AliShopsBlog.com - The Twin Cities Shopping Blog

Does Minnesota have enough The Situation-wannabes to support new arrival Republic of Couture? The small but growing Florida-based chain recently opened a sleek store at the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. It's big (albeit, wanting for more merchandise) and shiny and looks classy, but all I could think as I browsed the Ed Hardy tees, embellished night-clubby shirts and tricked out premium denim was Jersey Shore, mixed with 2009 Creep of the Year, Jon Gosselin. And I'm not sure guilty viewing translates into aspirational dressing. At least I hope it doesn't. I'm not saying don't go, just, if you do, limit yourself to a pair of William Rast jeans or one of the more understated (wishful thinking?) shirts. And balance it out with something J. Crew.