Can't say I'm surprised: popular Highland Park boutique Stephanie's is closing its 50th & France location. Perfect example of success at one store not guaranteeing another. Stephanie Morrissey has such a great eye for fashion that it seemed like a sure-thing to bring her well-edited assortment across the river. Unfortunately, she didn't follow and her absence was obvious. The Edina store lacked the warmth and personality you feel in St. Paul. The clothes don't sell themselves - even when they're adorable. The Edina inventory will be absorbed by Highland in the coming months (translation: no blowout sale). Currently, the winter 50-70 percent off sale is still on at both locations, and some new merchandise for spring will be brought in at 50th. "We're in no hurry to leave," Morrissey said. But when they do, lines only carried at 50th, including Tibi, Genetic Denim and Shoshanna will be available in St. Paul. And while no other street addresses are planned, Morrissey is turning her attention online. She plans to open an online store and expand her inventory for that venture, while holding on to price-friendly but fashion forward brands like Costa Blanca and Urban Behavior as well as the tried and true Nicole Miller, Susana Monaco and James Jeans. Sounds like a plan.
Sad shopper Mike asks: "Ali, Has Lava Lounge closed? I'm hoping they have just moved, but the store was boarded up today. What do you know?" Well, Mike, I know that Lava Lounge lasted much longer than most. I know that we must support our innovative, out-there boutiques or they won't last as long as Lava did. In their case, it was time to move on to a place warmer and well, fancier. Read about it here and see pics of the new Wil Stiles shop in Palm Springs here. Meanwhile, support our independent boutiques and hope there is another bold, funky, edgy, weird, hip, warm, savvy retailer waiting in the wings to take a chance and dazzle the Twin Cities.
Voltage: Fashion Amplified has announced the lineup for its April 16 show, which will kick off Spring MNfashionweek. The high-energy fashion and music event will feature designers Carmichael Claith, Geroge Moskal, PFT Couture, Raul Osorio and several other Twin Citians you probably haven't heard of...but perhaps should. I'll tell you more next week, when I attend the Voltage designer preview. For the first time, MNfashion is staging a private preview for retail buyers and media in hopes of getting these fledgling lines into stores by April so that Voltage can become a career launcher, rather than just another party. Got to respect that drive. Stay tuned!
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