Here’s a little test: You might be picky if this summer you don’t want to be caught wearing the same dress as everyone else. You might be picky if your ideal neighborhood boutique is a place where you can afford to shop more than once a year. You might be picky if after a visit to Picky Girl in St. Paul you don’t have nearly as much fun shopping anywhere else. Elizabeth Varghese, owner of this year-old Grand Avenue store, makes down-to-earth fashion the focus. You won’t find expensive fixtures or artwork. There are no cushy couches to lounge on. In fact, when the store’s single dressing room is occupied, you’ll be escorted to the back room to try on the goods—a quirk that makes shopping at Picky Girl feel like playing in a friend’s closet. Right now that closet is filled with cute cuffed shorts, dotted Swiss frocks, sweet sundresses, and wide-leg denim. There are big names like Kensie Girl, bamboo fabrics by Covet, and best sellers from 213 Industry. If you wait a bit, that could all change: Varghese typically buys only six of each piece and gets new shipments in weekly. If you’re picky, that’s entirely okay.
Style File
COMING SOON
Local trendsetter Len Druskin is expanding later this summer with a new men’s store at Gaviidae Common in Minneapolis. The 4,000-square-foot Len Druskin Man will offer premium denim, sportswear, footwear, and accessories. The new location joins a flagship store at the Galleria in Edina and the Len Druskin Clearance Store in Southdale Center. www.lendruskin.com
NOW OPEN
Owner Stacey Finnegan’s love for all things Italian has inspired a new shop at 50th and France. Il Vostro Boutique features a unique mix of women’s clothing and accessories from around the world, including Sofia Fortuna apparel, Mariana jewelry, and Tano bags. 5045 France Ave., Edina, 612-920-3167, www.ilvostroboutique.com
BEAUTY BUZZ
Now’s your chance to pick up Shu Uemura’s coveted eyelash curler and hard-to-find haircare products from Frederic Fekkai. Both lines now grace the shelves of Ampersand’s expanded apothecary, along with more favorites from the Art of Shaving and Kiehl’s. Galleria, Edina, 952-920-2118, www.ampersandshops.com
At last! All-natural beauty goodness from Oprah favorite Carol’s Daughter is now available in Minnesota, exclusively at Specialty Gifts and More at the Midtown Global Market. Try the Almond Cookie Sea Salt Body Scrub for sweet summer skin. Chicago Avenue and Lake Street, Minneapolis, 612-870-1775
FASHION FORWARD
Join the good, the bad, and the beautiful on August 17 at the Orpheum Theatre for Macy’s annual Glamorama. The Wild West—themed fall fashion blowout will unveil Oval Room and 28 Shop designer collections, feature country music, and benefit the Children’s Cancer Research Fund of Minneapolis. Tickets can be purchased through Children’s Cancer Research Fund, the State Theatre box office, or Ticketmaster.
WHAT’S IN STORE
Images
Courtesy
of Finnstyle
Marimekko’s collection of boldly patterned upholstery has expanded to include colorful, modern designs from some well-known Nordic designers: Björn Dahlström, Anna Danielsson, Harri Koskinen, and Ilkka Suppanen. Find it at FinnStyle. Gaviidae Common, 651 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-333-2127, www.finnstyle.com
Target’s seventh Go Collection launches mid-July with a limited-edition line from fashion house Libertine. The playfully preppy collection of women’s fashions and accessories will be available for 60 days in most Target stores and online at target.com/go.
