This week, local shops and makers host a series of Valentine’s Day gift shopping events, both in store and virtually, plus fair-trade brand Fair Anita debuts its new showroom. Read on for ongoing winter sales from local retailers.
Les Sól hosts a Valentine’s Day makers market this weekend featuring giftable goods from local small businesses.
NEW THIS WEEK:
New arrivals to HDH Basics
Local womenswear maker Hackwith Design House has added 5 brand-new styles that are versatile, comfortable, go-to wardrobe staples. You can also now order your favorite sustainably-made Basics pieces in new fabrics and colors, with each piece designed to be timeless and worn throughout all seasons. In addition, each piece is available in extended sizes. Shop now @ https://hackwithdesignhouse.com/product-category/lines/basics
TUESDAY:
3 Jäg Design Celestial Story Sale
The local jewelry maker is having a rare story sale on its Instagram with its new Celestial Collection. A portion of proceeds will be donated to mutual aid organization, Phillips Community Free Store. Tuesday, 2/9 at 1pm @ instagram.com/3jagdesign
WEDNESDAY:
AudreyRose Vintage February Silent Auction
For 5 days, local vintage dealer AudreyRose Vintage is hosting a silent auction of items spanning vintage clothing and jewelry to housewares. Each day, 10 items will be up for bidding in her Instagram story, with a minimum bid of just $5. Daily from Wednesday, 2/10–Sunday, 2/15 starting at noon @ instagram.com/audreyrosevintage
ENDING WEDNESDAY:
The Golden Pearl Vintage Winter Sale & Basement Bazaar
Save 25% on all coats, sweaters, wool and fur pieces in the store during open hours or by appointment. The store also recently debuted its Basement Bazaar, filled with imperfect, as-is vintage clothing and accessories, which will be open on an ongoing basis. Only up to two people will be allowed to shop the basement at a time, so appointments are recommended to reserve your spot. (You can book solo or with a friend.) Select items will also be on sale on the store’s website. Sale ends Wednesday, 3/10 @ The Golden Pearl Vintage, 507A E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. Book your appointment, find open hours & shop online at thegoldenpearlvintage.com
THURSDAY:
MISAI Website Launch
New, Twin Cities–based jewelry and accessories line, MISAI, is launching its website this week. MISAI is a slow-made and small-batch jewelry art and accessories brand founded by Sunny Sai. Created as an ode to the Sai’s mother, MISAI derives inspiration from vintage Hmong craftswomxnship, celebrates creative expression and self-discovery, and is deeply rooted in culture and community. Look for new styles and restocks of favorite pieces. Shop online beginning Thursday, 2/11 @ www.instagram.com/shopmisai; get more info at www.instagram.com/shopmisai
FRIDAY:
Fragrance, Lingerie, Chocolate & Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
Flirt Boutique welcomes two local makers for an in-store Valentine's shopping event. Peruse From Grasse with Love’s fragrances and candles sourced from the south of France, jewelry from local designer Helen Wang, and Mademoiselle Miel’s artisan chocolates, along with Flirt’s luxury lingerie and sleepwear. Plus, enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides. Bring your own blanket, and make it an evening of holiday shopping and dining. Rides start at the entrance to Nolan Mains apartments. Friday, 2/12 from 3–7pm @ Flirt Boutique: 3925 Market St & @ Nolan Mains, 3945 Market St, Edina. More info: edinamag.com/events/free-horse-carriage-rides-0
SATURDAY:
Mill City Farmers Market: Winter Market
The Mill City Farmers Market is in the midst of 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 artisans, with this week’s lineup including Aprilierre jewelry, Barn Swallow Garden knits, Crankosaurus Press hand-printed textiles, Fair Anita fair-trade accessories, Red Clover Herbal Apothecary Farm balms and tinctures, and Olsen Naturals handmade soap and body care. Saturday, 2/13 from 10am–12pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Fair Anita Showroom Grand Opening
Minneapolis-based fair-trade brand Fair Anita is debuting its new showroom this weekend. Fair Anita collaborates with over 8,000 artisan partners across four continents and 9 countries for its jewelry, scarves, face masks and handbags. Each artisan cooperative specializes in different techniques and materials. This weekend’s opening gives you the chance to check out their new spring collection in person before it goes live on their website. Note: They'll be limiting the number of people allowed in due to COVID precautions. Saturday, 2/13 from 10am–4pm @ 1620 Central Ave NE #156, Minneapolis, fairanita.com. The showroom will be open Thursday afternoons from 12–5pm starting on February 18 and the second Saturday of the month from 10am–4pm from March–May. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1569358996583987/
“Diagnosing a Mend” with An Upcycled Closet
An Upcycled Closet's Lauren Callis is hosting an ongoing series of virtual classes to teach you about the basics of mending and darning to give you the knowledge and resources to begin repairing your damaged clothing. Learn the first steps to preparing your mend and fixing your garment with this two-hour class. Each class costs $40 per person and includes a kit with everything you need prior to class. Saturday, 2/13 from 10am–noon. Register at https://anupcycledcloset.com/pages/calendar
Color Pop My Mood: Arc's Value Village Virtual Styling Event
By the end of winter, most of us tend to fall into the doldrums of wearing black and neutrals, but sometimes a shot of color is just what we need to get us through to spring. It’s the perfect timing for this free virtual styling event from local nonprofit thrift store, Arc’s Value Village. Join Arc’s Thrift Stylist, Sarah Colvin, as she offers some fun tips on the psychology of color and how to successfully add it into your wardrobe. You can also book an appointment with their team of personal shoppers anytime, now available virtually and in-person. Saturday, 2/13 @ 10am on Arc’s Value Village Facebook Live. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/942798036463073
Northrup King Nights - Valentine's Day Edition & Open Saturday
Northeast's largest artist and maker studio building has open studios every Saturday and the first Thursday of the month. Fashion highlights includes Strey Collective, a co-op shop featuring apparel, leather goods and accessories by several local designers (#179) and local jewelry favorite, Larissa Loden (#265). This weekend, they’re offering extended evening hours for Valentine’s gift buying. Saturday, 2/13 from 10am–5pm plus 5–10pm @ 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, www.northrupkingbuilding.com
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
The Love Club: A Valentine's Day Makers Market
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, find gifts for your loved ones or treat yourself at this makers’ market hosted by Linden Hills boutique, Les Sól. Held in the ground unit of the 44th Commons building where Les Sól calls home, right next to Sebastian Joe's, the pop-up features 11 locally-owned, small businesses: Twin Spirits Distillery, Lindsey Weller Tarot Card Reader, The Face Brands, AK Collective vintage, Marina Qualey Art, Empressed Threads jewelry, Gina Gaetz Art (Saturday only), YarrowMeadMetals jewelry, The Monarch waxing studio, plus-size vintage dealer Doo Wop Vintage, and Nightingale restaurant. Then, make your way upstairs to see some of the latest arrivals at Les Sól. Per COVID protocols, only 5 people will be allowed to shop within the Les Sól storefront at a time, and 15 people max are allowed within the pop-up space. Saturday, 2/13 from 12–6pm & Sunday, 2/14 from 12–5pm @ 4353 S Upton Ave, Minneapolis. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/686634088683644
ON VIEW:
On view: Papier at American Swedish Institute
A juncture between art and fashion, Papier is an international touring exhibition showcasing artist-designer Bea Szenfeld’s striking paper couture—dresses and other sculptural fashion items made entirely from paper and worn by such pop icons as Lady Gaga and Björk—united with artist-author Stina Wirsén’s evocative and colorful illustrations. Papier has made its Midwest debut at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis (in one of only two U.S. stagings). Bea continuously pushes the convention of both paper and fashion; some pieces are origami folds, others consist of thousands of individual pieces put together. Inspired by origami and Arte Povera–an Italian art movement during the late 1960s and early 1970s that saw artists exploring common materials and unconventional methods–the series of beautifully impractical creations feature thousands of paper sheets, layered in sculptural arrangements. Stay tuned for updates regarding the opening and virtual experiences around this exhibition. On view February 6–July 11. Hours are Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4pm; advance, timed reservations are required to visit the museum and can be made at www.ASImn.org or by calling 612-871-4907 during museum hours.
ONGOING WINTER SALES:
Askov Finlayson: Save up to 40% on select winter accessories and apparel, including classic North Hat styles and 2020 collaborations designed to celebrate and protect the North. Plus, save $100 on Winter Parkas in select colors. Now @ askovfinlayson.com
NEW! Atelier957: Shop sale items at 30% off, 50% off and 70% off. Plus, save an additional 20% on all sale items for a limited time. In store and online, no code required. Shop now @ 957 Grand Ave, St Paul, atelier957.com
Dugo Closing Sale: The longtime locally owned Galleria boutique is closing its doors on February 26. Until then, most clothing is at least 50% off and jewelry is 20% off in store. Ends 2/26 @ 3595 Galleria, Edina, dressupgoout.com
Encore Consignment Boutique: Save 50–75% off select fall/winter pieces during their end-of-season sale. Shop now @ 242 Hamline Ave S, St Paul, www.encoureboutiquestpaul.com
The Fitting Room: Save 20–50% off fall and winter items during the local womenswear boutique's winter sale. Shop now @ 316 W 38th St, Minneapolis, thefittingroommpls.com
gh2 50% Off Sale: Save 50% on designer consignment from the resale shop, including brands Maison Martin Margiela, Comme des Garçons and Stella McCartney. Some exclusions apply. Shop now @ 318 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, shopgh2.com
Grethen House: Save 40% to 80% on select fall and winter items. Shop now @ 212 3rd Ave N, Minneapolis & 4930 France Ave S, Edina, grethenhouse.com
Hazel & Rose: Save 20% to 70% on select fall styles from the sustainable, ethical womenswear boutique, plus get free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Shop now @ shophazelandrose.com
Larissa Loden Jewelry: Save up to 85% on select styles from local jewelry maker Larissa Loden during its year-end sale. No code needed. Shop now @ larissaloden.com
Les Sól: Save up to 70% on fall and winter items from the Linden Hills sustainable women’s boutique, in store and online. Shop now @ 4353 S Upton Ave #104, Minneapolis, shoplessol.com
NEW! Maria Stanley: Save up to 80% on last-ones, imperfect pieces, samples and more from the local designer. Shop now @ www.mariastanley.com
MartinPatrick3: The North Loop luxury retailer’s end-of-season sale includes 40% off Adam Lippes’s fall womenswear collection, 40% off Maison Margiela’s fall menswear collection and up to 90% off in its sale room, in store only. Shop now @ 212 3rd Ave N #106, Minneapolis
Northwestern Knitting Co. 40% Off Studio Sale: The brand has increased its Studio Sale discount to 40% off. These styles will not be stocked again, so consider it a final curtain call. Shop now @ nwkc.us
Parc: Save 30–75% off select fall and winter items from the North Loop womenswear store to make way for new arrivals. No code needed. In store and online. Shop now @ 212 N 2nd St #102, Minneapolis, parcboutique.com
Repair Lair: Save 25%–75% on everything in store, including secondhand outdoor clothing and gear, for a limited time. Shop now @ 3304 E Lake St, Minneapolis, www.repairlair.com
Roe Wolfe Closing Sale: Another Galleria store announcing its closing this week is womenswear boutique, Roe Wolfe. The store anticipates closing early this year, official date TBD. Until then, shop the farewell sale, currently 20% off storewide in store. Shop now @ 3175 Galleria, Edina, www.roewolfe.com
Tessa Louise: The local designer is having her biggest sale ever, marking down all of her current pieces 40–60% off. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $50. All sales final. You can also shop during her open studio hours Mondays 3–6pm, Saturdays noon–2pm & by appointment. Shop now @ 1500 Jackson St NE #375, Minneapolis, tessalouise.com
Walker Shop: Save up to 75% on select items during the season-end sale from the Walker Art Center’s gift shop, online only. Curbside pickup is available. Shop now @ shop.walkerart.org/collections/sale-1
Victory Vintage: The vintage and new, one-of-a-kind home store is making way for new items, marking down many items 40 to 75% off. Shop now @ 3505 W 44th St, Minneapolis, shopvictory.com
MORE LOCAL SHOPPING HIGHLIGHTS:
Now open: June at 50th & France: A new year can often signal a time of renewal. For local designer resale store, June, that means shuttering its original Lyndale Avenue location for a new storefront at 50th and France. The upscale retail and dining destination is a fitting move for the retailer, which sells a beautifully curated mix of designer pieces, including some vintage gems. Look for an opening announcement with more details this week @juneresale on Instagram. As for their former storefront, owner Daune Stinson plans to be “continuing our commitment to resale, sustainability and our neighborhood,” adding to “watch for a new women’s resale clothing store” coming soon to their former Lyndale site. Now open @ 5027 France Ave, Minneapolis, juneresale.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
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. Open 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
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. Shop now @ 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
Check out my new Minnesota Vintage Directory, a curated listing of vintage stores and online sellers across the state for both clothing and home.