Now open: Urban Violet: After launching their successful Stillwater shop in 2010, mother-daughter team Laura and Jessamine Elkington are now opening a second location in Minneapolis. The store stocks hand-selected, eclectic and timeless clothing and accessories for women with a focus on high-quality products. Although the grand opening celebration isn’t until Sept. 18, the store is already open to the public. (513 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, urbanviolet.com)
Sept. 9-13: Beautiful Rugs, Ethically Made at Ten Thousand Villages: The internationally focused artisan store will stock more than 300 hand-knotted fair-trade rugs during this event, which focuses on giving female artisans equal opportunities and community support. Stop into the store Sept. 10 for a free rug seminar that outlines the process of making an oriental rug. Rugs available during the event will come in various sizes and styles, including runners and wall hangings. (867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, tenthousandvillages.com)
Sept. 10-12: Mama’s Happy Artisan Market: The Grand Avenue gift shop’s annual market event takes place outside their occasional store location in Independence. The two-day market will feature 30 artisan vendors, live music, and food in addition to items from the Mama’s Happy collection. Vendors include jeweler Nicole Mautz, Traci Rotter and Alanna Homa of Twisted Root, and others. (7888 CR 6/Watertown Rd., Independence, mamashappy.com)
Sept. 10-12: ISAIA 3-Day Event at MartinPatrick3: The men’s clothing store ushers in the beginning of fall with some exclusive merchandise from Italian brand ISAIA. Both focus on supplying men with exquisitely crafted, beautifully tailored clothing, which makes this a particularly well-suited match. Come in and shop looks from ISAIA’s fall/winter collection. (212 3rd Ave N., Minneapolis, martinpatrick3.com)
Sept. 11: Fashioning a Future: A Runway Show Benefiting Nepal Disaster Relief: Key North Boutique and T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry are collaborating on this fashion show event, the proceeds from which will be donated to AmeriCare’s Nepal Relief Fund to benefit earthquake victims. AmeriCares will provide $20 in aid for every $1 donated. (515 First Ave. NE, Minneapolis, eventbrite.com)
Sept. 12: Parc Celebrates One Year at 50th & France: The boutique, which focuses on fashion-forward looks, is celebrating its first year in Edina with some special offers, including a 20 percent discount and a special gift for orders of $150 or more. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., shop designer clothes, jewelry, gifts and accessories, stationary, perfumes, and other items. (5201 France Ave. S., Edina, parcboutique.com)
Sept. 12-13: Fall into the Arts Festival: The art fair season isn’t over quite yet. Hundreds of artists will showcase their works in Edina’s beautiful Centennial Lakes Park during this two-day festival. Christy Johnson of redshoes26 will feature her entire State Icons collection, including t-shirts, phone cases, boxed cars, matted prints, and more. The fair is free and open to the public. (Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. South, Edina, edinamn.gov)
Sept. 12: Stephen Vincent Design 40th Anniversary Party: After 40 years in the jewelry-making business, Stephen Vincent Design is celebrating with a retro-themed celebration. The whole store will be transported back to 1975, with decorations and music from the era along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and giveaways. Enter for the chance to win a gift card worth $1,975, and get there first to procure a limited edition Moon and Star ring. (212 N. 2nd St., Minneapolis, facebook.com)
Sept. 13-14: Pottery Seconds Sale at Louisa Podlich/A Mano studio: Hosted by photographer Louisa Podlich and ceramist Ben Fiess, this exclusive event takes place in Louisa’s own studio. Choose from a variety of not-quite-perfect items by 15 local potters. Works at the event will be marked down to $5 or $10, so this is a great opportunity to buy some original local art for a fraction of the market price. (1500 Jackson St. NE, Suite #252, Minneapolis, facebook.com)
