Accessories Blog Posts | AliShops Blog

Mulberry for Target

Just announced: Luxury brand Mulberry is doing a handbag collection for Target – ninth in the retailer’s series of limited-time-only designer accessories collaborations. Mulberry for Target is scheduled to hit stores Oct. 10, 2010.

Beyond the art fair…

The Edina Art Fair takes over 50th & France June 4-6, but if you can scoot around the booths, you’ll be among the first to discover the new N’etc, opening Saturday in the former Stephanie’s space at 5005 France Ave. S. – standing alone after more than 20 years with Grethen House. Expect the same, refined assortment of high end shoes and accessories. New partner Veronica Clark, a stylist who has put in time at some of the best boutiques in town, including Grethen House, Bumbershute and Len Druskin, says there’s room to add more to the mix, including select apparel.

Double the shoes

After more than 20 years together, Grethen House and Netc are splitting up. No need to pick sides – the separation is amicable. Netc is moving down the block at 50th & France, to the former Stephanie’s space near The Loft. Owner Nancy has a new partner as she starts contemplating scaling back her workload. They will open as Netc the first week of June with an expanded assortment of high-end shoes and accessories. Meanwhile, Grethen House is wasting no time filling the void with its own spin on shoes and accessories to complement the designer fashions that have made this boutique a destination for decades. From two proven vets like these, I say the more the merrier.

St. Paul on the Fringe

Don’t be surprised to see a few extra bangles on the wrists of St. Paul shoppers next month: 50th & France accessories boutique Fringe plans to open a second location on Grand Avenue. The locally-owned shop, which offers fashion jewelry, scarves and other accessories at affordable prices, will take over the Saga Living space at 1055 Grand Ave. on June 15.

Love for Louis

A trio of casually dressed women were waiting for the new Louis Vuitton store to open today at the Galleria in Edina. Being nosy by nature and a reporter by trade, I sidled up and asked the ladies, who looked stylish in a Banana Republic sort of way, if they were excited about the big opening. Curious, more like. The trio were sales associates from Coach. Feeling a bit pedestrian, no doubt.

The store is stunning. A huge point of pride for the Galleria, which had been courting LV for two years. Minnesotans are modest. We shy away from logos. We spend cautiously. But we love us some Louis. It’s classic, it’s quality and it’s easily identifiable as luxurious, which, let’s be honest, makes a $1,200 bag a little bit easier to justify.

Within 30 minutes, the first $1,200 bag had been bought. By the quite guarded “Kate” from the “north suburbs,” who came in carrying a worn white Coach bag. She was with a friend who owns four LV bags. She knew exactly what she wanted. She had been waiting for the store to open.

An alarm beeped as she exited, but Kate was so blissed out, it couldn’t kill her moment.

Target spring designer collections

Impatiently tapping my toes until the April 18 launch of Cynthia Vincent for Target. Colorful ballet flats, gladiator wedges, and strappy, studded flats that are sure to be the summer go-to – for $24.99. Also on the 18th, look for a Target limited edition collection of hip hats from Eugenia Kim. Wish I could say I was as excited about Zac Posen's fashion collection for Target (see below) launching April 25, but while the look book is dutifully modern and edgy, past dressing room disappointments tell me the bitty skirts and retro swimwear won't work on most women beyond high school. Thank goodness for accessories.

Check out Harold

Well hellooo, Harold. Introducing the new menswear-inspired accessories line from hot, hot Minneapolis-based Nelle Handbags. The launch party is April 15 and you're invited. Don't forget to RSVP – you could win a Harold tote. Details here.

Photo courtesy of Erica Loeks Photography

Good Rapport

Budding Minneapolis accessories line Rapport is really coming into its own this spring. The new collection, now available online, features vibrant pinks and oranges, rich suede and luxe texture. These bags and bows won't go unnoticed. Meanwhile, another hot Minneapolis handbag line is poised to introduce a new collection: get ready for the April 15 launch of Harold, menswear inspired accessories from Nelle.

Hip bag, help for Haiti

I get compliments on my red T.O.T.E. bag from Minneapolis-based Urban Junket every time out. I can carry it three different ways, it has compartments for everything I need, love the vivid color -and it's made of recycled bottles. It's the perfect time to get your own: Through Valentine's Day, Urban Junket will donate $10 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund for every bag ordered on its website. Comes in three sizes, ranging in price from $86 to $143. (In the Twin Cities, if you want to save on shipping charges, ask to pick up at UJ's St. Louis Park office.)

Handbags for Haiti

There has never been a better time to buy a handbag. On Friday, Jan. 29, local designer Laura Nelli will donate 30 percent of every Nelle Handbag purchase to Vision of Hope Ministries Earthquake Relief Fund, a non-profit that has been empowering the people of Haiti since 1993. "Like many small business owners, I felt compelled to contribute," said Nelli, who happens to be close friends with the founders of VOHM. "They are providing necessary care to those most in need." Purchases on Jan. 29 will be shipped in time for Valentine's Day with a small note mentioning that a portion of proceeds went to help the people of Haiti.