Just yesterday, when I stopped into the new I Like You store, in Northeast Minneapolis, I was reminded of the D.I.Y. sensation that is vintage buttons. I found heaps of hairpins, brooches, and earrings fashioned out of Bakelite, resin, and fabric-covered vintage buttons. Suddenly, these modest fasteners are all the rage!

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When some folks think of Rewind, the excellent vintage store on Johnson Street in Northeast Minneapolis, they think of young, hipster fashions: fluorescent '80s earrings, chunky plastic belts, minidresses, and whatnot. But that’s not necessarily the case. In my experience, the spread is equally thick with sophisticated clothes.

Just yesterday, I stopped by to explore the newly expanded Rewind—it recently doubled its size when it absorbed the vacant retail space next store (note: a recession success story). Among the treasures I found, a vintage silk Versace blouse and this awesome neutral trench from the bygone Minneapolis department store Schlampp’s. Nothing more than $30! 

 

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Folks, I’m afraid some sad news just came across the transmit: Ensemble, the charming Linden Hills women’s boutique, will close shop on April 25. The closeout sale begins immediately—modified store hours, too:

M-F, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sa., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Su., 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

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True story! My butch ex-boyfriend just purchased a truckload of high-end handbags off this weird auction site, K-bid. Ex-boyfriend is a contractor by trade (dirt under his nails, Carhartt clothes tossed about his apartment)—but of course, he’s currently looking for secondary income sources, as are the folks now liquidating their assets on K-bid. He plans to resell the purses on eBay.

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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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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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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 know that I have said it before, but Wayzata's beauty and apothecary mecca, Cherie Boutique, is one of my happy places. I love it not only because of the beauty and quality of the products but because whenever I stop in, I get a crash course on the newest and latest in beauty and apothecary. I circle around the store (usually a couple of times) with the owner, Diane, inquiring about top notes and base notes of perfume and the burn time and inspiration behind a new line of candles. I ask her about the coverage on a concealer, the lightness of a moisturizer, the effectiveness of facemask. I touch and smell nearly everything, and if I had unlimited credit, I would leave there a couple thousand lighter.

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I have never been much of an online shopper. I am a very visual and tactile person and believe that I need to see, touch, and try on anything and everything I buy. And since I am fortunate enough to have a job that requires frequent forays into our local stores, I've never needed to resort to the Web.

But, since the holidays are very quickly approaching, and with no one yet checked off my gift list, the idea of saving some time, energy, and mileage (not to mention sanity) by going online is ever more appealing. The one holdup I have is that I know it is my job to support local retailers, artisans, and crafts people. I need to practice what I preach every month in the magazine.

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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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