Denimocracy at Motto

I love when a store feels aspirational, but not intimidating. Motto opens to the public with a big party at 6 p.m. tonight. I got a sneak peek of the new boutique at 31st and Hennepin Avenue in Uptown this morning, and it looks like a hit. The first floor of the house that was long home to Intoto is filled with eclectic furnishings–private label pillows, reupholstered chairs, statement jewelry, beauty products, coffee table books. It’s casual, welcoming, and a little bit luxurious. Upstairs is fashion for women and men. The vibe is west coast trendy without trying too hard–you’ll find great staples to suit a wide age range. The range of prices is also appealing–a $38 dress next to a $200 romper.

Motto is the perfect example of what you’ll miss if you’re only shopping online. There are unexpected finds at every turn–a lovely candle; a fringed handbag. And, an amazing resource in owners Maria Walker and Maryn Bulygo, who met while working at Alfred’s, that gem of a mini-department store that was all too short lived at 44th and France in Minneapolis several years back. Walker is an interior designer who can help with custom pieces and remodeling projects. Bulygo, who worked at Kitson in Los Angeles (oh, the stories she could tell about dressing Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie) is available to makeover your closet at home and fill in the missing pieces.

It’s great to see this landmark building’s “Get Dressed” sign illuminated once again. 3105 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-545-5636