It’s that time of year, when pop-up shops appear in vacant buildings and temporary spaces, hoping to make the most of the gift-giving season. I haven’t popped in to them all yet, but can say with absolute certainty that Guild is going to take the fruitcake. Holidays aside, this market-style boutique is a dream. (And no, it’s not festooned with wooden ornaments and doused in red and green.) About a dozen incredibly talented local designers/enteprenuers/storekeepers found each other by word-of-mouth and craigslist.com, rented out a big, rustic space on Excelsior Blvd. near Trader Joe’s, and schlepped their wares there last week. The shop is gorgeously arranged into little groupings of home decor, accessories, clothing, etc., that, though different, completely work as a whole. The effect is Portobello Road meets Ampersand and I CAN’T GET ENOUGH.
Remember Luehmann? It closed, but now you can get your taxidermy fix at Guild. And who knew that Shayne Barsness of Style Minneapolis made unbelieveable layered jewelry? Gwen Leeds, the super-stylist behind Greed Gone Wild (Nov. 18-19, BTW), rolled in a rack of exquisite vintage party dresses, perfect for New Year’s soirees. And Joan Piore, a recent MN transplant who used to be the florist to the Bush family in Kennebunkport, Maine, found her way here, too. She has the most incredible beachy/Hamptons-chic displays—and is so lovely and modest to boot. I could go on and on, but you must experience the rest for yourself—either tomorrow night from 6–8 p.m. at the grand opening party, or anytime during store hours. Guild is on a month-to-month lease so I’m on a mission to keep it open well past the holidays. Won’t you join me?
GUILD
4414 Excelsior Blvd.
St. Louis Park
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Mon: Closed
Tues-Fri: 11-8
Sat: 10-6
Sun: 12-5
