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Posts Tagged ‘stephanie’s’
You’ve got new goals, a new outlook and extra space in your clean closet (resolution 2012?). Now you need a new pair of jeans for a new year. Here are a couple of new lines you will want to wear next.
Mother Denim is a new luxury line from former execs at Citizens of Humanity and 7 For All Mankind. They’re going for classic appeal: The silhouette is high waisted, the colors are vivid, and the fabric is soft as cashmere. $170-$220, Grethen House, 4930 France Avenue, Edina
Mother Denim
Bluelab reversible denim gives you two looks for the price of one. One side has that of-the-moment glossy finish; the other is more traditional. Available in a variety of color combos. $215, Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul
Bluelab
Tags: Bluelab, denim trends, grethen house, Mother Denim, premium denim, reversible denim, stephanie's
Posted in Women's Fashion | No Comments »
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.
Tags: 50th & France, Highland Park, stephanie's, twin cities boutiques
Posted in Women's Fashion | 4 Comments »
Twin Cities boutiques are feeling understandably cautious, but as always, spring will bring new fashions and new reasons to shop. Be sure to read my Savvy Shopper column on Sunday, Jan. 11 to find out how small stores are coping with the downturn (tease: more shopping events and rewards programs to come!). Until then, here's a look at what local retailers tell me they're getting excited about:
Stephanie's: Loose, thin layering tops in pastels and neutrals paired with skinny jeans for a laid-back, untailored effect. Also, nicely-priced knit line, Smitten.
La Rue Marche: Updated '80s looks – less hippie, more pretty. Lots of yellow and teal. Continued interest in statement necklaces.
Eco-tique: Daytime dresses in bold colors and modern prints.
Goodthings: Late '60s revival with long halter dresses, skirts that graze the ground, peasant tops with lace, crocheted and embroidery detail, plus more gladiator sandals and scarves.
Elodie: Disco Big T jeans from True Religion, Sevens Crop Dojos and Dojo shorts, Hudson flares.
Sorrayah Studios: Prints, ruffled sexy tops and dresses, eco-friendly fabrics and lots of accessories.
Arafina: Vibrant colors in
everything from tees to gowns, fabulous prints and
patterns.
Elan: New "green" lines, Know and EcoCentric, which plants a tree for every top, dress or jacket sold.
Tags: arafina, eco-tique, elodie, goodthings, la rue marche, sorrayah studios, spring fashion, stephanie's, twin cities boutiques, twin cities fashion, twin cities shopping
Posted in Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Recently I asked one of the owners of Bluebird Boutique how she felt about the arrival of Bumbershute, which could be perceived as competition for the designer dollar. "Great," she said, and I’m inclined to believe her logic – "now her Wayzata customers have reason to shop at 50th and France. The more the merrier." Indeed, power in numbers was on the mind of Bumbershute owner Kathryn Paulsrud when she made the big move. She figured 50th is more of a regional draw. And becoming more so every day. Nani Nalu made the move from Ridgedale Center to 50th. Priscilla of Boston, like Monique Lhuillier, picked it for its first Twin Cities store. And the latest announcement: St. Paul destination boutique Stephanie’s will open a second store at 50th in August – the same month the Bluebird girls will debut their accessories store, Ladyslipper Boutique. 50th has always been a distinguished address, but lately, there’s an undeniable energy as the shopping district proves itself to be the destination for boutique shopping in the Twin Cities with a well rounded mix of styles and price points (plus great places to eat and drink). If you want to impress your out-of-town fashionista friends, there’s no question where to take them.
Tags: 50th and France, best shopping twin cities, Blue Bird, bluebird, bumbershute, edina, ladyslipper, minneapolis shopping, monique lhuillier, nani nalu, priscilla of boston, st paul, stephanie's, twin cities shopping, wayzata
Posted in Women's Fashion | 1 Comment »
Whsew. Time flies when you’re judging red carpet fashions from the Academy Awards. My deadline for the St. Paul Pioneer Press has long since passed – the report will be in Monday’s paper. But I couldn’t let all the great comments from local boutique owner Stephanie Morrissey go to waste. It’s no surprise that her shop, Stephanie’s, has a fab dress section – Morrissey is a red carpet devotee. Here are the awards she handed out for the evening:
Best Supportive Dress: Kristen Chenoweth
Best Visual Effects: John Travolta’s hair stylist
Best Animated Short: Ryan Seacrest
Most Unusual Handbag: Amy Adams
Best Jewelry: Jennifer Garner
Best Dress: Anne Hathaway
Worst Dress: Tied – Diablo Cody (in a frock borrowed from Betty Rubble) and Marion Cotillard (impersonating a mermaid)
Other random thoughts: Why does Cameron Diaz keep getting invited? Refreshingly real to see a pregnant actress in flats – Cate Blanchett, but what an unfortunate neckline. Jennifer Hudson’s boobs speak for themselves – a dress outlining them is a bit much. Nicole Kidman looked like she was wearing a chandelier around her neck. Wow, motherhood agrees with Keri Russell, and the layers of necklaces looked great with that pale strapless bodice. Nice to see Amy Adam’s red hair long and glamorous, after all of those messy updos and the green dress was a good choice for her, but she took evening bags to a whole new level of pointlessness, carrying a gold mesh adornment with nothing in it! Not even a lipstick!
Tags: academy awards, oscars, red carpet, red carpet fashion, st. paul pioneer press, Stephanie Morrissey, stephanie's
Posted in Special Occasion | No Comments »
Lucky magazine finally figured out what we’ve known all along: the Twin Cities boasts an impressive bevy of independent boutiques. In the February issue, on newsstands Wednesday, Lucky features Minneapolis and St. Paul among "the best new cities to shop." They singled out 15 independent stores: some obvious, like Ivy, Stephanie’s, Bluebird Boutique and the Walker Shop; and a few intended to prove they really did their homework, like Salon Rouge for beauty products and Swank Interiors for vintage furnishings. (Get the full list in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.) There are some glaring omissions: StyledLife, Cherie, Corazon – but, then, there would be no way to adequately capture the entire scene on one page…that’s what AliShops.com is for.
Actually, Lucky indirectly contributed to the launch of AliShops.com. I used to provide local shopping news for the magazine’s website, until they decided a few years ago to cut Minneapolis. That’s right – they kept Denver, and axed the Twin Cities. I told them that was crazy – this is a creative, cosmopolitan city, filled with interesting, innovative retail concepts and fashionable residents. Seems they’re finally catching on. Better late than never.
Tags: best new cities to shop, bluebird, cherie, cherie wayzata, corazon, ivy, Lucky, lucky magazine, minneapolis shopping, St. Paul shopping, stephanie's, styled life, styledlife, Swank Interiors, Swank Retro, twin cities shopping, Walker Shop
Posted in Shopping Tips | No Comments »
 The cool crowd turned out tonight for the Collage fashion show at the Nicollet Island Pavilion (a perfect venue for the event, save for the bad acoustics). Unlike Glamorama, which is really a society benefit attracting a lot of movers and shakers, Collage is for the young, creative and purely fashionable on any budget. The overwhelmingly female crowd was dressed to impress – lots of flowy, jersey dresses and, refreshingly, a minimal amount of denim. As for the show itself, Ivy, Ivy Men’s + Design, Stephanie’s and Bluebird Boutique exhibited their sharp eye for trend-forward style. Ivy showed chunky knits, short skirts and high waisted trousers while Bluebird is still rockin’ the super skinny jean. The Ivy man is at ease in a dapper suit or jeans and a cool trench. Stephanie’s provided the big finish with her reliable crop of fab evening dresses. If you attended, or got a post card in the mail  for the show, be sure to stop by the stores Friday or Saturday for your store wide discount – you’re going to want to buy.
Tags: Blue Bird, Collage, fashion event Minneapolis, fashion show in Minneapolis, ivy, Ivy Men's, minneapolis fashion, Minneapolis fashion scene Collage fashion show, stephanie's
Posted in Women & Men's Fashion | No Comments »
Looking for inspiration, or at least some great people watching? Local fashion events abound in the next couple of weeks:
Sept. 19 to 23: it’s Fall Fashion Weekend brought to us by MNfashion.org, the group behind Voltage. The festivities will include trunk shows and runway shows by local designers, a tour of collections at the Minnesota Historical Society, parties, in-store events and networking opportunities for aspiring designers and stylists.
Sept. 27: Collage fashion show at the Nicollet Island Pavilion from Stephanie’s, Ivy, Ivy Men’s + Design and Bluebird Boutique. The looks are sure to be hot, and the crowd even hotter. (Last year, I remember thinking who are these good-looking, well-dressed people and where have they been hiding? Maybe I just need to go out more.) Success does have it price, and this year, the formerly free event is charging $25 for admission. That does include a complimentary champagne and dessert bar and an after party with DJ. Tickets can be purchased at www.collagefashionshow.com.
Tags: bluebird, Collage, ivy, Ivy Men's, minneapolis fashion events, minnesota fashion events, MNFashion, stephanie's, twin cities fashion events
Posted in Women & Men's Fashion | No Comments »
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