This week’s offerings include Larissa Loden’s fall jewelry collection launch, Queen Anna’s Black Business Experience, and a new, immersive exhibit tailor-made for selfies.
Designs from Larissa Loden’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection. Courtesy Larissa Loden
THIS WEEK’S HAPPENINGS:
Pareto Brand Launch
Citing a statistic that “women wear 20% of their closet 80% of the time,” locally-connected clothing brand Pareto set out to “make the best version of the clothing you actually wear.” The Chicago-based brand (whose co-founded is from Minnesota) launched online last week with a t-shirt dress that is comfortable, flattering, and easy to dress up and down, plus it’s made from 100% Texas-grown organic cotton. Their sustainability mission includes traceability—meaning they trace the sustainability of each garment from the fiber that’s grown, to the craftsperson who creates the fabric, to the seamstress that sews the final piece. Look for new pieces to come, slowly but thoughtfully.
Shop now at shoppareto.com
BEGINNING THURSDAY:
Larissa Loden Fall/Winter 2020 Collection Launch
Local jewelry designer Larissa Loden’s “VOTE” jewelry got a boost last week, thanks to Michelle Obama’s speech during the virtual DNC in which she wore a similar necklace. Now, the designer is launching a collection for fall featuring more than 30 new styles of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pins with a focus on joyful colors, inclusive sizing and giving back to the community. She is also expanding on her DIY Quarantine Craft Kits and her Do Good bracelet series, 20% of sales of which will be donated to local nonprofits. Plus, look for three new styles in the VOTE series in multiple finishes and colors. BONUS: Through the end of August, if you post a photo of yourself wearing Larissa Loden jewelry with a mask and tag them on Instagram, you’ll get a special discount for 20% off your next order!
Shop online @ larissaloden.com & at the Larissa Loden studio, 1500 Jackson St NE #265, Mpls
THURSDAY–SUNDAY:
Elevate & Amplify: A Black Business Experience
This virtual conference was created by Black-owned fashion retailer, Queen Anna, to elevate the presence of Black businesses and amplify their products, services and experiences. The weekend-long experience offers the opportunity to learn from (and shop!) a diverse group of businesses from across the country through workplace-based diversity and inclusion breakout sessions, virtual networking events, shopping, and health and wellness demos.
Runs 8/27–8/30 online.
Learn more and get tickets at eventbrite.com. General admission is free; VIP tickets are $50 and include exclusive mixers, panel sessions and workshops.
BEGINNING THURSDAY:
Virtual Cream of the Crop Gallery
With the State Fair’s cancellation, local artisans who would normally be selling at the fair are finding other ways to showcase their goods. One longtime booth, Cream of the Crop Gallery, is popping up as an online shopping experience. For two weeks beginning this week (during the original fair dates), find museum-quality jewelry and other handcrafted goods from a dozen local artists, including Robyn Robinson’s ROX Jewelry and Genie Castro.
Runs 8/27–9/6 @ creamofthecropartists.com
THURSDAY ONLY:
Root + Mineral Wellness Mobile Sauna Pop-up
Twin Cities sauna enthusiasts, take note—there’s a new sauna coming to town. Root + Mineral Wellness promises a mix of spa services that go beyond the typical offerings, with a focus on healing and balancing rituals including skin rejuvenation, muscle relaxation and mindful breathing to connect mind and body. They’re giving us a taste of what’s to come with a socially distanced sauna pop-up experience this week. Sign up for a 30-minute slot accompanied by up to 3 others (ideally those in your “pandemic pod”) by sliding into their DMs at @rootandmineralwellness. First come, first serve. Stay tuned for a crowdfunding campaign launching 9/21.
Various times on Thursday, 8/27. Learn more at rootandmineralwellness.com
BEGINNING THURSDAY:
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
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. Featured makers include Indigo & Snow, which will bring a new collection of hand-dyed, linen facemasks, plus hand-woven rugs and textiles from ArtAndes, The Abbey Alpacas’ alpaca wool products and Vikse Designs jewelry.
Saturday, 8/29 from 9am–1pm (8–9am for high-risk shoppers)
@ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Mpls, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Sunday:
Shop Safe: A Vintage & Makers Market
Since COVID struck, vintage fashion lovers have been missing their monthly Minneapolis Vintage Markets. While the official market is on hiatus due to the pandemic, a group of its regular vintage vendors like KOLLEKTIV, Tandem Vintage, Shop Country Club and Glam Diggers Vintage have come together for an outdoor market at Sociable Cider that also features some of their maker friends. Drink cider and shop artisan-made goods and vintage wares in the spacious outdoor space. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. Note: Clothing try-ons will not be available due to COVID precautions, so be sure to bring your tape measure. Want to get first dibs? You can pick up an early-bird ticket for 10 bucks.
Free or $10 for early-bird at eventbrite.com
Sunday, 8/30 @ Sociable Cider Werks, 1500 Fillmore St NE, Mpls
NEW THIS WEEK:
Parc Summer Markdowns
The North Loop boutique has just done its summer markdowns. Save 30 to 75% off select spring and summer collections. Final sale, no code needed.
In store @ 212 N 2nd St #102, Mpls & online @ parcboutique.com
ENDING THIS WEEK:
KOKOON Clearance Sale
Local women’s wear brand, KOKOON, is clearing out its spring and summer collections with a major clearance sale, with items priced at $10, $20, $30 & $40. Be sure to check back every Friday for new additions to the sale—they’ll be adding more items every week through Labor Day weekend. All items final sale.
Shop now @ kokoon.net
CONTINUING:
Idun Summer Sale
Save 40% on select spring and summer 2020 styles from the St. Paul designer women’s boutique in store and online—no code needed.
Now @ 495 Selby Ave, St. Paul & online @ shopidun.com/collections/sale
BlackBlue 50% off Sale
Save up to 50% on seasonal markdowns at the men's retailer in store or online. The store is currently open by appointment only at its St. Paul location; email info@blkblu.com for appointments. Some exclusions apply. All sales final.
Now @ 614 Selby Ave, St. Paul & online @ blkblu.com
Dallas Daws Designs Terre Pre-Sale
It can be hard (and costly) for a small business to guess which fabrics and colors are going to be the most popular. So Minneapolis-based fashion brand, Dallas Daws Designs, is trying something new with its latest collection. Pieces will be made based on preorders, shipping the week of 9/8. If you miss the pre-sale, the collection will fully launch in September.
Shop now @ dallasdaws.com/collections/terre
SALT Shop Launch
SALT, a full-service salon, spa, Himalayan salt room and cafe in St. Louis Park, is adding one more element to its menagerie of goodness: An in-house boutique featuring vintage apparel, fashion accessories and small home goods from local vintage seller Shop Country Club, plus a curated selection of skincare, haircare, fragrances, makeup, prints, candles and more giftables. Items are now available via appointment, shipping and curbside pickup.
Now available @ SALT, 3947 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park & @ experiencesalt.com
Minnesota State Fair vendors go virtual
Many local makers and brands were set to have a booth at the Minnesota State Fair this year—but with the fair’s cancellation, you can still shop your favorite vendors online via its website. Highlights include fashion designer, children’s book author and kids’ plush designer Christopher Straub, who will have “State Fair Deals” on select items. Homespun Gifts and Decor is offering an exclusive 10% off discount on its local artisan-made goods. And perennial Fair favorite, I like you, will have the best of its State Fair booth on its website, including its Minnesota State Fair Lover sweatshirt.
Shop online @ mnstatefair.org/fair-finder/shops
Wild Isles Swim Summer Sale
Locally owned, size-inclusive swim brand, Wild Isles, has been working on perfecting new sizing of its bottoms. Now, it’s clearing out what’s left of their old sizing before introducing the new styles with a sale. Save up to 40% on all bottoms in its online shop in sizes 4/6, 8/10, 12/14, and 16/18.
Shop now @ wildislesswim.com
Minneapolis Craft Market Goes Virtual
The popular pop-up craft market has just announced the sad news that it will not be returning for any events for the remainder of 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak (barring any significant changes to the situation). The good news is it has moved its platform entirely online with a fully integrated digital marketplace featuring thousands of handmade products from local makers. These makers have relied on crafts markets and art fairs for much of their income, so they need our support now more than ever—keep them in mind when you start your holiday gift shopping.
Shop now at shop.mplscraftmarket.com
NWKC: 2020 Experiments
Over the next few months, local menswear brand Northwestern Knitting Co. (aka NWKC) will be offering a small group of new designs and fabrics for pre-sale. These limited releases will open with pre-orders and finish with short production lead times, all with the goal of keeping creativity and experimentation going with less risk due to today’s unpredictable marketplace. First up is a set of fall/winter outerwear pieces now available for pre-order, shipped before 10/1.
View the collection and pre-order @ nwkc.us
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.
Sidewalk Swaps
How is one to safely donate clothing and shop sustainably during COVID times? Enter the sidewalk swap. After first popping up on the sidewalks of Minneapolis, the swap has since spawned iterations off Hiawatha in Minneapolis (@sidewalkswaphiawatha), St. Paul (@sidewalkswapstp), and most recently, outside of RETHINK Tailoring (@rethinktailoring) in Minneapolis, which will have a rack out front when the shop is open. How it works: First, check the Instagram page for the swap and make sure it’s open that day, and find out if there is space on the rack for donations-—namely, clean, summer-appropriate clothes. (You can DM them if you’re not sure.) Then, bring your donations and “shop” the rack for free. As a general rule, try to donate one piece for every piece you take. And be sure to wear a mask to shop!
SUBMIT: Email me details about future events for consideration at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com.