Etch n' Sketch
russell+hazel is the exclusive U.S. dealer of these writing tools by European brand Strass. Topped with Swarovski Crystals, it is a true meeting of fashion and function. Set of twelve Strass Swarovski crystal pencils in a glass holder ($72).

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I think few would disagree that beauty is placed on a pedestal in our society. Flawless figures, youthful skin, and unattainable clothing pervade our everyday lives--in magazines, on TV, and in stores. Most of us know (to some degree) that we'll never look like the airbrushed models on magazine covers or the waif-thin cat walkers on the runway. Yet, that doesn't necessarily stop us from trying, and it certainly doesn't prevent us from judging the way we look in comparison.

Filmmaker Darryl Roberts probes the question: "Does America  have an unhealthy obsession with beauty?" in his moving documentary America the Beautiful. The critically acclaimed, 105-minute film plays for two days only in Minneapolis--tonight and tomorrow night at Lagoon Cinema.

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My mom reminded me the other day that I was in second grade when I received my beloved American Girl doll. She had bought it for me as a reward for wearing my new glasses to school. (As a seven-year-old, I was terrified of being teased about my new four-eyed look.) My mom's bribe must have worked because I donned my glasses and became the proud owner of a Samantha doll. She was my favorite toy--a companion I carried, dressed up, styled, and loved.

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine editors Melissa Colgan, Erin Gulden, and I--all professional twentysomethings who were part of the American Girl-craze in the early '90s--were invited to tour the just-opened, two-story American Girl boutique at Mall of America last Friday. When we were done reminiscing about the books we read, the outfits we had, and the dolls we still wanted (yes, we know we're too old), we snapped a few photos and recorded a video for StyleParlor.tv. Check out our experience below . . .

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My fellow Lifestyle editors and I are constantly scouting local shops for stories centered on trends and themes. But recent visits to EuroNest and Patina yielded way more than was possible to feature in the magazine, so I wanted to share a few finds with you here. Consider them ideas for gifts or for dressing your home during the holidays--or as inspiration to get to the stores to see things for yourself. First off, what's new this fall at EuroNest. Check out these beautiful Italian ceramics that can be hand painted with your monogram. Although the pieces are elegant even without this treatment, such customization is perfect if you're looking for something truly distinctive.

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If your day planners and PDAs look anything like the editors of this magazine, your next month-and-a-half is chock-full of engagements--office parties, benefits, friends' holiday gatherings.

And, of course, all of these events bring up the age-old conundrum of what to wear. We asked Mall of America's fashion and trend specialist, Sara Rogers, to scour the mall in search of the best holiday offerings for any size and any budget. See what she uncovered.  

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Check off a few of names on your holiday gift list by shopping the Heather Moore trunk show this weekend. Friday through Sunday at Que Será and Oh Baby!, Moore's personalized, handcrafted designs are on display and available for special order.

Combining custom-made metal pieces with gems and charms, Moore creates one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, rings, cufflinks, and more. Pieces often include a name, date, or sentiment, making for truly heartfelt holiday gifts.

November 14-16: Que Será, Galleria, 952-924-6390 Oh Baby!, Galleria, 952-928-9119

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Ranging from handbag creators and jewelry makers to fashion designers and authors, the women at tonight's Maiden Minnesota event share one thing: They represent women-owned businesses based in Minnesota.

In its second year, the Maiden Minnesota shopping extravaganza is bigger and better, with more than double the number of companies and a wider range of merchandise. In fact, the event had to move to a larger location--setting up shop in the Grand Room at the chic new W Hotel.

In addition to great shopping, the event features specialty cocktails, exclusive sales, gift bags, and a silent auction, plus it's a great excuse for a girls' night out. And on top of all that, it benefits a good cause: $5 of each ticket sold goes toward WomenVenture, which provides technical tools and emotional support to women (and men) starting their own businesses or looking for new career paths.

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A few weeks back, I was in New York City for the Fall 2009 Bridal Market. Over the three-day jaunt, I saw nearly twenty designers present what they thought brides should be wearing come next fall. Overall, the collections were a spectacular return to the basics of good bridal style.

One of the more interesting shows I attended (I hadn't been planning to, but was lured in last minute) was the show put on by Kristie Kelly for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. As a girl who figured out at seven years old that fairy tales don't exist in real life (my parents divorced), I was skeptical to say the least.

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Photographer Stephanie Colgan took something like ten shots of the Poliform Minneapolis show room in the North Loop neighborhood for the Fall issue of Mpls.St.Paul Home, and you know how the story goes: We could only show two. I've long been a fan of Poliform's streamlined Italian kitchens (technically branded Varenna), so I wanted to give you a better idea of what you can see at our showroom. Owner Karl Aaro, manager Sonja Alshash, and designer Shannon Nelsen (who all have also worked with us at the magazine on projects such as this year's ASID Showcase Home) showed me around. This kitchen near the tall streetside windows is my favorite. The range hood measures twelve-feet long, but it also comes in four- and eight-foot lengths. The glossy lacquer finish and Corian countertops in Glacier White (detailed with a bit of oak) create a beautiful monochromatic look.

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If your usual Monday night is anything like mine, it involves a glass of wine and a new dose of MTV's The Hills. Yes, it's a guilty pleasure, but something about that reality show has me hooked. Maybe it's the fashion, the characters' extravagant lives, the juicy drama--I just know my roommate and I rarely miss an episode.

Saturday night, the show's star, Lauren Conrad, takes a break from her Hollywood lifestyle to promote her new clothing line in Minneapolis. 

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Our latest issue of Mpls.St.Paul Home hit newsstands earlier this month, and one of my favorite pieces gets at the backstory of custom furniture maker Willie Willette. Although we see beautiful works by craftspeople like him from time to time, it's not often that we see their studios or learn about the inspiration and the trial-and-error parts of the design process. But returning from a vacation (and a break from blogging!) that took in the Côte d'Azur homes and studios of great twentieth-century artists, such as Matisse and Picasso, has renewed my interest in learning more about how and where artists and artisans right here in the Twin Cities work. So, I thought I'd share a few of the shots I took when I visited with Willie for our story.

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