The651.com

It’s the week after Christmas, and you know what that means – tons of sales and shopping.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 27-JANUARY 2:

Stephanie’s Winter Sale
What: St. Paul trendy women’s boutique Stephanie’s is kicking off their winter sale this week. The progressive sale means the more you buy, the more you save. Buy one item, get 20 percent off; buy two and get 30 percent off; and buy three or more and get 40 percent off, on lines such as Yumi Kim, Nicole Miller, Tibi and Voile. (Not valid with other offers.) -Jahna Peloquin
When: Ongoing through January 31.
Where: Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com

Flirt’s Semi-Annual Sale
What: Parisian-styled lingerie boutique Flirt is kicking off their semi-annual sale. Pick-up some cutesy bras, silky jams and comfy undies all at 40% off from select brands like Mimi Holliday, Blush, Betsey Johnson, Rosy and more. Shop early for best selection. -Lauren Gantner
When: Ongoing through January 9.
Where: Flirt, 177 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-698-3692, www.flirt-boutique.com

Through Monday: Len Druskin Week of Savings Sale
What: Local shop Len Druskin is having a massive post-Christmas sale that beats all others in scope and size. Five (count ‘em, FIVE) of the store’s locations are participating, including LEN at Rosedale, are offering a week of specials and special events, including 25 percent off already marked down merchandise. Generally, LEN stocks special purchase merchandise. (The sale is not at the full-price stores in the Galleria and Gaviidae.) -J.P.
When: Sunday, December 26-Monday, January 3.
Where: LEN at Rosedale, Roseville, 651-233-2410, www.shoplen.com and www.lendruskin.com

Patina Clearance Sale
What: Holiday and seasonal merchandise will be 50 percent of at Patina stores starting the day after Christmas. Stop back on Tuesday, December 28 for a broader selection of winter clearance merchandise.
When: Stores open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, December 26; ongoing
Where: All Patina locations including 2057 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-695-9955, www.patinastores.com

Bibelot Clearance Sale
What: Gift shop Bibelot is offering 50 percent off holiday merchandise.
When: Starts 11 a.m. Sunday, December 26; ongoing
Where: All Bibelot locations including 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-290-9745 & 2276 Como Ave., St. Paul, 651-646-5651, www.bibelotshops.com

December Deals at FiveTwoSix Salon
What: Every month, St. Paul salon FiveTwoSix – which was recently named one of the top 100 salons in America by Elle Magazine – has tons of ways to keep you pretty with great deals and promos. This month, buy one of any product and get 10 percent off; buy two, get 15 percent off; buy three, get 20 percent off.
Plus get your winter hair fix with Bumble & Bumble’s Wear and Care Quenching Treatment; the line starts at $35, and you can take 20 percent off when you invest in all four treatments from the line. For your dry skin fix, take in a winter skin spa treatment from Dermalogica; get a 30 minute treatment for only $35, and take home its Smooth and Renew kit with free travel size samples for only $36 ($66 value). More deals running through the month: get a free 4 oz. Bumble & Bumble hairspray with a Messy or Dressy production collection purchase; free makeup touch-ups from Smashbox Cosmetics after any hair or spa appointment; and if you refer three people to your stylist, you’ll receive a free haircut, and they’ll receive a complimentary Bumble & Bumble product. -L.G.
When: Through December.
Where: 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

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This week in St. Paul shopping, Guild teams up with the Goldstein for a benefit and holiday shopping open house, Selby and Snelling shops’ special shopping night, and more:

Thursday: Guild presents Goldstein Museum of Design Benefit & Holiday Open House
What: This weekend, the artsy curators at Guild boutique have teamed up with the Goldstein Museum of Design for a festive holiday styling event. Get in the know on holiday styles with professional stylist Gwen Leeds on top of tons to table décor tips from Nancy Koch from Dayton’s Paris Flea Market and Tami Roth from Meli Melo. Plus, all proceeds will support the Goldstein Museum! -Lauren Gantner
When: 6–9 p.m. Thursday, November 11.
Where: The Goldstein Museum of Design, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434, guildcollective.wordpress.com

Thursday: Shop by Candlelight at Selby & Snelling
What: Start of the Season right with the shops on Selby and Snelling! This Thursday, resale shop Everyday People, lingerie boutique Flirt, vintage haven Lula, Euro-chic shops A. Michele and Allee Metro Chic, and gift store Patina have teamed together to bring you a candlelit shopping experience full of cheery treats, special sales and tons of surprises just in time for the holiday season. Plus, receive a $20 gift card from A. Michele for every $100 spent at the store. -Lauren Gantner
When: 6–9 p.m. Thursday, November 11.
Where: Selby & Snelling Aves., St. Paul.

Friday-Saturday: Allen Brewer & Pam Valfer Studio Sale
What: It’s obvious that we have already fallen in love with the husband-wifey art team Allen Brewer and Pamela Valfer after their recent joint exhibition at the SooVAC, so naturally we are ecstatic about their open studio sale this weekend. Now is your chance to step into an artistic adventure world while perusing tons of their creative pieces (often cleverly combining colorful sketches and text) for your own collection. -Lauren Gantner (Pictured: Allen Brewer)
When: 6–10 p.m. Friday, November 12 & Noon–6 p.m. Saturday, November 13.
Where: Pam and Allen’s Studio, 2242 University Ave. #202, St. Paul, dothedow.info

Friday: “Loss of Innocence” Opening Reception
What: St. Paul photographer and l’étoile fave Rhea Pappas is at the center of this multi-faceted, fashion-forward event at FiveTwoSix Salon and Gallery. Pappas will be debuting her latest collection of enchanting, haunting underwater photography. Rounding out the night, photographer Darrin Commerford will be doing a live shoot with models wearing hand-dyed scarves by Wendie Zekowski and jewelry by Jamie Ingham – with hair and makeup by FiveTwoSix’s expert stylists, of course. -Jahna Peloquin (Photo: Rhea Pappas)
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, November 12.
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

November Deals at FiveTwoSix Salon
What: Every month, St. Paul salon FiveTwoSix – which was recently named one of the top 100 salons in America by Elle Magazine – has tons of ways to keep you pretty with great deals and promos. This month, get your winter hair fix with Bumble & Bumble’s Wear and Care Quenching Treatment; the line starts at $35, and you can take 20 percent off when you invest in all four treatments from the line. For your dry skin fix, take in a winter skin spa treatment from Dermalogica; get a 30 minute treatment for only $35, and take home its Smooth and Renew kit with free travel size samples for only $36 ($66 value). More deals running through the month: get a free 4 oz. Bumble & Bumble hairspray with a Messy or Dressy production collection purchase; free makeup touch-ups from Smashbox Cosmetics after any hair or spa appointment; and if you refer three people to your stylist, you’ll receive a free haircut, and they’ll receive a complimentary Bumble & Bumble product.
-Jahna Peloquin
When: Through November.
Where: 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.com

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

This week in St. Paul shopping and style, check out a Nelle handbags trunk show, special offers at Picky Girl and FiveTwoSix Salon Spa Gallery, and new stores including Express Yourself resale and plus-size boutique Bombshell. Also head to sales at BlackBlue, A. Michele, Picky Girl, and Patina, and visit the Goldstein for their latest exhibition, “Flights of Fancy: A History of Feathers in Fashion.”

Beginning Thursday: Nelle Trunk Show
What: Laura Nelli’s line of confectionery clutches, Nelle, first hit the scene back in 2004, and it’s steadily gained a following locally ever since. Most recently, her line has found its way into Henri Bendel stores in New York and gotten a spread in Oprah’s O Magazine. Check out Nelli’s latest line at this Thursday’s trunk show at St. Paul bridal boutique L’atelier Couture. All Nelle clutches – as well as her adorable hair accessories – will be 10 percent off during the show. Appointments are encouraged. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, August 19-Saturday, August 28.
Where: L’atelier Couture, 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492, nellehandbags.com, www.lateliercouturebridal.com

Now open: Express Yourself Clothing
What: The Selby and Snelling neighborhood is proud to show off their newest addition: a totally trendy, teen resale boutique called Express Yourself Clothing. But this resale store isn’t your typical “Plato’s Closet”: Express Yourself is a non-profit project started by teens, made for teens, and run by teens, teaching teenagers the essentials of starting up and running their own small business. Plus, their mounds of cutesy, brand-name swag is always for a good price and the proceeds go toward an even better cause. -Lauren Gantner
When: Now open
Where: Express Yourself Clothing, 1154 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-287-7932, www.expressyourselfclothing.com

Just announced: BlackBlue Summer Sale
What: The on-trend menswear shop BlackBlue is kicking off the new season by getting rid of their warm weather wear to make room for new fall must-haves. Guys, now’s your chance to stop by the friendly shop to browse their big selection of summer clothing and footwear which will all be conveniently marked down 40 to 60 percent – and ladies, there’s some footwear (and potentially unisex-y clothing) for you too! -Lauren Gantner
When: Now
Where: BlackBlue, 614 Selby Ave, St. Paul, 651-260-5340, www.blkblu.com

Ongoing: Picky Girl Accessories Competition
What: Picky Girl devotees, get you accessories photo ready. The St. Paul shop is holding a photo contest for the chance to nab a prize. Simply snap a photo of your favorite accessory from Picky Girl -jewelry, scarves, handbags, or shoes – and post it to Picky Girl’s Facebook page. On August 20, they will announce one winner, who will receive an adorable tote ($15 value) by Picky Girl designer Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame.
When: August 5-August 19.
Where: 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, pickygirlmn.com

Now open: Bombshell
What: Plus-sized ladies looking for stylish threads, forgo the mall and head to St. Paul’s Grand Avenue district. The new, locally-owned boutique opened last week offering sizes 14-24, on the heels of chains like Old Navy and Ann Taylor removing their plus size options from their stores. The shop is already filled to the brim with apparel and fashion accessories from nationally-known lines including many Twin Cities’ exclusives, such as Kiyonna, Igigi, Gayla Bentley, Trentacosta New York, Jibri and Ines.
When: Now open
Where: 794 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-2605, www.bomb-shell-boutique.com

FiveTwoSix Salon Spa Gallery Promotions
What: Through August, FiveTwoSix has a plethora of beauty deals to keep your hair and skin looking fresh. First, receive a free travel-size Antioxidant HyrdraMist when you purchase a Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30 moisturizer. Also, Smashbox Cosmetics has just hit the racks at FiveTwoSix. Check out their new fall make-up line, Masquerade, and receive a complimentary make-up touch-up after your hair or spa treatment. Looking to try out a new stylist on the cheap? FiveTwoSix’s stylists-in-training program offers haircuts starting at $15. Or just looking for a free haircut? FiveTwoSix are looking for models. Register to be on their call list and receive a complimentary cut or color from a stylist in an advanced training class. 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 August
Where: FiveTwoSix Salon, 526 Selby Ave, St. Paul, 651-222-3839, 526salon.qwestoffice.net

Saturdays & Sundays: Stephanie’s Summer Savings Sale
What: Every weekend through Labor Day, Stephanie’s Summer Savings Sale offers sidewalk deals of 70 percent off with racks replenished weekly. In addition, all regularly priced merchandise is 10 percent off, and items already 40 percent off an extra 10 percent off.
When: Weekends through Labor Day
Where: Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com

Picky Girl Summer Sale
What: Head to Picky Girl on Grand Avenue in St. Paul for new markdowns on select spring and summer items. Sale racks are marked down 40 to 70 percent off – plus for a limited time, take 30 percent off all regular priced items. Look for national brands like Kensie Girl and Covet, and local designs from Calpurnia Peach, Carmichael Claith and Rapport handbags. (Pictured: Carmichael Claith)
When: Ongoing.
Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com

Ongoing: Patina Summer Sale
What: Local gift shop Patina is slashing prices for its annual summer sale, both in-store and in its e-shop. Take up to 50 percent off in-store and up to 70 percent off online on items including furniture (in-store only), candles, jewelry and accessories, gadgets, home decor, kitchen goods and more. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Ongoing.
Where: www.patinastores.com; 1581 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-5444; Highland Park: 2057 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-695-9955, www.patinastores.com

Ongoing: “Flights of Fancy: A History of Feathers in Fashion”
What: This Friday marks the opening of the Goldstein Museums newest exhibit: Flights of Fancy. With the help of the local Raptor Center and the Bell Museum, curators at the Goldstein have brought together a fluffy showcase of feathers and flair from fashion legends like Oscar de la Renta, Bob Mackie, Victor Costa and more. This exhibit will dive into the feathery styles of western culture, starting from feathers in nature to the appeal of feathers on clothing. (Image: Oscar de La Renta)
When: Exhibition runs through September 12.
Where: Goldstein Museum, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434, http://goldstein.design.umn.edu/

This week in St. Paul shopping and style, check out Bibelot Night Out!, a sale at A. Michele boutique, and a rare jewelry sale at the Grand Hand, and visit the Goldstein for their latest exhibitions, “Flights of Fancy: A History of Feathers in Fashion” and “Off the Top of My Head: Hat Habitats.”

Thursday: Bibelot Night Out!
What: Want a little bonus with your gift shopping? Head to locally-owned gift chain Bibelot’s Grand Avenue location for its Bibelot Night Out! Event. Spin the wheel to receive up to 30 percent off your purchase, a $10 gift card, a gift bag, a bracelet, or a Punch Pizza gift card. Plus you can score a Punch Pizza coupon simply by coming through the door. -Jahna Peloquin
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 8.
Where: Bibelot, 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-290-9745, www.bibelotshops.com

Saturdays & Sundays: Stephanie’s Summer Savings Sale
What: Every weekend through Labor Day, Stephanie’s Summer Savings Sale offers sidewalk deals of 70 percent off with racks replenished weekly. In addition, all regularly priced merchandise is 10 percent off, and items already 40 percent off an extra 10 percent off.
When: Weekends through Labor Day
Where: Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com

A. Michele Summer Sale
What: Score some threads for the beach, BBQ or birthday party at charming Selby & Snelling boutique A. Michele for the month of July. The blowout sale features brands such as BB Dakota, Miss Me and Joie marked down to $25, $40, $50 and $75. Best of all, receive a $75 store credit for every $250 spent throughout the month! Get in sooner than later – sizes are limited. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Through July.
Where: A. Michele, 1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-917-6966, www.amichele.wordpress.com

Picky Girl Summer Sale
What: Head to Picky Girl on Grand Avenue in St. Paul for new markdowns on select spring and summer items. Plus for a limited time, take 25 percent off all regular priced items. Look for national brands like Kensie Girl and Covet, and local designs from Calpurnia Peach, Carmichael Claith and Rapport handbags. -Jahna Peloquin (Pictured: Carmichael Claith)
When: Ongoing.
Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com

Beginning Tuesday: Grand Hand Summer Jewelry Sale
What: St. Paul art and gift boutique only has a couple sales a year, so they’re can’t-miss opportunities to score some handmade, one of a kind pieces. Their summer jewelry sale features such artisans as Cheryl Rydmark, Ford and Forlano, Terri Logan, Karin Jacobson, Baharal + Gnida, JL Walsh, Cynthia Jones, Sharon Schafner, Erika Sturm, MIO Studio, M.A.D.E, JacQueline Sanchez, Wiwat Kamolpornwijit, and Bee Design – all marked down 25 to 50 percent off. Hurry in for the best selection, as quantities are limited. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Tuesday, June 29-Sunday, July 11.
Where: Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com

FIVETWOSIX Salon July Promotions
What: St. Paul salon always has a ton of deals that are hard to pass up. Here’s what they have going on for the month of July: Try out the new MicroZone skin treatment for a discount – now through July, a 20 minute treatment is only $20 (regularly priced at $30). That includes rapid spot removal, blackhead relief, hand repair, flash exfoliation and more. Buy all five products from the new Dermalogica facial skin treatments Ultracalming line – clinically proven to reduce redness and sooth irritation – and get 15 percent off the entire purchase. Also through July, take 15 percent off a Smashbox makeup application (regularly priced at $45) and receive a free Smashbox gift. Right now, buy two Bumble & Bumble products, get a free Spray du Mode free. The multi-dimensional styling tool offers a flexible hold and quick-drying finish. ($25 value; excludes 2 oz. products.) If you recommend there of your pals to FiveTwoSix, you can receive a free haircut of your own. Or to save some bucks, a haircut with a stylist in training is only $15.
When: Through the month of July.
Where: 526 Salon Spa Gallery, 526 Selby Ave, St. Paul, 651-222-3839, www.526salon.com

Ongoing: Patina Summer Sale
What: Local gift shop Patina is slashing prices for its annual summer sale, both in-store and in its e-shop. Take up to 50 percent off in-store and up to 70 percent off online on items including furniture (in-store only), candles, jewelry and accessories, gadgets, home decor, kitchen goods and more. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Ongoing.
Where: www.patinastores.com; 1581 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-5444; Highland Park: 2057 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-695-9955, www.patinastores.com

Thrifty Thursdays at Arc’s
What: Thursdays may be the new day to hit the thrift circuits, thanks to Thrifty Thursdays at Arc’s Value Village through the month of July. Take 25 percent off everything (including gently-used designer, vintage and contemporary clothing, housewares and more) at the store’s four Metro area locations. And whenever you shop at Arc’s Value Village, you know you’re giving back to the community – with every purchase, Arc’s donates money toward children and adults suffering from intellectual and developmental disabilities. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, June 3-Thursday, July 29.
Where: Arc’s Value Village, four area locations including 1650 White Bear Ave., St. Paul, 651-788-8300, www.arcsvaluevillage.org.

Ongoing: “Flights of Fancy: A History of Feathers in Fashion”
What: This Friday marks the opening of the Goldstein Museums newest exhibit: Flights of Fancy. With the help of the local Raptor Center and the Bell Museum, curators at the Goldstein have brought together a fluffy showcase of feathers and flair from fashion legends like Oscar de la Renta, Bob Mackie, Victor Costa and more. This exhibit will dive into the feathery styles of western culture, starting from feathers in nature to the appeal of feathers on clothing. -Lauren Gantner (Image: Oscar de La Renta)
When: Exhibition runs through September 12.
Where: Goldstein Museum, 241 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434, goldstein.che.umn.edu

Ongoing: “Off the Top of My Head: Hat Habitats”
What: We’ve always thought a hat finishes off any great ensemble, but it took awhile for the rest of the fashionable flock to catch on. Now, thanks to a resurgence in interest in mid-century fashion, hats are back in a big way. In a nod to the trend, the University of Minnesota’s Goldstein Museum of Design is opening up its vaults for this new exhibition in tribute to the hat. It features the hat-inspired works of artists Cynthia Rapacz and Ryan Haro in mediums from photography and design to fashion and architecture. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Ongoing through September 3.
Where: Goldstein Museum of Design, 1985 Upper Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434, goldstein.che.umn.edu.

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

This week in St. Paul shopping, Patina has an outlet sale at Highland Park, Smashbox launches at FiveTwoSix Salon, Hot Mama has a week-long sale; plus ongoing sales at Karma, BlackBlue, Picky Girl, Flirt and Stephanie’s.

Thursday-Sunday: Patina Outlet Sale
What: Take 50 percent off or more on everything in Patina‘s Highland Park outlet this weekend. We totally heart the Profile Magnet Set (pictured above) and Lace Magnet Set ($11.97 each). Give yourself some R&R with the Soaptopia Vanilla Bean Salt Soak ($6.26), Vanilla Vixen Bubble Bath ($13.26) and the Spongelle Mandarin Pedi-Buffer ($9.06).
When: Thursday, February 25-Sunday, February 28
Where: Highland Park (lower level): 2057 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. 651-695-9955 and online.

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. (FiveTwo Six Salon and Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-3839.)

Initially Yours relocates
Monogramming boutique Initially Yours has relocated from Grand Avenue to Selby and Snelling, giving it a fresh update. Beyond the plethora of items that can be personalized, the shop sells sleepwear, accessories and handbags. It joins Selby and Snelling neighbors Patina, A. Michele, Lula’s Vintage Wear, Up Six Vintage, Go Vintage, Everyday People, and Flirt. (Initially Yours, 1585 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-225-0900.)

David Tutera for Faviana

Saturday: David Tutera by Faviana Personal Appearance
Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera of WE TV’s My Fair Wedding will unveil his new bridal collection, David Tutera by Faviana at the Wedding Shoppe. Appointments are required to meet with Tutera. (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27. The Wedding Shoppe, 1196 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-298-1144.)

[A look by kjurek couture; Image by Stacy Schwartz]

Just announced: Karma Winter Sale
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. That includes locally-made dresses by one of our favorites, kjurek couture by Kimberly Jurek. (Karma, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-291-1997.)

Tuesday-Sunday: 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. (Feb. 23-28. Bibelot: 1082 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-0321; 2276 Como Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-5651.)

Tuesday-Sunday: Hot Mama Semi-Annual Clearance Sale
Get up to 60 percent off winter and spring merchandise at locally-owned maternity boutique Hot Mama‘s semi-annual clearance sale. (Hot Mama: Rosedale Center, 612-633-9400; 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-0222.)

[Lingerie from Flirt]

Through Sunday: Flirt Special Offer
Throughout the month of February, you can also receive a coupon for 25 percent off one item in March at Flirt. (Feb. 7-14. Flirt, 177 Snelling Ave., St. Paul. 651-698-3692 & Azia, 2550 Nicollet Av., Mpls. 612-813-1200.)

Ongoing:

[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.)

I’ve been calling Saint Paul, “Saint Small,” for quite some time now because every once in a while I experience a situation that makes me think the entire city of Saint Paul is the size of Rice Park.

What started as a simple trip to find a wedding band started a whole new Saint Small episode.

Case in point, last Saturday my fiance and I went to R.F. Moeller Jewelers to  pick out my wedding band.   We found my band in about 10 minutes (I’m not the pickiest person in the world) and then we just mingled around while our friend Jamie rang it up.  With one eye on the Gopher basketball game I noticed another sales rep talking to a guy about putting something on his significant other’s (SO) wish list.  I thought to myself “that damned wishlist marketing technique” but I also remembered the guy’s face.

We left R.F. Moeller and while we stood on the corner waiting to cross the street, I noticed the same guy from the store across the street on the sidewalk with his SO.  I lost track of where they disappeared to but we decided to poke our heads into Patina and see what they had for unique gifts–it was our anniversary and I needed a little something to say “I love you.”  As I perused the uniquely laid out store, I saw the same guy from R.F. Moeller, now with his SO shopping in Patina.  I thought it was kinda weird but not too crazy as the stores are simply across the street from each other.  This all happened around 2:00pm.

Fast forward through the rest of the day and right up to our 7:30 pm diner reservation at the Strip Club.  Yes, I took my future wife to a Strip Club for our anniversary–a Strip Club that serves fantastic New York Strips and Shrimp Risotto.  We had a great little table for two upstairs and as we ordered our beverages, I looked down to check out the crowd and atmosphere below.  To my amazement, it was the same guy from R.F. Moeller and Patina with his SO sitting directly below us at the Strip Club.

All sorts of thoughts permeated my brain–were they secret service, a crazy ex-boyfriend of my fiance’s stalking us or just another victim of SSS–Saint Small Syndrome.

I wanted to go down and say something to them but I thought, what if this guy was buying an engagement ring for his SO at R.F. Moeller and I come along as the schmuck stranger and blow his whole night.  Definitely not cool.  So I

waited and contemplated and watched them from above.  They were very into each other, she had a ring on her left ring finger, and they seemed to be into their wine.  I figured I had to say something.  We finished up our dinner and decided we had to say something.

We walked down the cool spiral staircase in the Strip Club and approached them at the bar.  I said, “You don’t know us but we’ve seen you at R.F. Moeller, Patina and now here.  We’re staying at the Holiday Inn tonight for our anniversary and if you show up there, we’re calling the cops.”  They started to laugh and we had a good chat about SSS and how we were all victims that day.

We went to the Holiday Inn and they never showed–thank goodness.

It just goes to show you that even when you’re on the off beaten path, people–even complete strangers, can and will find you.

A. Michele Boutique

In 2006, Amy Michelle Mullen set out to create her own boutique, styled after her love for all things romantic and vintage, with a dash of rock ‘n roll flair. Two years later, her dream became a reality when she opened the doors to her quaint, feminine shop A. Michele at Selby and Snelling, cementing that intersection’s reputation for being one of the city’s best shopping locales. Her shop carries a mix of feminine fashions, including Ruby Pearl slip dresses (which are made from vintage slips and silk scarves), fitted jackets, silk blouses, jewelry, oversized bags, gifts and more.

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