This week, Sisterhood MN Boutique hosts its annual fashion show, St. Kate’s Katwalk student show goes virtual and Black Fashion Week MN kicks off. Read on for those and more of this week’s style and shopping highlights.
A Busserell shirt by Hovden Wear
NEW THIS WEEK:
New local maker spotlight: Hovden Wear
Founded in 2014 in Portland, Oregon, Scandinavian-inspired apparel brand Hovden Wear recently relocated to Minnesota after local Norwegian language specialist, Elizabeth Moorhead Curtiss, took over the brand. (She also happens to be the sister of local apparel designer Gina Moorhead of House of Gina Marie.) Hovden Wear “creates clothing for today's lifestyle,” inspired by traditional Scandinavian work clothes. Their best seller is called a “busserull,” a Scandinavian work shirt that was common more than a century ago. Handmade by craftsmen in Europe and the U.S., their high-quality garments use 100% natural fabrics and sustainable production methods. Shop now at hovdenwear.com
Katwalk 2021 Virtual Fashion Show
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s St. Kate’s Katwalk student fashion show is virtual. You can view a pre-recorded recording of the show featuring the collections of St. Kate’s graduating students from the Fashion Design and Merchandising program. You can also view photos and sketches of the collections as well as the students’ sustainability projects. Now available @ fashionassociation1.wixsite.com/stkatesfashion
Limited tickets now on sale for Minneapolis Vintage Market
The first Minneapolis Vintage Market since it shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic is happening on June 6. It’s still free to attend (or $10 to reserve an early-bird spot for 11am–noon), but reservations are limited due to COVID-19 safety protocols. The outdoor market will feature 40 vendors (including my just-launched vintage brand, Rosella Vintage!). Be sure to reserve now if you’re planning to go. June 6 from 11am–6pm @ The Lab - Brewery, Pilot Facility & Taproom, 767 North Eustis St, #Suite 115, Saint Paul, www.eventbrite.com/e/minneapolis-vintage-market-june-shopping-pass-tickets-152037729943
TUESDAY:
Virtual Tête-à-Tête with ROMI Apothecary
Les Sól’s tête-à-tête Instagram Live speaker series is back with this week’s special guest, Romina Takimoto, the founder, natural cosmetics formulator and skin-specific herbalist of local brand ROMI Apothecary. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Romina's exploration of skincare formulation started off as a creative outlet to a demanding hospital job as an occupational therapist and published clinical researcher. Les Sól co-founders Megan and Mikaela will talk all things skincare with Romina. Tuesday 8pm on Instagram Live @ instagram.com/shoplessol
WEDNESDAY:
Sisterhood Boutique Fashion Show
A night of cultural pride through fashion and art, this annual fashion show presented by Sisterhood MN Boutique celebrates young women and non-binary folks of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and religions. The show first began as a way to spotlight sustainable fashion and its impact on the world. The fashion show will feature work by St. Kate’s students and Washburn High School students from Sisterhood’s after-school program. Social distancing guidelines will be observed; face masks are required. Wednesday 6–8pm @ Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis. Free. RSVP and get more info at facebook.com/events/150826956979642
THURSDAY:
Fit Foodie Finds x Larissa Loden Femme Launch Party
Local jewelry designer Larissa Loden has joined forces with Fit Foodie Finds, a female-run food and wellness website based in the Twin Cities, for a limited-edition jewelry collab—an “inspiring, inclusive collection to celebrate bodies in their many forms.” Get an exclusive first look and shop the new collaboration at this in-person launch party while enjoying some craft beer and more surprises. Sign up to get VIP early access to shop the collection at https://larissaloden.com/pages/fit-foodies-vip-early-accesslarissaloden.com/pages/fit-foodies-vip-early-access. Thursday 5–8pm @ Forgotten Star Brewery, 38 Northern Stacks Drive, Fridley
THURSDAY–SUNDAY:
Max’s 15th Birthday & Jamie Joseph Trunk Show
Located at Excelsior & Grand in St. Louis Park, Max’s Jewelry is home to an ingenious, eclectic mix of artist-designed jewelry, home decor and specialty chocolates. The store is celebrating its 15th birthday with a Jamie Joseph jewelry trunk show featuring a vast collection of the stunning rings Jamie is known for, plus earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The weekend also includes Instagram giveaways and in-store gift card giveaways. Select items from the trunk show will also be available online at www.stylebymax.com. Thursday–Sunday @ Max’s, 3826 Grand Way, St. Louis Park
FRIDAY:
Strey Collective Makers Mini-Series
Local fashion makers cooperative, Strey Collective, is hosting a series of in-person events over the next couple of months at its Northrup King studio during Open Saturdays at the building. This week’s event is a Natural Glow Workshop: Crystals & Self-Care. Friday 6–8pm @ Strey Collective, 1500 Jackson St NE #179, Minneapolis. Learn more about this and upcoming events at www.instagram.com/streycollective
Black Fashion Week MN Refresh Mixer & Kickoff Event
Black Fashion Week MN kicks off with a social mixer featuring fashion from See Designs from emerging designer Monica Morlai of Monikon Designs, plus music and more in the Prohibition Room on the 27th floor. Friday 6–10pm @ W Minneapolis, 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets are $20 @ www.eventbrite.com/e/bfwmn-presents-refresh-mixer-tickets-153630626339
FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Style Society Shop Grand Opening
Event rental and floral design studio Style Society is expanding on its vintage-inspired aesthetic and opening up its own shop. The new storefront will be filled with vintage rugs, tasseled throw pillows, vintage glassware, furniture, odds and ends, and more. Plus, you can also rent out their new, gorgeously styled studio for events. Friday–Sunday @ 453 7th St W, St. Paul, www.stylesocietympls.com
Lori Barbero Vintage Moving Sale
Lori Barbero, the legendary drummer of Babes in Toyland, has amassed quite a vintage collection over the years. After years of dealing, she’s moving out of Minneapolis and selling off her decades worth of collecting. Items include vintage household items, fine art, furniture, rugs, accessories and vintage clothes and shoes and being made available at great prices, in very good to excellent condition. Men’s and women’s clothing includes coats, suits, jumpsuits, dresses, pants, shirts, blouses and accessories from the ‘40s to the ‘00s, plus shoes, costume jewelry, hats and boots of many styles, and a vast collection of vintage t-shirts. Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm in Minneapolis (location to be disclosed 24 hours prior to sale). Learn more at www.estatesales.net/MN/Minneapolis/55408/2870574
SATURDAY:
Wright County Swappers Meet
The WCSM is a farmers market, art fair, antique mall, garden center, sporting goods store and garage sale in South Haven, MN. This large outdoor market features 150-250 vendors on an average weekend with 300+ vendors holiday weekends. Open every Saturday of April through October plus Fridays–Sundays on Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day). Hours: 6am–1:30pm, weather dependent. @ 13594 100th St NW, South Haven, www.facebook.com/AnnandaleFleaMarket
Mill City Farmers Market
A summer mainstay since 2006, the market features over 120 local farmers, food makers and artisans with a goal of building a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational outdoor marketplace. This weekend’s artisan highlights include Aprilierre jewelry, äventyr bicycle bags and Fringe & Fettle Ceramics. The Mill City Farmers Market is now open every Saturday through October with extended hours. Saturday from 8am–1pm @ Mill City Farmers Market, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Mokuzai Made & Second Life Thrift Sale
Head to the Bryn Mawr neighborhood for an outdoor pop-up market with plants, shelves, propagation stations and vintage goodies from Mokuzai Made and Second Life Thrift. Mokuzai Made is a small, local, Asian-owned woodworking business specializing in simple, functional wood pieces for the home. Saturday 10am–2pm in Bryn Mawr. Get more details at instagram.com/mokuzaimade
Minneapolis Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2021
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo showcases hand-selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses from all over the country with all things weird. You'll find items such as taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror- and Halloween-inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, and much more. Saturday 10am–6pm @ Minneapolis Convention Center Hall A, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, tickets ($10) & more info @ odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Arb May Markets
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is back with a weekly market, happening every weekend in May. Peruse nature-inspired art, handmade pottery, jewelry, artisan food, spa-worthy bath and body products and more from local makers. Browse the one-of-a-kind wares of 40 local vendors and stroll through seasonal blooms in the Arboretum’s 1,200 acres of formal gardens and natural areas. Market entry is included with gate admission (free for Arb members, $15 for non-members and free for kids 15 & younger). Reservations are required to ensure social distancing. Saturdays & Sundays through May, 10am–4pm each day @ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaka, arb.umn.edu/content/may-markets
Stillwater Flea Market Opening Weekend
Held the last weekend each month on the Washington County Fairgrounds, the outdoor Stillwater Flea Market features more than 100 crafters, vendors, food trucks, music and more. Saturday & Sunday from 9am–3pm both days @ Washington County Fairgrounds. 12300 40th St N, Stillwater. facebook.com/stillwaterfleamarket
Wadena Flea & Craft Market
This seasonal indoor and outdoor market has four buildings filled with unique finds. It’s filled with vendors selling everything you can think of including farm fresh produce, toys and games, antiques, apparel, home decor, glassware and more. Open Saturdays & Sundays every weekend through September plus Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9am–5pm @ 13560 US Highway 10, Wadena, www.wadenafleamarket.com
NEXT WEEK:
Black Fashion Week MN
The series continues with events running throughout the week.
✨ Thursday, May 27: BFWMN Presents Revolution of Fashion: Streetwear Fashion Show. 7–9:30pm @ W Minneapolis. Tix $25 @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bfwmn-presents-revolution-of-fashion-streetwear-fashion-show-tickets-153983690363?aff=erelpanelorg
✨ Friday, May 28: BFWMN Presents Black Man Magic Fashion Show. 6–9pm @ The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge. Tix $30 @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bfwmn-presents-black-man-magic-fashion-show-tickets-153394488043?aff=erelpanelorg
✨ Saturday, May 29: BFWMN and MAAHMG Present Pop Up Fashion Exhibit and Fashion Show. 3–6pm @ Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery. Tix $30–$50 @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bfwmn-and-maahmg-present-pop-up-fashion-exhibit-and-fashion-show-tickets-152106736343. (The exhibit will also be on display and free to visit during museum hours on Friday, May 28 from 1–5pm and on Saturday, May 29 from 10am–4pm.)
CONTINUING:
Billy Reid opens at Nolan Mains
Billy Reid, an Alabama-based men’s and women’s apparel brand, has just opened its first Minnesota store location this week at Nolan Mains at 50th & France. The designer, who has described his clothing as “lived-in luxury” and "broken-in luxury,” is known for his classic styles in high-quality fabrics, expertly crafted clothing with unique details and a Southern influence. The 1,800-square-foot store will sell men’s and women’s apparel along with premium-leather goods by Moore & Giles, a luxury heritage leather goods manufacturer based in Virginia. Opening Thursday @ Nolan Mains, 3945 Market St, Edina, www.billyreid.com
Winsome Goods Closing
After an impressive 7-year run, local, sustainable apparel brand Winsome Goods announced Wednesday it will be shuttering its apparel business, including both its e-commerce site and its standalone Store + Studio in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. They will take visits by appointment until the sample sale, and you can also shop online. The brand’s run culminates with a big sample sale running June 25–27 (details to come). Learn more about the closing on my blog. Shop now @ winsomegoods.com
Citywide Garage Sales
Garage sale season is officially in full swing. This weekend, check out sales in cities across the Twin Cities metro area and outstate Minnesota. Select days Thursday–Saturday. Learn more @ thriftyminnesota.com/2021-minnesota-city-wide-garage-sales-list
Now open: Leo Footwear
Two neighboring Selby & Snelling shop owners have come together to found a new shoe boutique with a sustainable focus. Leo Footwear was the brainchild of Kristie Case of Teeny Bee Boutique/Peregrine Kidswear, and Jill Erickson of women’s sustainable fashion shop, Spoils of Wear. The new footwear shop is located just a couple of storefronts down from Teeny Bee and features Brooklyn-based shoemakers Stivali and the Spanish artisan–made Pons Arvacas. You can also shop the store online. Now open @ 1554 Selby Ave, St Paul, leofootwearstpaul.com. For updates and hours, follow @leofootwearstpaul on Instagram.
Now open: Bread. A Unique Pop-up Market
What began as a holiday pop-up market over the holidays is returning to Maplewood Mall as a more permanent fixture. Created by local entrepreneur Marsha Magdalene as a shared opportunity to help small businesses market and scale their businesses, Bread features a mostly BIPOC group of locally owned brands and goods from local makers, including Marsha’s son’s brand, Ice Cream Bow Ties. For Thursday’s grand reopening, the store’s brands will be joined by Maplewood Mayor Abrams, MN State Rep. John Thompson and St. Paul City Council member Nelsie Yang, and there will be raffles and refreshments. Hours: Monday–Friday from 12–7pm and Sunday from 12–6pm @ Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood, www.facebook.com/breadpopup
Now open: Community Commons at Mall of America: Last fall, the Mall of America 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. Following its first run, the store has reopened with a fresh mix of local businesses owned by people of color. New vendors include Arway Bags, clothing brand Love Disorder, Bogaballoons, Silk Road Wellness, LEVELS apparel and more. The storefront is also acting as a launching pad for some brands—Herbal Alchemy, a former Community Commons vendor, has just opened its own storefront. Community Commons is now open at Level 2, South, Mall of America, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/communitycommons
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). Get a first look and read more about my visit to the exhibit on my blog. On view through 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.
Now open: LEGACY
After designer resale shop June announced its move to 50th & France, we wondered what was coming to its former storefront near Lyndale & Lake in Uptown. The secret’s now out: The storefront is now home to LEGACY, a vintage clothing and home shop run by June owner Daune Stinson’s daughter, Ruby, who recently moved back home from NYC after over a decade working in the fashion and retail industry. June’s little sister store features a fresh, more casual mix of brands, more vintage goods, and a lower price-point than June, similar to that of most vintage stores. Now open. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11am–5pm @ 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-545-7470, instagram.com/shoplegacystore
Now open: Dugo & Scout at Nolan Mains
Dugo, the locally owned, special-occasion retailer that recently closed its longtime Galleria storefront, has set up shop at the new Nolan Mains development at 50th & France with a tighter, more focused selection of dresses and evening separates and accessories. St. Paul maker-oriented, queer-owned men’s and gift store Scout also opened a second location at Nolan Mains. Now open @ 3919 Market St, Edina, dressupgoout.com, scoutstp.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.
SUBMIT your upcoming shopping news and events to jahna.peloquin@gmail.com