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Posts Tagged ‘twin cities boutiques’
Fashion obsessed and broke, the local designers behind Rapport bags and accessories are opening a cheap chic boutique called Primp at Selby and Dale in St. Paul. They’re promising fashion forward women’s apparel under $100 – most dresses under $50. I’m there! No, doubt they’ve got their work cut out for them, competing in the fast fashion category against the likes of H&M and Forever 21 where volume keeps prices down. But I think a lot of women crave a boutique experience that doesn’t break the bank. Extra incentive for students: get 10 percent off every purchase with a student ID. Primp at 618 Selby, is scheduled to open Sept. 16.
Tags: fast fashion, forever 21, h&m, primp, rapport, selby avenue, St. Paul shopping, twin cities boutiques
Posted in Shopping Tips | 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 »
Local retailers and a handful of designers gathered this evening for a boutique round table discussion put on by Gaviidae Common and moderated by yours truly. The conversation focused on service, service, service. Pricing and sales were barely discussed. The consensus seemed to be that stores stand a better chance of surviving the downtown when they stick with what they do best – even if that means selling luxury goods at a time when people are scaling back. Store owners are losing sleep trying to come up with ways to provide shoppers with a memorable experience and foster lasting relationships (do you want them to send you mail and track everything you buy? Discuss!). Even reps from Saks Off Fifth told me they are stressing service. Standing behind the counter waiting for customers just doesn't work in this economic climate.
Tags: brookfield properties, Gaviidae, minneapolis boutiques, minneapolis shopping, twin cities boutiques, twin cities shopping
Posted in Shopping Tips | No 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 »
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