AliShopsBlog.com - The Twin Cities Shopping Blog

Title Nine opened today in the Edina 5-0 building at 50th & France and women were quick to step inside. This is the 15th store (first in MN) for the retailer, which specializes in women's active wear, both casual and performance. You'll find sports bras and yoga pants alongside cotton dresses and cardigans. Practical, sporty clothes that look cute on the go: from the gym, to the park to the grocery store. Perfect for Twin Cities women. (For more casual, active and eco-friendly apparel, try locally-owned Sundog Trading Co. at Mall of America.)

What is it about the urban Grand Avenue in St. Paul that makes retailers think hiking, skiing, outdoorsy apparel? I'm still campaigning for Anthropologie in that sorry space between Pottery Barn and J. Crew. But this week, I'll settle for North Face, which opens Friday, April 24 at 799 Grand (where Smith & Hawken used to be) - effectively bookending the avenue with Patagonia at 1648 Grand. No buzz about it, but then, there's already a North Face in Uptown. The company stores feature more than outerwear - clothing for men and women, shoes and bags.

This whole plastic scare has aluminum Sigg water bottles flying off shelves - as I reported in my weekly "cool product alert" on the Pioneer Press' new Minnmoms.com site. But there are many places around town to find the stylish, safe and environmentally friendly bottles. Just this week, I've spotted them at the new Corepower Yoga & Spa, Twin Cities Green and for the adorable Sigg bottles for kids, try Bebe Babble or Creative Kidstuff.
Bebe Babble and Pacifier are also hot spots for BPA-free plastic baby bottles - but boy, are they pricey. (Go to Peapods for glass bottles.) I'm surprised Target, in all of its trendiness, has yet to jump on the bandwagon with some new line of eco-friendly bottles. Bet that's soon to come.
For more environmentally conscious shopping in the Twin Cities, click here.

Seems fitting that North Face opened its first Twin Cities store on a blustery, snowy day. Located next to Urban Outfitters and the new Victoria's Secret at 3008 Hennepin Ave., the store is a good get for Uptown, which hasn't given us a lot of reasons to shop in recent months. Of course, North Face isn't exactly an exclusive brand anymore, but don't let that deter you. The company store features the full line of North Face apparel for women, men and children, plus shoes, sandals and even quilted tote bags that don't look the least bit outdoorsy. The shop is bright and spacious, but just one level and with none of the circus-like attractions we've come to expect at recreational gear stores. The merchandise speaks for itself. The staff, however, needs to work up some enthusiasm. Two associates stood by the door on opening day when I stopped in, yet neither welcomed, or even acknowledged, me. Good thing the jackets are warm.