This week in local shopping, the grand opening of new maker marketplace Union Market Mankato, two BIPOC-focused makers’ markets in the Twin Cities, and a trunk show featuring the fall collection of local favorite Joeleen Torvick.
Joeleen Torvick debuts her fall 2020 collection at a trunk show this Saturday at The Fitting Room. Image courtesy the designer.
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY:
Vintage Instagram Story Sales
Story sales from top Twin Cities vintage sellers have been a can’t-miss event as of late. While many pop up unexpectedly and unannounced, here are a few that are officially in the pipeline for this week:
∙Wednesday: @malibu_casey, @tandemvintage (at 5pm), @saltymplsvintage (6pm) and @kollektivmpls all have story sales planned.
∙Thursday: New Black-owned vintage vendor @curlyhairvintage has her second IG sale. @audreyrosevintage has a sale planned for 2:30pm. I will be also having my own story sale at 5pm on my personal account, @jahnapeloquin
∙Friday: @wide_eyed_vintage is having part 2 of their fall drop at 4pm.
∙Follow me on Instagram @jahnapeloquin for more story sales as they’re announced!
Shop Amy Seeman’s Closet
Local stylist & TV personality Amy Seeman is having an IRL wardrobe sale at her studio. Tops are mostly small to medium and bottoms are mostly 4–6 with size 8.5 shoes. Prices range from $5–$75 depending on brand and condition. She’ll be also taking virtual appointments for DM her if interested @mamaseeman on Instagram. She’ll plan on selling whatever is left afterward on her Instagram story.
Wednesday from 10am–8pm, Thursday from 10am–6pm @ The Shoppes of Arbor Lakes, 12461 Elm Creek Blvd, Maple Grove (DM for exact location)
FRIDAY:
Face Foundrié Maple Grove Location Opening
Amidst the pandemic, people need self-care more than ever. Case in point: locally owned Face Foundrié—which offers services for all things face: skin, lashes and waxing—is opening its third location, in Maple Grove. Along with the new location, the business is also launching an innovative, new service menu available at all three locations, including brow laminations and jelly masks.
Opening Friday, 10/23 @ 12163 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, facefoundrie.com
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11am–7pm, Sunday noon–6pm
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
The 100% Pop-up
You may have heard of the 15% Pledge some stores are taking to get Black-owned brands to represent 15% of their product selection. The Virtualist—a locally focused style consultancy founded by Grant Whittaker and Roe Wolfe owner Ashley Kilcher—have partnered with Black-owned lifestyle brand Houston White to take this pledge to the next level with a curated assortment of Black-owned brands in an 8,000-square-foot space. With the holidays coming up, it’s a great time to support Black-owned brands and support the local economy.
Friday 2–6pm, Saturday 11am–6pm & Sunday 11am–3pm @ Shops at West End, 1658 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park
More info: bit.ly/the100popup
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market Art Market
After several months of transforming into a digital-only artist market, the Mill City Farmers Market’s Art Market is returning to an in-person format beginning this weekend—with social distancing measures in place. This weekend’s featured makers include Barn Swallow Garden, ArtAndes, Star Thrower Farm and The Abbey Alpacas.
Saturday from 9am–1pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Mpls, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Union Market Mankato Grand Opening
Makers’ markets—those ephemeral events that once dominated the shopping calendar—have all but disappeared this year, yet another casualty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But within that landscape, entrepreneurs are doing what they do best: Taking risks and imagining new possibilities. Enter Union Market Mankato, a new brick-and-mortar marketplace and community space specializing in goods from small, local makers. It’s the brainchild of Gina Moorhead, a fashion designer with Minnesota roots and close ties to the Twin Cities creative community. Expect a mix of apparel for women, men and kids, plus beauty products, fashion accessories, art, vintage goods, home goods, plants and more from more than 20 local vendors. A grand opening is planned for Saturday with promotions, giveaways, refreshments, and other happenings, all done with COVID safety protocols in place. Additional promotions and activities will take place October 27–31. Read more on the blog.
Grand opening: Saturday, 10/24, from 10am–6pm
Regular hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 10am–6pm @ 615 S Front St, Mankato, www.unionmarketmankato.com
Virtual Visible Mending Class
Lauren Callis of An Upcycled Closet is hosting a virtual class on mending basics to repair your beloved garments. Learn hand sewing essentials and three basic stitches so you can get your clothing back into rotation (and save money not having to send items to a tailor). Class fee is $40; learn how to claim your spot at anupcycledcloset.com
Joeleen Torvick Fall By-Appointment Trunk Show
Duluth-based designer Joeleen Torvick debuts her fall collection with a by-appointment-only trunk show at South Minneapolis boutique, The Fitting Room. Her new collection features cozy knits in rich hues, machine-knitted by the designer, natural fabrics and great pieces for layering (a must in Minnesota). Best of all, the designer’s modern, refined fashions are ethically and sustainably made. View the collection and place custom orders during this event. To make an appointment, text 612-229-8170 or email thefittingroommpls@gmail.com.
Saturday from noon–3pm @ The Fitting Room, 316 W 38th St, Minneapolis, thefittingroommpls.com
Black Hearts Pop-up Shop
The annual Black Hearts Ball has been postponed due to the pandemic. In the meantime, TIM+THOM, the designer duo behind the annual fashion show, are back with their first-ever shopping event featuring past and upcoming Black Hearts Ball designers, including Samantha Rei, Laura Fulk, Malachite Leather, Sarah M Holm and more. Masks are not only required to shop, they’re also available to buy. There will also be menswear, womenswear, leather goods and other accessories for sale.
Saturday from 1–6pm @ 655 Fairview Ave N, St Paul
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2763399720647338
Northrup King Building Mask-erade
The largest artist and maker studio in the Twin Cities, Northrup King Building, is hosting a socially distanced masquerade event with door prizes for the most creative masks. Plus, preview the upcoming Art Attack! 2020: Virtual Edition and shop all four floors of art and handmade goods, including Strey Collective (#179), a shop featuring wearable goods by local designers. To keep everyone safe, they're offering two sessions: 5–7pm and 7–9pm. RSVP for your free slot via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mask-erade-tickets-124942667883
Saturday 5–7pm & 7–9pm @ Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Fall Into Opulence with Milana Stile
Add a little bit of beauty to your life at this weekend’s Fall Into Opulence trunk show from local jewelry line, Milana Stile. Hosted by designer resale boutique June, the event features fabulous fall clothing, atelier jewelry, stylish home decor and all things glamorous, cozy and a little bit decadent. June is taking all the necessary measures to create a safe shopping experience, and masks are required with a limit of 10 people at a time.
Saturday & Sunday from 11am–4pm @ June, 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
More info: www.facebook.com/events/345380713437890
Pumpkin Days at Grethen House
Save 20% off your purchase storewide at both of Grethen House's locations and online with code PUMPKIN2.
@ 50th & France (4930 France Ave S, Edina), North Loop (212 3rd Ave N, Minneapolis) & grethenhouse.com
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS:
BFWMN Presents The Essence of Fashion
In collaboration with Galleria, Black Fashion Week MN presents a fashion exhibition of pieces by 10+ local designers, including TIM+THOM, HWMR by Houston White, NSOD Clothing and The Lexurie Collection, showcasing everything from statement gowns to suits and streetwear. The gallery opens at 9am on Thursday, 10/1 within the former Gabberts space.
On view 10/1–10/31 @ 3501 Galleria, Edina, www.galleriaedina.com
Disquietude
Curated by local artist Leslie Barlow, Disquietude is a collaboration between her and six artists from the artist collective and program Studio 400. Each artist approached questions around fear, the unknown, growth and resilience in different ways that reflect both internal and external tensions within these concepts—something we can all relate to in 2020. Featured artists include fashion designer Bris Carbajal of Yessenya along with visual artists Maiya Lea Hartman, Taylan De Johnette, Jacqueline W. Nuzzo, Philipo Dyauli and Sarah Nicole. Celebrate these artists by planning a socially distanced visit in person or doing a virtual tour online.
On view 9/10–11/20 on view online @ whitebeararts.org/2020/08/disquietude
Scheduled in person viewings: TBD @ White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave, White Bear Lake
Into the Rabbit Hole: An Immersive Pop-up Selfie Exhibit
Looking for a socially distanced activity to share with a few of your closest friends or family? Then check out this new, immersive popup exhibit created by Studios Moss, a St. Paul–based creative design company that specializes in custom backdrops and installations. House within The Wycliff, a new co-working space in St. Paul, you can view the exhibit via a self-guided tour with up to 9 companions. Each visitor is given 45 minutes to go through the spaces (and take plenty of selfies, of course).
Runs 8/27–10/31 @ The Wycliff, 2327 Wycliff St #210, St. Paul
$25 adults, $17 children 6–15, free for children 5 and under @ eventbrite.com
NEW RETAIL OPENINGS
Community Commons at Mall of America
Mall of America has just debuted Community Commons, a new, rent-free space dedicated to businesses struggling due to the pandemic or displaced due to civil unrest over the summer. Several, including Peruvian poncho retailer Llakta, come from the Midtown Global Market on Lake Street, which was hit by some of the worst damage. The 17 vendors include Twiggy Fresh (bamboo toothbrushes), and Butters by Jay (shea butter skin and haircare). The 5,000-square-foot space is currently set to stay open through Spring 2021 and will feature an evolving roster of retailers.
Now open @ Mall of America, 238N South Avenue (2nd level), Bloomington.
Learn more at mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
The List Launches
One unfortunate consequence of the COVID outbreak is the dearth of makers markets, which many local makers and small businesses had relied upon for a majority of their income—especially during the upcoming holiday season. Hoping to fill that void is The List, a new, Minnesota-based online maker hub that is fully launching this week. The marketplace aims to be a one-stop shop for high-quality artisans, makers and other small businesses, just in time for holiday gift-giving season. Find a mix of fashion, home goods and skin care by 40 top local makers, including Strey Designs, Adam Turman, Essence One, FOAT Design, Hackwith Design House, ILO Design, J.Lux Jewelry, Joeleen Torvick, Julia Elise Skincare, Tiny Loud and Minny & Paul.
Now available @ www.findmeonthelist.com
Arc’s Autumn Retro Collection
Halloween is an important fundraising season for Arc’s Value Village because many new thrifters come in looking for costumes. But unfortunately for a lot of thrift stores, their Halloween assortment can often seem to indirectly promote cultural appropriation when presenting traditional garments as a costume. (Examples: Chinese cheongsam dresses, Native American-inspired garb, traditional Hmong or African garments.) Put simply, someone else’s culture is not a costume. In an effort to curb cultural appropriation and the use of racist costumes, Arc’s has reimagined its annual Halloween shop. Dubbed the Autumn Retro Collection, the nonprofit thrift store’s revamped costume shop will feature creative, discounted retro clothing and accessories at great prices—so you can dress up without the cultural appropriation.
Through 10/31 @ 3 locations including Bloomington, New Hope & Richfield, arcsvaluevillage.org
Les Sól Storefront OpeningNew Minneapolis boutique Les Sól was set to open earlier this spring, until COVID-19 happened. After launching its online shop over the summer, the shop is set to open the doors of its brick-and-mortar location this week in Linden Hills. Founded by sisters Mikaela and Megan Harrod, Les Sól is a women’s lifestyle boutique with a “West Coast vibe” and a passion for community, small brands (like Pistola Denim, Paloma Wool, ＦＲИＣＨ), independent artists (the new store features custom wallpaper by local gals By She She) and sustainability (brands like ACACIA). Oh, and be sure to check out their exclusive, new collab with local jewelry line, Jac & Violet.
Now open @ 4353 S Upton Ave #104, Mpls, shoplessol.com
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGNS:
HWMR Announces Expansion & Crowdfunding Campaign North Minneapolis fixture HWMR just announced a major expansion. Originally known as Houston White Men’s Room, a barbershop founded by Houston White, the concept has since expanded to include Houston White’s apparel line. Now, White is working to expand the physical footprint as well as the offerings from HWMR. The new HWMR will be part barbershop, part retail store, part coffee bar, part cafe and all community, working toward “a better future, a better world, a better culture built by and for North Minneapolis.” They’ve just launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the expansion.
Donate & learn more at https://igg.me/at/hwmr
LOCALLY MADE FACE MASKS:
Want to be safer in style while supporting a small business? Skip the big-box store and pick up a handmade, one-of-a-kind face mask crafted by a local designer or brand. In response to Gov. Walz’s statewide mask mandate in Minnesota, I’ve updated my Minnesota-made mask directory. Check it out and pick out a few new favorites.
SUBMIT: Email me details about future events for consideration at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com.