The Shopping List MSP: 11/20–11/24

This weekend, I spotlight the best local shopping events with an emphasis on vintage, resale and locally, sustainably made clothing and accessories. Top picks—notated with a ⭐️—include a pair of neighboring artful holiday shopping events north of the North Loop, the annual MCAD art sale, and a massive vintage sale hosted by local music icon Lori Barbero. Find out more about those and more below:

Patricia Madden modeling a Karen Morris Millinery hat. Courtesy Karen Morris Millinery

WEDNESDAY:
Meet & Greet: Lucy & Co and Dogs of Instagram: After getting your pet’s photo taken for Santa Pet Photo Night at Rosedale Center, head to upstairs to Rose & Loon for a dog-friendly meet and greet with Ashley and Ahmed, the founders of local dogwear brand Lucy & Co. and the wildly popular Dogs of Instagram. 5–8pm @ Rose & Loon, Rosedale Center, Roseville

WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY:
Chameleon Shoppes Holiday Pop-ups: This holiday retail pop-up features more than dozen top makers spread throughout three locations on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, including local fashion label The Cat Lab, jewelry line ROX by Robyne Robinson, Hippy Feet knits and House of Talent fair-trade baskets. Open 11am–3pm every Wednesday–Friday through December 20 @ skyway levels of Gaviidae Common & IDS Center. Find a full list of vendors at chameleonconsortium.com

THURSDAY:
Pre-Holiday Vintage Happy Hour: Get your vintage fix at this pop-up event from local vintage vendor The Lucky Stranger, who’ll have vintage dresses, ‘70s blouses, cowboy shirts, leather jackets, fuzzy coats and more to peruse, plus wine and light bites. 4–8pm @ 1835 Park Ave S, Mpls

One Plus Size Holiday Pop-up: Get ready for the holidays as this plus-size pop-up event hosted by One Posh Closet at Queen Anna House of Fashion. Expect a mix of gently used designer and upscale labels, assistance from expert stylists including Hillary Kline, and light refreshments. 6–8pm @ Queen Anna, 109 N 2nd St, Mpls

Shop for a Cause: Realia by Jen & TreeHouse: Local jewelry brand Realia by Jen will be donating a portion of all sales during this event to TreeHouse, a Minnesota-based non-profit that is on a mission to end hopelessness among teens. Rose & Loon will also have a special gift with purchase of $100 or more. 5–8pm @ Rose & Loon, Rosedale Center, Roseville

THURSDAY–SATURDAY: 
MCAD Art Sale: One of the most anticipated art events of the year, the MCAD Art Sale offers the chance to buy nearly 7,000 pieces of one-of-a-kind art created by more than 400 MCAD students and recent graduates at affordable prices—under $1,000, with most under $100. Thursday 6–9pm ($150), Friday 6–9pm ($25–$30) & Saturday 9am–5pm (free) @ MCAD, 2501 Stevens Ave, Mpls; tickets at mcad.edu

FRIDAY:
Chelsea Lawrence Fundraiser: A member of the local fashion community needs our help. You’ve probably seen Chelsea Lawrence attending or working behind the scenes at various Fashion Week MN fashion shows, or on as on-air talent for Evine. Now, it’s time for the community to give back. Chelsea recently was struck with a debilitating medical condition and the medical bills are stacking up. This fundraiser will include vendors and raffle items donated by Salon Navarro, WarPaint International, JF Photography, Bird Dog Studio and more with proceeds going to Chelsea. 3–6pm @ Paint Nail Bar Wayzata, 1129 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata

FRIDAY & SATURDAY:
⭐️ Lori Barbero Vintage Sale: Local music icon Lori Barbero (of Babes in Toyland fame) is hosting a huge sale this weekend as she downsizes. Look for tons of great vintage clothing for men and women, including dozens of leather, motorcycle and winter coats, hundreds of rock t-shirts, dozens of designer leather purses, furniture and housewares. Friday 3–7pm & Saturday 10am–4pm @ 3228 4th Ave S, Mpls

⭐️ The Artful Present: Holiday Art & Gifting Event: Hosted by Veronique Wantz Gallery north of the North Loop, this weekend-long show features one-of-a-kind giftables from its artists and several guest makers. Look for Kei Gratton’s Tarot paintings and card decks, wax and resin jewelry and batik silk scarves by Silvana Lacreta Ravena, wood-fired stoneware by Samuel Johnson, Yen Chee Design jewelry, and textiles and clothing by Goldfinch Modern Textile Craft and ACG. Pro tip: Head down on Saturday, when neighboring shops ŪMEI and Spring Finn & Co also host holiday events. (More on that below.) Friday 10am–6pm & Saturday 10am–8pm @ Veronique Wantz Gallery, 901 N 5th St, Mpls

Woodsport Open Studio & Sale: The local maker of modern hardwood furniture and lighting hosts its annual open studio and sale featuring Woodsport classics, new pieces, sale items and prototypes. Friday 5–8pm & Saturday 10am–4pm @ 755 N Prior Ave #201, St Paul

FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Holiday Shop & Stroll: The shops of 50th & Xerxes come together for this annual event with seasonal snacks and sips at each shop, plus up to 20% off at participating stores. Friday & Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday noon–5pm @ Hunt & Gather Antiques, Loft Antiques, Queenie & Pearl, Vinaigrette, Clarabel, Blondeluxe, Gallery 360 and Nash Frame Design, 50th & Xerxes, Mpls

Founders Co. Shop Grand Opening: Join the Founders Co. (B+D Custom Crafts, Excelsior Candle Co. and MEND Jewelry) for their opening weekend at Ridgedale Center with special promotions both days. Find the shop on the first floor near the Nordstrom and Apple store. 10am–9pm @ Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka

SATURDAY:
⭐️ Spring Finn & Co Holiday Bazaar: Find handmade leather goods and accessories by local maker Spring Finn & Co alongside other unique pieces found by designer Talin Spring in bazaars around the world in limited quantities. Live jazz begins at 6pm. While you’re there, stop by neighboring storefronts Veronique Wantz Gallery and ŪMEI for more holiday shopping happenings. Noon–8pm @ Spring Finn & Co , 875 N. 5th St, Mpls

Mill City Holiday Market: Shop for handmade jewelry, ceramics and other artisan goods at Mill City Farmers Market’s weekly rotating art market, located in the train shed near the entrance to the Mill City Museum. This week features Alana Cuellar Clay, Crankosaurus Press, Larissa Loden Jewelry, Radiate Activewear, Star Thrower Farm and Vikse Designs jewelry. 10am–1pm @ 704 S 2nd St, Mpls

Green Gift Fair: Shop more than 80 eco-friendly vendors at this holiday gift fair while enjoying the global food vendors of the Midtown Global Market. Maker highlights include Create Laser Arts, Emily Floyd Jewelry, Everthine Jewelry, Fair Anita, Hippy Feet, Indigo & Snow, Julia Elise skincare, Sudify Jewelry and True Ethic. 10am–5pm @ Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Mpls

⭐️ Karen Morris Millinery Holiday Trunk Show: Find the perfect finishing touch to a holiday party look or a practical topper you can wear all winter long at this trunk show featuring the fall/winter hat collection by local milliner, Karen Morris. Noon–3pm @ The Fitting Room, 316 W 38th St, Mpls

⭐️ W Minneapolis presents Northern Vogue Gala: This first-annual gala will benefit the Foundation for Philippine Medical Missions (FPMM), a non-profit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization based in the Twin Cities with a mission to provide free medical services to different in-need communities in the Philippines. The evening includes a seated dinner, silent auction, entertainment and a fashion show featuring holiday looks from Minnesota-native designers Abbie Ross and Kristi Vosbeck Designs plus Stephanie Lake Design jewelry, Filigree Jewelry, MartinPatrick3, Ribnick Luxury Outerwear, Queenie & Pearl and TJE Fashion. 6pm at W Minneapolis, 821 S Marquette Ave, Mpls. Tickets start at $225 at Eventbrite

SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Women on the Rise Local Maker Holiday Market: Shop intentionally crafted goods by local women-founded brands at this two-day event featuring a different lineup of makers each day, including LaLunette jewelry, Julia Elise skincare, Mezamé Designs apparel and more, plus skincare consults, palm readings and Salt Cave mobile sessions by reservation. 2–6pm both days @ Healing Elements, 2290 Como Ave, St Paul

Plate & Parcel Holiday Market: Formerly the Linden Hills Holiday Market, this weekly indoor farmers market features a rotating lineup of local artisans curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. 10am–3pm both days @ Wagner Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave S, Richfield

SUNDAY:
Handmade for the Holidays: Hosted by Latin brewery La Doña Cervecería, this one-day market features nearly 20 local makers, including favorites TyAnn Zeal Designs, Fair Anita, SHEMA Apparel and Awesome Industries, curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. Noon–5pm @ La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave N Unit B, Mpls

DAILY:
The Grand Collective Holiday Pop-up: St. Paul’s Grand Avenue has gotten a bit more stylish recently with the opening of The Grand Collective, a new collaborative pop-up from the mind of Mona Williams owner Patric Richardson (aka the The Laundry Evangelist). It features a mix of local retailers and Minnesota makers, plus Mona Williams' luxe laundry products. The store will be open through the end of the year. Hours: Monday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 11am–6pm, Sunday noon–6pm @ 791 Grand Ave, St Paul

The Shopping List MSP: 11/13–11/17

This week, two local brands drop a collab capsule collection, the first-ever Yarn & Fiber Arts Market debuts, and a run-down of this weekend’s holiday maker’s markets. Here are my top local style + shopping picks for this week:

Yessenya x N.S.O.D.’s capsule collection | Photo: DK Tong

WEDNESDAY:
Holiday Preview Party @ Rose & Loon: Get a jump on your holiday shopping with this holiday preview event at the Rosedale Center store, which carries giftable goods from makers from Minnesota and around the Midwest. The event will include the chance to meet several of its makers, plus cocktails from Sharab Shrubs, meatballs from Lonetti Sisters, a m’ores bar from North Mallow, sweets from Annie B’s, and a gift with every purchase over $100. 5–8pm @ Rose & Loon, Rosedale Center, Roseville

THURSDAY: 
James Reilly Sample Sale: Sip & shop some one-of-a-kind pieces by the local designer at incredible prices, from knitwear to ready to wear and beyond. 5–6:30pm @ The Fitting Room,, 316 W 38th St, Mpls

Shop by Candlelight: Browse the locally owned shops of Selby at Snelling in St. Paul, including Lula Vintage Wear, Everyday People, Up Six Vintage (be sure to check out the gorgeous locally made wreaths by All Saints Creative made from vintage Christmas ornaments), Flirt Boutique, Brow Chic and the newly opened women’s clothing boutique Common Coast, with refreshments, discounts and raffles. 5-8pm @ Selby at Snelling, St Paul

Fleur de Lis Reveal Party: The St. Paul flower shop is rebranding. Join in the fun at a reveal party with special offers, giveaways, local bites and drinks, and live portraits by Daughters and Suns. 6–9pm @ Fleur de Lis, 516 Selby Ave, St Paul, free registration at Eventbrite.com

FRIDAY–SUNDAY:
Yessenya x N.S.O.D. "Synchrony” Pop-up Shop: Local fashion label Yessenya debuts its new collaborative capsule collection with another Minneapolis brand, N.S.O.D., at a weekend-long pop-up. The collection was born out of a high school friendship between designers Bris Carbajal of Yessenya and Lil G of N.S.O.D. Accordingly, it draws from both designers’ aesthetics, with a mix of utility accents, oversized silhouettes and sportswear-inspired details in a neutral palette. Noon–8pm daily @ 3109 E 42nd St, Mpls

FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 
Robyne Robinson & Laurie Jacobi Trunk Show: View the designs of local designers Robyne Robinson and Laurie Jacobi during this joint two-day trunk show. Robyne’s jewelry is sold around the world and reflects a global lifestyle rich in travel and exotic beauty, while Laurie’s designs are woven into natural fibers by the Pendleton Woolen Mills and sewn into coats, jackets, vests and accessories. Friday noon–4pm, Saturday 11am–3pm @ The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave, St Paul

SATURDAY:
Yard & Yarn Fiber Arts Market: The minds behind the Minneapolis Craft Market is bringing together the best in contemporary textile and fibers artists from across Minnesota for this first-ever, one-day-only market. It includes goods spanning crochet, dressmaking, knitting, macrame, quilting, sewing and weaving from names including Scott J Lehmann, Nokomis Knitting Company, Nickichicki, nest PURE, Mezame Designs, Margaret Mousley Designs, Linda Zimmermann Cashmere and more. 11am–4pm @ Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, Mpls

Fall Craft’za: This semi-annual maker’s market is an offshoot of one of the OG modern craft markets, Craftstravaganza, founded back in 2005. It features a handpicked lineup of a whopping 60 artisans and artists working in a range of mediums, from printmaking and ceramics to home decor, apothecary, jewelry, handbags and beyond, including local favorites Larissa Loden, Dottir jewelry, Lulu Organics, Third Daughter Restless Daughter, MBMB // Made by Michelle Brusegaard, Aesthetic Apparatus and Blkk Hand tintype photography, plus a few ones-to-watch: Emily Madland Jewelry, Meraki Handmade Decor and Mezamé Designs. 10am–4pm @ Grainbelt Bottling House, 79 13th Ave NE, Mpls

SATURDAY: 
Bubbles, Bites & Boxknots: If you’re like me and have a bunch of beautiful vintage silk scarves sitting in a drawer, here’s the event for you. The Minneapolis queen of scarves, Marly Elizabeth, will be showing all the different ways to tie a scarf at vintage shop AudreyRose Vintage. Bring your own scarf, or pick up something from AudreyRose’s selection of vintage pretties to take part. Tickets are free with RSVP and include enjoy bubbles and brunch bites. (Only 7 spots remain!) 11am–4pm @ Northrup King #238, 1500 Jackson St NE, Mpls

Vintage Sip n' Shop: Browse the vintage collections of Tandem Vintage and Moth Oddities at this pop-up hosted by sustainable boutique, Niche MN. Friday 5–8pm, Saturday 10am–5pm @ Niche, 2506 University Ave W, St Paul

“Foraged”: Show & Tell Artist Talk: Maker Indigo & Snow and artist Annie Hejny will host a hands-on look into materials that went into creating their joint exhibit, “Foraged,” which features textiles made with natural dyes. $7 presale, $10 door, free for members, 11am–1pm @ Gamut Gallery, 717 S 10th St, Mpls

SUNDAY:
HDH Studio Sale: Enjoy early access to Hackwith Design House’s annual Thanksgiving Sale at the HDH Studio to shop from current collections at an additional 30% off, our $25 bins and more. Plus, Hazel & Rose will also be there with a selection of sustainable and ethically made pieces. 11am–5pm @ 550 Vandalia St #314, St Paul

4th Annual Holiday Bazaar @ Paikka: One of the most anticipated holiday shows of the season, this one features a rare chance to shop many top local artisans who don’t frequent the maker’s market circuit. They include Annika Kaplan’s ANNiKA Jewelry (now based in New Mexico), Ginny Sims ceramics, NEAL jewelry, Maat Mons bags, Martha McQuade’s SCARFSHOP, Lulu Organics, St. Paul women’s boutique Idun, There There Collective jewelry and more, plus tintype photos by Zoey Melf. 11–5pm @ Paikka, 550 Vandalia St, Suite 165, St Paul

Explore even more shopping events featuring local retail and makers:  

WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY: 
Chameleon Shoppes Holiday Pop-ups: This holiday retail pop-up features more than dozen top makers spread throughout three locations on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, including the skyway level of Gaviidae & IDS Center. Open 11am–3pm every Wednesday–Friday through December 20 

FRIDAY:
Holiday Happy Hour Trunk Show: Shop the latest collections by local makers Dottir jewelry, Julia Elise beauty products and ‘Soda Cracklers Candles with complimentary refreshments. 5–7pm @ Rock Paper Scissors Goods, 4806 Chicago Ave S, Mpls

SATURDAY: 
Mill City Holiday Market: Find local products plus artisan goods by House of Talents, Indigo & Snow, The Abbey Alpacas, Fair Anita, Vikse Designs and more at this indoor market. 10am–1pm @ Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St, Mpls

Benilde-St. Margaret's Knightsbridge Holiday Boutique Event: Shop liftable goods from Gathered Goods Co, 44 North Boutique, Local Motion, Namakan Goods and more. 10am–3pm @ BSM Haben Center, 2501 MN-100, St Louis Park

Essence One Launch Party: Meet the founder behind this natural, aromatherapy-based bath & body brand during this launch event. Noon–3pm @ The Fitting Room, 316 W 38th St, Mpls

SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Plate & Parcel Holiday Market: Formerly the Linden Hills Holiday Market, this weekly indoor farmers market features a rotating lineup of local artisans curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. 10am–3pm both days @ Wagner Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave S, Richfield

SUNDAY:

MN Christmas Market: This annual maker’s market has a charitable twist: All vendors will donate 7% of sales and concessions from the event to a local charity that helps foster kids find their forever homes. Nearly 50 makers will be featured, including Karen Morris Millinery, De Nova, Wellfair Bags, Sanborn Canoe Co., Namakan Fur, Fringe & Fettle Ceramics, Kisa Boutique, Carmine Jack Leather Co., and many more. 10am–5pm @ Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St, Mpls

Meet the Maker: MEND Jewelry: Meet maker Jordyn DiOrio of local line MEND Jewelry and shop her latest collection. 11am–1pm @ Rose & Loon, Rosedale Center, Roseville

Holiday Spirits Maker Market: Shop handmade goods by local makers including Mya Lambrecht Jewelry, Emily Walker Art + Design, ROMI Apothecary and more, curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. Noon–5pm @ Royal Foundry Craft Spirits, 241 Fremont Ave N, Mpls

Urban Growler Holiday Market: Find makers including Fair Anita, Wild North Co, Cara Corey Designs knitwear, REVL Studio decor and more. 2–7pm @ Urban Growler Brewing Co, 2325 Endicott St, St Paul

DAILY:
The Grand Collective Holiday Pop-up: St. Paul’s Grand Avenue has gotten a bit more stylish recently with the opening of The Grand Collective, a new collaborative pop-up from the mind of Mona Williams owner Patric Richardson (aka the The Laundry Evangelist). It features a mix of local retailers and Minnesota makers, plus Mona Williams' luxe laundry products. The store will be open through the end of the year. Hours: Monday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 11am–6pm, Sunday noon–6pm @ 791 Grand Ave, St Paul

The Shopping List MSP: 11/6–11/12

This week, I’m kicking things off a little early with today’s opening of the Chameleon Shoppes holiday pop-ups downtown, a maker pop-up and workshop series that’s worth the trip to Duluth, and vintage shopping galore. Here are my top local style + shopping picks for this week: 

Stylist Priyanka Premo in a look from AudreyRose Vintage, photographed by Dammel Photographic Works

WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY: 

Chameleon Shoppes holiday pop-ups open: This holiday retail pop-up features more than dozen top makers spread throughout three locations on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Visit Reparations Apparel and L.I.F.E. Custom Clothing on the first floor of Gaviidae Common, and check out more than 20 other retailers on the skyway level of Gaviidae and IDS Center, including jewelry from ROX and Jac & Violet, fashions from The Cat Lab, and fair-trade baskets from House of Talents. Open 11am–3pm every Wednesday–Friday through December 20 @ Gaviidae Common & IDS Center, downtown Mpls

THURSDAY: 

AudreyRose Vintage Style Shoot: As part of First Thursdays at the Northrup King Building, vintage shop AudreyRose Vintage is hosting an evening of photographic vintage fun. She’ll be joined by stylish Priyanka Premo and Dammel Photographic Works, who’ll style and shoot attendees in vintage garb, photobooth-style. Come join in on the fun along with sips and shopping, and check out other open studios while you’re at it. 5–9pm @ Northrup King #238, 1500 Jackson St NE, Mpls

It’s our Birthday! @ Pharmacie: The Lyndale boutique celebrates its 6th birthday with a party, and everyone’s invited. If you haven’t been in awhile, it’s worth checking out again—the gift and home store recently expanded to add a thoughtful selection of menswear and men’s accessories from some very cool, lesser-known brands. And it’s still a great spot to grab a unique, “where’d you find that?” host/hostess gift. 5–9pm @ Pharmacie, 2743 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls

FRIDAY:

Askov Finlayson Grand Reopening + Winter Parka Launch: Celebrate the launch of the homegrown brand's new "radically sustainable, climate-positive" winter parka and the reopening its North Loop flagship store, with cocktails from Marvel Bar, snacks & s'mores. The parka is the first product to use 3M Thinsulate 100% Recycled Featherless Insulation, and it's built to endure Minnesota winters. You can order it now at askovfinlayson.com or shop in store. 5–7pm @ Askov Finlayson, 200 N 1st St, Mpls

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 

SHOP + MAKE: An Interactive Pop-up: Here’s a good excuse for a trip up to Duluth for the weekend: Vikre Distillery is hosting a pop-up market featuring some top Minnesota makers, like Celina Kane, Winsome Goods, Hemlocks Leatherworks, ScarfShop, Duluth–based Instagram fashion resaler Noihsaf Bazaar, and more. And that’s not all—there will be workshops both days, including intro to embroidery, denim repair, and more, plus (of course) craft cocktails whipped up by the Vikre staff. Saturday noon–8pm, Sunday noon–5pm @ Vikre Distillery, 525 S Lake Ave, Duluth. Sign up for the workshops at eventbrite.com

While you’re in Duluth, check out some of my other favorite spots: 

🌲 Annex Novelty, a gift shop featuring Spirit Valley Vintage

🌲 Father Time Antiques, a truly epic antique store

🌲 Bailey Builds, a collaborative makers marketplace

🌲 Anchor Bar in Superior, the best (and cheapest) burgers in the land, cheap bear and shipwreck decor galore

SUNDAY: 

Minneapolis Vintage Market: This monthly market is a can’t-miss for local vintage fashion fans, boasting a rotating lineup of dozens of local vendors. This month’s edition includes Moth Oddities, Kollektiv, My Sisters’ Closet, Glam Diggers Vintage, Älskling and more. $10 early bird admission 11am–noon, free entry noon–5pm @ Chowgirls at Solar Arts, 711 15th Ave NE, Mpls

TUESDAY: 

Stephanie’s Charity Birthday Party: Local artist Stephanie Dillon of Fleur de Junk is celebrating her birthday for a good cause with a day of philanthropic shopping. It will feature a rare pop-up trunk show by Stephanie Lake Design, with jewelry sales benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, plus food and drinks sponsored by MartinPatrick3, Cambria, Fhimas Minneapolis, Cozen O’Connor and Big Watt Coffee. 11am–8pm @ MartinPatrick3, 2212 3rd Ave N, Mpls

DAILY: 

The Grand Collective Holiday Pop-up: St. Paul’s Grand Avenue has gotten a bit more stylish recently with the opening of The Grand Collective, a new collaborative pop-up from the mind of Mona Williams owner Patric Richardson (aka the The Laundry Evangelist). It features a mix of local retailers (June Resale, SHOP in the CITY, vintage seller Moth Oddities, Scout and North Dakota boutique Jax & Henley) and Minnesota makers (WAAM Industries, Minnesota Made, NICE NICE Ceramics, Hagen & Oats and more), plus Mona Williams' line of luxe laundry products. The store will be open through the end of the year, and maybe longer. Hours: Monday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 11am–6pm, Sunday noon–6pm @ 791 Grand Ave, St Paul

Here are a few more recommended local maker events this weekend: 

Nokomis Fall Urban Craft & Art Fair: This annual fall event features 48 local indie crafters and artists selling handmade gifts, artisan food, textiles, art and more. Saturday from 9:30am–4pm @ Lake Nokomis Recreation Center, 2401 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Mpls

Artists Boutique by the Creek: Find jewelry, pottery and art by Bridget Clark, Wild Birds Flying and more. Saturday from 10am–5pm @ 5012 S 12th Ave, Mpls

Plate & Parcel Holiday Market: Formerly the Linden Hills Holiday Market, this weekly indoor farmers market features a rotating lineup of local artisans curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. Saturday from 10am–3pm @ Wagner Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave S, Richfield

Vikse Designs Holiday Trunk Show: Check out the latest designs by the local maker made from stone and sterling silver. Saturday from noon–3pm @ The Fitting Room, 316 W 38th St, Mpls

My 2013 fashion shoot with Sports Illustrated Swim Model Haley Kalil

In summer 2013, I styled a small fashion editorial for l’étoile magazine, a now-defunct Minneapolis arts and fashion publication founded in 2005. (It ended its run a couple of years ago.) This spread highlighted candy-colored designs by emerging Minneapolis designers Claire Ward and Lindsey DeWitt along with pieces from local designer boutique Grethen House, as worn by an up-and-coming model, Haley O’Brien. The model, who had won the Miss Minnesota Teen pageant in 2010 when she was 17 years old, went on to become Miss Minnesota 2014, and that was the last I’d heard about her.

That is, until this past summer when I saw a familiar face pop up in my Twitter newsfeed. After some googling, I confirmed that one of the models featured in the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue was indeed the same Haley, now using her married name, Haley Kalil. (She married one-time Minnesota Viking player Matt Kalil in 2015.) After double majoring in biomedical science and psychology, with a minor in chemistry, Haley worked as an immunology lab tech and was planning to take the MCAT when she spotted the Sports Illustrated casting call on Instagram. She went on to win the competition for the opportunity to appear in the magazine.

Below, see the spread we did together, presented for the first time since its original publication:

Trend Focus: Retail Brands Take a Page from Magazines with Editorial Content

As brands try to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and engage their customers in new ways beyond traditional advertising, many are taking a page from magazines—literally. Brands such as Banana Republic and Nordstrom are using longform, editorial-style articles to tell the story of their brands and products. These articles often offer useful tips and other valuable information with the aim of increasing a customer’s connection with the brand and, as a result, increased sales.

As a copywriter currently working for a major retail brand with a background in magazine editorial writing, this trend has piqued my interest. As a writer for print publications, I often told the stories of brands and products through a personal, editorial lens—so as a brand, why not tell your own story?

E-commerce brand, Net-A-Porter, paved the way for this trend when it was founded in 2000, and its editorial-style content has been the foundation of its business. Unlike traditional retail brands, Net-A-Porter began as a shoppable online fashion magazine, paving the way for this recent trend. Last February, they formed a new group called Porter Digital that posts editorial content daily instead of weekly at Net-A-Porter.com and the Net-A-Porter app, providing shoppers with the ability to purchase items with just one click. The e-retailer’s weekly magazine, The Edit, has since been rebranded PORTEREdit, and the brand also produces a bi-monthly glossy magazine called simply PORTER.  

Recently, more traditional retail brands have looked to fashion magazines to market themselves to their customers. Banana Republic has a magazine-inspired blog called The Republic that features a monthly “Editors’ Letter,” shoppable mood board–inspired lookbooks and even inspirational travel blog posts. Nordstrom uses its blog, The Thread, to offer in-depth profiles of its fashion brands, skincare tips from dermatologists, fashion week trends and more—all shoppable, of course. Levi’s Off the Cuff blog shows shoppers tips on how to wear denim on denim and DIY denim ideas. Aveda’s Living Aveda blog offers easy hair tips and detailed information about their natural products. Even JCPenney has a style blog with tips on everything from how to pick the right flat iron for your hair to finding the right bra.

 Even brands that don’t have a dedicated style blog or online magazine are creating editorial-inspired experiences on their website and social media platforms. For example, Target’s website offers beauty how-tos and other information-packed, beautifully designed experiences:

So, are these storytelling devices effective when it comes to the bottom line? Until the next big thing in marketing comes along, I predict they’ll continue to be a great way for a brand to tell its story (and demonstrate its fashion and design chops) directly to its customers.

City Pages' Best Dressed of 2018 is...

Me?!

Today I learned that I was named "Best Dressed" in City Pages' Best of 2018 issue. I didn't know I was being considered, so it was very much a surprise! Read the writeup in full below. [link]

I decided to throw together some photos of some of my favorite looks over the past year. Because fashion is fun!

At the Polo for Philanthropy Derby Day party in May 2017 in vintage dress from My Sister's Closet and vintage hat (with my partner Don Greene)

In a promotional image for the Walk the Wooftop fashion show benefiting the Animal Humane Society in August 2017 in vintage skirt from Via's Vintage, Peter Jensen heels from Mona Williams, handmade kitty sweater by Max Lohrbach, and vintage hat and gloves. (Photo: Jessica Zerby)

At Red Carpet for Hope for St. Jude's Children's Hospital at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel in January 2017 in vintage Young-Quinlan mink and vintage 1920s hat (with Sarah Edwards)

I AM Inspired! April 2017 at Hewing Hotel in vintage dress and hat (with Carter Averbeck and Richard Anderson)

At the Polo Classic in Maple Plain in August in vintage dress from the Golden Pearl Vintage (with Richard Anderson)

At Polo En Blanc in August 2017 in vintage dress and bloomers, plus vintage hat & shoes from the Golden Pearl Vintage

Modeling in the Walk the Wooftop fashion show benefiting the Animal Humane Society in August 2017 at ElseWarehouse in look from Cliché (Photo: Jay Larson)