This week’s highlights include two new boutique openings, a vintage sidewalk sale, and fall collection launches from local designers Mx Apparel and Scott J Lehmann.
Mikaela & Megan Harrod of Les Sól
TUESDAY:
Mx Apparel Fall Capsule Collection Launch
Local brand Mx Apparel was founded on “stretching what gender neutral clothing can be.” Their new fall mini collection, “City Pop,” embodies that through bold color and texture. Pieces from the line will be made to order in limited quantities, so don’t wait to snap them up.
Tuesday, 9/15 @ www.mxappareldesign.com
Wide Eye Vintage Story Sale
Local vintage vendor, Wide Eye Vintage, is kicking off its first in a weekly series of story sales this week, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it opportunity to snag some one-of-a-kind pieces before someone else does. For this week’s drop, expect a lot of bright colors and bold, mod and psychedelic prints from the ‘60s, in sizes ranging from XS-XL.
Tuesday 9/15 at 8pm, @wide_eye_vintage on Instagram
WEDNESDAY:
Les Sól Storefront Opening
New 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.
Opening date likely Wednesday, 9/16; follow @shoplessol on Instagram for updates
@ 4353 S Upton Ave #104, Mpls, shoplessol.com
NEW THIS WEEK:
Dinosaur Hampton x Bearded Mermaid Capsule Collection
Benjamin Kelly’s apparel design brand Dinosaur Hampton has become known in the Twin Cities for his custom chainstitch-embroidered jackets and bandanas. Now, she’s joined forces with vintage seller Bearded Mermaid for a capsule collection of one-of-a-kind quilt jackets. That is, jackets made from upcycled quilts. It fits perfectly with Kelly’s sustainability mission through repurposing vintage clothing and materials and ethical in-house production. Coats are gender-neutral and come in 3 sizes, priced at $385–$525. Quantities are extremely limited.
Contact @shopbeardedmermaid on Instagram for availability.
NWKC Studio Sale
Starting this week, save 30% on core styles from the Quilted Schoeller series by Minneapolis-based menswear brand NWKC. The collection is built with the brand's 12-oz. Quilted Schoeller Cloth, a light performance-weight shell stitched to a knit, mid-weight reverse layer, cut and sewn in the U.S. Shop the collection @ nwkc.us
ENDS WEDNESDAY:
Last Call: 60% off at BlackBlue
BlackBlue’s 60% off 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.
Ends Wednesday at 11:59pm online @ blkblu.com or by appointment @ 614 Selby Ave, St. Paul
ENDS SUNDAY:
Grethen House's Fall Scratch-off Sale
Designer boutique Grethen House is back with its famous scratch-off sale. How it works: Get a card at either location. Shop for your fall favorites. When you're ready to check out, bring your items up to the counter and scratch off your card to see your discount—with savings of up to 50% off. You can shop as many times as you want until the sale ends on 9/20. While this deal is in-store only, you can also save 20% off all online purchases during the span of the sale.
9/12–9/20 @ Grethen House at 50th & France and Grethen House North Loop, grethenhouse.com
FRIDAY:
Ashley Mary Art Sale
Local artist and maker Ashley Mary will be releasing a slew of original paintings on her website in one fell swoop. Pieces range from large (30” x 30”) to small, including 15 pieces 9” x 12” and smaller. She’s donating 15% of all sales to Juxtaposition Arts, a local non-profit art and design education center, gallery, retail shop and artists’ studio space in North Minneapolis.
Friday, 9/18 @ 11am at ashleymary.com
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
June, Glam Diggers Vintage & Lori Barbero Sidewalk Sale
Head to designer resale boutique for their last sidewalk sale of the season (weather permitting). June will be joined by special guests, Glam Diggers Vintage and Lori Barbero’s vintage store, Solid Gold, for a sidewalk sale featuring drastic markdowns and major deals. Expect rare and unique vintage and designer finds with surprising details and fine craftsmanship, plus brass, glass and sterling housewares from Shelley Spargur. Masks and 6-feet distancing will be required. Note: No dressing rooms will be available, so be sure to bring a tape measure or an outfit you can easily try clothes on with. Venmo, Square and cash payments will be accepted. Learn more at @juneresale on Instagram.
Friday 9/18–Sunday 9/20 from 11am–4pm daily @ 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls
SATURDAY:
Indigo + Clay Resist Workshop
If you've been a fan of Indigo & Snow's natural indigo shibori-dyed textiles, now you can learn the techniques. In this two-part outdoor workshop led by local maker Annabella Sardelis of Indigo & Snow, you will learn to paint and print your own designs on fabric using a non-toxic clay resist. You'll leave with a set of your own tea towels, two pieces of 20" x 20" Kona cloth and additional pieces you can bring from home to dye. Masks will be required. Limited class spots remain.
Saturday, 9/19 & 9/26 from 9am–3pm @ Casket Arts Building, 681 17th Ave NE, Mpls
$195 (includes both sessions) @ indigoandsnow.com
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 Christy Wetzig Ceramics, Crankosaurus Press and ArtAndes.
Saturday, 9/12 from 9am–1pm (8–9am for high-risk shoppers)
@ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Mpls, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Scott J Lehmann Fall Trunk Show
Local designer Scott J Lehmann is bringing his full fall collection of gender-neutral clothing to The Fitting Room boutique for a one-day trunk show. His work experiments with new techniques with an eye toward simplicity. While you’re there, but sure to check out other new fall collections from the store’s all-local roster of fashion designers. Appointments are encouraged to manage the flow for social distancing by emailing thefittingroommpls@gmail.com or texting 612-229-8170. Get more info
Saturday, 9/19 from 12–3pm @ The Fitting Room, 316 W 38th St, Mpls
Eye Candy Store Grand Opening
Minneapolis is gaining a new Black-owned boutique this week when Eye Candy opens its first brick-and-mortar. Located in the former Aura Boutique storefront in Uptown, the shop caters to sizes S–3X—its tagline is “Captivating eyes in every size” and its website proclaims “You are eye candy—no matter your shape, no matter your size.” Judging by its website, it carries casual, everyday pieces with an eye to the trends—think tie-dye athleisure, distressed denim and matching sets.
Grand opening: Saturday 9/19 from 12–7pm @ 2447 Hennepin Ave S, Mpls, www.shopeyecandystore.com
SUNDAY:
Lowertown Art Market
Every Sunday through September, head to the CHS Field Plaza for the Lowertown Art Market. Shop goods from local artists and makers from a variety of mediums in this socially distanced, family-friendly event. Masks are required to attend. Learn more via the Facebook event.
Sunday, 9/13 from 9am–1pm @ CHS Field Plaza, 360 N Broadway St, St Paul
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE:
9/23: Black Fashion Week MN Maskerade A-List Mixer & Fashion Show (indoors, limited quantity available with social distancing in place)
9/27: Ooh là l'Alliance! Alliance Française Fall Fashion Fundraiser (outdoors)
9/27: NUBIUltimateRunway 2020: NubiCollection by BothDol Fashion Show (indoors)
10/3: Black Man Magic Fashion Show (indoors, limited quantity available with social distancing in place)
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS:
Disquietude Exhibition Opening
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
Artist panel discussion: Thursday, 9/24 at 7pm (free with registration or $5 suggested donation)
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 COLLECTIONS BY LOCAL DESIGNERS:
Dallas Daws Designs Launches Fall Collection
Instead of launching a full collection during a pandemic, local designer Dallas Daws has opted to launched a smaller capsule collection of some classic, everyday pieces with interesting details in a range of natural fabrics and colors—made with longevity in mind.
Now available @ dallasdaws.com/collections/terre
Hackwith Design House Fall Collection Launch
St. Paul–based sustainable clothing label, Hackwith Design House, has just debuted its fall collection. Find several new, transitional pieces that you can wear now through winter with the help of various layering techniques. Designs are available in boxier linens, light cottons and beautifully draped Lyocells, and in sizes ranging from XS/S through +3/4. Look for fresh, new details like unique necklines, pleats and smocking details, while offering Hackwith’s signature versatility and comfort.
Shop now @ hackwithdesignhouse.com
The List Soft Launch
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 making its (soft) debut this week. The marketplace features goods from a collective of local makers, including United Goods, Everthine Jewelry, Karin Jacobson, Sandwich Ceramic, Strey Designs and Minny & Paul. The website aims to be a one-stop shop for high-quality artisans, makers and other small businesses. Its hard launch is set for October 1 with an expanded lineup of makers, just in time for holiday gift-giving season.
Explore & shop now @ www.findmeonthelist.com
Larissa Loden Fall/Winter 2020 Collection Launch
Local jewelry designer Larissa Loden’s “VOTE” jewelry got a recent boost, 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.
Shop online @ larissaloden.com & at the Larissa Loden studio, 1500 Jackson St NE #265, Mpls
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
NEW BOUTIQUE OPENINGS:
MartinPatrick3 Launches Women’s Boutique
After more than a decade since introducing menswear to the North Loop, MartinPatrick3 is *finally* introducing women’s wear. The new store-within-a-store boutique will primarily feature women’s clothing, plus accessories, and expanded apothecary, gifts, and decor. Expect apparel from include Danish fashion house Baum und Pferdgarten, American sportswear brand Adam Lippes, Serbian luxury knitwear brand Dusan, stripe-centric brand Kule and premium denim brand AGOLDE, along with fine jewelry from Bea Bongiasca, Leigh Miller and Pamela Love, colored glass stemware from Estelle, refined home decor by Aerin, and contemporary homeware by Dinosaur Designs.
Shop in store @ MartinPatrick3, 212 3rd Ave N #106, Minneapolis. Learn more at @martinpatrick3 on Instagram.
ONGOING SALES:
Foat Design End of Summer Sale
Local clothing label, Foat Design, is doing its end-of-summer sale a little differently this year. Every Thursday, they’ll drop a small collection of deeply discounted items. More pieces will be added each Thursday until all summer inventory is gone.
Follow @foatdesign on Instagram and Facebook, and sign up for their newsletter, to get first dibs.
@ foatdesign.com
Celina Kane Virgo Season Sale
Local milliner Celina Kane celebrates the shifts in season with new, limited-edition mask bundles and one-of-a-kind hats, with select items on sale for a limited time for 25% off. The classic hat designs from her Paysanne Collection are inspired by the Petit Trianon and the Hameau de la Reine, Marie Antoinette’s “country farm” retreat in the Versailles estate, reinterpreting the Baroque while incorporating rustic charm.
Shop now @ www.celinakane.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.
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.
SUBMIT: Email me details about future events for consideration at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com.