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| December 2007 »
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In what is certain to be the most exciting retail news of 2007, Seattle-based Nordstrom announced today that it will open a new two-level, 172,000-square-foot store at Ridgedale Center.
I must confess this is not the first I have heard about the Nordstrom addition. When I was at the opening of the Gucci Boutique a few weeks ago, the store manager let me in on the little secret but made me promise not to publish a peep. I have tried to keep it quiet but am not good with secrets, so I am excited that I can finally let you all in on the good news.
The addition of a second Nordstrom in this market not only solidifies that the retailer is able to translate what the upper-Midwest customer wants, but it also establishes Ridgedale as a major shopping center. Since its inception at Mall of America in 1992, Nordstrom, year-after-year, has become more and more in tune with the tastes of both the Twin Cities woman and the many visitors to MOA. In addition, Nordstrom has filled a major void in our retail market—its in-store designer boutiques and entry-level luxury brands in the via C department bring haute fashions to style makers of varying incomes.
We are over the moon in our office about this new location but still have our fingers crossed that this retail gem will also come downtown.
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I’ve never seen an episode of Dawson’s Creek, nor have I ever seen any of Katie Holmes’s movies—not Teaching Mrs. Tingle, not Go, not even Batman Begins. In fact, I paid little attention to Miss Holmes until she became Mrs. Tom Cruise. But at that point, how could I not take notice—they were everywhere.
Being as obsessed as I am with style, I was not impressed with Holmes’s pre-Cruise, coed look, nor her early Cruise, I’ll-wear-nothing-but-Armani look. But since becoming BFF with Victoria Beckham and chopping her locks into a Mary Quant bob, Mrs. Cruise’s style choices have progressively gotten better and better, and as far as I am concerned, she reached her style culmination with this photo.
Her hair is divine, the dress is chic, and the bolero, oh my! Two weeks ago, while I was researching a blog on Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2008 collection, I pranced around the 50th & France store with this gunmetal bolero from Lhuillier’s A/W 2007 collection draped around my shoulders. It was heavy, noisy, and jaw-dropping stunning. And even though it was 40 percent off, I didn’t dare look at the price tag; I knew I couldn’t afford it—not in my wildest dreams.
So when I came across this photo moments before leaving the office last night, I decided that Mrs. Cruise is officially a name on my list of style inspirations. She joins the ranks of Kate Moss, Nan Kempner, Tilda Swinton, Jemima Khan, Rachel Bilson, Polly Mellon, and Princess Marie Chantal, who have a developed look and style all their own and influence and challenge me to constantly evolve my own style.
For more pictures of Katie’s transformation, check out: this online photo album.
Bolero, $1,478.40. Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747.
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We've seen Target step it up in the fashion arena lately with its contemporary Go International designs. It seems the tabletop department has followed suit this holiday season, boasting an impressive selection of stylish dinnerware and accessories. Prepare for holiday parties and winter dinners with some of my favorite (affordable) picks:
I adore the hand-painted snowflake set (16 pieces, $59.99). Candy cane-colored plates make the perfect backdrops for homemade gingerbread cookies and Russian teacakes.
I've been eyeing the French-inspired Benjoix Collection since holiday dinnerware hit shelves in late October. It's versatile enough to mix and match with other dishware, plus, it can be used year-round. Lucky for me, the sophisticated black-and-white set is on sale this week (16 pieces, $59.49)!
Another non-traditional standout is the Tahari Porcelain Collection in rich black and gold ($15.99-$24.99). You'll be dinner party-ready with this detailed set, which includes dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs.
Add to these some of Target's coordinationg tabletop accessorises, including decorative metallic Christmas trees, trendy glassware, and matching table linens, to create the perfect holiday place settings.
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Have I mentioned I love holiday beauty gift sets? They are so fun to get and to give, especially for the person who seems to have everything. Usually limited-edition and wonderfully packaged, it’s an unexpected gift that has an exclusiveness about it. (I’ve always had great success with beauty presents.)
Bumble and bumble. is a high-end hair product line that has a huge following. You can find them in salons around the Twin Cities. I think Bb. delivers on all its promises. I’m an especially huge fan of the colored hair powder, Does It All Spray, and the Curl Conscious line, although I’ve yet to meet a Bb. product I don’t like.
Not surprisingly then, I find the holiday gift sets sublime. They come in three configurations: Bb. Thickening Set, Bb. Treatment Set, and Bb. Men’s Set.
The Bb. Thickening Set ($55, at right) isn’t just for those with fine or thin hair, but they work excellently on those who need a little extra lift. This set contains thickening shampoo and conditioner, thickening spray, and the re-issued bumble band, which is a great headband. It supposedly launched the entire trend of elastic headbands. I know several people who swear by the spray.
The Treatment Set ($80, in middle) is a step above the regular salon line. For $80, score Treatment Dehydration Therapy Cleanser and Conditioning Crème and Dehydration Therapy Complex, along with the bumble band. I haven’t tried this Treatment, but I have used the Damage Therapy Treatment line, and I can say it worked for my hair. I have naturally wavy, crazy hair, and it restored it to feeling soft and smooth with just one shampoo, condition, and mask.
The Bb. Men’s Set ($45, at left) contains the Bb. Seaweed shampoo and conditioner, Bb. styling wax, and a pocket square. I’ve found that men love beauty items as gifts, too—they don’t have to go buy it and can secretly enjoy it at home! This set comes boxed in a natty houndstooth-patterned box.
The boxes were designed by three different artists, wrapped with a red belly band, and look lovely, even without wrap!
The Thickening Set and Men’s Set are sold in most Bumble and bumble. salons, including:
Dean Gray Salon and Spa, St. Paul; Brian Graham Salon, Mpls.; and Salon Rouge, Mpls.
The Treatment line must be purchased at Treatment salons, including: fivetwosix salon, St. Paul; Cole’s Salon, Eagan; and Winston’s Barber Shop at Macy’s, Mpls.
There's a super handy store locator on Bb.'s website, too.
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I played hooky from the office this morning and went to check out the first day of the Greed Gone Wild sale at Patina Prop Rental in Northeast Minneapolis. Put on by a slew of local stylists, artisans, and crafts people, including Gwen Leeds, the sale includes everything from vintage and brand name apparel and jewelry to antique and vintage furniture, lamps, artwork, and linens.
The sale, which runs today until 5 p.m, Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. is definitely worth checking out. Because of an impending weekend jaunt to San Francisco, I couldn’t purchase much, but I did walk out with a great vintage gold medallion necklace and two vintage sweaters—a black, red, and white striped sweater, which looks like it fell off of Chanel’s Spring 2008 runway, and a pretty beaded cream cashmere with a flower appliqué.
But there is so much more left, including a delicious array of vintage coats and hats; clothing by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Escada, and Emporio Armani; funky vintage art; and some great holiday gift ideas including wool scarves and hats.
Patina Prop Rental, 2014 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-789-6006
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One of my favorite discoveries over the past year is Shine Home, a great little home-décor design studio in Southern California. It all started when I was researching a Trend Alert that Jayne Haugen Olson and I wrote on the Quatrefoil. We ended up featuring the Jayne pendant lamp from Shine Home (coincidence on the name, I think not) and through further research, I fell in love with every sofa, light fixture, table, and accessory that Shine Home creates.
Shine Home, which is available locally through ID inside design, recently won the Award of Merit at the 2007 High Point Market Showroom Competition for its excellence in the principles and elements of design. Shine Home’s creative visionary and principle, Susan Hornbeak-Oritz has created a line of furniture and home accents with a Hollywood-regency-meets-modern-bohemian aesthetic.
Susan, along with her husband Russ Oritz, founded the company in 2005 on a shared passion for vintage lighting; but is the furniture, accessories, and artwork, that have caught the eye of national retailers and magazine editors. All of the pieces brilliantly interweave vibrant colors, sophisticated finishes, and intricate shapes and textures.
Here are a few of my current favorites from the line:
I love the Greek key legs and candy apple color of the Cary buffet ($2,100). The shape is purely modern, but the detailing has a baroque nature.
When used indoors, a garden stool can dress up a boudoir or a powder room. The porcelain white and brushed metallic of the Marseille stool ($675) is sophisticated enough for most any space.
The subtle combination of the geometric angles of the Sydney sofa ($2,750) and the sweeping curves of the nail-head pattern gives a creative edge to a classic sofa.
Antique white and matte black give the Randolph mirror ($990) a total Hollywood Regency feel.
Purchase these and more items from Shine Home through ID Inside Design, 211 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-317-0045
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 Head to Luna Vinca Saturday afternoon for the first in a series of holiday shopping parties at the Uptown boutique. This weekend's event features the latest collection from Robyne Robinson's jewelry line, Rox Minneapolis.
Although she's best known for her position at Fox 9 News, Robinson's side business has taken off in recent years. What started as a simple hobby—creating beaded accessories for her friends and family—became a full-fledged business after her art garnered attention from local boutiques; stores in Chicago and New York; Macy's; and widely read national magazines, such as Seventeen, Redbook, and CosmoGIRL!.
 Saturday, Robinson showcases her elegant women's collection (including this carnelian and pearl bracelet on silver chain, $95) and her recently launched men's line.
And while you're perusing Rox, shop Luna Vinca's holiday décor collection. Owner Jennifer Dick Guion designs beautiful fresh wreathes, garland, ornaments, and topiaries. If you spend $50 or more on décor, you'll receive a $15 gift card for future use!
Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, December 1
(Mark your calendars for the next shopping party on December 15 when Luna Vinca welcomes local artist Alissa Karges, creator of FS Jewelry.)
Luna Vinca, 3344 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-823-6178
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 It's Friday, late afternoon, and you're schlepping your tired limbs home after a long workweek. If you're like me, the last thing you probably want to do is to have to get gussied up to hit the town. The shower, the blowout, the makeup, figuring out what to wear; it all takes so much energy.
But let's be realistic: On most Friday evenings, we aren't set up in front of our TVs; it is the social season, and there is always something fabulous we just "have to do." So why not find others to do all of the heavy lifting?
A few weeks ago, my girlfriend Madeleine and I checked out Evolution salon's Happy Hour Blowout. For $20 each, we had our hair washed and blown out (see Maddie at left), a glass of wine, and a stack of all the glossy, gossip magazines we could get our hands on. In less than an hour, we were ready to hit the town. Not only were we primed and polished, but we were also relaxed—a glass of vino and a scalp massage will do just that!
So if you don't have the time, let alone the motivation or energy to DIY, let the experts doll you up! Now through the end of the year, ladies can get their hair blown out and their eye and lip makeup perfected every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Appointments should be booked in advance.
Evolution, 2836 Lyndale Avenue S., Mpls., 612-870-2979
We just got word of a fun Accessories Style Party happening this Saturday, December 1 on Nordstrom's first floor.
From 11 a.m to 4 p.m., benefit from the advice of department-store stylists while you browse the latest trends in handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, hair accessories, and more by high-end and emerging designers. Some collections are exclusive to the event and won't be available post-party, so don't miss this opportunity to find one-of-a-kind accessories. Plus, the first 150 shoppers receive a complimentary style journal, so you can scribble down notes, tips, and advice to bring home!
Limited space available, so we recommend you RSVP ASAP to 952-883-2121.
Nordstrom, Mall of America, Bloomington
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It’s no secret that I love MAC cosmetics. MAC is innovative and has practically reinvented the color wheel. I think that it has the longest-wearing, truest-to-compact-color formulas. And this year, MAC has been on fire. Fall’s matte collections were pitch perfect.
MAC’s holiday collections do not disappoint. I have re-fallen in love.
A little background: I’m pale, and I dread winter. In the summer, I can brush on some bronzer and pass as remotely tan. (OK, maybe I’m kidding myself.) But in the winter . . . bronzer is just too much for me. What’s a girl to do?
 According to MAC, I should embrace my paleness! Why didn’t I think of that? MAC’s latest, Antiquitease (top), is so fun. With pale silvers and golds and dirty pinks and plums, I can paint my face like Marie Antoinette did, when pale reigned (ha!) supreme. I love Earthly Riches, a marbled eyeshadow in purple and gray; Your Ladyship,
a pigment in a white-gray; and Corsette lipglass,
a dirty brown-pink. I didn’t get to try Budding Lust, a deep neutral plum, or Uppity, a gold eyeliner, but those look like winners.
The other goodies—small brush sets perfect for travel, trios of lipsticks and glosses, and eye palettes, among other things—are completely covet-worthy. I want every single eye palette. And the baroque packaging! It makes me feel downright regal. If the collection is too cool for your skin tone, you can always layer them over your favorite shades for a new effect.
 MAC also released its Of Beauty (middle) collection this month—great timing for my current perfect-skin obsession. Natural shades in the Skinfinish line ensure a glowing, not sparkly, finish, and there’s one for every skin tone, something MAC celebrates.
The N Collection (bottom), which comes out in mid-January, showcases the joy of highlighting. What Not To Wear fans know that every episode, Carmindy preaches about using highlighter. The sheer, loose powder is quite shimmery and has a touch of color. Studio Lights is a liquid highlighter. Both are supremely usable after a bit of practice. Tip: Use a light hand.
 There’s one more collection launching the day after Christmas that's got me super excited . . . and I'll blog about it soon.
MAC, 2922 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-825-0685; Mall of America, 952-814-9800
 If you're wiped out from all the mall madness this past weekend but have yet to finish your holiday shopping, now is the perfect time to check out eBay! Through December 6, online shoppers have the opportunity to bid on items donated from top designer names at the 7th on Sale store. Fashionistas will love the wide array of high-end pieces, including red carpet gowns, handbags, shoes, home décor, and more from the likes of Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Doo.Ri, and Phillip Lim. Bids start at 10 percent of retail price, including these YSL shades for only $27.30!
Still not convinced? Aside from offering killer deals on the latest fashions, 7th on Sale donates 100 percent of proceeds to HIV and AIDS organizations. 7th on Sale was launched as a New York City sample sale in 1990, and the first online incarnation took place in 2005, bringing in $1.7 million for the cause and giving shoppers worldwide the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind designer fashions. Shop away!
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Cory Lake, husband of local beautiful person and style maker, Stephanie Lake, recently moved his American Guitar Boutique from St. Paul to Maple Grove and expanded its space. The name changed to American Guitar & Band to reflect the company's expansion to selling additional band equipment and offering lessons.
I dropped by the new store a few weeks ago and was certainly impressed with the breadth of selection and the care to which the store was curated (note: I am not someone who knows anything about guitars, but I have, since a certain Robert Palmer video, admired them for their innate sexuality and curvy beauty). Stephanie, who has curated exhibitions on Bonnie Cashin, is responsible in large part for the look of the place—from the colors on the walls to the abundant seating throughout the store to even a bathroom “mural.”
All of the great small designer guitars that put Cory Lake’s original shop on the map are still in the store, but some great new elements are employed here that were not possible in the previous space. There’s a climate-controlled area for all of the acoustic guitars, a boutique room with high-end guitars from James Trussart, Tim Reede, and Gibson; and a coffee bar with a flat screen playing vintage music videos. So why did the Lakes move from the heart of St. Paul to an outer-ring superb? Because they were looking to find a community that would benefit from their commitment to local schools. All lessons—guitar, bass, percussion, and keyboards—take place in state-of-the-art classrooms themed after area music landmarks.
Check out the store today at 13777 Grove Dr. N., Maple Grove, 763-424-4888.
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I strongly believe that if everyone were required by law (and subsidized by the government) to receive a massage, even just once a month, our world would be a happier place. No one would want to shoot anyone, road rage would be nonexistent, and people would just strive to be better to themselves (and, by extension, to others). It’s an hour or so to focus on you alone while someone manipulates you to relax. I don’t know about you-all, but sometimes forcing me to relax is the only way to make it happen. Everyone who can get a massage, should. It’s not an indulgence, it’s preventive health care! (HMOs, are you hearing me?)
C-Spa is one of the newest, shiniest spas in town. Located in the new Carlyle Building on Third Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, it’s a perfect spot for a lunchtime respite. It’s open to the public, not just the residents. It’s small, and I love that. A spa doesn’t need to be large to be accommodating. Small usually means super quiet and super personal, which was my experience there.
Located next to Vitality Pilates, the spa is warm with well-appointed rooms. (The pedicure room, pictured here, is nirvana.) I met with Mary, who pressed and twisted and stretched me back into shape. She’s been a massage therapist for more than nine years, studying at Aveda and in Thailand, Costa Rica, and Portugal. (The other therapists are similarly, though uniquely, experienced.) I haven’t had much stretching in a massage before, and it was divine. I heard joints, some of which I didn’t think I had, crack and pop, and it was a wonderful release. It was like I had proof my tension was disappearing. I definitely was all about peace and love the rest of the day.
That’s not all for the spa. The menu offers a multitude of massage therapies, as well as facials, body treatments (think wraps), and nail services. Eminence Organics and Essie nail polish are among its high-quality product offerings. (Review to come in the next couple weeks on Eminence.) Top-notch service in a gorgeous, private setting . . . that’s about as good as it gets, friends. Treat yourselves right.
My favorite part of shopping is finding a new designer I can follow and fall in love with. Karta by Judi Lambert is the latest one on my list. I just bought my first piece, a very Edwardian, very Alexander-McQueen-meets-Vivienne-Westwood blouse. I found it all alone, tucked deep in a sales rack at Nordstrom in Chicago.
Our Minneapolis Nordstrom is not yet carrying Karta, but you can purchase it online through Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, or ShopBop. The best part of all, the price point is totally attainable. I have yet to come across a piece that breaks the $500 mark.
My next Karta investment: this funky, yet refined, tunic dress.
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Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You’ll-Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best. Intruiging title. Nadine Haobsh is a qualified author, too. Known more infamously as blogger Jolie in NYC, where she candidly revealed beauty-industry secrets and was also simultaneously fired from her job and lost an offer from Seventeen magazine when her identity was revealed. Oops.
After the first portion, which is gushing about how fabulous being a beauty editor is (alright already, we get it), Haobsh delivers on what matters. Beauties of all stripes will find her advice very helpful: salon etiquette, best hair care and beauty products, and how to get a great smoky eye come to mind. While there weren't a lot of earthshattering moments for me, I picked up a few tips and products I must try.
Haobsh lets the reader know what’s worth paying for by naming names and gives the reader room to indulge her interest (or addiction). I don’t always agree with her—for example, I don’t think that NARS Orgasm is the best blush ever, which she mentions approximately eighty times. It’s sparkly and best for medium young complexions. (My current pick: Benefit Dandelion.) But we make amends over Great Lash hype, which is exactly that—hype.
Her discussion about the war between beauty and vanity was particularly relevant: “In our increasingly cynical, political world, wanting to be pretty is not hip . . . I mean, how shallow are you? There are wars and genocide and natural disasters, and here you are, moaning about your looks?” Following up, she writes, “It’s just beauty. But it sure as hell makes life more fun.” So true. Who doesn’t feel a little more glam after putting false lashes on? We all know part of feeling good is looking good.
Maybe even more succinct is a quote she includes from Salma Hayek: “People often say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.”
This book will spur readers to look at what’s beautiful about themselves—a great confidence booster—whether they agree with Haobsh or not, so it’s worth a look. Haobsh covers all the bases and answers a lot of burning questions. It’s like a cookbook for your beauty cabinet! And come on, we can’t always be reading Dostoyevsky. If you’ve got any great beauty books, let me know!
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I recently paid a visit to one of the Twin Cities’ newest ecofriendly storefronts, Cool Planet Goods. With a prime downtown Minneapolis location (between The Loft Literary Center and Big Brain Comics on Washington Ave.), Cool Planet Goods brings passersby and city dwellers a charming little spot to find earth-safe products, which are not only sustainable but often locally produced and fairly traded. Owner Dale Howey and his staff hope to provide Twin Citians with “pollution solutions.”
There’s a definite warm, feel-good vibe inside the small store. Exposed brick and plumbing act as the backdrop for multiple vignettes. Find work by local artists as well as fair trade clothing, super-efficient light bulbs, hand-powered appliances, electronic mopeds and bikes, finely crafted jewelry, books, and tree-free paper.
My eyes were instantly drawn to the repurposed pieces by Twin Cities artist Pat Grady, particularly this ice princess-inspired headband and wine tote, both in white and gold. Grady begins her work with the material of an old wool sweater or velvet dress and from there creates several embellished pieces, ranging from scarves and hats to handbags and bracelets.
Though the store is still finding its groove (having only been open since the beginning of November), Cool Planet Goods hopes to stock more green products and local artwork, possibly using its bare brick walls as a gallery-like space.
Cool Planet Goods, 1023A Washington Ave., Mpls., 612-333-3341
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High waistbands, corsetry, layer upon layer of silk tulle—Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection is a study in saccharine femininity. And the color palette—inspired by a box of Ladurée macaroons—of vanilla, mint, latte, pistachio, and butterscotch, makes the finely tailored organza, tulle, and chiffon appropriate for a modern day Marie Antoinette.
On Monday, Abby Van Ness and I stopped in the 50th & France outpost of Monique Lhuillier to check out the Resort and Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collections, as well as the new collection of luxe handbags that are exclusive to the two freestanding Monique boutiques. Here are a few of our favorites from the spring collection, all of which are available at 3902 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747.
Asymmetrically draped silk mousseline chiffon is reminiscent of a classic Madame Gres design. We think it's perfect for cocktails in the garden. Silk mousseline cocktail dress ($3,100).
The side draping of this high waist silk taffeta skirt is divine. Paired with a filmy butterscotch blouse with an exaggerated bow, this skirt takes office chic to a whole new level. Silk taffeta skirt ($1,300) and silk organdy blouse ($1,210).
An oversized, abstract poppy print appeared in a few incarnations on Lhuillier's runway. The high neckline and soft layers of the organza blouse soften the clean and structured lines of the cropped jacket and high waist A-line skirt. Ivory jacquard cropped jacket ($2,350) and skirt ($1,200) and a quad-layered crème organza blouse ($1,200).
I would be shocked if a Hollywood starlet doesn't get her paws on this lovely floor-length frock for the 2008 awards season. The slight sweetheart neckline accentuates the shoulders and waist while the handkerchief hem adds interest and the illusion of height. Strapless draped sea foam with handkerchief hem mouselline dress ($7,300).
There is really no substitute for seeing this in person—the layers are dramatic, the structure is impeccable, and the overall affect is breathtaking. Nude tulle tiered skirt with hand-painted pistachio flower dress ($12,100).
This dress might be part of Lhuillier's spring collection, but the perfect shade of winter white makes it appropriate for year-round use. Vanilla silk tulle draped bustier ($2,200) and vanilla embroidered scalloped organza pencil skirt ($1,850).
I strongly believe in investing in statement pieces that embody your look. For me, this beaded cropped jacket does just that. I can imagine it dressed down with black denim and flats or dressed up with a floor-length gown. Noir silk chiffon strapless draped gown with lace detail neckline ($3,700) and gray beaded cropped jacket with 3/4-inch sleeve and front tie ($11,000).
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As any of my coworkers would be quick to confirm, I have a slight obsession with wallpaper. A box of samples rests next to my feet under my desk, and I have framed many of the photo-shoot leftovers in lieu of actually being able to wallpaper the uneven walls of my rental. Flocked, beaded, floral, damask, wide stripes, thin stripes, composite faux leathers, chinoiserie, and graphic hexagons are all included in the mix. I most definitely don’t discriminate, and the only common theme is that noting between them is common.
Here are some of my current favorites:
“The Woods” by Cole & Son is Northwoodsy without being kitschy. Available through Lee Jofa.
“Aphrodite” by Jill Malek is ideal for a ladies dressing room.
“French Dot” by Nama Rococo would look great in a series of funky frames.
“Marenka” by Romo is a vibrant and modern graphic. Available through KDR Designer Showrooms.
“The Family” by Bunny Maxwell would look adorable in a parlor or hallway.
But although I love wallpaper, I know that for many homeowners, it is a hard and expensive commitment—I am sure my mom is still not over the “pheasant hunting” wallpaper border that went up at one point in our living room. So how do you incorporate new paper into an established room to give it new life? Or how do you let wallpaper inspire an entire redecoration project? Start small. You needn’t paper an entire space. Start with an accent wall, and work up. If using varying papers throughout the home, make sure there is a common thread in color, textures, or patterns. And if it is all still too scary, do what I do, and decorate an entire wall with framed pieces of the same or similar wallpapers.
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Whether you're planning your wardrobe for a warm-weather retreat this winter or just want a preview of what's hot for 2008, be sure to stop by the Monique Lhuillier trunk show while it's still showing. As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, Lhuillier's just-launched handbags, along with her Spring and Resort 2008 collections, are featured at the Edina flagship salon now through Saturday. (Plus, select pieces from her Fall 2007 collection are priced at 40 percent off!)
When Melissa Colgan and I arrived at the salon, we flipped through the collection's look books, oohing and ahing over our favorite pieces. But nothing compares to seeing the dresses and separates in person.
When we pulled the pieces from the racks, we noticed what makes Lhuillier's collection so enthralling—her attention to detail. Full rosettes, feminine ruffles, oversized collars, and finely crafted beadwork leave each piece with an exquisite look all its own; yet every gown, skirt, and blouse stays true to a woman's silhouette. We saw hints of Lhuillier's bridal background in several instances, such as the sweetheart necklines, layered tulle, and A-line cuts. But the prominence of short bubble skirts, deep pockets, flirty colors and prints, and asymmetrical lines give the collection a fun, contemporary appeal.
Here are a few of the looks we loved from the Resort 2008 collection:
Pale pink, one shoulder cocktail dress with embroidered organza ($4,620).
Embroidered halter bubble cocktail dress in ochre organza ($3,190).
Silver and red metallic-print taffeta shirt dress with exaggerated collar ($4,660).
Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747
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Once ladies sniff out their signature fragrance, they're hard pressed to give up their scent secret or to switch it up. Scent is proven to be incredibly effective in memory recall, which is why I try to buy a perfume or lotion every time I travel. Then, when I need a little lift, I can spritz some on, and it takes me back to New York or Aruba.
I confess that it's hard for me to make the switch from my usual, and I don't know anyone else personally who wears it, which is a huge bonus to me. I know perfumes smell different on everyone, depending on individual chemistries (and their noses—some people can't smell certain notes), but I like to have a little something to myself.
That said, I have discovered a new favorite, and I'm going to share it with you. I'm in love with Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. I have been cheating on my usual for a couple weeks now. Surprise number one: It's nothing like the scents I typically like. I tend to lean toward light white musks and citrus scents. Big florals are almost never my thing. Surprise number two: Flowerbomb is not really super florally. I also tend to not like patchouli. Surprise three: I love the patchouli in Flowerbomb.
Flowerbomb opens with tea and bergamot and settles into Sambac jasmine, Cattleya orchid, freesia, and rose (I can't smell the rose, something I normally don't care for). It dries down into a gentle, vanilla-y patchouli. The first notes are my favorite, and I wish they would hang on longer. My only complaint is that the scent doesn't seem to stick long enough. But that first burst in the morning out of that beveled-glass grenade—right now, nothing beats it in my book. I love a good beauty surprise, and I'm glad I switched it up—at least for now.
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By some stroke of fashion luck, the gods of style decided to shine their love upon our great state’s lone Nordstrom store throughout the past year. First it was a Chanel accessories boutique (chain-handled lambskin purse anyone?) and then boutiques for Chloé and Yves Saint Laurent. Not content with providing fashion for just the upper echelon of buyers, Nordstrom brought in Via C and a slew of young ateliers including Milly, Doo.Ri, Rachel Roy, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
And now, on what must be the seventh day, the gods are bringing us Gucci, the Italian luxury fashion and leather goods brand, which hit it big in the late nineties with Tom Ford as head designer, Mario Testino as photographer, and Paris Vogue’s Carine Roitfeld as stylist/muse for Gucci’s sexed-up ad campaign.
Since Ford stepped down in 2004 (insert sigh here), Italian Frida Gianni, whose collections are selling well but have yet to receive Ford-level raves, took the helm. And it is her Fall 2007 runway and Cruise 2008 collections that I had the great pleasure of previewing last Wednesday night.
This is the first time that a Gucci boutique will be available in the Twin Cities since the Gucci boutique on Nicollet Mall closed more than twenty-five years ago, and it is Nordstrom's third in-store Gucci boutique (Los Angeles and Seattle house the other two). The nearly 2,000-square-foot accessories boutique is on the first floor, and a 900-square-foot clothing boutique is on the second. You will find a large collection of leather goods—handbags and motorcycle jackets—tweedy jodhpurs and jumpers, fur-collared ski jackets and après ski accessories, and a bunch of filmy print blouses.
Here are some of my favorites from the evening:
Indy large top handle bag in black/bronze ombre patent leather with tassels and bamboo detail from Fall 2007. |
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Black and white silk shantung top with origami pleat in pop leopard print from Cruise 2008.
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Black lobster, bluebell print silk crepe dress with embroidery detail from Fall 2007. |
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Find all of this and more at Nordstrom, Mall of America, 952-883-2121.
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Although best recognized for her exquisite bridal gowns, the Monique Lhuillier moniker has become synonymous with glamorous ready-to-wear, worn by the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, and Scarlett Johansson. It seems the accomplished young designer is everywhere lately, including an appearance on last week’s Project Runway premiere, where she dished out critique to all of this season’s wannabe designers. Now Lhuillier adds handbags to her list of projects (and, shh, we hear a high-end tabletop collection is in the works!).
As Twin Citians, we are lucky enough to have one of only two Monique Lhuillier flagships right here in our own backyard (the other just moved from Beverly Hills to a larger locale in Melrose Place.) And while pieces of Lhuillier’s collection can be found at select department stores and bridal boutiques across the country, the flagship salons are the lone spots to find her full line, and the only places you’ll encounter her exclusive handbag collection.
So, when my coworker, Melissa Colgan, and I got wind of a trunk show at the 50th and France salon, we knew we had to stop by. Through Saturday, November 24, fashion-savvy shoppers can view Lhuillier’s stunning Spring and Resort 2008 collections, as well as her haute new handbag line.
Designed with luxurious, exotic skins—including ostrich, python, and crocodile—soft satin, detailed pleating, and intricate beadwork, the clutches and satchels are definite matches for Lhuillier’s gorgeous evening wear. In fact, I didn't want to leave the salon without this Audrey Beaded Python bag! Not only is it exceptionally crafted and chic, but it's also the ideal size for carrying all of my evening essentials.
Donna Bohn, general manager of Lhuillier's Edina salon, tells us the bags are seasonal and never reordered, so we recommend checking out the trunk show while you still can! The handbag collection ranges in price from approximately $1000 to $3000.
Look for upcoming Style Parlor posts from Melissa and I about the Spring and Resort 2008 collections!
Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747
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We’re blessed with plenty of posh spas around town, but it can be hard to move outside the traditional massage or mani-pedi to new services, therapists, or spas when we’re not sure what to expect. I’m here to be a guide to those services—if you’ve got ones you’ve had your eye on, ask away!
In part because of my obsession of all things Hawaiian lately—I’m getting married there in six months—I have been curious about the ancient Hawaiian technique of lomi lomi massage. Because it’s a specialty massage, I threw the spotlight on Spot Spa Boutique in Northeast Minneapolis.
Spot Northeast is a basement location, below the Bulldog NE on Hennepin. It’s charming, but not fancy, and it leans toward all-natural, holistic healing, but it is also down-to-earth. Spot focuses on massage; they offer a battery of specialties with very devoted therapists.
If you are stressed, burned out, tight, or in need of nurturing relaxation (who isn’t?), lomi lomi is ideal. I spent ninety minutes with Nell Rueckl, the spa’s proprietress, and it was pure relief. Lomi lomi is an ancient massage technique that translates roughly to “loving hands." It’s different than a Swedish massage but just as knot-busting and calming.
She used her hands and forearms on me with a lavish amount of oil in a pattern that felt like waves crashing on a shoreline—a lulling, relaxing rhythm. (The tinkly, Hawaiian music totally helped.) Lomi lomi is also different in that the therapist may massage two parts that don’t necessarily go together—maybe one hand is on the back of the leg, the other on a hand or shoulder. The effect is a wonderful disorientation; you’re not sure where you are in the massage, time-wise, so it’s great for avoiding thoughts such as, “I bet I only have five minutes left,” which breaks your massage buzz.
The icing on the cake was Nell getting on the table and walking her knees up either side of my spine and around my shoulder blades. It’s heavy pressure but totally delicious—I forgot how my body bent after working at a desk. I felt realigned, and I walked out about three inches taller. The added bonus: The anxieties I came to the appointment with seemed to have disappeared, and I walked out smiling. An amazing departure from Swedish and totally boosted my obsession with Hawaii.
P.S. Watch for more talk of Spot in the coming weeks.
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Slip into our new blog from Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s LifeStyle editors. Satisfy your craving for shopping and style information—plus national trend-spotting news—all with a local point of view.
As a senior editor at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, I oversee a team of editors and associate editors that cover fashion, retail, home, and lifestyle trends. We’ve known for a long time that we have more to offer than can fit on the pages of our monthly city magazine. Enter Style Parlor.
I’m really excited about this new initiative. Though many of you have read/followed my blog, I’m much better creating as a team. So I’ve shelved Life in Style and will direct my efforts to Style Parlor. Four (for now) editors will serve up your daily dose of buzz on local shopping and style sprinkled with our individual tastes and personalities. You can sort by category: Fashion, Beauty, Wellness, Home, Design. You can also sort by topic: Shop Talk (new stores, events, and retail news), What We Found (an item we’ve discovered at a local store, show room, or antique store), and Point of View (commentary from the writer’s perspective).
Plus, you can sort by writer: Melissa Colgan, who is probably out in the stores more than all of us combined, has a terrific eye and sense of style in fashion, home, and gifts. Katie Derdoski covers beauty, salons, spas, and those things that make us feel beautiful on the inside. Abby Van Ness keeps you up-to-date on new stores, new products, and buzz. I’ll be dipping in and out, talking about merchandise that catches my eye, stores and stylemakers that deserve attention, and trends to pay attention to. And since I’m the only editor with children on our team, you’re more apt to find me covering shopping with and for kids.
We know you don’t have all the time in the world to shop. That’s the point of Style Parlor. We’ll help you navigate our cities. Find the greatest gear. The most fabulous shoes. The best deals. The one-of-a-kinds. The don’t-misses.
So stop in often. Tell your friends. And chime in with your own likes and dislikes, and let us know if you think there is stuff out there we’ve overlooked. Plus, ask questions by leaving a comment for us. Seriously. Consider us your personal shoppers and stylists.
Talk to you tomorrow.
P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for Swag, our weekly shopping and style e-newsletter, which offers some of our scoop first, plus our weekly picks for events, sales, and trunk shows. And if that’s not enough, watch for our soon-to-debut Style Parlor weekly video, where you can see first-hand what’s happening in stores—practically live.
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