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With Labor Day weekend coming up, you know what that means – the State Fair, the last week of summer, and an extra day to shop! Our comprehensive shopping guide, updated weekly with limited-time discounts, deals and stylish events at the Twin Cities’ hippest shopping destinations, is the go-to guide for any local fashionista.

WEEK OF AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 5:

Beginning Thursday: Arts & Crafts at the Minnesota State Fair
What: It’s that time of year again! The Minnesota State Fair is back and this time around the festival is about way more than fried junk food on-a-stick. This year, we’re all about the shopping! Lucky for us, there is a never-ending list of local artists, crafters, jewelers and more that are getting ready to set up their booths at the fair. For instance, local shop i like you will be flaunting their handmade gear at a booth, as will screen-printer Adam Turman, and of course, all the farming equipment you can handle. -Lauren Gantner (Pictured: i like you)
When: Thursday, August 26 through Monday, September 6.
Where: Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N, St. Paul, 651-228-4400, www.mnstatefair.org

Saturday-next Monday: WAHL’s “Let It Grow” Facial Hair Tour at MN State Fair
What: What kind of woman doesn’t dream about a handsome man with a hand-curled stache? And what kind of man doesn’t love bragging about a big burly beard? Over Labor Day weekend the Let it Grow Tour is hitting the Minnesota State Fair to promote that facial flair that everyone can appreciate. Grab your grizzliest guy or bring your own beard down to the WAHL mobile barbershop this Friday through Monday to get professional trim on your face hair, tips on ‘stache grooming and super styling instructions. Plus, the shop is offering your share of massage products and tunage, complete with a burly strong man comp. And for every trim the WAHL performs, they will donate a buck to Movember – a 30-day mustache-growing fest that raises money and creates awareness of cancer affecting men. -Lauren Gantner
When: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday, September 4-Monday, September 6.
Where: WAHL’S Barbershop Mobile (near Underwood Street & the Agriculture Building), Minnesota State Fair,1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, www.mnstatefair.org, www.wahlnation.com/LetItGrow

Friday: Lowertown First Fridays
What: St. Paul’s monthly art crawl always provides plenty of opportunities to check out what the art district’s artists are working on – and scoop up some new arty pieces. But Lowertown’s artisans also produce some beautiful, one-of-a-kind home decor and jewelry pieces. Click here for a map of Lowertown First Fridays locations. -Jahna Peloquin (Pictured: Barbara Evans)
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, September 3.
Where: Northwestern Building 275 East 4th St. #260, St. Paul.

Ending Wednesday: Nelle Trunk Show
What: Laura Nelli’s line of confectionary 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, http://www.lateliercouturebridal.com/

Thursday: Ladies Night Out at Grand Avenue
What: Grand Avenue’s Ladies Night Out is back again and this time the sales are booming between Oxford and Lexington, hitting up a few new hot shopping spots. Stop by shops like accessories haven Fringe, eco-friendly boutique The Nature of Beauty and Shu Global Footwear and take off an extra 15 percent on all your purchases. Plus, surrounding shops are chipping in too: Creative Kids Stuff, Bibelot and Lexington are planning secret specials that you’ll have to stop in to grab. Just be sure to keep your eye out for the Magic Bus that will be selling tasty hot dogs on the street! Yum. -Lauren Gantner
When: 5–8 p.m. Thursday, September 2.
Where: Grand Ave between Oxford and Lexington Streets, St. Paul. The Nature of Beauty: 651-222-3127.

Through Tuesday: The Grand Hand Summer Sale
What: Get some great deals on handmade jewelry, woodwork, tablewear, art and more at The Grand Hand Gallery’s annual summer sale. Save up to 70 percent off on selected pieces, including JL Walsh jewelry, Bob Rickard clocks and Steve Levine woodwork. New pieces will be added daily through the end of the month.
When: Now through August 31.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com

Now open: H&M Maplewood
What: St. Paul gets its first H&M this weekend when everyone’s favorite fast fashion retailer opens at the Maplewood Mall. The store – the fourth now open in the Metro area – takes up about 18,000 square feet on the mall’s second level.
When: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday, August 26.
Where: H&M at Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, 651-773-3773 , www.hm.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

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

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.
When: Ongoing.
Where: Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com

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

“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/

Content shared with l’etoile magazine.

Planning your State Fair itinerary is key. This week on the651.com we’ll be cluing you in on some of our can’t-miss selections of some of the coolest stuff to see and do a the Fair, which runs this Thursday, August 26th through Labor Day.

One of our favorite “off the beaten path” attractions is definitely the International Bazaar. This bustling little world on the edge of the grounds is where we go to chill out for a bit and take in some non-deep fried foods and cultural music. In 2008, 14,000 additional square feet were added to the Bazaar’s expanse, making way for more food vendors and two entertainment stages. Take a siesta on the patio under the shade of vibrant cabana umbrellas while you sample tasty foods from Holy Land Deli, Panda Palace, Midtown Global Market, “Shanghaied” Henri’s Foods and Brews from Around the World and Bavarian Roasted Nuts. A small respite from the greasy, traditional Fair foods for those that want to try something a little different (or perhaps something a bit healthier). Not to say we’d ever argue against such delights as a deep fried corn dog or bacon on a stick. It’s the State Fair after all!

Maria Isa by B-Fresh Photography

The Bazaar also features to entertainment stages, sponsored by St. Paul-based beer giant, Summit Brewing. Check out dance, instrument and craft demos every day on the Festival of Nations stage during the day – a great (and dare we say educational?) activity for the whole family. Or simply sit back and enjoy live music by a slew of culturally-inclined live acts on the main stage including Hayor Bibimma African Dance, Jack Brass Band, Cafe Accordion Orchestra, Flor Y Canto and many more. When the sun goes down there’s always the Bazaar After Dark stage that includes live tunes from local luminaries such as Maria Isa, The Belfast Cowboys, Dosh, Alison Scott and more.

Another favorite cultural mecca at the State Fair? Heritage Square, which is located on the other side of the Fair Grounds by the Midway. Along with ethnic foods, culturally-related exhibits, and live music shows there are vendors galore. Score unusual treasures and sparkly trinkets from dozens of colorful booths, set up flea market style. Heritage Square merchants shill everything from delicate Chinese fans to handmade dreamcatchers and everything in between. A fun place to find a State Fair souvenir that you won’t throw away…or eat.

The International Bazaar is located on Judson Avenue and is open from 9am-10pm daily. Heritage Square is located on Dan Patch Avenue next to the Mighty Midway and is open 9am-10pm. For more info visit www.mnstatefair.org.

It’s hard to imagine that Summer is almost over, but the silver lining is always the Minnesota State Fair! Enjoy the tail end of August with a few hundred thousand of your closest personal friends at the great Minnesota Get Together this year. The 651 will be bringing you our favorite tidbits previewing this year’s fair throughout the week, so stay tuned for entertainment picks, food picks, and more. The Fair starts on Thursday, August 26th and runs through Labor Day. Today’s bit will talk about the Fine Arts Building, one of my personal favorites!

Each year, thousands of Minnesota artists submit their work to the State Fair Fine Arts Competition, and only a little under 400 make the cut. The sprawling building on the corner of Randall & Cosgrove houses these fantastic works for the duration of the Fair, inviting all to take in the talent of our creative community. What’s different and more exciting about the annual competition, is that the works are selected from all over the state – from small towners to city slickers. Next to a modern, abstract work by a Northeast Minneapolis artist you may find a detailed country landscape created by someone from Owattona — the possibilities are pretty much endless. The Fine Arts Building is a mixed bag, and that’s just how we like it! See sculpture, painting, textiles, photography, drawing and oh-so much more in this unconventional, yet highly respected annual exhibit.

2010 State Fair commemorative art by Deborah Voyda Rogers

One of our favorite things? Watching all the pronto pup-eating looky-lous experiencing and talking about art. It’s a very rare thing to get so many eyes on such a plethora of local work, and we expect a number of those people end up being inspired to create or seek out more art on their own, away from the Fair. And that’s a wonderful thing! Bring your family, friends, and significant others to check it out — a little visual stimulation never hurt anyone (especially when you can bring your cheese curds into the gallery!).

BONUS:  Attention artists: The Fair hasn’t even kicked off yet, but the organization is already putting out a submission call for the 2011 Commemorative Art piece (the art that will rep the Fair throughout all the land next year!). The final piece should be the artist’s visual interpretation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Attend this year’s State Fair for inspiration. Application deadline is Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 by 3:30pm.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is once again upon us. Besides gaining a few pounds from all the cheese curds and fried-everything, it means one of the best music lineups featuring national acts of the summer. In honor of the State Fair, this weekend’s nightlife picks highlight the big acts coming to the Grandstand, as well as local acts playing a series of free shows at the Fair.

Bonnie Raitt & Taj Mahal

THURSDAY AT THE FAIR: Bonnie Raitt + Taj Mahal
The seemingly unlikely pairing of blues/rock guitarist and singer Bonnie Raitt and jazz artist Taj Mahal makes its way to the State Fair tonight as part of the duo’s coast-to-coast, 34-date tour dubbed “BonTaj Roulet.” Though they stick to separate sets, focusing on their respective solo material, they will come together for brief musical interludes throughout the night – making it a night to remember. (7:30 p.m. $36.50. All ages. 1265 Snelling Av. N., St. Paul. 651-288-4427.)

Also Thursday: Music in Mears features local songsmith Jeremy Messersmith and Elk and a screening of “Milo & Otis” and food from The Bulldog; The Intelligence, Birthday Suits, and The Blind Shake play the Turf Club.

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