THE SCOOPVOILÀ, VUITTON
Handbag heaven arrives at Galleria
After much ado, the first free-standing Louis Vuitton store in the state will open at the Galleria this month. Through checkered Damier-print glass windows, you’ll discover a rich selection of leather goods, jewelry, and accessories. Look for the spring collection’s whimsical touches such as tassels and fur tails, courtesy of artistic director Marc Jacobs, plus a monogram station where you can customize a handbag with stripes and your initials before it is manufactured. Galleria, Edina, 866-VUITTON
NOW OPEN
Congratulations to the Shops at West End, which recently welcomed a brand-new Über Baby. The new flagship features the Midwest’s largest selection of diaper bags, a private label designed by owner Lynne Gonsior, a shoe wall, and maternity apparel. 1628 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park, uberbaby.com
Columbia opened its second location, this time in Uptown, with a full selection of the label’s sporty apparel, shoes, accessories, and equipment. 3016 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-825-6213, columbia.com
MOA UPDATE
Shoppers: Budget even more time for a spree at the Mall of America. Famed British perfumer Jo Malone is opening at Nordstrom, and Soma Intimates, a lingerie spinoff of Chico’s, launches this month.
Betsey Johnson, Francesca’s Collection, and 77Kids, a new concept from American Eagle, will be ready for browsing soon.
BY THE BOOK
WHAT IT’S CALLED
Crave Minneapolis ($20), a guide to locally owned, female-run businesses.
WHO’S IN IT
More than 125 female entrepreneurs from the Twin Cities, including Laurie Pyle of Cocoa & Fig, Kerry Ciardelli-Olson of Victory, Ellen Hertz of Max’s, Marlys Badzin of Pumpz & Company, and Patti Soskin of Yum!
HOW THEY GOT INVOLVED
The project has been gathering steam by using social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, and hosting “buzz parties” at retailers around town.
THE IDEA
Founded by a group of girlfriends in Seattle, the Crave Company now publishes guides in major cities across the country. “It truly is about girl power and what we can accomplish all together when we support one another,” says Kathy Hanson, the book’s editor.
WHERE TO BUY IT
Businesses featured in the book will be selling copies starting in May. For a list of retailers, visit thecravecompany.com/Minneapolis.
