Recently by Abby Van Ness

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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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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I caught up with prestigious makeup artist Napoleon Perdis (whose clients include Debra Messing, Hilary Duff, and Evangeline Lily, to name a few) while he was in town recently meeting with Target reps. The Australian-born beauty buff just launched NP Set, an affordable line of cosmetics for the girl on the go, available only at Target stores.

Perdis met me in the Chambers Hotel lobby sporting all black (including black sunglasses), just enough bling, perfectly manicured brows, and a Hollywood-esque tan. He's a bubbly guy, and his passion for his products was contagious. Before I knew it, I was sitting on one of the chic Chambers sofas letting Perdis test products on my eyelids, lips, and cheeks. We were both ooo-ing and ahh-ing over the effects they had on my face.

My favorite? The Show Loose Dust Duo, a pair of vivid eye shadows applied with a cool powder pen (show upper left, $26). So easy and quick!

Read my Q & A, and check out some of the other products I loved . . .

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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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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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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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A couple days ago, I stopped by the grand opening of Rocco Altobelli's new Med Spa at Rosedale Center. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised--closer to stunned--by the beautiful space. Located in Rosedale's new Plaza development, the spacious salon/med spa is fresh, contemporary (almost futuristic), and comfortable. (I really wanted to stay and get my hair done.)

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As reported in Swag yesterday . . .

Rumor has it: A new Louis Vuitton storefront will join Galleria’s growing list of retailers by the end of 2009.

Inside sources tell us it will be an accessories boutique; so expect all your favorite LV-patterned luxury goods—handbags, luggage, wallets, umbrellas, and more. Stay tuned to Style Parlor and Swag for more insider buzz on the TC's latest designer addition!

Galleria, Edina, louisvuitton.com