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This week in St. Paul shopping, RetroRama returns, w7 Collective hosts a weekend soiree, a massive record sale debuts, and two local salons help benefit others. Keep reading for these shopping events and much more.

Thursday: RetroRama
What: During the annual RetroRama, take in a retro-inspired fashion show produced by MNfashion featuring designs from local designers Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, Joynoelle, Kerry Riley and George Moskal; mid-century cuisine; music from DJ Jake Rudh; old-school libations from Psycho Suzi’s bartender Ryan Eklund, and retro pop-up boutiques from Blacklist Vintage, the Spectacle Shoppe, and Spinario Designs. Tickets are $12-15. (Photo: Nic Marshall.)
When: 7-11 p.m. Thursday, May 13.
Where: Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, 651-2599-3015, www.mnhs.org.

Thursday-Saturday: w7 Collective presents “Winging It”
What: Local artist collective and curated event w7 is hosting its monthly three-day affair complete with the usual high-style design, art, fashion and bath items by local artists, artisans and designers. The May gallery social features the latest artwork collection, “SOAR,” by St. Paul artist Susan Hartzell Vannelli of the Dancing Paintbrush. Also debuting will be new knit accessories by Attagirl by Kedrin and Infrared Studio will be debuting her horn and resin jewelry along with new acrylic and stainless steel laser cut designs. Other artists and designers represented include Third Willow handbags, Gomez Whitney shelves and desks, STELLA + HODGE, Carrie Cordelia handbags, Vandalia Street Press and more. The w7 Social party includes artist meet-and-greet, complimentary treats and bevvies, and live music from Mike Bruno. (Pictured: Attagirl by Kedrin.)
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, May 13-Saturday, May 15 with w7 Social party 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 14.
Where: Pilney Building, 1032 W. 7th St., St. Paul, www.w7collective.com.

Friday-Sunday: Crate Diggers Delight Record Sale
What: Some of the Twin Cities’ top record collectors are once again gracing the Twin Cities with their collections. The former proprietor of Let It Be Records is among those offering rare vinyl, joined by GoJohnnyGo and Riffs-Ahoy. This time around, they’ve added a large amount of new stock, as well as enlisted local DJs (including Transmission’s Jake Rudh) to entertain you while you shop. Get there early, as these sales are always popular and packed with great stuff – think out-of-print indie, new wave, post-punk, garage, psych, prog, soul, R&B, old-school country, jazz, avant-garde and experimental – plus posters, books, videos and some CDs.
When: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, May 14; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, May 15; Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, May 16.
Where: Carlton Lofts, 2285 University Ave., St. Paul, Click here for the facebook invite.

Sunday: Euphoria Salon Cut-a-Thon
What: Your haircut can do some good for others during this Sunday’s Cut-a-Thon at St. Paul’s Euophia Salon. Cuts are $40, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Awareness Association of Minnesota. Euphoria is culling stylists from other salons such as Accolades, Moxie, Salon George, Root and Cole’s for the event, which will also feature DJs spinning in the parking lot, complimentary apps from Punch Pizza, Highland Grill, and Cossetta’s, and gift bags. Call ahead for appointment.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 16.
Where: 256 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-698-6385, www.euphoriasalon.info.

Sunday: Salon Ori Fashion Exchange
What: Drop off your gently-used threads at new St. Paul salon Ori – and take home a new look. Not only can you pick up some new threads for your spring wardrobe and get tips from local fashion consultants, Salon Ori stylists will be on hands to help you find the perfect hairstyle to go with your new wardrobe. Drop off your garments by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 13 to get points good toward the exchange.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 16.
Where: Salon Ori, 1166 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-642-1166, http://www.salonori.com/.

Special Offers at FiveTwoSix Salon & Spa
What: 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). 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. Plus now through June, enjoy a $49 Dermalogica facial with Amanda or a $49 massage with Amyjo (originally priced at $69). 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, http://www.526salon.qwestoffice.net/

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

Holiday shopping season is finally upon us, and St. Paul doesn’t lack in any shopping opportunities this weekend. And just because you’re shopping doesn’t mean you can’t party – the BlackBlue art opening tonight – plus Fiery Furnaces at the Turf and Unknown Prophets at Big V’s on Saturday – should keep you going.

Nadine Gross shows Polaroid work at BlackBlue

FRIDAY: “Polaroid Prints” at BlackBlue
Though Nadine Gross has been shooting exclusively on Polaroid 600 film since 2001, her work had yet to see the light of day – until now. For her debut exhibition, Gross selected 30 of her 500-plus photo collection, printed in large scale for you to purchase. The images play on color, pattern and texture, more akin to minimalist abstract artist like Ellsworth Kelly than one would expect from such a Pop Art form of photography. The show will also be the first art opening at new St. Paul boutique BlackBlue, which will be offering ten percent off all clothing and accessories during the reception. Not to mention the fact that BlackBlue knows how to throw a party! (7-10 p.m. Fri. Free. 614 Selby Av., St. Paul. www.blkblu.com.)

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