TWIN CITIES SHOPPING & STYLE: NOVEMBER 17–22

Updated to add: As COVID-19 cases in Minnesota and around the U.S. continue to rise and Twin Cities hospitals are at 98% capacity, I am presenting this information with the caveat that I personally recommend shopping online instead of in-person events to slow the spread of COVID-19.

This week in local shopping, holiday makers’ market season continues, Houston White’s Black Excellence line comes to Target stores, and the MCAD Art Sale goes virtual.

Houston White with his line of apparel. [Courtesy Houston White]

Houston White with his line of apparel. [Courtesy Houston White]

NEW THIS WEEK:

Houston White’s Black Excellence line launches at Target: Earlier this year, Target reached out to Northside entrepreneur Houston White about carrying his Black Excellence apparel brand in their stores. It recently dropped at Target’s newly remodeled Lake Street store, the first of nearly 1,870 Targets in the country to carry the Black Excellence clothing line. The collection is not available online to shop, but you can shop Houston White’s Fall 2020 collection at houstonwhite.co.

Julmarknad Virtual Holiday Market: The American Swedish Institute’s annual Julmarknad Swedish-style makers market has gone virtual. Now through the holidays, you can shop all 33 vendors online and tune in on December 5 for a a series of Virtual Julmarknad Artist Panels. Plus, select artists will offer virtual personal shopping appointments the weekend of December 5 and 6. Now through 12/20. Shop now at www.asimn.org/julmarknad

Craft Bash 2020 Online: American Craft Council's annual Craft Bash is hosting a virtual marketplace filled with meaningful, handmade gifts by more than 90 diverse artisans from across the country. Local favorites participating include Lulu Organics, SCARFSHOP, Marisa Martinez Jewelry, Winsome Goods, Hideaway Leathercraft, Ethel Studio and DC Ice, and many items are one-of-a-kid or limited quantities. Learn more and explore the artists on the Craft Council’s website. Now through 12/6 @ www.craftcouncil.org/show/season/craft-bash-2020

Union Depot's Virtual Holiday Bake Sale: Although vendors will no longer be gathering physically at the Union Depot's annual bake sale, you'll still be able to stock up on holiday treats from them via virtual orders. You can purchase a treat bag, available in small, medium or large sizes, filled with baked goods from local vendors and pick it up at Union Depot. Now through 11/30. Pickup 12/12 @ Union Depot, 214 4th St E, St. Paul. Shop now via www.uniondepot.org/bakesale

This Week’s Local Vintage & Maker Drops:

THURSDAY–SUNDAY:

2020 Virtual MCAD Art Sale: The ever-popular MCAD Art Sale has gone virtual this year. But as always, it features the chance to find original artwork by MCAD students and alumni at a steal. A portion of proceeds fund student scholarships, and 80% of the sales go directly into the artists’ pockets. New this year is a Digital Showcase to amplify the work of animation, film, multimedia and installation students. Curbside pick-up is available for all orders; shipping will not be available. Gain VIP access by donating $50 or more to the MCAD Art Sale Scholarship fund. Beginning at 8am 11/19–11/22 @ mcad.edu/about-mcad/events/art-sale. Early access: mcad.edu/mcad-art-sale-2020-vip-early-access

Do It Green! Minnesota Virtual Green Gifts Fair: The annual green gifts fair will be hosting its 15th annual event virtually with some new ways to participate. Shop for holiday gifts and support local businesses through its online directory of 100+ local green artists and businesses. Vendors will offer discounts and specials at their stores or on their websites during the four day event, and the first 50 shoppers get a free Chinook Book app. Plus, participate in educational and interactive events all throughout the four-day event in person or virtually. Thursday–Sunday, 11/19–11/22 @ doitgreen.org

Haupt Antiek Market: Holiday Markets: The occasional vintage market is known for its annual holiday markets featuring a new theme and fresh inventory each month. Look for a mix of holiday home decor, antique ornaments, table settings, festive furnishings, gifts, outdoor decorations, sleds, skis and fresh greens. 11/19–11/22 ("This Is Christmas"), 11/30 (Small Business Saturday), and 12/3–12/6 ("Holiday Sparkle"). Hours: Thursday 9am–8pm, Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 9am–5pm & Sunday 11am–4pm @ 7570 147th St W #400, Apple Valley, www.hauptantiek.com

BEGINNING FRIDAY:

Schmidt Artist Lofts' Virtual Market: The Schmidt’s virtual holiday market makes it easy to do your holiday shopping with Schmidt Resident artists and makers. Visit the Facebook event page to learn how to shop. Beginning Friday, 11/20 & continuing through the holidays @ www.facebook.com/events/380942756682023

FRIDAY–SUNDAY:

bread: A unique pop-up market: This holiday pop-up market created by local entrepreneur Marsha Magdalene will feature a mostly BIPOC group of locally owned brands and goods from local makers. Grand opening 11/20–11/22, Running weekends through 2/28/21 @ Maplewood Mall (lower level next to Lids/Caribou Coffee), 3001 White Bear Ave N #1015A, Maplewood, www.facebook.com/breadpopup

Virtual Nordic Julemarket: Utepils Brewing’s fifth annual Scandinavian-inspired virtual market features handmade gifts from local makers, makers all across the country and businesses importing goods straight from Scandinavia. In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, the 5th Annual Nordic Julemarket is now 100% online. 11/20–11/22 @ nordicjulemarket.com

Grethen House 40% Off Sale: Save 40% on fall collections from the store’s designer labels, in store at both its North Loop and 50th & France locations and online. 12/20–12/22 @ 212 3rd Ave N, Minneapolis, 4930 France Ave S, Edina and grethenhouse.com

SATURDAY:

Mill City Farmers Market: Winter Market: The Mill City Farmers Market has begun its winter market, open on select Saturdays through April. The market will be a combination of open air shopping in the Train Shed and Chicago Mall as well as indoor shopping inside the historic Mill City Museum. With over 120 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace. This weekend’s makers include Aprilierre Jewelry, The Abbey Alpacas, Radiate Activewear and Olsen Naturals. Saturdays 11/21 & 12/12 from 10am–12pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org

The Artful Present: Veronique Wantz Gallery's annual holiday art and gifting event is back for a series of Saturdays of one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists and makers, including giftable paintings by Jim Hillegass and wood-fired stoneware serving dishes by Samuel Johnson, plus pop-ups from Goldfinch Modern Textile Craft and Yen Chee Designs jewelry. All artwork will also be 10% off for the duration of the event. Note, only 6 shoppers are allowed inside at a time. While you're there, visit nearby retailers UMEI for Japanese home goods and new interior design retailer J. Atelier. Saturdays through 12/19 from 11am–3pm @ Veronique Wantz Gallery, 901 N 5th St, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/veroniquewantzgallery

SUNDAY:

Healing Elements Holiday Market: Healing Elements, a mindfully curated wellness shop in St. Paul, is hosting a series of holiday markets featuring goods from independent local makers. To attend, register for a time slot to help the market stay safe and distanced. Up to 8 guests are welcome to shop for 45-minute intervals. Sundays 11/22 & 11/29 from 11am–6pm @ Healing Elements, 2290 Como Ave, St. Paul. Learn more & get free tickets at healingelementswellness.com

MONDAY, 11/23:

Darning 101 Virtual Class: An Upcycled Closet continues her visible mending virtual sewing classes with this intro class to darning knit sweaters, socks and accessories with a simple starter stitch. Other skills taught will be understanding a knit stitch, determining a knit vs. woven fabric and applying history of darning to the craft. Register early to get all necessary materials in the mail or delivered locally prior to class. $40. Monday 7–9pm via Google Hang. Register @ anupcycledcloset.com/pages/calendar

NOW OPEN:

Stranger & Co. Store Opening at 50th & France: After first opening as an online shop in late 2019, Stranger & Co. is opening its first storefront this week. The small, woman-owned shop is focused on making high-quality design accessible and fairly priced, with items spanning fashion accessories to home goods to apothecary products. They primarily represent artists and designers who are women, people of color, LGBTQ+ and immigrants, and their ethos is one of inclusion, accessibility and visibility. Opening Thursday @ 3921 Market St, Edina, www.strangerandco.com 

ONGOING HOLIDAY MARKETS & GIFT IDEAS:

Fair Trade Holiday Market Pop-up: Beginning this week, four Minnesota-based fair-trade retailers are coming together to bring a new pop-up holiday shopping experience to Northeast Minneapolis. Fair Anita, Global Mamas, Elevāt and Trade Winds, plus displays from Gifts for Change, Multicolores and She is Love. These companies are joined together by their unique core values, fair trade, and ethically-made. Each group works with artisans around the world to curate globally-sourced products that have been made in ethical conditions. Now open through 12/24. Hours: Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday 11am–7pm, Friday & Saturday 10am–6pm & Sunday 12pm–4pm. @ 2516 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, www.fairtradeholidaymarket.com

Homespun Maker Market: A Minnesota-Made Holiday Pop-up Market: Shop the the best in Minnesota-made gifts for the holidays with a series of three holiday pop-up shops at local malls, featuring more than 70 local brands and makers at each location. The Ridgedale location is now open; look for stores to open at Southdale and Eden Prairie Center on Black Friday. Now open through 12/24 @ Ridgedale Center, Level 2 in Center Court, 12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka. Coming soon to Southdale Center in Edina and Eden Prairie Center. More info: homespunmn.myshopify.com

Holiday Happenings at 50th & France: Edina’s preeminent shopping destination for locally owned retail is hosting two months of holiday festivities. Enjoy exclusive shopping offerings and specials from 50th & France businesses every third Thursday of the month through the holidays. Plus, the district will have s'mores and cookie carts and artist greenhouses, window displays and ice sculpture carving on various dates through December. Visit 50thandfrance.com/events for a full list of happenings, and be sure to check out new boutiques Stranger & Co. and Six for Good while you visit. @ W 50th St & France Ave S, Edina

Bachman's Holiday Ideas & Inspiration for the Home: The local home and garden retailer has shifted its annual holiday idea house from its Lyndale Avenue location to its flagship store to make more space for guests to safely socially distance while gathering inspiration for the holidays. The self-guided tour ($5 entrance fee) will take you through themed rooms and styled vignettes with fresh design ideas for the season. Plus, 20% of proceeds will benefit Spark-Y, a local nonprofit empowering youth through hands-on education rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship. With your ticket purchase, you’ll also receive a coupon for 20% off your next regular-priced Bachman’s purchase. Nov. 15–Dec. 13 @ 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, bachmans.com

The Museum of Russian Art Holiday Shop: The museum’s shop is decorated for the holidays, and filled with unique gift ideas like ornaments, linens, holiday Matryoshka and hand-carved Russian Santas, plus an expanded book selection. Stop by while taking in the new holiday exhibit, Masquerade for New Year, or shop online. Now @ The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, www.shoptmora.org

Union Depot European Christmas Market Virtual Edition: Instead of bundling up and heading out to St. Paul’s annual European-style market, cozy up at home for this year’s virtual edition of the market. Shop handmade goods from local makers and vendors, including handmade knives, ornaments, apothecary items, toys and Scandinavian imports. Now through 12/24 @ stpaulchristmasmarket.com

Minneapolis Craft Market Online Marketplace: As Minneapolis Craft Market’s live markets are currently on hold through at least winter 2020, you can now shop their makers online as well as live each week on virtual streaming app Popshop Live, where they’ll showcase a different maker each week. Use invite code MCMPOP to join for easy holiday shopping from the comfort of your couch. Download the free app @ bit.ly/mcmpsl & find upcoming live streaming dates and times at mplscraftmarket.com/events. You can also shop the full Minneapolis Craft Market collection from local makers online 24/7 @ mplscraftmarket.com

Community Commons at Mall of America: Mall of America recently 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 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, mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons

The List Virtual Makers’ Marketplace: 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. Shop now @ www.findmeonthelist.com

Minny & Paul Holiday Collection: Local brand Minny & Paul partners with more than 100 talented local makers and independent businesses to craft its curated gift boxes, each with a different theme. This holiday season's gift collection includes four options: Festive Foodie (chocolatey, nutty artisanal bites) and the larger Festive Foodie Deluxe Crate, Winter Woods (balsam fir incense and more hygge self-care) and Caffeine & Chocolate. Boxes start at $49. Shop now @ minnyandpaul.com

Minnesota Black Box: Find handmade items from ROX Jewelry and other top Twin Cities Black-owned businesses, including candles, body care and books, packaged together in a gift box, ready for giving. Each themed box is available a la carte and retails for $25 to $45. Shop now @ mnblackbox.com