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!
Mommaidenmn Who is that stylish lady? Why, it’s my mom, shopping the Local Motion racks at Maiden Minnesota.