TWIN CITIES SHOPPING & STYLE: NOVEMBER 10–16

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 strongly recommend shopping online instead of in-person events to slow the spread of COVID-19.

This week in local shopping, holiday makers’ market season kicks off with several new pop-ups, online shop Stranger & Co. is set to open its first brick-and-mortar, and Askov Finlayson drops a new apparel collection.

Stranger & Co. is set to open its first storefront this week at 50th & France.

Stranger & Co. is set to open its first storefront this week at 50th & France.

NEW THIS WEEK:

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 @ 2516 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, www.fairtradeholidaymarket.com. Hours: Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday 11am–7pm, Friday & Saturday 10am–6pm & Sunday 12pm–4pm.

Askov Finlayson Launches Cold Wave x Lake Superior Collection: Lake Superior is one of the defining geographic features of our region, yet climate change threatens its health. Askov Finlayson created a new collection of crewneck sweatshirts, t-shirts and ball caps to celebrate the lake and remind us that it needs our protection. And like all of its offerings, the brand is donating 110% of its proceeds each year to support leading-edge solutions to the climate crisis. Now available @ askovfinlayson.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. Their Ridgedale and Southdale locations are now open; look for their final store to open at Eden Prairie Center by Black Friday. Now open through 12/24 @ Ridgedale Center, Level 2 in Center Court, 12401 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka & Southdale Center, 10 Southdale Center, Edina. More info: homespunmn.myshopify.com

This Week’s Local Vintage & Maker Drops:

THURSDAY:

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 

THURSDAY & FRIDAY:

Minneapolis Craft Market on Popshop Live: 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. On Thursday, join market founder Hayley Matthews-Jones along with Everthine Jewelry, and on Friday, the guest will be SK Coffee. Use invite code MCMPOP to join for easy holiday shopping from the comfort of your couch. Thursday from 4–6pm & Friday from 2–4pm. Download the free app @ bit.ly/mcmpsl & find upcoming events at mplscraftmarket.com/events. Shop the full Minneapolis Craft Market makers’ collection online 24/7 @ mplscraftmarket.com

FRIDAY–SUNDAY:

Maven Events Studio Sale: Local event producer Maven Events is having a huge studio sale, cleaning out 2,000 square feet of storage. Items for sale include couches, chairs, tables, desks, filing cabinets, dinnerware, candles, shelving, Christmas decor and more. The majority of items will be only available in person, but select items will be shoppable via @mavenevents on Instagram. Friday–Sunday from 10am–3pm daily @ 1621 E Hennepin Ave #185, Minneapolis, instagram.com/mavenevents

SATURDAY:

Mill City Farmers Market: Winter Market: The Mill City Farmers Market officially begins its winter market this weekend, and will be 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 featured Art Market makers include ArtAndes textiles, Autumn Higgins Ceramics, Body Bliss, Christy Wetzig Ceramics, Crankasaurus Press, Indigo & Snow, Larissa Loden, The Abbey Alpacas and Vikse Designs jewelry. Saturday from 10am–12pm @ 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org

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). Saturday from 11am–1pm. Class fee is $40; learn how to claim your spot at anupcycledcloset.com

Vikse Designs Winter Trunk Show: Shop the new fall and winter collection by local jewelry designer Jeannie Trelles of Vikse Designs. The one-of-a-kind pieces are made from natural materials, like semi-precious stones, sterling silver and gold. Get first dibs by setting up a pre-shopping appointment on Friday. Saturday from noon–3pm @ The Fitting Room, 316 W 38th St, Minneapolis, thefittingroommpls.com

SUNDAY:

Paikka Virtual Holiday Bazaar: The highly anticipated, fifth-annual Paikka Holiday Bazaar returns—with some new safety measures in place, of course. The airy, minimalist event space will be filled with local maker favorites like SCARFSHOP, There There Collective, Lulu Organics, Apricot Floral, Nylon Saddle, Hemlocks Leather, cry baby clay, Wacks Co., will be be set up for one-way shopping. For those looking to shop more distantly, the market is also offering pre-orders via individual vendors' websites. (Note: This market has gone from an IRL event to virtual to due the pandemic.) Sunday from 11am–5pm @ instagram.com/paikka

Backyard Maker Pop-up Goes Virtual: Due to the rising numbers of the pandemic and new restrictions, this weekend's market has moved to a virtual format. Head to the following makers' Instagram pages beginning at 11am on Sunday to shop their sale items on their stories. Sunday from 11am–3pm at @als.tailoring, @burnbosscandles, @_second_life_thrift, @poppyseed_pottery, @starbaby.mpls & @standoutgoods

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. This weekend’s featured vendors include Aptus Alchemy, Baby Bonito, Ella Frances, Onward Arts, Romi Apothecary and TSII Jewelry. To attend, register for a time slot to help the market stay safe and distanced. Sunday from 11am–6pm (plus 11/22 & 11/29) @ Healing Elements, 2290 Como Ave, St. Paul. Free registration at healingelementswellness.com

FMYH presents Mindful Gift Giving: A Virtual Talk: Ashley Adamma Ochiagha founded FMYH (short for “fancy meeting you here”) as “a support group for creatives encouraging realistic goal-setting, accountability + real talk every day.” She’s bringing that real talk to the public with a live, virtual talk about mindful gift giving with local style maker Davee Ek. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with thoughtful gifts or a shopper wanting to intentionally buy gifts this year, this conversation is for you. Sunday from 3–4pm on Zoom. RSVP by sending a DM to @fmyh.co on Instagram or get more info at www.fmyh.co

MONDAY, 11/16:

Mall of America Livestream: Laundry & Cleaning Tips with Mona Williams: The Mall of America has partnered up with Popshop Live for livestream shopping. This Monday, join in to learn all about laundry and fabric cleaning tips from the laundry experts at Mona Williams, and shop the store’s assortment of boutique cleaning products. The app is available for iOS phone or browser at popshop.live/MOA. Download the Popshop Live App and use invite code MOANOW to tune in. Tune in Monday @ 3pm.

ENDING THIS WEEK:

Urban Violet Closing Sale: After 10 years of business in Stillwater and Minneapolis, local boutique Urban Violet is closing due to the ongoing pandemic. All clothing, jewelry, fixtures and decor is currently priced to sell, with clothing priced from $10 to $60 and jewelry at 50% off. All clothing online is also 50% off. Ends Sunday, 11/15 @ Urban Violet, 513 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, www.urbanviolet.com. Weekly hours: Wednesday–Saturday from 11am–5pm

Queenie & Pearl + Poppy Stella Rose: We Are the Band #SaveOurStages Fall Collection: After its planned fashion show during Fashion Week MN’s spring season in April was canceled due to the pandemic, local shop Queenie & Pearl and blogger/stylist Poppy Stella Rose have pivoted to showcase their collaboration in a new way. First, they created a rock ‘n’ roll-themed photos hoot outside of First Avenue’s iconic silver star walls. Now, for the next two weeks, you can shop the collab capsule collection at Queenie & Pearl along with merch from local musicians to help support the #SaveOurStages initiative and see an art installation of the photos from the shoot. Ends Sunday, 11/15 @ Queenie & Pearl, 5014 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, www.queenieandpearl.com. Hours: Tuesday–Friday noon–6pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am–5pm

KOKOON Mega Moving Sale: Local women’s clothing label KOKOON is moving to a new headquarters and warehouse. Help them unload with their just-announced online clearance moving sale. They’ll be adding more items as the sale progresses so check back often. Tops range from $10 to $35, dresses from $10 to $59 and jackets from $20 to $89. All sales are final. Get free shipping on orders over $100. Ends Saturday, 11/14. Online only. Shop now at kokoon.net

CLASSES:

Sewing Classes from ReThinking Tailoring (in-person & virtual): Want to sharpen up your sewing skills? Or are you a total beginner and not sure where to start? Then check out ReThink Tailoring’s new one-on-one, in-person sewing classes. This week, they’re offering a beginner class, Meet Your Machine, during a variety of times and dates ($45). Masks are required. Prefer to go virtual? They’re also offering an online course in hand mending basics ($20–$45). Weekly (see website for schedule) @ ReThink Tailoring, 3449 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis. Register at rethinktailoring.com

NOW AVAILABLE:

Alice Riot Scarf Preorders: Entrepreneur Kelly Groehler and visual artist Kate Iverson started their women's fashion brand, Alice Riot, in 2016 to inspire women to invest in women artists. After reassessing their business model, the brand is relaunching exclusively as a luxury scarf line featuring artwork by 100% women artists, discontinuing skirts and dresses in the process. New artists Precious Wallace and Marlena Myles will join artists Lady Pink, Stefanie Thiele, Nina Ramos and Iverson for the new collection of limited-edition patterns, which were first created as original paintings. Beginning this week, you can begin placing preorders for the collection. Presale now available @ aliceriot.com

New Designers at Strey Collective: Housed within the Northrup King Building, co-op boutique Strey Collective features a collective of local designers creating fashion, jewelry, accessories and more. The shop recently added three new local makers to its ranks: Rebekah Anne (apparel), Mezame Designs (apparel & textiles) and Moxie Malas (jewelry), joining local favorites like leather bag maker Strey Designs and apparel designer Joeleen Torvick. @ Northrup King, 1500 Jackson St NE #179, Minneapolis, www.instagram.com/streycollective

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

ONGOING SALES:

HAUS Salon Client Appreciation Sale: Save 20% on your favorite shampoo, conditioner, styling products, skin care and more during HAUS Salon's month-long sale. Note, there will be no immediate order pickup available; all orders must be placed online for pre-order. Orders placed in November will be shipped the weeks of November 23 and December 7. No discount code necessary. Some exclusions apply. Ends 11/30 @ haussalon.com

NOW OPEN:

Jaxon Grey at Galleria: One year after opening a flagship store in North Loop, men's retailer Jaxon Grey has opened its second location at Galleria. Operated by Michael Druskin, retail vet and former CEO of Len Druskin, the new store is located within a 2,000-square-foot space next to Roe Wolfe boutique. It's something of a homecoming—Len Druskin's flagship store was open for nearly 30 years at the Galleria. Expert a similar look and boutique brands as Jaxon Grey's North Loop store. @ Galleria, located on the East end along W 69th St (enter at door 4), Edina @ jaxongrey.com

Union Market Mankato: 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. Read more about the new storefront on my blog. Regular hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 10am–6pm @ 615 S Front St, Mankato, www.unionmarketmankato.com

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 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.
Now available @ www.findmeonthelist.com

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.