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Ali Shops Blog

Archive for February 18th, 2011

Coming to 50th & France…

Friday, February 18th, 2011

More pretty underpinnings could be coming soon to 50th & France. Two former Hot Mama employees are in final negotiations to lease the vacant space at 4948 France Ave., between Bluepeg and Beaujos. The lingerie and loungewear boutique will be called Room No. 3. The owners are jetting to New York next week for a buying trip. They hope to open by June.

Meanwhile, there’s zero buzz about the gaping hole at the southeast corner of 50th & France. (Ann Taylor Loft abruptly – or at least it seemed – vacated the space a few months ago and moved to Southdale Center.) That’s got to be an expensive piece of real estate, so a local boutique is unlikely. I’d like to see something contemporary, complimentary to the upscale local retail, and not over-exposed in this market – like Club Monaco, which has just one store at Mall of America. Or wouldn’t you love to see Zara swoop in? (MOA would have a fit!) Or Intermix? Or a Barney’s Co-Op? A MN shopper can dream.

Just please – not another restaurant.

My New Friends: George, Gina & Lucy

Friday, February 18th, 2011

My radio co-host Alexis Walsko showed up for Shop Girls last Saturday toting a bold new bag by George, Gina & Lucy. The hunter green canvas with leather trim and outrageously large hardware details made for a quirky-cool look for everyday wear. No one would dare mess with that handcuff-sized clasp. It’s not often that Alexis and I covet the same items. Her last bag made an entirely different statement, with the word “BOY” emblazoned, white on black, along the side. Took three months to convince her it was a diaper bag, not a date catcher.

I couldn’t have met George, Gina & Lucy at a better time: Maha! Inspired Activewear in Wayzata is receiving a big shipment of the bags this week – just in time to take advantage of Maha’s Swag Deal of the Week: 25 percent off regular priced merchandise! The bags, in myriad colors and shapes, sell for around $200. Print the coupon here and I’ll see you there!


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