check out its fall sale, including 50 percent off hats, gloves and scarves, 40 percent off boots and denim, 25 percent off all accessories, and 10 percent off new arrivals.

Also launching this month at Picky Girl is the new spring collection from local handbag line NELLE. Laura Nelli’s adorable confections are a favorite of brides and the girly girl and vintage lover alike. The “Just Bowtiful” purse and clutch, “Classic Flutter Clutch” and her all-new “Flora Sash” range in price from $66 and $190. Visit shop.nellehandbags.com to view the styles.

Down the street from Picky Girl on Grand Avenue, vintage and designer consignment shop My Sister’s Closet have done the unprecedented and are taking a stunning 75 percent off all fall and winter items beginning this week. In addition to sweet vintage dresses, they have a great selection of vintage and designer accessories – jewelry, hats, shoes, handbags and more. (1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-2819, www.mysistersclosetmn.com)

On Friday, the w7 Collective pop-up shop returns with a pop-up sale from Barbara Anderson-Sannes, the former owner of the beloved St. Paul toy store Essence of Nonsense (which closed last year). From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., scoop up handmade goods that are all things Valentine – cards, bears, bunnies and more. (1032 W. 7th St., St. Paul, w7collective.posterous.com)

Trendy women’s boutique Stephanie’s has just taken some fresh markdowns on their remaining fall and winter stock. Save 50 to 70 percent off on lines such as Yumi Kim, Nicole Miller, Tibi and Voile. Get there sooner than later, as these prices aren’t going lower. (758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com)

Now through February 6, Selby and Snelling boutique Allee Metro Chic is taking all merchandise (including new arrivals) discounted at 10 to 40 percent off. (179 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-414-0274, www.alleemetro.com)

Lingerie lovers should swing by local shop Flirt, which carries national brands as well as local line Jagress Intimates. Through the month of February, they’ll be giving customers a coupon for 25 percent off one item during the month of March with all February purchases. (Limit one per customer.) Then mark your calendars for a couple of upcoming events: Guy’s Night Out on Thursday, February 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., where guys can come shop for their sweeties while enjoying a scotch and beer tasting, compliments of Solo Vino. With purchase, they’ll also get a cigar from Stogies on Grand to take with them. (Helpful hint: Ladies, register online with your sizes beforehand.) Then on Saturday, February 12, The Corner of Selby and Snelling will host a daylong Valentine’s shopping event. Purchases at The Corner stores (Lula Vintage Wear, Up Six, Allee Metro Chic, Everyday People and Flirt) totaling $100 or more gets you a free gift and treat at the “Kissing Booth” on the corner. (177 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-698-3692, www.flirt-boutique.com)

More Valentine’s gift ideas:
Check out my Sweets in St. Paul guide from last year, featuring Saint Paul Classic Cookie, Chocolate Celeste and more St. Paul favorites.

Vintage lovers, swing by St. Paul Retro Loop shops Lula’s Vintage Wear, Succotash, Swank Interiors, Up Six and Classic Retro @ Pete’s. Also check out my vintage guide for the651 for a listing of more St. Paul vintage shops.

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.)

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.)

I love designer threads as much as the next fashion fanatic, but I wouldn’t know style without having the art of thrifting. It’s that look that makes Mary Kate and Ashley’s high-low look, and major fashion designers regularly cull inspiration from street style sites like Lookbook that feature young, otherwise strapped-for-cash style makers that make a look out of the thrifty.

Mary Kate & Ashley work it in vintage threads

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Last weekend, I put on my best vintage dress and, with local fashion designer Max Lohrbach in tow, traipsed over to the Midwest Vintage Clothing, Jewelry and Textile Show at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. The annual event is a traveling show of all things vintage from the best vendors in the U.S., and people from all over the country congregate to the Midwest for a show you can’t find on the coasts.

Max Lohrbach at RetroRama 2009 with one of his designs

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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.)

You may know me from my writing on fashion and nightlife in Twin Cities weekly Vita.mn, or my fashion styling work with stylist collective Eclecticoiffeur, or my involvement with the Twin Cities’ premier fashion event, Voltage: Fashion Amplified. Perhaps you’ve just seen me out and about on more than one occasion.

But something you may not know is that I got my start not in Minneapolis, where I live, but in St. Paul. While going to school to study journalism, I held a part-time job as a visual stylist at Herberger’s department store and had a writing internship with the Pioneer Press. We all have our humble beginnings.

Being the vintage-ophile that I am, I began frequenting the myriad vintage shops of St. Paul – arguably the best in the state. There’s Sophie Joe’s Emporium (a consortium of vintage and antique dealers), where LiLo shopped while in town for A Prairie Home Companion; My Sister’s Closet, where I have found some of my best vintage gems; and the mother of all Twin Cities vintage shops, Lula’s Vintage Wear, whose owner Hayley Bush is my go-to vintage clothing expert.

Check back to the STAYcation blog regularly this summer for more of my picks for the best shopping in St. Paul – and the most stylish places to go after hours.