It’s safe to assume Maiden Minnesota will become an annual event, based on the turnout for Wednesday night’s inaugural event at the Chambers Hotel. The 200 gift bags – which I’m told included full-size products from The Thymes (I really should have arrived earlier) – were gone within 20 minutes. The stylish shopping event showcased women-owned, Minnesota-based companies and girls, there’s a lot to be proud of. It was fun to see Red Stamp’s sophisticated stationery in person – the company is Minneapolis based, but sells primarily online. (The Russell + Hazel shop at 44th and France offers a small selection of Red Stamp products). Kirke Design had some cool, stretchy shirts and I couldn’t get over the crowd around the Elin & Clara table of decorated belts and headbands. Funny enough, one of the biggest discoveries of the night was actually one of the longest-standing companies represented: Local Motion, the Uptown shop that used to focus on local lines, but now has moved full-force into updated and affordable contemporary women’s apparel, including Free People and lesser known brands. I heard several women, gushing over the cute sweaters and coats for less than $150, comment that they always thought of the store as "granola," but not anymore!
Who is that stylish lady? Why, it’s my mom, shopping the Local Motion racks at Maiden Minnesota.