Fashion: Dressing College Grads

Your first job out of college: You're finally in the real world, ready to take on a nine-to-five, navigate the downtown skyways, and prove yourself in your career. Exciting, transforming, and overwhelming—all at the same time.

Although I'm still a fairly recent college grad, I think I've finally adjusted to the early wakeup calls, long meetings, important deadlines, and responsibilities that come along with my "real" job—and I'm pretty sure I can find my way to (almost) anything in the Minneapolis skyway system.

I've also learned:

- That my morning alarm will go off at least three times before I peel myself out of bed.
- That coffee is a necessity (and a venti soy chai latte with espresso is a luxury).
- That it's (usually) better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- That flip-flops are not appropriate office attire.
- That working hard and achieving professional success are far more rewarding than getting a good grade in any college class.
- That life in the real world isn't half bad.

But for those college grads just starting out, Sara Rogers (left), trend specialist for Mall of America, is making the transition from sweatpants-clad coed to business-suit-wearing employee a little easier with her new "Graduate Program."

For $100, recent grads receive a two-hour personal shopping session with Rogers. She'll help with all the basics: what to wear to a first interview, how to build a work wardrobe, what's appropriate for casual Fridays, etc.

A great gift for yourself or your favorite 2008 graduate. Schedule an appointment by calling Rogers at 612-396-4729 or e-mailing sara@sararogers.com.

What We Found: Eco-Chic Shopping Totes at Nordstrom

I can’t begin to count the number of “reusable totes” I have bought over the past few years in hopes of breaking my plastic bag habit. Some are buried in my closet, some are in the trunk of my car, others have been dropped off at Goodwill full of my castoff garments. The one place these bags never seem to be are in my hand (or purse for that matter) when I make an impromptu grocery or shopping stop.

I blame it on the fact that I have too much of a big picture personality and can’t remember minute details such as packing extra eco-friendly shopping bags into my overstuffed work tote . . . just in case.

But now, my problem might just be solved thanks to Nordstrom. Tucked neatly inside sleek metallic casing, Nordstrom’s new eco-chic collapsible tote can fit easily inside my purse so that I always have it on hand. And although other companies have come up with similar products, Nordstrom’s version has the added bonus of actually looking chic (brushed metallic linen and drawings by artist Reuben Toledo).

I, of course, have already tucked mine neatly into my Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel (also a Nordstrom find) ready to use should a spontaneous shopping stop occur.

Available starting May 19, at Nordstrom, Mall of America, 952-883-2121

Point of View: Shopping with Toddlers

I took my daughters to MOA last Friday. It wasn’t a first, but I have only been brave enough to take the twins to the “mall of all malls” a handful of times. This time I took my energetic three-year-olds without the help of a stroller. Just didn’t want to deal with the contraption. First stop: a return at J. Crew. But of course, I did a little shopping. As I sifted through the adorable summer preppy wear in the Crewcuts section (J. Crew for kids), my girls were going a little crazy trying on shoes, hiding under racks, playing with the big stuffed dogs on display. This captain had lost control of my little crew, and at that point, I just trying to have forward motion with my shopping. I was seriously trying to not sweat too much. Thankfully the store wasn’t very busy. I managed to pick up a couple of cute tanks, headbands, and T-shirts for the girls and a skirt and pair of mod capris for Mom. (The Cheddar Bunnies in my bag helped tame the beasts in the fitting room). The prices are a little steep for children’s play clothes, but they are so darn cute.

Next stop: the new Janie & Jack store. MOA marketing director, Jeff Hoke, first told me about the more refined Gymboree sister store a few years ago. He promised then it would be at MOA one day. It’s a great addition to the kid mix. The early summer collections are a little more Hamptons-inspired than I was looking for on Friday. But I’ll be back. I was actually surprised that they didn’t take the lead from Gymboree and offer a little TV and chairs. (Maybe those more refined children mind their mothers and stay by their sides.) We trotted off to nearby Gymboree, and I nabbed a couple of sundresses and sun hats (they were having a good sale that day) while the girls watched Thomas and Barney on the TV. I don’t dress our twins identically, but I do like them to coordinate (I have had other twin moms tell me they do that, too.) And Gymboree makes it a little easier with their seasonal collections.

Our main reason for visiting MOA was to get some new shoes for the girls at Nordstrom, but since I had bribed them with a few rides in the Nickelodeon-themed park, I needed to pony up. We took a spin on the carousel (a good option if you need to chaperon two kids under forty-two inches since I could stand between two of the horses), plus the girls qualified to ride the semi-truck-themed ride (thirty-six inches, no chaperon necessary). We followed with lunch under the skylight ceilings in the park area, and we popped into a nearby photo booth to commemorate our girlie play date.

I think I overstayed my welcome because shortly after purchasing the toddler sandals, the signs of the naptime-witching hour were upon us. One melted down and needed to be carried from Nordstrom to the lot outside Bloomingdale’s. The other also wanted to be carried, which wasn’t going to be possible for this mom. So we had to have a little sideline negotiation. And then I did the unthinkable—I broke out two pacifiers in my emergency stash side pocket. Me, the mom that can’t believe Kate Hudson’s son, Ryder, still has pacifiers in his mouth. Perhaps the paparazzi grabbed that shot on the one day Kate shopped a little too long and cut into naptime.

Shoes at Nordstrom, $78. Summer wardrobe additions, $400. Ride at MOA, $20 pass. Lunch in sunny courtyard, $19. Photo booth, $5. Shopping with my daughters, priceless.

Shop Talk: New Arrivals at Local Color

One of downtown Stillwater's best-kept secrets is a charming storefront called Local Color on Main. Carrying an eclectic, ever-growing collection of accessories, apparel, home décor, gifts, stationery, and even baby items, it's a worthwhile stop on your next trip to the river city.

Founded in 2005, Local Color reopened earlier this year in a larger storefront (just down the street from its original) where owner Mary Kovar and daughter Bethany are slowly adding lines to the bohemian-chic mix. The most recent additions include London-based clothing label Mina, a favorite among British celebs, such as Sienna Miller, Kylie Minogue, and Kiera Knightly, but new to the U.S. market. Pretty tops (such as this Kimono-style chiffon blouse, left) and cute, colorful dresses are priced for less than $130.

Also new is the store's shipment of embroidered purses by Laga Designs. Handmade by women survivors of the Tsunami, the bags provide income for women and families who have lost their livelihood ($70–150). And behind each bag's name is a meaning: The bag at left is the Pulih (which means Recover) and at right is the Damai (which means peace).

 

Local Color, 312 S. Main St., Stillwater, 651-351-0558

Shop Talk: Clutch to Close

As a reporter of local retail, one of the least favorite parts of my job is having to share the news that a local retail gem is closing up shop, especially when it is a unique store broadening the retail landscape of the  Twin Cities.

Such is the case with Clutch Boutique. Lori Cheadle’s chic shop recognized that truly fashionable women didn’t need a bag emblazoned with the logo Gucci, Fendi, or Prada—what they needed was a handbag that was well constructed and as unique as the individual toting it.

For the past few years, Cheadle has lined her airy 50th & France shop with handbags from lesser-known designers, such as Hayden-Harnett, Lauren Scherr, Jamah, and Katherine Kwei as well as jewelry from Danish designer Dyrberg/Kern and handbags from local designer Laura Nelle.

Although I have featured a number of Cheadle’s handbags in the magazine, I had never purchased a bag from her store for myself. I attribute this mostly to the price point—for me, if I am going to spend $500 on a handbag, I must be able to use it seamlessly in my day-to-day life, and I never found one that I could justify. But I have purchased jewelry from Clutch, and the two Dyrberg/Kern rings I have I wear almost daily (and have been complimented on them more times than I can count).

As we rev up again to bring your our annual Shops magazine, I start thinking again about how important local retail is to the life of our community. Retail can help freshen up little neighborhoods and encourage foot traffic to places seemingly off the beaten path.

Lori Cheadle told me she doesn’t know what she will do next (she has been in retail most of her adult life) but in the meantime is selling everything in her shop—jewelry and handbags, of course, but also her furniture—marble-topped tables and cozy brown velvet settees. Right now, the inventory is market at 30 percent off, and Cheadle hopes to be out by the end of the month.

On the bright side, if you’re an accessories fiend like me, you won’t have to wait long for another accouterment-devoted shop to open in the area. The gals behind Bluebird Boutique are opening a new store, Ladyslipper Boutique. Although they still haven’t settled on which designer lines they will be carrying (we are told we’ll know once they come back from market), we can expect a carryover of some of the great vintage pieces available at Bluebird as well as shoes and contemporary accessories.

Clutch Boutique, closing the end of May, 5005 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-455-0606
Ladyslipper Boutique, opening August 1, 4940 France Ave. S., Edina

Home: On Newsstands Now!

The grass is greening up, the lakes have finally thawed (at least in the Twin Cities!), and anxious gardeners have started digging up their beds. As we throw open our windows and welcome spring indoors, we at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine knew the home-improvement bug would be biting soon inside as well. So, we're thrilled to present our best-ever batch of befores and afters in the latest issue of Mpls.St.Paul Home, which just hit newsstands.

Our cover story is an exquisite renovation by designer Andrew Flesher of Gunkelman Flesher at Minneapolis's landmark 510 Groveland building. It joins an impressive lineup of befores and afters, including a Kenwood Victorian for architect David Heide and a wonderful cottage redo in Edina. You'll also find wonderful home decor trend stories, all featuring products you can buy locally. Perhaps most impressive is the beautiful preview of our 2008 ASID Showcase Home near Lake Harriet, which opens next week.

Pick up a copy today, and find inspiration for your weekend home-improvement scouting and shopping!

Design: A first look at W Foshay

Not that I’ve been keeping count, but it's hard not to notice that we’ve had four new luxury and/or boutique hotels open up in Minneapolis throughout the past few years. There’s the recent Ivy with its lauded Porter & Frye restaurant; the Westin in the old Farmer’s & Mechanics Bank; Graves 601 with its ultra-chic rooms and posh eatery, Cosmos; and, of course, Ralph Burnet’ s modern art-filled Chambers.

Within the next year, downtown Minneapolis will see two more hotels open up: The Hotel Minneapolis (a Doubletree Hotel) will open in August in the elegantly restored Midland building, promising a central location and luxury amenities for travelers of both business and pleasure. But the most anticipated new hotel for local history buffs, national architecture aficionados, and world travelers is Ralph Burnet’s W Minneapolis—The Foshay.

I had a chance to view the new W Foshay yesterday during a hardhat tour (the hotel is still under construction, but we were assured it will open on July 28, plenty of time before the RNC).

Although I am not originally from the Twin Cites, I had long heard my parents and grandparents (all from the Milwaukee area) tell stories of how the glorious and majestic Foshay building was the Minneapolis skyline. As soon as you saw it peeking over the horizon, you knew you were close to the city. I recognize the importance of such a historical building to our urban landscape and was pleased to learn that Burnet had purchased the building in hopes of turning it into another luxury hotel. The respect he demonstrated in refurbishing the building that now houses the Chambers has translated to the Foshay.

The W is certain to be sexy, provocative, and hip (a W Hotel's forte), but what is most impressive is the care that the Burnets, ESG Architects, Munge Leung Design Associates, and Shea Company construction have taken to restore the glory of the original 1928 building. Terrazzo floors were uncovered and refinished, original ceiling moldings were restored or, when beyond repair, completely replicated, and the exterior limestone will remain untouched.

But to inject a contemporary vibe into one of the greatest examples of art deco architecture, the décor will have more modern elements—color palette of gray, lavender, and shocking pink; clean-lined, lacquered furnishings; and plenty of dramatic lighting. Because of the unique architecture of the building, the 230 guest rooms will comprise fifty-three different design styles.

Nothing has been announced yet as far as the first floor restaurant goes, though knowing Burnet’s dedication to dining (he brought Jean George to the Chambers), we will likely get another important addition to our local dining scene. In addition, Keys will continue to operate and will also be an integral part of the room service offered to guests.

The main bar and lounge is situated in the grand first floor, but I think my friends and I will be spending most of our time in the African mahogany-paneled twenty-seventh floor, where the sweeping views of Minneapolis and cozy snugs are certain to spark romance.

The original ceilings are currently being restored to their art deco glory.

Artist rendering of the bar and lounge

W Living Room

W Great Room, a special event space

Guest room

 

Guest room bathroom

The guest room bar and lounge area

A view from the thirtieth floor observatory, which will once again be open to the public.

W Minneapolis—The Foshay opens July 28, 2008. 821 Marquette Ave., Mpls., 612-215-3700

Fashion: Target at Barneys?

In what Women's Wear Daily declared as one of the oddest pairings in fashion history, luxury retailer Barneys New York will introduce Rogan for Target GO International at Barney's Madison Ave. flagship on Friday, May 8, and then at Barneys Los Angeles store on May 16 (as we reported a month or so back, the eco-friendly Rogan for Target collection will not be available in Target stores or online until May 18).

 

This partnership celebrates Barneys and Target's shared appreciation of Rogan Gregory's leadership in the eco-friendly design movement. Although Barneys has carried Rogan Gregory's primary collection—trousers for $230, dresses for $320, and anoraks for $450—for a few years, this is Target's first foray into eco-friendly fashion.

Beauty: Local Salon on Reality TV This Week

If you've never caught an episode of Style network's Split Ends, here's the gist:

Two experienced hair stylists from opposite backgrounds switch places and take a position in each other's salons for one week. Drama, conflict, and good TV are sure to ensue.

To be honest, I've never seen the show, but my semi-addiction to reality TV and the fact that one of our upscale Twin Cities salons is featured will have me in front of the tube this Saturday evening.

Shauna Raisch, master stylist and owner of Wayzata's Twiggs Salonspa, recently boarded a plane from the Twin Cities to Goodyear, Arizona to work at Melissa & Co. Salon for the taping of the show. Split Ends will spotlight her experience (and that of Melissa & Co. stylist Crisanna Conrad at Twiggs) in a one-hour reality show.

In addition to opening Twiggs in 2002, Shauna, a third generation stylist, boasts a long resume including everything from styling at fashion industry events—such as New York and LA Fashion Weeks—to earning one of three U.S. spots on the World Championship Hairdressing Team. Watch Shauna work her magic Saturday at 7 p.m.  

Twiggs Salonspa, 785 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-258-0200

What We Found: Living Small in Style

I am signing a lease today for a new apartment in downtown Minneapolis. Although I won't be moving until July, I have already started thinking about how I’ll switch up my décor.

I have a very schizophrenic design personality, which I haven’t yet completely honed in on. I am still trying to figure out the difference between styles I like in theory (American federal, English shabby chic, French country) and the style I want to live in (much more clean, calm, and reserved). I like things that look old but are actually new (lacquered neo-Rocco scroll work), mid-century style seating, art deco accents, and anything that looks a little unfinished and natural. I guess if I had to describe what my ideal place would look like, it would be a sort of glammed up, modern farm house—lots of natural, rough wood pieces; clean-lined furnishings; and flea market accents, with a few art deco flourishes to round it out.

Because I need to use most all of my furniture in my new apartment (Ikea Karlstad sofa, aspen wood coffee table, chrome side chairs, and countless lamps, accents, and mirrors), I’ve been scouring the Internet as of late trying to find some great pieces at reasonable prices to freshen up what I already have. Here are a few items that caught my eyes, some of which I hope to purchase in the next few months, some of which will stay on my wish list until I win the lottery.

 

	I’ve learned that I easily tire of color. The pattern of this rug gives it depth and texture, even in simple black and white. Morocco bikaner wool rug, five feet by eight feet (on sale for $249), from CB2

 

	If I could afford one thing right now, it would be a huge, worn-in leather chair in which I could curl up get lost in with a good book. The buttery soft bourbon leather and mahogany finish is brawny without being overly masculine. Cotswold Chair ($1,998) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447

 

	This 1960’s-style sofa is clean-lined and sparse, but the tufting and button cushions give it character. Petrie Sofa, ($1,499) from Crate & Barrel, Galleria, 952-920-2300

 

	I’ve long admired the wire design of the Bertoia chair, but I enjoy this one for its more organic feel (and lower price tag). I can see this pulled up to my wooden desk. De La Tour Chair ($160) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448

 

	I love the graphic pattern on this rug, but I’d probably opt for it in its other color scheme, brown and ivory. I do get a little nervous about buying something such as a rug on the Internet, so I will probably wait until the West Elm store opens in Edina later this year. Yellow and ivory petal rug, five feet by eight feet ($199), West Elm

 

	I am in pretty desperate need for a bed frame. I’ve been sleeping like a college student with my box spring and mattress on the ground for way too long. I like that this is a very streamlined version of a canopy. Classic with no frill. Petite silhouette canopy bed in white ($499–$599), Brocade Home

 

	I have too many small bookcases. Before I move, I plan on taking them all to Goodwill and investing in one or two wall-length styles to store all of my books, magazines, and more. Expedit bookcase ($149) from Ikea, 8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, 952-858-8088

 

	I have an Anthropologie shower curtain right now, but if I was in the market for the new one, a watercolor rendering of flowers would certainly cheer up my morning ritual on even the gloomiest of days. Sundew Shower Curtain ($88) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S. , Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447

 

	I love anything with a little bit of wink. The daguerreotype photographs  framed in cameo-like scrolling could make for an understated accent piece. Cameo chair ($680) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447

Again with the wink. I can’t stand a space that is overly precious, and a funky owl lamp is certain to add a bit of humor to my living room. Hoot lamp base ($36) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448

Fashion: Spring has Sprung at Anthropologie

Whenever I am bored or feeling a need to be inspired, I always head over to Anthropologie. And it’s for good reason. The luxe, eclectic, hippie way in which the store is merchandised and the always inventive and artistic clothing and housewares never disappoint and always enthuse a new way to put together disparate items—a geometric pillow on a floral couch, a polka dot skirt with a vintage print shirt.

However, I will admit that I haven’t always seen Anthropologie as a place for inspiration. The first few times I set foot in one of the stores, I always left confused and empty-handed because I couldn’t seem to wrap my head around the way things were laid out; it seemed to me more like a beautiful magazine spread than a traditional store. But after a few repeated attempts (I loved the look, so I knew there had to be something in there for me), I finally left with my first purchase—a sweet floral sundress and striped, cropped cardigan.

My initial trepidation toward Anthropologie would have been shorter lived had I seen an in-store fashion show like I did on Wednesday night. The managers and staff at the 50th & France location took time and care in editing down the store's selections, so customers could see the way the clothes looked on real-life women.

I, unfortunately, left the store without a purchase, but that was more due to the mass of people in line for the dressing rooms than for any lack of inspiration. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the show.

Lilium Hybrid Dress by Le Shack, $258.00.

Enija Lotus Dress by Moulinette Soeurs, $158.00.

Etched Ivory Mini by Weston Wear, $168.00.

Keyhole nape Windowpane Shift, $148.00.

 

All of these and more at Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 763-416-1447

Wellness: 501F1T Open House

Located above downtown Minneapolis's CorePower Yoga, in a naturally lit industrial space, 501F1T is the newest gym to hit the Twin Cities. I stopped in on Thursday evening for the open house celebration and to tour the 8,000-square-foot club. Exposed brick walls, citron-green accents, and large windows act as a backdrop to state-of-the art fitness equipment— much of it custom-designed by founder and fitness director Phil Martens.

Having more than ten years of fitness training under his belt, Martens sought to combine all of his favorite gym equipment into one compact machine. He invented and designed the G-Werx Gym, which is used in 501's unique strength training classes. Featuring a patented "Flexchange System," the G-Werx uses dumbbells as resistance for machine exercise. The combination of free weights and machine offers more than 100 ways to tone and strengthen your entire body.

Other 501F1T amenities include: a fully stocked free weight room, rows of cardio equipment, tidy locker rooms, showers, towel service, massage therapy, nutritional consultations, and more.

While large enough (and open enough) to avoid feeling cramped, 501 is intimate enough to allow for fellow gym members to know you by name. And for many city dwellers, it will be a welcome alternative to the large-scale chain gyms that dot the metro.

Give it a try: New visitors can try a week's worth of classes for only $5.01. Call 612-767-4415 or email info@501FIT.com for more information.

501F1T, 501 S. Washington Ave., Mpls., 612-767-4415

Home: MCAD Meets Room & Board

As (the prospect of!) warm weather has us scanning stores for outdoor furniture, it's exciting to learn that two cutting edge works by MCAD Furniture Design students might soon be produced and sold by Room & Board. Student designers, challenged in a competition sponsored by the retailer, came up with prototypes for outdoor seating that could be produced domestically from environmentally friendly materials.

One of the winning entries was "Bask," a chair designed by senior Matt Borchert. It's made of welded steel and rope. The idea, he says, came from a combination of his love for strong, almost typographic lines and materials that fit in with the outdoor environment.

"Seymour," the second winning entry, is a chair and ottoman designed by junior Mac Plumstead. Starting with the concept of an Adirondack chair, Plumstead came up with the cool design of cut, folded metal over a welded steel frame.

The competition, now in its sixth year, usually recognizes one design, so this year's winning pair is a first. Room & Board's vendor resource manager, Steve Freeman, actually considers the 2008 proposals the best yet. And although it's not yet known whether the retailer will produce and sell the designs, there is history of doing so: "Stow," a media console designed in 2005 by MCAD student Maxwell Kelsey, is part of Room & Board's current furniture line.

Shop Talk: Local Jewelry Artist Mart

As you plan your weekend, consider stopping by the shop at the Walker Saturday afternoon. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the museum store plays host to a Local Jewelry Artist Mart. More than a dozen Twin Cities craftspeople display their work for this one-day event, with materials ranging from sterling silver and semi-precious stones to reclaimed metal and recycled typewriter pieces.

 

I'm loving these eco-friendly pieces—a repurposed Cityscape Bracelet by Danny Saathoff and contemporary Onyx Gnot Earrings by Felicia Parsons.

Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7600

Weekend Sales Alerts

I was supposed to be saving up to go on a shopping spree at the Bryn Mawr garage sale, but because I recently had to buy a car and emptied out my back account, I want to make sure that you get the dish on the famous BM garage sale as well as on other great places to get a spring time steal this weekend.

Interior designer Susan Hoffman is cleaning out her P.O.S.H (property of Susan Hoffman) Warehouse this weekend with a blowout sale. P.O.S.H. is filled with unique furniture, art, home accessories, and gifts all handpicked by Hoffman. Twenty-five percent off retail price of lamps, home accessories, and art. All furniture is thirty-five percent off retail price. Plus, look for red clearance signs for additional markdowns and the not-so-Posh discounts are for seventy-five percent off retail. May 3, 10 a.m—4 p.m.; May 4, noon—4 p.m., 2800 Campus Dr., Ste. 180, Plymouth, 763-383-1221

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Hundreds of bargain shoppers will descend upon Bryn Mawr this weekend for the Minneapolis neighborhood’s annual garage sale. The best merchandise can be found at the beginning of the weekend while many of the sellers are wiped clean by Sunday. Start at Penn Ave. and Cedar Lake Rd. Shoppers start showing up around 7 a.m. on Saturday.

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Shayne Barsness of Style Minneapolis is also having a weekend sale. Barsness scours the Twin Cities curbsides, flea markets, and estate sales for interesting pieces, which she reupholsters and refinishes in mostly black and white. In addition to furniture, find decorative down pillows, crystal vases, silver candlesticks, and fabulous frames. May 2 and 3, 10 a.m.—6 p.m. 1016 W. 27th St. Mpls., 612-377-3331

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Happy Shopping!

Fashion: This Weekend's Eco-Friendly Runway Shows

There has been a lot of buzz about eco-friendly clothing lately. Green apparel has certainly come a long way since the days of scratchy hemp and bland, hippieish ensembles. Soft organic cottons, natural bamboo fabrics, and more green-focused designer options mean that fashion followers no longer have to sacrifice style for sustainability.

If you want to hop on this green trend (and see what your fellow eco-minded Twin Citians have to offer), check out the seventh annual Living Green Expo this weekend at the State Fairgrounds. In addition to local chefs, architects, vendors, and community leaders, fashion designers and green retailers are making their mark at this year's event with an Eco-Fashion Show Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and a Second Runway show at 8 p.m.

Hosted by Mark Wheat of The Current, the Eco-Fashion Show features models donning bamboo, hemp, organic, and recycled clothing from local green retailers, including Birch Clothing, Naturally Bamboo Clothing, Patagonia, Wildrose Farms, Goodwill, My Green Closet, and Ten Thousand Villages.

Goodwill/Easter Seals follows up with the Second Runway fashion show later that evening. View more than fifty looks by local designers—reworked and styled from garments found at Goodwill stores. (Shown here: a multicolored tank dress created by Andrea Vargo.) Stick around for food, live music, and the chance to purchase designs from the runway.

And just announced: Project Runway alum and local fashion designer Katherine Gerdes (who impressed the crowd at Voltage earlier this month with her organic bamboo, dip-dyed gowns) will co-host the Second Runway event with Alexis Walsko of Lola Red PR. Buy tickets online. 

Grandstand Bldg., State Fairgrounds, St. Paul