A co-worker sent me this link, and I couldn't help but pass it on. It seems that everyone is banking on everything and anything Obama, and retailer IKEA is no exception. At embracechange09.com, you get to play White House decorator by designing your very own Oval Office. I had fun playing around with my version (after the jump) and only wish that IKEA would add more furniture options and more homes or rooms for me to decorate.

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The latest victim in a long line of shuttered magazines is my beloved Domino. Domino, with its provocative layouts, mix of high and low, and approachable covers and features, was kind of like my porn. Not only do I eagerly anticipate its arrival every month, but my stack of issues has been so lovingly dog-eared, Post-it noted, drawn upon, and discolored by wine and coffee stains that they're literally coming unbound.

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The other day I stopped by Mitrebox, the Minneapolis Warehouse District framing studio that just so happens to stock a wonderful selection of stationery. I was in the market for a card to send to a friend overseas and wanted something to tease out the Twin Cities experience—only, of course, with style as well as whimsy and wit.

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My favorite shelter magazine, Domino, broke the news a few weeks ago that the Obamas have tapped Los Angeles-based interior designer Michael Smith to be the decorator for their private residences within the White House. His ability to filter Old-World influences through his California sensibility seems like a perfect fit for a first lady, who has taken dress for success to a whole new level. Although he has designed homes for Hollywood bigwigs, such as Brian Grazer, Rob Reiner, Cindy Crawford, Rupert Murdoch, and Steven Spielberg, this is certain to be his biggest project yet.

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I am a major sucker for a bargain, and despite my very best attempts to reign in my spending, every once in a while I come across something that in my book is a one-of-a-kind, forever fashion piece. An item of clothing that I believe will completely transform my wardrobe. When I encounter such an article in a retail setting, I'll do anything but completely max out my credit card to get it.

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Check out this beautiful chandelier ($1,428) I spotted on a visit to the new Vivid Home store in Bryn Mawr.

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Just before the inauguration, I gathered a few ladies to slip out of the office and go see what mayhem was being wrought by this bizarre cosmetic industry class-action lawsuit. I’m told there were three people in line at 10 a.m., when Neiman Marcus opened. But by the time the MSP ladies arrived, at 10:10, the scene was swarming will fellow freeloaders.

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The upside of this economic downturn? There has never been a better time to buy discount designer. January is traditionally the time when picky penny pinchers go hunting for markdowns, but this year the pickings have been particularly plum.

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Nope, this isn't a Foodie blog. I just thought I'd vent about my latest pet peeve: Salt stains on my black suede boots. I know I live in Minnesota, where salt is a mainstay on the roads from about November to April, but every time I step outside wearing my comfy, slouchy black boots, they turn an ugly shade of white.

Read more to find the remedy for those pesky winter stains . . .

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So, I am pretty sure that given the right resources, I could single-handedly jump-start the economy. Even without any resources (i.e. cold, hard cash), I still manage to give our local retail sector nourishing injections nearly ever week.

But it hasn't been clothing that I've been buying. I've instead amassed a large amount of eyeliners, lip-glosses, dry shampoos, and other items of beauty that I definitely don't need. But I am as brain washed as the next fool, and somewhere inside of me, I must believe in the transformative properties of these potions. Don't they say that lipstick sales go up during a recession?

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One of the best parts of my job is visiting architects, designers, and other creative people in their workspaces. It's so inspiring to see where they come up with ideas and how their walls, bookshelves, and desks play into that. In our Winter 2009 issue of Mpls.St.Paul Home (coming out in late January), we visit trend expert Robin Culbreath at her Marine on St. Croix studio. Here's the approach to the home, designed by architect David Salmela in the Jackson Meadow development. Her studio is in the structure to the right, behind the garage. A hall above the breezeway connects it to the main house.

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If anyone can transform low-priced fashion for the masses, it's Isaac Mizrahi. After all, it was he who was the impetus—with his collection of brightly colored dresses, patterned sweaters, and sassy accessories—for making Target the fast fashion phenom it is today. I wouldn't have labels such as Paul & Joe, Proenza Schouler, and Richard Chai in my closet if he hadn't paved the way. And since announcing that he would partner with Liz Claiborne Corporation as the creative director last year, I've been eagerly anticipating his collection.

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Formerly located at Excelsior & Grand, Q Boutique recently moved to a prime spot in Uptown (next to Stella's). General merchandise manager Lisa Nagel brought in fresh, up-and-coming lines for men and women—most of which are unique to the Cities. Find clothing by Claude Brown, Twig, Eden, and Report; premium denim by Sheiki, Karmel & Alden, and Pratt's; and handbags by Hype and Linea Pelle.

Whether you're searching for a rocker-chic look or classic downtown style, the new shop is worth a visit next time you're in the neighborhood. Be prepared to see price tags that are slightly higher than most other Uptown boutiques. But with Q's regular sales and promotions, it's usually feasible to pick up an item or two. Plus, more new lines will debut this spring, including Vivienne Westwood, American Vintage, and Vena Cava.

Read on to see snap shots of the new store.

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