November 5, 2009

A Little Gift from Me to You

Psst: I'm giving you an early holiday present. It's something that you can't buy, and won't want to return.
Give up? It's my friends + family discount at Redstamp.com!

 From now until November 15, everything on the site is 20 percent off, courtesy of moi. Simply enter the code FRIEND at checkout to receive your generous savings. Also: Shipping is FREE on all orders over $70, and you get FREE stationery with every order {click here to take a look at the free stationery designs - they are so, so pretty}.  I never need nudging to buy... Read more »

Posted on Thursday, November 5, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 4, 2009

My Favorite Shopping Day of the Year

Tomorrow is one of my favorite shopping days of the year. No, not Black Friday. I'm talking about Maiden Minnesota. For the third year running, the women behind the local boutiques and labels that make this community a hotbed of retail creativity are teaming up to host this cocktail party + sale. It’s not only a celebration of what these entepreneurs have accomplished, it's a seriously inspiring night for anyone who's been dreaming about starting her own business. I've been thrilled to watch the event grow from a small affair to 36 vendors and an anticipated 1,300 attendees this year. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the fantastic finds you’ll be able to scoop up for yourself, or the lucky people on your holiday gift list. For tickets and information, visit Read more »

Posted on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2009

Scouring H&M at Southdale

Although I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to H&M, I was really looking forward to it opening at Southdale last week. It's close to my house and there's really nothing else at the mall that carries trendy accessories for cheap—the kind you need for a theme party or to experiment with a fleeting trend like, say, studded leather bracelets or fingerless gloves. I have never, however, purchased a stitch of clothing at H&M. Oh, I've tried on plenty of things and admired them on other people, but nothing has ever fit quite right or been made well enough to justify even the crazy-low price tags. Case in point: Yesterday I hit the store with my friend Suzette. I brought 13 items into the dressing room,... Read more »

Posted on Monday, November 2, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 30, 2009

Are You Wearing Orange Today?

I'm not. Because, despite my good intention to get into the Halloween spirit, I have nothing orange in my closet and probably never will (there is a pumpkin orange prom dress from Bergdorf's in my past, and it's gonna stay there). So in addition to eating other people's candy, I'm doing my part today by sharing the latest makeup craze with you: Coral. It's an unlikely favorite for fall, but it's exactly what we need to brighten up sallow skin this time of year. Plus, just think of what a burst of juicy, orangey color on a chilly autumn day can do for your mood! Now, not all corals are created equal. Some of the garish shades out there are safer on the runway. But the following... Read more »

Posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2009

The Best Fashion Show

Sigh. I'm still basking in the afterglow of last night's Best of the Cities party. More than 500 of our favorite people—the ones that make Minnesota Monthly so fun to work for, and so interesting to read—turned out for what proved to be an unbelievable night of unabashed revelry. It was also, in a word, glamourous. And let's be honest: Glamour is not readily available on a Thursday night in October in Minnesota.

But with a STUNNING venue like the Calhoun Beach Club (have you seen it since the remodel?) and the generous, glorious support of countless local restaurants, vendors, musicians, and retailers, a glamorous party is what you get. The highlight for me was teaming up with some of the best boutiques in town to give guests a glimpse at the fabulous style... Read more »

Posted on Friday, October 23, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 19, 2009

Best. Party. EVER.

When you work at a magazine, your friends tend to view you as a walking Wikipedia of where to shop/eat/play. Not that I mind—I've been known to have a few opinions on the matter—but the responses come much faster in October, after we've launched our annual Best of the Cities issue. It's my favorite feature of the year, because in it I can finally, formally, shout from the rooftops the local businesses that I think are really, really great. There's never enough room to include them all, so here are a few more places I can't stop talking about:

Best Beauty Freebie
Blow-dry boot camp at Read more »

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 13, 2009

It's Spa Week. Live a Little.

It's Spa Week in Minnesota, and that means it's time to treat yourself. Now before you go telling yourself or the computer screen that spa-ing is an indulgence and totally frivolous, please consider this: You will look and feel infinitely better after a facial or massage than, say, after watching TV or eating another cookie (though I am rather obsessed with Glee and can't stop thinking about the FROSTED oatmeal raisins at Bread & Chocolate). Here's the deal: From now through October 18, a host of lovely local spas are offering select services for a song. $50 will get you a 50-minute Aveda Elemental Nature Facial with Plant Peel at Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 5, 2009

I Bought Something at Macy’s

No really—I did. It’s been months since I’ve even set foot in a Macy’s. The dirty dressing rooms, understaffed sales floor, uninspired merchandise is just too depressing. What can I say; I’m still not over Marshall Field’s. But this weekend I went with a specific mission in mind: the new Rachel Rachel Roy collection for Macy’s. I am madly in love with Roy’s beauty, and her style—classic, with an urban edge (here’s a look at her spring 2009 runway show). My hope was that Roy’s new lower-priced line for... Read more »

Posted on Monday, October 5, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 28, 2009

The New Ann Looks Suspiciously like J.Crew

There's been a ton of buzz around Ann Taylor's new head designer Lisa Axelson and her efforts to elevate what has become a somewhat ho-hum, too-traditional brand. Maybe you've seen the ads touting "the new Ann." But have you seen the new Ann Taylor Loft fall catalog? Good gracious. I got one in the mail last week and all I could think was this is total rip-off of J.Crew. Right down to the ruffled shirts, statement jewelry, and model poses. Now, in the spirt of full disclosure, I am a J.Crew loyalist. I think that what creative director Jenna Lyons has done to replace the rugby stripes and barn jackets of yesteryear with offbeat colors, fresh layers, and luxurious accessories is nothing short of genius. HOWEVER. You can't copy it. You'll only miss the mark and end up looking... Read more »

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 22, 2009

Hope Rocks: Are you in?

I nearly have ants in my pants thinking about this weekend. I’m not sure what’s more exciting: Hearing the BoDeans live (saw them this summer at the zoo. amazing); judging a rocker-themed fashion show with Minnesota’s own Project Runway contestant Christopher Straub (I die), or celebrating one of the most incredible, heart-warming organizations in the Twin Cities. Thankfully, I don’t have to choose—and neither do you. It’s all happening on Saturday at Hope Rocks, a glammed up, terrifically fun fundraiser for Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)