I remember as a young girl thinking air travel was one of the most luxurious experiences a person could have. You’d pack up your trunk or hand-held leather luggage, wrap an oversized scarf around your shoulders, slip on a pair of chic flats, and take to the friendly skies. Stewardesses in gracious smiles and tight skirts would hand you warm cookies and a wing pin before you dozed off into a light slumber.

Man, are those days over. I flew out to the East Coast last week for a family reunion in Springfield, Mass., and had by far the worst travel experience of my life (spoken by a girl who has been in a plane crash). Now, I understand that times in the airline industry are tough and things can’t always run smoothly, but lost luggage, delayed flights, and horrendously rude airline personnel across the board—come on! When did we start checking courtesy at the curb?

Not only did Air Tran lose my luggage (I didn’t have it the entire five days of my trip), we also had multiple delayed flights, were treated with rudeness and contempt by the airline personnel, and it took nearly four hours in phone calls (many minutes on hold and many hang ups) to get almost no resolution to what had occurred. Sure, they’ll give me a 25 percent discount on my next flight, but why would I ever fly Air Tran again? It is well worth the extra $100 bucks to fly Sun Country, and given that I spent a little more than $200 on replacement clothes and toiletries, it would even be worth the extra $200 bucks to fly NWA or Delta.

But as bad as that whole experience was, there was a silver lining. Enter J. Crew. In a desperate search for some clothing to wear while traveling around Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Connecticut, and western Massachusetts (I boarded the plane right from work, so I was wearing a lightweight blouse and short skirt), I ran into J. Crew the minute we pulled our rental car into Newport, R.I. As I ran through the store grabbing every “practical” item in my size, a concerned-yet-friendly sales person asked if she could help me find anything.

“I am not looking for anything specific,” I sighed, “just some simple and practical clothes to take the place of my lost luggage.”

Not only did she help me find a great pair of jeans (the first I have purchased in nearly two years) and a great T-shirt and sweatshirt, but I was also given a 10 percent “lost luggage” discount. Here is a look at the pieces I bought (and wore four days in a row). Although not ideal, if I had to be clad in threads from any one brand, J. Crew was just right in that preppy corner of the country.

Boy-cut jean in dark stone wash.
This Japanese cotton denim is so soft, and the cut is a little bit slouchy, which is perfect for a pair of denim you need to live in. $110.

Heathered French market tee
It was cool and rainy my first two days on the East Coast, but I new that it would warm up, so I’d need a light-weight T-shirt. This airy knit has an amazing, worn-in texture. $39.50.

Rustic French terry pullover
A chic sweatshirt? I didn’t think it possible, but this style has tailoring and three-quarter-length sleeves, keeping it from looking like it belongs in a locker room. $59.50.

As you may have noticed, this is my first blog post for Style Parlor—quite an honor for a summer intern. But your stylish regulars were kind enough to let me give my two cents on what I believe is the best place for deals in the metro. 

My family has been shopping at Arc’s Value Village since—no stretch—the first week we moved to Minneapolis. (I come from a long line of bargain shoppers, so it’s a big deal that we find a thrift store wherever we live.) I buy so frequently from this store that I cringe whenever I have to pay full price for something. Yes, my thrifty condition is that bad.

The comforting thing is that I rarely feel guilty about my weekly trips to Arc’s. The organization is one that I’m more than willing to support with my many purchases; the donations work to create happy, healthy, and supported lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Good deals and a great cause—what more could you want?

My first stop in the store is always the women’s Better Quality section. The employees sort the clothes and put the top names and nicest pieces in one area, so head to that rack first.

As I browsed for work attire, I spotted a knee-length black textured skirt. I would have grabbed it no matter what, but the Dolce & Gabbana tag sealed the deal. The price tag said $15.99, but each week a different color tag is 50 percent off. So I nabbed my first D&G piece for approximately $8.

My next stop is the vintage section. From horrible polyester leisure suits to elbow-length gloves, these racks have the most intriguing mix of apparel in the store. I am currently a scarf fiend, and the selection here is wonderful. I picked up a variety,  including a houndstooth (perfect with skinny jeans and a vintage band tee for concerts) and old-fashioned silks in oranges and pinks. $.69–$2.29 a piece.

I also keep my eyes peeled for classic dresses on the vintage rack. Here I found a $7 black-and-white breezy piece that is trendy yet timeless. The Asian-inspired pattern and wide, swishy arms make it easy to slip on for work or evening.

What girl can bypass handbags on a shopping trip? At Value Village, the multiple aisles of purses beg to be searched. I always look for leather and found a gray shoulder bag reminiscent of a Zac Posen piece. $5.99. The bag has no label, but the zipper tag reads Baron, an Italian leather luggage company. It was an absolute steal at that price. I almost felt bad not paying more. Almost.

Finally, I hit the shoes, which are neatly laid out above the hanging clothes. I must admit, I almost never find shoes here (or anywhere for that matter). My size eleven narrow feet make it nearly impossible to find shoes. But my mom is a more common size nine, so I keep a lookout for her. It paid off this time as I found brown ankle strap heels by Nicole Miller in an eight-and-a-half. No paying $150 for these—think $9.99. She’ll be the trendiest teacher in school this fall.

For less than $40, I walked away with some classic finds that will be perfect for the wardrobe.

Arc’s Value Village, locations in Richfield, New Hope, and Brooklyn Center

Who would have thought a mostly subterranean home could be so beautiful? I first stepped foot in the Mill District loft of Mary K. Baumann and Will Hopkins back in May after we were introduced by mutual friend (and longtime mentor of mine) Patricia Prijatel. Sitting back with Prosecco and cheese, I felt like I was in an quirky old European building with broad, arched windows and walls of rough stone.

But the home of these notable art directors (Will used to work at Look magazine, Mary K. at Life and Geo), who moved to Minneapolis in November, is in the Whitney, the mill-turned-hotel-turned-loft development. With help from Geoff Warner of Alchemy Architects, they transformed what once was part of the Whitney's restaurant into a gorgeous life/work space. It will be featured in our September Home Tours story with substantially more professional shots by architectural photographer Karen Melvin. But here are few photos I snapped to give you a sneak peek of my favorite spaces.

These are the dining/conference room tables, which are on wheels set into tracks that hearken back to the milling days.

The dining room sits next to a sitting area near the arched window/door. See what I mean about the beautiful stonework?

The Valcucine kitchen opens to the dining area. The collection of brooms works wonderfully in the space.

So do the wooden spoons. (Oops, I think a plastic one is in there, too.) Will and Mary K. have literally dozens of them, including several they made at a wooden spoon craft class in New Hampshire.

As art directors at major magazines since the 1960s, the pair have amassed an amazing collection of photography from such biggies as James Karales (he shot the Selma march and other signature images of the Civil Rights Movement) and Robin Platzer (her party pics in People magazine included shots of Andy Warhol, Liza Minelli, Bianca Jagger, et al. at Studio 54).

The complete tour will be in the September issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine along with six other houses. Tomorrow we're back to shooting!

Burnsville's newest storefront gives customers a unique one-stop shop for waxing, beauty, and designer denim. Business partners and waxing experts Reva Nelson and Nicole May have reinvented the business they started two years ago (which only offered waxing and facials) and moved it to a fresh space on Buck Hill Road.

The new Bare boasts beauty products from Glo Minerals and Murad skincare, a "denim bar" featuring designer lines for men and women from Genetics, Frankie B, Kasil, and Hudson, plus American Apparel Ts for guys and Crystal Rock tops for girls. And don't miss the full-body waxing services. Their specialty? Brazilian bikini wax.

Check it all out during Bare's grand opening celebration tomorrow (Friday, July 25) at 11 a.m. Guests enjoy door prizes, refreshments, and a 15 percent discount on future waxing appointments.

Bare, 14270 Buck Hill Rd., Burnsville, 952-892-5828

A quick note for all you eco-minded Twin Citians:

Ryan North (co-owner of eco-friendly lifestyle shop Twin Cities Green) and Rachel Maloney (owner of earth-safe storefront Natural Built Home) join forces for a new locally produced radio show called Everything Green. The duo will use their own green-retail knowledge, plus that of local and national experts, to bring Twin Citians the latest news, tips, and information on everything from reducing your daily environmental impact to buying solar panels for your home.

Tune in to AM 950 KTNF every Saturday (including this Saturday) from noon to 1 p.m. or visit  the show's website for more info.

For thirty-five years, Horst Rechelbacher, the founder of Aveda and more recently Intelligent Nutrients, has studied plant chemistry and traveled the world, learning from medicine men, shamen, and Ayurvedic teachers. The culmination of his life’s work in the beauty and cosmetic industry and his more recent jaunts into organic farming come together in the creation of Intelligent Nutrients—the first collection of USDA Certified Organic food-grade beauty and cosmetic products. I grabbed a few moments with him to talk about the ugly side of the beauty industry, IN, and his new book, Minding Your Business: Profits that Restore the Planet.

Q. You sold Aveda to Estee Lauder in 1997; when did you start working on Intelligent Nutrients?

A. I had a non-compete, which I had to honor. That was over two-and-a-half years ago, and I started as soon as it was over. But I was researching food technology and how to apply it to things other than just chocolates, teas, and other things that I was selling under the Intelligent Nutrients label. I really got into food science. Now I am using what I learned from food science in the creation of cosmetics.

Q. Many cosmetics and personal-care products contain silicones. Intelligent Nutrients does not. What is the problem with silicones?

A. Silicones are OK when implanted and controlled, but silicones are not good for the body when they are loose and traveling. Silicones are indigestible and not recyclable—they exist as silicones forever. So having silicones in small particles in creams and lotions and hair products (which we inhale and ingest through our skin), our liver cannot break these down. The stomach cannot digest them. So they just float around the body. Nobody really knows where he or she goes because medical science has not yet looked in-depth at cosmetics as possible pollutants. And this kind of information is definitely not broadcast on the daily news, so people don't know how they may be harming themselves. It is criminal.

Q. How are petrochemicals dangerous?

A. These pollutants affect our body in a very biological way by going after our cells. They penetrate and mutilate cells. If a cell is mutilated, that cell becomes sick, and then it becomes inflamed. Inflammatory conditions are the root to all diseases. And let's not forget that these petrochemicals have completely infiltrated every part of our society, and we have become dependent on foreign sources. And if society doesn't make some sweeping changes, we will run on this petrochemical paradigm until we are all dried up.

Q. Why is having the organic certification so important?

A. The cosmetic market is interesting because the FDA has trusted the cosmetic and household-care markets to self-regulate. The word organic is not governed in these industries. The word organic belongs to the USDA, and they are the ones who can give an organic certification to food. We had to go get our seal for our products from the USDA.

Q. In Al Gore's interview on Sunday morning on Meet The Press, he expressed that society and consumers may need to make and commit to drastic lifestyle changes in order to get off the grid, to no longer be dependent on foreign energy, and to decrease their contributions to pollution. As far as our beauty routine goes, how do we make the change? It can't be a good thing to just discard of everything we have.

A. It is a transition. Use it up, and be a better consumer. Now you know. Knowing is the moment of change. Manage the old while introducing the new. This is what companies need to do; this is what households need to do; and this is what individuals need to do. We all need to support the change.

Q. What is green washing?

A. Green washing is when a company promises their product is green, and it is not. Nowadays, a new word is "Seal-washings" because now there are all of these made-up seals [being slapped on] products. Both of these are ways of lying to the consumer.

Q. Why are plant chemicals better than man-made?

A. Humans cannot duplicate what is made in nature. There are 300 components to the essence of jasmine. In a lab-made fragrance, there are only five or six, and those are synthesized with petrochemical science. When humans try to recreate something from nature, it will always produce side effects, which is why Intelligent Nutrients uses only food-grade plant essential oils as fragrance.

Q. You have come out with both supplements that contain your Intellimune Oil blend, but it can also be found in the beauty products. What is an Intellimune Oil, and why is it so important?

A. Seed oils were used in traditional cultures as cures to all kinds of illness and diseases. Our cold-pressed oil and powdered shell caplets provide a super-potent amount of antioxidants that fight aging, boost immunity, and will give us longer lashes, stronger nails and hair, and radiant skin.

Pick up the entire collection of Rechelbacher's Intelligent Nutrients cosmetic and body-care items at 983 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-617-2000

Horst Rechelbacher discusses and signs copies of his new book, Minding Your Business: Profits that Restore the Planet.

Tuesday, July 22, noon-1:30 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 801 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-4443

Tuesday, July 22, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Galleria, 952-920-0633

Wednesday, July 23, 7 p.m.
Germanic American Institute, 301 Summit Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-7027

It has been more than ten years since the first Twin Cities Pond and Landscape Tour, and the annual weekend tour has grown enormously ever since. I just found out that this year's tour, produced by Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies and the Minnesota Water Garden Society, has 102 water gardens throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, the suburbs, and even Rochester. It's so many that the tour has been split into two weekends: this weekend (July 19–20) for the northern half of the Twin Cities and July 26–27 for the second half.

A few days ago, I spoke with Tina Plant with Hedberg—she's coordinating this year's tour. She mentioned that although they've charged an admission fee in the past, this year's tour is free. However, there is a voluntary donation to the Children's Cancer Research Fund, which is the beneficiary of these annual tours. Since Hedberg has been involved, Tina told me more than $175,000 from these tours has gone to the fund.

The tour guidebook is online here. You can get a little peek at the features of each to decide which you want to visit. Some are very arty (location twenty-five in Minneapolis incorporates great tile designs), others calm and serene (location twenty-six, also in Minneapolis, is a modern interpretation of a Persian garden).

Here are a couple of other favorites. Location ninety-five, in Apple Valley, has a rainwater retention system and is a great example of sustainable gardening.

These two gardens, in St. Paul, show you can do so much even on smaller city lots. Location eighty-six is a serene butterfly-shaped pond.

Location eighty-sevent features two waterfalls and streams that empty into a large pond with aquatic plants. A smaller pond features a footbridge.

You're bound to find great ideas to apply to your own home landscape. I can't wait to hit a few of them myself! For more, visit the Twin Cities Pond and Landscape Tour website.

I recently interviewed Kerry Ciardelli, owner of Linden Hills specialty boutique Victory, for an article about her fabulous closet for our upcoming Shops magazine (Watch for it in September.). She gave me a great little piece of advice about building a wardrobe that is true to style and never leaves you saying, "I have nothing to wear."

"Building a wardrobe is like building a great wine cellar—you have to collect and gather. You don't want to have to go to the store every time you need wine or every time you need a dress. You want a wardrobe that is a balance of basics and wonderful special items that stand the test of time."

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I swore off shopping under pressure about this time last year when I was trying to find a dress for Glamorama an hour before the show. Whenever I speed shop, I end up with something that isn't exactly my style, not exactly a perfect fit, and something I can't return—I had to wear it that night.

The only problem with Ciardelli's ethos is that sometimes I go through a shopping jag in which I only buy one thing, either because it represents a trend that is speaking to me or because that item is all I am finding. Lately I've amassed plenty of pants and skirts but am in short supply of blouses.

So yesterday, when I had to make a few stops in St. Paul, I decided I would stop into Grand Avenue consignment shop My Sister's Closet to see if I could find some great summer shirts.

Before I get to the goods, let me just say I was blown away by the merchandise in this store. Sure it is packed and there are a lot of things that one can quickly pass over, but the nuggets of vintage and designer items were so impressive that this will be one of my new monthly haunts.

Of course, I didn't leave with anything I came for (no blouses), but I did get two killer skirts, an adorable day dress, a black leather frame bag, and a fabulous pair of shoes.

One of the best things about shopping consignment is that things often cost less than what is on the price tag. This is because after a certain number of days on the rack, the item becomes discounted. This vintage gray suede skirt by Anne Klein was ticketed at $36 (a MAJOR bargain in my book) but was marked 75 percent off. So I took it home for $9, which is pretty much free considering the quality of the craftsmanship and the perfection of the suede.

Couture? In St. Paul? That's right, my friends. I picked up an Escada Couture pencil skirt in the perfect shade of pink. I can't wait to pair it with a vintage beaded cardigan to achieve the ladylike look that was so big on fall's runways. This skirt was marked at $48, but I took it home for $36.

I love day dresses, but I often have trouble buying vintage ones because although they fit my waist perfectly, the chest is too long (I chalk it up to the fact that undergarments today are much less structured than they used to be.). The diaphanous fabric of this vintage style worked better than some of the more structured styles I tried on. $22.

I've been after a black frame bag for a few months now, but I find that most of the vintage ones I come across are too small. This Italian-leather style by Monsac is big enough to fit a magazine but has all the structure I want. Priced at $68, I took it home for $61.20.

These shoes were not my size, but when you see mint-condition vintage Ferragamo, you don't pass it up. I picked them up anyway and gave them to Jayne—they fit her perfectly. And at $34.20, it is a fashionable gift I can afford.

My Sister's Closet, 1136 Grand Ave., St Paul, 651-222-2819

It is hard to believe that a designer with as much name recognition as Isaac Mizrahi could ever go through financial trouble, but in 1998, after being taken off Chanel’s bankroll, the four-time CFDA winner went through tough times. But since the turn of the century, things have been looking up for the designer, largely thanks to Target.

In 2003, Isaac revolutionized the industry and fast fashion in the United States by teaming with the retailer to launch a collection of chic and stylish clothing and accessories for women.

But now the collaboration has mutually ended with the announcement last January that Mizrahi would be the creative director of Liz Claiborne, thus ending his contract with Target.

His first collection for Liz Claiborne will arrive in stores Spring 2009, but unlike his line for Target, Mizrahi's name will not be attached to the Liz Claiborne label. But for now, we can all own a bit of his magic (he does wonderful things with color and pattern) by picking up a piece from his Fall 2008 collection for Target.

I have a few pieces from the Isaac Mizrahi for Target collections from the past few years, but I have been so impressed with what he has created for fall that I’ve had multiple items shipped in for various fashion shoots.

Twenty looks (as well as a smattering of accessories) will hit Target stores and target.com in September and October. Here is a sneak peek at a few of my favorites.

The ladylike blouse and plaid skirt are both reflective of trends from the Fall 2008 runway. Navy cable sweater vest ($24.99), white sleeve blouse with lace bow tie ($27.99), multi-color plaid skirt ($24.99), pink suede moccasins with buckle ($29.99).

Winterized florals are also important for fall. Paired with a corduroy blazer and voile blouse, the look is sophisticated and feminine. Pink corduroy blazer ($39.99), white voile blouse with necktie ($24.99), multi-color smock skirt ($24.99), and red patent pumps ($32.99).

Channel Audrey or Jackie with opaque black tights, ballet flats, and a solid turtleneck. Black knit turtleneck ($29.99), black and cream kilt skirt ($29.99), black square sunglasses ($17.99), black swagger tote ($39.99), black suede moccasins with buckle ($29.99).

A graphic print is a lively take on the classic pencil skirt. Pink knit turtleneck ($29.99), black and gray corduroy skirt ($24.99), black lace-up oxford heel booties ($34.99).

Before the winter's deep freeze hits, don a fun fall jacket. Rust classic melton wool coat ($69.99), cream knit turtleneck ($29.99), brown trouser ($34.99), natural and brown swagger jacquard work tote ($39.99), brown vintage-style sunglasses ($17.99), and brown oxford skimmers ($29.99).

Today's high temperature is forecast to hit 93 degrees, and you can bet hundreds—probably more like thousands—of us will be hitting the beaches and shady parks throughout Minneapolis. So, the timing is perfect for the unveiling of City of Parks: The Story of Minneapolis Parks by David C. Smith. Today is the official publication date for the book, produced by the Foundation for Minneapolis Parks and available through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Earlier this week, I spoke with Dave Smith, the author, who, like many of us, is proud of the parks and the people who set their formation into action back in 1883. He told me Minneapolis is unique in that almost every parcel of land in the city that fronts a lake, creek, and even the Mississippi River is public property.

Dave narrates the events leading up to the state legislature's approval to create an independent board of park commissioners for the city, which was actually against the city council's wishes at the time. He goes on to share dozens of stories, including how private gardens and even garbage dumps became parks, for instance, and how the city lakes became bigger or smaller. Wonderful historical photos bring the text to life. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Calhoun Beach in the 1910s. As crazy popular today as it was then.

Children on the merry-go-round at Logan Park.

The hardcover book has 146 photos (many in color) and costs $39.95. Order it through the Foundation for Minneapolis Parks or the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. Stay cool this weekend!

I love that Grethen House gives us girls on a budget a few great opportunities throughout the year to save on designer apparel. This weekend, the chic 50th & France boutique hosts another big sale—this time all spring and summer merchandise is 70 percent off. Find Morgane Le Fay, Stella McCartney, Peter Cohen, Rick Owens, and many other coveted designers in the mix of great merch. The sale begins today and lasts through Sunday, but as always, shop early for the best selection—these sales are popular!

Grethen House, 4930 France. Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725

Working on our annual Shops publication means I've been knee-deep in all kinds of Twin Cities retail news. It's amazing to see how many stores have come and gone, opened second (third, fourth) outposts, added services, or moved locations in the past year. Believe me, it's a little difficult to keep track of it all! The good news is that our retail scene is always changing and always improving with new concepts popping up everywhere you turn—which makes shopping all the more fun, right? By fall, we'll have a whole new crop of storefronts to explore. Here are a few just-opened and soon-to-be-open stores:

Blacklist Vintage
A new haunt for vintage lovers, Blacklist celebrates its grand opening with a party this Saturday at 8 p.m., featuring local band Beatrix Jar and a 10 percent discount off everything in store. Owners and vintage aficionados, Jennifer Mumm and Vanessa Messersmith, bring in a well-edited selection of fashion, accessories, furniture, décor, and more from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. We can't wait to check it out. 2 E. 27th St., Mpls., 612-872-8552

Target Commercial Interiors
Offering interior design services as well as tables, chairs, lights, home décor, and floor coverings, Target Commercial Interiors is now open inside the 11,000-square-foot space on Nicollet Mall left behind by Crate & Barrel. It celebrates its official grand opening on July 24. 915 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-343-7373

The Container Store
Been meaning to organize your home? The Container Store will be here to help come October 11. The retailer's first Minnesota location will debut in Edina, featuring more than 10,000 products organized in fourteen different lifestyle departments (closet, kitchen, office, travel, laundry, and others). Plus, free Elfa design services for customized storage and organization solutions. France Ave. & Gallagher Dr., Edina

American Girl Boutique & Bistro
Slated to open inside Nickelodeon Universe in November 2008, the 20,000-square-foot American Girl boutique will carry all of the company’s famous dolls and best-selling books, plus outfits, accessories, girl-size clothing, and more. It’s also the perfect setting for American Girl–themed parties: Dolls get new ‘dos in the Doll Hair Salon, and a casual bistro serves, brunch, lunch, dinner, and a place for girls to gab, play, and celebrate special occasions. Mall of America, Bloomington

Edelweiss Baby
Mint green, pale yellow, and other pretty pastels welcome shoppers into Heather Somers’s new upscale baby boutique. Moms find neatly displayed apparel for the littlest boys and girls, plus high-quality baby skincare products, toys, blankets, and gifts. Edelweiss makes shopping easy for new moms by providing a fully stocked diaper-changing space, bathroom, and comfortable seating area for nursing. The Fountains at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-488-1616

Lacoste
The French apparel company, which was founded in 1933 and is easily identified by its crocodile logo, opens its first Minnesota store this week on MOA’s first floor. In addition to its famous lightweight, tennis-inspired shirts, the contemporary store features an array of brightly hued casual apparel and footwear for men, women, and children. Mall of America, Bloomington

Ruehl
Young professionals who have outgrown the Abercrombie & Fitch lifestyle will find similar lounge wear plus business-casual attire at the company’s newest retail concept (opening later this summer at MOA). Aimed at a slightly older crowd and inspired by NYC’s West Village, Ruehl stocks polos, woven shirts, tanks, knits, and handbags for women as well as outerwear, denim, shirts, and accessories for men—plus the same sexy décor as A & F’s other stores. Mall of America, Bloomington

Levi’s
Also opening this summer at MOA: Our favorite fits from the iconic denim label, including classic 501s and contemporary SilverTabs, will be available inside a spacious new boutique—the only all-Levi's store in the state. Mall of America, Bloomington

West Elm
We’re already anticipating the crowds for the late-2008 opening of popular home furnishings retailer West Elm. The Brooklyn, New York-based company—an offshoot of Williams-Sonoma, Inc.—makes its Minnesota debut with an approximately 15,000-square-foot store in a new multi-use development on France Avenue. Design-savvy shoppers love West Elm’s signature brand of sleek, contemporary furniture, rugs, bedding, tableware, and home décor. The quickly growing company launched its catalog in April 2002, opened its first store in Chelsea in 2004, and now has approximately thirty locations across the U.S. 7311 France Ave. S., Edina

W Hotels are known for their whatever/whenever, over-the-top service. And soon Minnesotans and visitors will see this service in action when the W Foshay Minneapolis opens in mid-August.

As a pat of the whatever/whenever service, the W Foshay has teamed up with Denny Kemp Salon as the hotel’s exclusive salon partner, fulfilling guests’ requests for everything from a manicure or blowout to acupuncture or massage.

W guests will have the option of having the salon’s services provided in one of the W’s on-site treatment rooms or traveling via chauffeur-driven comfort to the salon’s Northeast Minneapolis digs. The range of salon and spa services includes hair styling, massage, facials, and body treatments.

W Minneapolis—The Foshay opens August 13. 821 Marquette Ave., Mpls., 612-215-3700

I recently moved to a new apartment in the Elliot Park neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis. Although the style of the building is very similar to what I was in before—pre-war brownstone, hardwood flooring, and vintage charm—my new digs have a much nicer kitchen and bathroom and a simpler layout.

I have used the move as an excuse to change up my décor but have been struggling with how to create a place for myself that was high on style but mindful of my tiny, single-gal budget. Although I know that it will take months (probably a few years, actually) to turn my little apartment into a home, a few inexpensive updates will give it a homey feeling in the meantime.

I ventured out to Ikea on the Fourth of July (I was lured by the notion of a sale; although I am convinced it was a gimmick as nothing I purchased was on sale). I picked up the Expedit bookcase and Melltorp dining table, both in white. I have been eying the bookcase for some months but am having a bit of buyer's remorse as I feel like the scale is a bit too big for my space. I still have to get all of my magazines tucked in it yet, so maybe at that point I might like it better.

I opted for a kitchen table as opposed to a traditional desk because I wanted something that was architecturally light and could also transition into a dining table should I ever have guests over.

These chrome and faux snakeskin chairs (I bought two off of Craigslist) will serve both as a desk chair and as extra seating when I have friends over.

The rug is also a new acquisition and came courtesy of my editor, Jayne. She purchased it more than ten years ago at an estate sale for only $50. And although it is threadbare and ripped in places, it lends a more vintage edge to my otherwise modern furnishings.

Below one of my windows (which looks over the downtown Minneapolis skyline), I have placed this vintage bench I purchased last May at the Bryn Mawr Garage Sale. I originally was going to re-cover the cushion, but the rug has helped pull together the pinks and purples in my throw pillows and framed wallpapers with the topaz blue of the stool.

Most of my "artwork" is comprised of framed wallpapers, but this oil painting is probably the most personal and important item I own. My grandpa had this painted from a picture of me when I was little. After my mother moved and downsized her home, I snatched it out of storage.

Up next on my to-do list is to find a bed and side table for my bedroom. I have been scouring Craigslist lately and have found a few sellers that I will be keeping my eye on.

The editors of Style Parlor have been busy, busy, busy getting the LifeStyle section of Mpls.St.Paul's August issue out the door, while simultaneously working  on other projects, including our annual Shops publication.

One of the highlights for me during these past couple weeks was interviewing NHL star Bret Hedican and his wife, Olympic figure skater and Dancing with the Stars champion Kristi Yamaguchi. (As you may recall, the part-time Minnesotans graced our September 2007 cover).

Hedican is spearheading an August 21 event at Myth Nightclub called  The Patrick Brandt Live Life Give Love Celebration (see flyer, left). I wanted to give Style Parlor readers a quick heads up because tickets (which start at $100) go on sale this Saturday, July 5 on ticketmaster.com.

Professional athletes, dancers, musicians, and Brandt's closest friends will be in attendance to honor the spirit and memory of a man who passed away from brain cancer, and money raised will benefit the wife and two sons he left behind, as well as Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

Hedican, who formed a lifelong bond with Brandt at North St. Paul High School, is making certain this isn't just any fund-raising event. So far, the lineup includes renowned singer-songwriter Rob Thomas, Yamaguchi and DWTS partner Mark Ballas (in their first performance since being crowned champions), Phantom of the Opera's Frank D'Ambrosia, and up-and-coming LA band Almost Amy (which features Ballas and fellow DWTS member Derke Hough). Read more about the event when August hits newsstands on July 24.

There wasn't enough space in the magazine to include everything I discussed with Bret and Kristi, especially since some of it didn't necessarily focus on the event. Here are some things that didn't make the cut:

Bret's Interview
Q: Bret, what's next for you? What are your plans for fall?
Bret: We recently moved back to California. I played seven years for the Carolina Hurricanes and my contract just expired. I really wanted to end my career after that contract but I'm not saying I want to retire right now. I still have that fire burning. I've been getting some calls from teams that are interested, so we'll see. Kristi and I need to sit down in the next couple weeks to figure out what we're doing and where we're going.

Q: What's the aftermath of Dancing with the Stars been like for your family?
Bret: Our phone has been ringing off the hook. Kristi's been getting a lot of calls for speaking engagements and other opportunities. She's got such a good reputation for being a good person and I think people saw that on the show and it made them like her even more.

Q: Were you there for the show?
Bret: I was there for a good chunk of it. After we [the Hurricanes] didn't make the playoffs, I flew right out to LA to take care of my girls while Kristi was on the show. It was really intense—a full-time job for her. She slept for a week after it was over.

Kristi's Interview
Q: You've had experience with planning events through your foundation, Always Dream. Has that helped with assisting Bret?
Kristi: A little bit. This is a different type of event and it's definitely a huge undertaking. He's gotten a lot of help from people in the community and several of Pat's friends are volunteering and lending services. Bret's been the motivator and is really making it happen.

Q: You and partner Mark Ballas will be dancing at the August event. Have you kept up training since Dancing with the Stars ended?
Kristi: We haven't danced since the show ended, so hopefully we'll get a few days to practice before the event! He's been focusing on his music career and I've been trying to be around my family again and get things back to normal.

Q: How has life changed since the show?
Kristi: It's given me the opportunity to think more seriously about other career options, but for the most part, I'm happy being mom again and being a little more settled.

Q: Will you tour with DWTS?
Kristi: The tour starts in December and I'm definitely open to it.

Q: You did pairs skating early in your skating career. Did that experience help on the show?
Kristi: Well, the technique is different, but I think emotionally it's similar—the respect and trust you have to build with another person.

Q: Will any friends from the show stop by for the August event?
Kristi: We'll see! We sent out invitations to everyone, so anyone who wants to be a part of the special night can come.

Q: What are your plans for fall?
Kristi: For the fourth year, I'm co-directing Kristi Yamaguchi Friends and Family in October. It's a televised special on NBC featuring skaters and live musicians. That's always a fun event.

The Patrick Brandt Live Life Give Love Celebration, Thursday, August 21, Myth Nightclub, 3090 Southlawn Dr., Maplewood, 651-799-6984

Drat. Just as we posted this blog, we learned that our local NBC affiliate, KARE 11, won’t be airing the fourth hour of the Today Show tomorrow because of its coverage of Wimbledon. We thought about pulling the previous post but figured it’s still a fun story. And hey, maybe it will be available on the web. Guess that’s showbiz.

OK, hot off my e-mail. Just got a note from my pal Christopher Hopkins, AKA The Makeover Guy, that he’ll be on the Today Show tomorrow, July 3.

I don’t know if show producers like us telling you that it was actually recorded a week ago. Christopher received a five-day notice that he needed to be in the NBC studios on June 24. And that he needed to provide four models and their wardrobes. Yikes. I remember talking to CH that day, and he was slightly freaking out. He’s in Minneapolis and needs to have four models in New York. So he ended up using four women from his book because it would have been a huge logistical nightmare to find four women in New York and do their makeovers prior to the taping.

All the women came in to Christopher’s salon for cuts, colors, and touchups. Then he met each of them one-on-one at the downtown Minneapolis Macy’s on June 20 to coordinate their Today Show outfits. (Macy’s was kind enough to provide the wardrobe.) He said the shopping was a little stressful. “You know how it is . . . you need to find an outfit quick, you want to be on budget, and you want it flatter your figure,” Christopher tells me. And he had do do that times four.

Christopher’s whirlwind continued with a flight two days later to Chicago to tape a television segment there and then the next day to New York. His models started arriving at his hotel room at 6 a.m. the day of the Today Show taping for hair and makeup. Besides himself, Christopher brought his partner Robert Lindstrom, and his makeup artist, Amy Goulet.

When the entourage arrived at NBC “they didn’t know who I was,” Christopher laughs. Of course, they did finally make their way onto the set. Christopher was interviewed by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb and will air in the show's fourth-hour segment.

To hear more—in Christopher’s own words—check out his blog.

My colleagues and I are crazy busy closing the August issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine this week, and we figured it would be fun to give you some quick previews of what we're working on. I'm putting the finishing touches on a story featuring the winners of the Residential Architects Vision and Excellence (RAVE) Awards. The awards program, sponsored by the Minnesota chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, is now in its fifth year. Submissions were incredibly strong with an emphasis on renovations, smaller spaces, and incredible attention to detail. I had the pleasure of judging the entries with architect James Dayton, AIA; architect Kevin Flynn, AIA; and sculptor and public artist Andrea Myklebust.

Here are a few highlights of what you'll see when the issue hits newsstands and arrives in mailboxes a little more than two weeks from now (yikes!):

The Prairie House in Rochester, designed by ALTUS Architecture + Design, Salmela Architect, and Coen + Partners. The three other judges and I loved how the architects designed three smaller structures rather than a single large structure, resulting in rooms that better tie in with the outdoors.

5IVE (yes, this is correct!) in Minneapolis, designed by Shelter Architecture. The kitchen was one of our favorite spaces. LED lights shine onto the glass backsplashes, changing colors to suit different moods or occasions. (Look for a night shot in the August issue.)

The Minneapolis Bungalow Remodeling by Albertsson Hansen Architecture. Again, the kitchen was one of the project's most stunning spaces. It occupies an old family room space, but it is designed in keeping with the original style of the early twentieth-century home. The custom tile backsplash by North Prairie Tileworks looks like glazed brick.

For a complete look at the winners, check out our August issue. And, for a great opportunity to meet the architects in person, come to the awards dinner, open to the public, at the MacPhail Center for Music August 13. As if the dinner and award ceremony weren't enough, the MacPhail's architect and RAVE Awards judge James Dayton will be giving tours. Click here for ticket information.

Now, I'd better get back to the August issue . . .