The651.com

This month, the holiday shopping season has officially kicked off. Here are this week’s holiday shopping events taking place in St. Paul.

A NELLE Holiday Launch & Holiday Event
What: Lots of big news in from local handbag designer Laura Nelli this week. The designer of NELLE handbags has announced a just-launched collaboration line of silk, screen-printed holiday skirts and clutches with textile designer Luci Kandler (who you may remember from Calpurnia Peach), called NELLE + OGGE. The print collection was inspired by the designers’ shared appreciation for Frida Kahlo’s irreverent personal style. Priced from $150 to $190, the limited-edition collection can be found online at nellehandbags.com, ogge.bigcartel.com, or in-store at St. Paul’s own Details Style Lab.
When: December 1-31.
Where: Details Style Lab: 346 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, 651-251-8700, www.detailsmn.com; nellehandbags.com; ogge.bigcartel.com

Thursday-Saturday: Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar at Landmark Center
What: Featuring 77 vendors selling handmade art, gift items, wreaths, wood carvings, plus and music, treats and more. Free for children 11 and under. Entry: $4.
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday & Friday, December 1-2; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, December 3.
Where: Landmark Center, 75 W 5th Street, St. Paul, 651-292-3225, www.landmarkcenter.org

Beginning Thursday: Guys’ Shopping Night at Grand Hand Gallery
What: Thursdays in December through December 22, the Grand Hand gives the guys some holiday shopping help. The shopping happy hour features local craft beer, snacks from La Cucaracha, shopping assistance and, as always, free gift-wrapping on the shop’s selection of clay, glass, wood, and fiber art, painting, prints, wearable art and jewelry. Need help? Try the Wish List Service.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 8, 15 & 22.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com

Thursday-Friday: Holiday Boutique at the Temple
What: This two day sale features fine jewelry by Bridget Clark (pictured), whimsical aprons and felted wool handbags by Lisa Wolfe, and holiday fashion from Laura Hlavac. Come Friday evening for wine, appetizers, music, and aerial artists from 8 until 9 p.m.
When: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday, December 1 & noon-midnight, Friday December 2.
Where: The Temple at Jewel of St. Paul, 1190 James Avenue, St. Paul, www.jewelofstpaul.com

Friday-Sunday: CVA Holiday Preview and Art Sale
What: The College of Visual Arts offers its take on the popular MCAD Art Sale with its Holiday Preview and Art Sale. More than 2,000 artworks will be available (most priced under $100) this weekend. Friday’s preview party features hors d’oeuvres and wine and the chance to shop the art sale first as well as bid on works during an exclusive silent auction.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, December 2 ($25 in advance, $30 at the door); 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Noon-4 p.m. Sunday (free).
Where: College of Visual Arts, 173 Western Avenue N, St. Paul, 651-757-4080, www.cva.edu

Through Dec. 24: Handcrafted Holidays at Grand Hand
What: Shop handmade artisan and artist-made goods at the Grand Hand Gallery’s Handcrafted Holidays event. Look for ornaments, hats and scarves, handmade ceramics, and original woodblock prints by local, national, and international artists.