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Minnesota Monthly /  August 2007 /  Il Vostro

Il Vostro

5045 France Ave., Edina, 612-920-3167

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT ITALY that screams romance. But even if you’ve never drifted through Venice on a gondola or motored around Rome on a Vespa, you can get a taste of the sweet life at Il Vostro Boutique in Edina. Owner Stacey Finnegan fell in love with Italy while traveling there often on business and, in her spare time, began hosting informal trunk shows to share her finds from abroad. Now such treasures fill an Italian villa–­inspired shop that’s been hand-painted by local faux-finish artisan Sue Beaudette. Amid the pillars, glazed walls, and tiled ceiling, you’ll find a predominantly European collection of delicate women’s clothing and accessories. Don’t expect to recognize most of the brands, however. Finnegan has the Minnesota exclusive on Sonia Fortuna apparel and takes pride in carrying lesser-known treasures, like woven silk and metal jewelry from Emmanuela Botter. One exception is the selection of leather Tano handbags, which Finnegan carries by customer request. And she has a particular soft spot for a ruffled Cordelia coat that twirls when she does. Isn’t it romantic?

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Style File

NOW OPEN

The Foursome family has grown! Lake Street Kidz joins the Wayzata men’s, ladies’, tall & big men’s, and shoe stores. Expect stylish yet classic children’s apparel from designer names like Ralph Lauren. 841 East Lake St., Wayzata, 952-745-2504, www.lakestreetkidz.com

COMING SOON

L.A.–based American Apparel is slated to open a 2,900-square-foot shop this month in the former Gap space in Uptown. The casual, cottony clothing chain, which prides itself on sweatshop-free manufacturing and sexy advertising, should fit right in. 1433 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, www.americanapparel.com

E-STYLE

Restoration Hardware meets shabby chic at www.brocadehome.com, a newish online interiors shop inspired by damask and lace. The outdoor furniture collection is made for romantic midsummer nights.

Hot Mama just got hotter. The chic shop that been keeping moms (and the rest of us) in style, re-launched its website under a new name: www.shopmama.com. Real moms tell their stories and model the goods—now for sale online (!).

BEAUTY BUZZ

After nearly 30 years, Aveda introduced its first hair-care line exclusively for men. Aveda Men Pure-Formance is formulated to promote “high-performance” (i.e., oily) scalp and hair management. The shampoo, conditioner, and grooming aids are pure Aveda: spicy and refreshing, made with essential oils like citrus, spearmint, and lavender, and packaged in up to 95 percent post-consumer recycled containers. www.aveda.com

WHAT’S IN STORE

Clean and simple grooming line Every Man Jack has hit Target stores. At less than five bucks apiece, the face, shave, and shower products live up to their name. 

Russell+Hazel has expanded its gorgeous flagship store. The newly renovated space includes new and exclusive products from the stylish organization line, plus “fitting desks” to experience them. 4388 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-929-9000, www.russelandhazel.com

Clothing boutique Siji Kids has extended size offerings. The Highland Park shop now carries up to size 8 for boys and girls. 370 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-699-5290, www.sijikids.com

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