Lucy

Deny it though we may, there was a time when leg warmers defined women’s active wear. We’ve long since replaced our Jane Fonda fashions with high-performance gear and velour sweatsuits. In fact, such getups now crop up in the most unlikely places—in dance clubs and even, ahem, on casual Fridays. It would seem that we’re ready for something comfortable and chic, functional and fashionable. Ladies of leisure, girls on the go, moms in motion, meet Lucy. The new store at Galleria brings the style to spandex that we’ve been craving. On opening day, Lucy hummed with the delight of shoppers discovering smart and beautiful apparel, designed for varying degrees of activity—or no activity at all. Women emerged from dressing rooms all a-glow, beaming as one might after slipping on the perfect pair of jeans or little black dress. What they had in fact found were casual coordinates in punchy patterns, flexible and forgiving fabrics, and pants that actually fit (six styles in three lengths!). There’s no denying it: Leg warmers are out, and Lucy is so in.

NOW OPEN

JCPenney recently opened in Eden Prairie Center with a surprisingly stylish twist: a full-service Sephora beauty boutique at the heart of the store, complete with the makeup, skincare, and fragrance mix we already know and love.

Bohemian boutique Larue’s has opened L2 around the corner from its Kingfield location. Find dressed-down versions of the same flowy, earthy apparel and vintage-inspired accessories. 708 E. 40th St., Minneapolis, 612-825-6222

BEAUTY BUZZ

Leah Simon-Clarke has opened a third Extrados. The new south Minneapolis location features the same expert brow and body services as its original Minneapolis and Wayzata locations, plus hair by Beverly Hills balayage colorist Tony Castro. 4279 Sheridan Ave., Minneapolis, 612-920-0051, www.extrados.com

Facelogic has arrived in St. Cloud, bringing with it a remarkable concept: luxury spa services at affordable prices. A Maple Grove location is in the works for 2008. 643 Second St. S., 320-257-8181, www.facelogicspa.com

Cool coiffeurs Jonny and Stephanie Kelson are bringing style to the Seward neighborhood. Their new Mezzanine Salon provides full hair, skin, and massage services in a chic setting. 2225 Franklin Ave. E., Minneapolis, 612-333-9913, www.mezzaninesalon.com

E-STYLE

Make it a good hair day at www.WhatMakesaMakeover.com, the brainchild of Regis International creative director Gordon Nelson. Locate a makeover expert, discover the right cut and color for your personality, or learn how to care for your coif this warm-weather season.

Winnie Tan Musser recently left the Minneapolis Downtown Council to start www.wahssie.com, which sells “trendy dog clothes at humane prices.” Think you’ve seen it all? The baseball hoodies, silk kimonos, and striped tanks with spaghetti straps redefine canine couture.

DEALS & STEALS

Image Courtesy
of Target

Just in time for alfresco dining, hand-painted, paper party décor from Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave is now available exclusively at Target. The Isabelle Party collection features brightly patterned paper tabletop and stationery items for creative entertaining.

Isaac Mizrahi for Target has unveiled a bridal collection, exclusively on Target.com. The collection includes bridal and bridesmaid gowns, as well as accessories for men and women—all for under $160.

CLOSINGS

The landmark Polo Ralph Lauren store on Nicollet Mall will close on July 28. Good news: The company plans to replace it with another Twin Cities location. Stay tuned.