May 16, 2008

Gift of Grad

Before you give a college graduate a pen, a planner, or a trip to Ikea, consider this smart, and useful, gift. Read more »

Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 12, 2008

Clutch to Close

Last week when I was pulling together a few work wardrobe staples for a segment on Twin Cities Live (Wednesday at 3!), I stopped dead in my tracks at Clutch Boutique. I'd love to say it was some ridiculous designer satchel that left me speechless, but alas, no. Signs in the window declared that this locally-owned handbag destination is going out of business. Now, it's a sad day when any shop closes, but when it's one of my favorite local retailers (love the unique merchandise and hard-to-find labels), it's heart-breaking.

I talked with owner and fabulous girl all-around Lori Cheadle, who said that it's been a tough six months for... Read more »

Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 8, 2008

Local Stylist Gets Real

Set your TiVos: Twiggs Salon owner Shauna Raisch premiers May 10 on the Style Network's hair-raising drama, Split Ends. We'll see what happens when the Wayzata-based Raisch trades places with a spoiled hairdresser from a salon in Arizona. Read more »

Posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 5, 2008

Arts & Crafts Revival

I grew up thinking I might be adopted. My parents and I just didn't see eye-to-eye on interior design. They filled our 1960s colonial with Arts and Crafts furniture, and stained glass that my mom created in the basement workroom. I couldn't appreciate this. I wanted a pink bedroom with a window seat an canopy bed—not exactly Frank Lloyd Wright. As an adult, I've developed some appreciation for Prairie Style architecture. It's simple, but not in a harsh, minimalist way. When I stayed at Canoe Bay in a cottage built by Wright's protege, John Rattenbury, I felt calmed and comforted by the space.

I was recently blown away by a collection of ceramic vases originally... Read more »

Posted on Monday, May 5, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 1, 2008

May Day!

If you've held out this long before starting your spring shopping, you are in luck (and very smart). Here are a few of my favorite deals-of-the-moment:

FINN STYLE:
What: 40-80% off select Marimekko, Aarikko, and Ittalia bedding, tabletop, accessories, and home decor
When: May 1-3
Where: Gaviidae Common, 651 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, (612) 333-2127
Why go: The bright and graphic Scandinavian patterns are perfect for updating your home for the season. Read more »

Posted on Thursday, May 1, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 28, 2008

Staging Your Comeback

Minneapolis’ reVamp! Salonspa owner Christopher Hopkins, also known as "The Makeover Guy" for his work on shows like Oprah, recently released his new book, Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45.  "I think that women become more beautiful as they age, but often don't feel it," says Hopkins. His book offers beauty solutions and practical instruction for getting out of that rut and achieving a midlife transformation.

I'm not over 45, but I still can appreciate Hopkins'... Read more »

Posted on Monday, April 28, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 24, 2008

Sneak Peak with Horst

I had an out-of-body experience this week. The last time this happened my friends, T & K, were telling me that they were expecting a baby. My limbs went a little limp, my mind went blank, and everything around me seemed to move in slow motion. This time, I am getting a scalp massage. From Horst. As in, Horst Rechelbacher, the founder of Aveda. You need not have grown up on $10 haircuts at the Aveda Institute, and Rosemary Mint shampoo (or... Read more »

Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 21, 2008

No More Junk

I don't know anyone who likes junk mail. I've complained about it my entire life. I mean, how many times have you picked up the mail and proclaimed, "Just junk!" But all of those catalogs and credit card promotions are not just junk--they are destroying natural resources that we don't have to spare.  The statistics are staggering. According to 41pounds.org:

• The average adult spends 70 hours a year dealing with junk mail.
• More than 100 million trees are destroyed each year to produce junk mail.
• Junk mail produces more greenhouse gas emissions than 2.8 million cars.
• Junk mail wastes 28 billion gallons of water annually

Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 17, 2008

Wedding Dress Bliss

Three of my closest friends are getting married this year. I am playing the role of bridesmaid, bachelorette-planner, decor-advisor, and dress-shopper. I wouldn't have it any other way. Although the girls have all found their dream wedding gowns with minimal stress (one from Brides of France, one from Amy Kuschel in San Francisco, and another from Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston, which, BTW, is opening at 50th and France in May), I know from past brides that finding THE dress is not always so easy. It probably has something to do with the wedding being the biggest day of one's life, and the dress being the most expensive clothing purchase one... Read more »

Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 14, 2008

Shopping Hot Mama

I'm coming down from a ridiculously fun weekend with two of my girlfriends. One was visiting from London, so we had to go shopping. She can hardly afford a pair of socks with the current exchange rate, let alone real clothes. I took them to 50th and France where we had a field day at Hot Mama. I'm always proud when friends from major cities come to Minnesota and are amazed by the retail offerings. Hot Mama, in particular, always delivers because of the denim selection, the trendy-but-office-friendly clothing styles, and the range of price points. There's something for everyone, even non-mamas. Read more »

Posted on Monday, April 14, 2008 in Style File | Permalink | Comments (2)