Ring in the New Year with makers markets, hands-on classes and spotlights of the best new shop openings in the Twin Cities.
SUBMIT your upcoming shopping news and events to be considered for inclusion in this weekly newsletter at jahna.peloquin@gmail.com
Strey Designs kicks off its new leather working series this weekend at its Northeast studio. (Image courtesy Strey Designs)
NEW THIS WEEK:
Strey Designs launches workshop series
After 11 years of leather crafting, local maker Strey Designs is combining their love for leather with a hands-on workshop geared toward both casual crafters and serious makers. Get an in-depth, hands-on experience of working with leather from Strey Designs’ Sarah Butala while getting to take home your own special item you’ve made yourself. Classes start this Friday with a Belt Making Workshop with class sizes ranging from 5 to 8 participants. Masks are required, or optional with proof of vaccination. Additional workshops include Wallet Making and Purse Painting. For more information on individual workshops or to sign up visit streydesigns.com/workshop
FORAGE Year-End Clearance Sale
The beloved East Lake Street home and gift shop recently shuttered its brick-and-mortar after a decade in business, pivoting to an online-only model. The shop has some remaining inventory left after its closing sale with unbelievable deals on everything currently in stock while supplies last. Plus: Free shipping! Shop now @ foragemodernworkshop.com
Hovden Wear Winter Sale
Nothing beats wool in the winter. For a limited time, local brand Hovden Wear, which creates apparel inspired by traditional Scandinavian work clothes, is offering 20% off all wool items with code WOOLFORWARMTH @ hovdenwear.com
ENDS SUNDAY:
Parc New Year Sale
Save 30% on select styles from the modern women’s clothing boutique in store and online with code HELLO2022. Ends Sunday at midnight @ parcboutique.com or shop in store Friday–Sunday during regular hours @ Parc, 212 N 2nd St #102, Minneapolis
THURSDAY–SATURDAY:
The Fitting Room’s Welcome 2020 Sale
The South Minneapolis fashion boutique is welcoming 2022 with a sale. Save 20% storewide on everything, including clothing, jewelry, handbags, hats and apothecary items from local designers and makers. Thursday–Saturday @ The Fitting Room, 318 W 38th St, Minneapolis, thefittingroommpls.com
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market: Winter Market
A mainstay since 2006, the Mill City Farmers Market has moved indoors to the Mill City Museum lobby for the season on select Saturdays through April. Each event features 30–40 local farmers, food makers and artisans with a goal of building a local, sustainable and organic food economy. This weekend’s artisan highlights include Apriierre jewelry, Fringe & Fettle Ceramics and Olsen Naturals body care. Masks required. Saturday from 10am–1pm @ Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Bachman's Winter Farmers Market
Winter Farmers Markets are back at Bachman’s. Enjoy farm-fresh foods and support your community growers at the same time! Stock up on produce, sweet treats, crafts, and gifts from local farmers, bakers, and artisans at our Farmers Markets, hosted by the St. Paul Farmers Market. The November market will be held in the parking lot of Bachman’s; plan ahead with weather-appropriate attire. For all other markets located in the greenhouse, a capacity of 150 persons will be monitored. All food items will be take-out only, so you can bring home and enjoy any delicious treats you pick up. Saturday 10am–2pm @ Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, bachmans.com
Local Makers Market
Led by local maker Chingona Goods, Market Collective MN is a new market collective that prioritizes BIPOC and queer vendors and allies. Hosted by Latinx-owned Northside brewery, La Doña Cerveceria, the collective’s first market of 2022 features Niara's Handcrafts embroidered hats and hoodies, Big Bubbe Energy smoke blends and herbal teas, Casa de Juana candles, Sarah Sosa art, Shop Shantiii dog accessories, Designs by Jaspirations jewelry and Chingona Goods vintage clothing and resin art. Saturday 12:30–6:30pm @ La Doña Cerveceria, 241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis, @marketcollectivemn
The Black Market: Black Business Is Beautiful Market
This local market highlights goods from BIPOC-owned businesses from across the Twin Cities. Goods include clothing, gifts, beauty products, personal chef services, nail care, men's accessories, food products, jewelry and more. Visit the website for a full list of vendors and reserve a free ticket to ensure social distancing measures are met. Masks are encouraged. Saturday 2–7pm @ The Case Building, 767 N Eustis St, Minneapolis, theblackmarketmpls.com
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Sock to Soil Challenge
Three Rivers Fibershed continues its Soil to Sock Challenge this weekend with two virtual classes. It's a collaborative endeavor aimed at bringing awareness to the life-cycle of our textiles through the perspective of one of our most utilitarian garments, socks. The series of classes will help deepen your understanding of our local fiber region by connecting with local fiber stewards and making/mending your own pair of socks using locally grown wool. Programming will run from this month through March 2022; visit the website to learn more. “Spin with Ewe - Sock Blends”: Saturday 11am–2pm (SOLD OUT) & "Sock Knitting - A Two Part Series": Sunday 1–2pm. Register & learn more @ threeriversfibershed.com
SUNDAY:
Anoka Indoor Antiques & Collectibles Flea Market
Head to downtown Anoka for this monthly flea market happening the second Sunday of every month through April. Each market features a mix of vintage sellers, antiques and collectibles dealers, crafts and makers. Sunday 9am–3pm @ Anoka Knights of Columbus Hall, 2421 4th Ave, Anoka, facebook.com
ENDS SUNDAY:
Montgomery Collection Sample Sale
There are few things as sustainable as a sample sale. Local handbag line Montgomery Collection is having a rare sale on samples from past collections in its online shop. Save on minimalist, handcrafted leather travel goods from the brand that are slightly damaged, test pieces for patterns, and past-season items. Online only. Now through Sunday @ montgomerycollection.co
ENDS MONDAY:
Gamut Gallery’s Raging Art On - Online Marketplace
For those looking for some truly unique gift ideas, look no further than indie art gallery, Gamut, for its 10th annual Raging Art On “uncurated” holiday gift market. Shop giftable, affordably priced goods, including original paintings, photography, prints, handmade fiber art, jewelry, sculptures and stocking stuffers, from more than 60 local emerging and established artists and makers, including Lora Hlavsa, Manthra Studio, Martzia Thometz, Third Daughter Restless Daughter, Bekah Worley. and Scott Seekins. Online through Monday @ gamutgallerympls.com
CONTINUING:
Grethen House 40% Off Sale
The women's fashion boutique has just taken new 40% off markdowns on select items from its fall and winter collections. Shop now in store @ 4930 France Ave S, Edina, and online @ grethenhouse.com
Atelier957 Winter Sale
Shop new markdowns of 30% off, 50% off and 70% off on select fall and winter styles during the St. Paul fashion boutique's winter sale. New items are added frequently, and inventory is limited. Shop now in store @ 957 Grand Ave, St Paul, and online @ atelier957.com
The Departments at Dayton's
The long-in-the-works Dayton's Project in downtown Minneapolis is now open with a seasonal makers market—just in time for holiday nostalgia for Dayton’s to kick in. The Departments at Dayton's features more than 30 local vendors on the first floor of the Dayton’s building. Vendors include Larissa Loden jewelry and Karen Morris Millinery, plus several Native American- and Indigenous-owned makers and artists. The market will also sell apparel and accessories featuring the iconic Dayton’s logo. In a nod to Dayton’s iconic holiday displays, the building will also unveil some new holiday window displays designed by Kent Hensley, a former creative director for Marshall Field's, including a tribute to Santa Bears. Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday noon–5pm (check website for holiday hours) @ The Dayton’s Project, 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, thedepartmentsatdaytons.com
Homecoming Queen: The Wonderful World of Utica Queen
Homecoming Queen invites visitors to explore the wonderful world of Utica Queen, star of Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and a fixture of the local drag scene. The exhibition features garments, accessories and original design sketches by Ethan Mundt (Utica Queen), editorial photographs of the Drag Race alum by photographers Ben Seagren, Dan Little, Eric Magnussen, Liam James and Trevor Beaty, and a short documentary highlighting Mundt’s background and creative process by Tatyana Kurepina. This first-of-its-kind 4,000-square-foot drag fashion and photography exhibition will include immersive virtual gallery accessible to visitors worldwide. On view through 4/4/22 ($5 museum admission) @ Rochester Art Center, 30 Civic Center Dr, Rochester, rochesterartcenter.org
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE:
Tickets are now available for Black Hearts Ball 2022 on February 12, presented by TIM+THOM in partnership with Aria Minneapolis. It’s the first return to the runway for the long-running event since before the pandemic began. This year’s event features collections from local fashion designers including Thom Navarro for TIM+THOM, Gilded Roots, CJW Designs, FRIKA, Be Tvum, Happy Calamity, Diays Designs, and a gallery presentation by Felt Good, set to a backdrop of a special performance by Minnesota Opera. Get tickets @ www.eventbrite.com
Minneapolis Vintage Market has announced its early 2022 dates, with the first landing 1/16 at Machine Shop. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test is required for entry; masks are required, and reservations are required to control capacity. Get your early-bird shopping passes now ($10) or sign up for your free shopping pass at mplsvintagemarket.com
Early-bird tickets are going fast for the next edition of Twin Cities Vintage Fest on 1/29 at the Convention Center. The market promises over 100 vendors selling the best of ‘80s and ‘90s clothing and memorabilia. The event is limited capacity due to capacity restraints, so pre-purchase of tickets is the only way to guarantee entry. Masks are required for entry. Early bird tickets are $20 and general admission is $5 @ tcvintagefest.com
Tickets are now on sale for The Fitting Room's Resort Fashion Show & Pop-up on 2/5. The South Minneapolis boutique will showcase new resort collections from its all-local roster of clothing and accessories designers. all available to shop immediately after the show. Tickets are $25 @ eventbrite.com
NEW ARRIVALS:
She She launches pajama line
Local wallpaper designer duo She She has expanded to launch its first custom, wearable products: a line of pajamas featuring two floral color-ways: Summer Flora and Winter Flora. (But don’t let the names hold you back—both patterns can be worn year-round.) Each set is available in cotton ($85) and silk ($175) fabrications in unisex sizing from S to XXXL, and comes in a ready-to-gift, matching hand-tied sachet. While you’re at it, be sure to pick up some of their new holiday wrapping paper designs. Now available @ bysheshe.com/gifts
NEW STORE SPOTLIGHTS:
Arlo
First launching as an online shop in early 2020, Arlo recently. opened its first brick-and-mortar store. The store offers a mix of vintage and new femme clothing and accessories, curated into capsule wardrobe collections for easy outfits. Plus, every other Wednesday, tune in on their Instagram @shoparlo_ for their latest drop, a mix of vintage finds and new pieces in limited sizing and quantities. Now open @ 21 SE 4th St, Minneapolis, shoparlo.com. Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11am–5pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday noon–5pm
Bench Pressed
Longtime local mom-and-pop design studio is opening its first storefront. The shop will feature their own stationery and greeting cards, letterpress-printed by hand with antique equipment, plus apothecary items for body and bath from other small indie brands, home decor and kitchenware, and creative gifts for kids. Now open @ 2010 26th Ave S #2, Minneapolis, benchpressed.net
Blank Inside
The sister store of Jen Nylin's boho-chic Jenny in the City clothing boutique in South Minneapolis, Blank Inside in the Whittier neighborhood features giftable goods, home décor, her own Midwest-themed apparel lines, and greeting cards (all blank inside for optimal personalization). Now open @ 23 E 26th St., Minneapolis, @shopblankinside
Greenhouse Salon & Shop
Last week, the Bryn Mawr neighborhood welcomed a new storefront: Greenhouse, a salon and shop. Greenhouse specializes in organic hair care and also sells house plants, plant care, vintage home decor and accessories, and handmade goods by local makers. Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–7pm & Saturday 11am–5pm @ 408 Cedar Lake Rd S, Minneapolis, greenhousebrynmawr.com
Haus Theory
The longtime online vintage seller’s new storefront features hand-picked and restored vintage furniture and home decor alongside well-designed modern pieces, with an emphasis on a less-is-more, intentional shopping experience. You can still shop select pieces on their e-shop, too. Now open Saturdays & Sundays 11am–6pm @ 2182 3rd St, White Bear Lake, haustheory.com
Petite Shops
Petite Shops is the brainchild of Haley Fruen and Brandy Mackson, co-owners of Petite Salons in Minneapolis and St. Paul, a retail spinoff of the salon created to support other small businesses and showcase local and regional vendors and makers. The St. Paul shop features the full product run, while the Minneapolis salon hosts a smaller, curated pop-up of goods. Now open @ 244 S. Albert St., St. Paul & 4805 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, petiteshops.com
Roseline’s Place
Northeast Minneapolis’ Central Avenue is now home to Roseline’s Place, owned by Roseline Friedrich of local soy + vegan candle maker Roseline’s Candles, an Immigrant- and Black-Woman-owned local business that sells its candles in recycled jars. Roseline’s Place offers their own goods along with a mix of items from other makers, including body butters from Dipp’d in Hunnie, as well as candle-making classes. Now open @ 2430 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, @roselinesplace
Strey Secondhand
Five resale brands recently set up shop in the Strey Collective co-op studio at the Northrup King artist building, selling a mix of vintage and secondhand clothing, accessories and home goods. They include Harlow James, Lighthorse Studios, Thread Finds Mpls, Eco Resale and Joeleen Torvick’s Preloved X JT. Now open with limited hours @ Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE #179, Minneapolis, @streycollective
Vuefinder Optical
The new Uptown Minneapolis optical shop is going to become your new go-to for unique, cool frames. Owned and operated by Nadine Gross, an ABO-certified optician with more than 20 years of experience, the store carries new and gently worn designer frames, plus vintage options. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins welcome. Now open @ Vuefinder Optical, 2909 Bryant Ave S #205, Minneapolis, vuefinderoptical.com
SHOP-LOCAL DIRECTORIES:
Springboard for the Arts launches Ready Made
Minnesota is getting a new way to shop and support local artists and makers across the state year-round with Springboard for the Arts’ launch of Ready Made. Ready Made is a new extension of Springboard’s website, which allows people to easily discover handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists and makers across Minnesota who have worked with the St. Paul–based not-for-profit arts service organization in some capacity. They’ll be adding new makers regularly to create a year-round platform for artists. Shop now @ springboardforthearts.org/ready-made
Urban Rooster Shop
Find handcrafted gifts from a dozen Minnesota brands on one website all season long with Urban Rooster, an online shop founded last year by two former Target execs who want to help small local retailers market their goods. The new holiday assortment includes jewelry, leather handbags, kids’ toys, home goods, specialty food gifts and more from brands and retailers such as MEND Jewelry, Legacy Toys, Strange & Co, Maddy & Maize, Kisa Boutique and Arway Bags. Shop now @ urbanroostershop.com
The List Virtual Makers’ Marketplace
The List is a Minnesota-based online maker hub. 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
Minneapolis Craft Market Online Marketplace
You can now shop Minneapolis Craft Market’s roster of local makers online, 24/7, with their online marketplace. Shop now @ mplscraftmarket.com
Threaded
Threaded is a community dedicated to retail businesses leading a more sustainable future for fashion, with a directory spotlighting sustainable businesses in Minnesota. Explore now at www.wearethreaded.co
Explore my Vintage Directory featuring local brick-and-mortar shops in the Twin Cities, plus online sellers.