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  MINNEAPOLIS PICKS
  life + style in the Twin Cities
August 15th, 2008

The other day we were flipping through a magazine while getting an oil change when we came across photos of a certain starlet donning rolled jeans. And by rolled we do not mean cuffed, we mean pant leg pulled forward, folded to the side, and then rolled tightly against the ankle. 

Now we’re not trying to diss this particular celeb (as a general rule she’s a stunner). Nor are we passing judgment on others who may choose to mimic this look, but we do want to go on record as saying—nay, vehemently declaring—that we will never, ever, revisit this particular look. We just can’t do it. We rocked it hard and heavy through junior high, and have long wondered just what the hell we were thinking, and we’re perfectly content to skip it this time around. Like the spiral perm, lace tights, and tail shirts, we’re going to let this one lie. 

Treat of the week:  Forward this issue to 5 friends and cc: picks@minneapolispicks.com  and you could win a cool Ed Hardy messenger bag from Regents Secret!

       
 

Minneapolis Picks:

 
  1

We’ve Got You (Both) Covered

We love boys who love to shop, but our present situation calls for more shopping lures than a chain-restaurant beer after we load up on clothes. Luckily, Covered in Uptown has got us, er, covered.

Man-lures include a foosball table, a fridge stocked with booze, a big chocolate Lab, and a very hip selection of men’s clothing including a guy’s denim wall (with brands like William Rast and True Religion), classic oxfords and tees, and unique hats and belts. So while he tries on outfits and kicks back with a beer, we get to preen and prance in some of store-owner Stacy’s picks from affordable, trendy lines like LC, Tulle, Ella Moss, and more. (We love the vintage-inspired jewelry and maxi dresses, perfect as the weather changes.)

It’s hard to improve on free beer, and you’ll never hear the nagging of “can we go now?” when you shop with your man. Stop by the new Covered in Uptown this August, and tell them you saw them in Minneapolis Picks to get 20% off your highest-priced purchase!

Covered
1202 Lagoon Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.825.1610
www.shopcovered.com

       
  2

Red, Red Wine

Social butterflies that we are, we’re always on the search of the perfect after-work hot spot. The last thing we want after a long day of back-to-back meetings and endless emails is to stuff our tired bodies into a small, dingy sports bar full of yapping yuppies with overflowing mugs of tap beer that never fail to find a home on our prettiest poplin.

Almost giving up hope on finding a hip place sans haughty prep grads with pints of Guinness, a wino friend suggested a fresh place to unwind. Spill the Wine is more like a bustling urban bistro than a bar, filled with warm sunlight, welcoming staff and original artwork along the exposed brick wall. Ample space assures you can comfortably enjoy the mushroom and beef bruschetta with a glass (or bottle) of Parker Station Pinot Noir. Rather stay in? The Wine Boutique offers over one hundred selections. Find the perfect Riesling for relaxing crowd-free on your couch!

Whether in your blue jeans or your best blouse, you will definitely want to Spill the Wine!

Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612.339.3388
www.spillthewinerestaurant.com

       
  3

Tickled Pink

Sometimes we take a peek at our nails and think, “Yikes! We better get some paint on these chipped up digits before someone mistakes us for a washed-up D-list celebrity.”

Our go-to when we want a break from our standard DIY routine? The uber-cute Pinky’s for Nails. Cozied up in Southwest Minneapolis, Pinky’s isn’t one of those chemical-stink-filled strip-mall places where the only things older than the crusty polish bottles are the so-yesterday tabloids a la breaking “Bennifer” news. Instead, Pinky’s offers up bright décor, complimentary beverages, and the entire OPI polish line along with a variety of manicures, full nail sets, and nail art. We indulged in their signature pedicure which included a buff, cuticle treatment, exfoliation, massage, and hot towels. Our feet were left perfectly posh and we wondered how we dared to bare our tootsies all summer sans a professional polish. 

Insiders tip: Hit up Pinky’s Monday–Thursday from 9 am–noon for $15 manicures and $25 pedicures. With deals like that, your days of botched nail jobs are as over as a whirlwind Hollywood romance.    

Pinky’s for Nails
3100 W. 50th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.925.4000
www.pinkysfornails.com

 

     
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Hush-Hush…

Our NYC girlfriends have long regaled us with tales of lust-worthy Manhattan sample sales they’re privy to, and the ensuing madness that surrounds them—no thanks! Luckily you don’t need to live in the Big Apple to score the designer goods you crave.

So listen up, we’ll let you in on secret that will blow your shopaholic minds: the Ed Hardy sample sale at Regent’s Secret. Women can save big August 18–20, with men snagging deals on edgy threads August 20–22.   

Regents Secret

       
  2

All a-Flutter

Last year for our birthday our extremely thoughtful but terribly misguided aunt gave us a latch-hook pillow emblazoned with a Beagle. Now we’re total dog-lovers, but the only place we were going to toss this pillow was in the back of our closet. Too bad she didn’t know about Flutter.

We would love to call any of this boutique’s fab finds our own, including the Victorian vamped black crystal sconce, perfect for adding a little edgy-elegance to our abode. Auntie, if you only knew!

www.flutterclutter.com
       
  3

We’re All Growed Up

We spent many a teenage night holed up in our BFF’s basement partaking in, ahem, youthful revelry, and we distinctly remember obsessing over her family’s drum-shaped coffee table. For some reason we held it up as a beacon of hip adulthood. Luckily our tastes have evolved.

The ultra-swank link side table we spied at CB2 is what makes our heart pound these days.  Constructed of over 1,000 hand-welded iron rings, this modern beauty isn’t indie, but it’s chic and functional and we love it.

www.cb2.com
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

An Organic Experience

If you’ve hopped on the organic bandwagon, look no further than the Twin Cities Fresh Taste Festival to satisfy your inner foodie. Exceptional local restaurants and food producers will be on hand with their tasty treats, and a variety on wineries will be offering up organic wine samples. (Yum!)

What: The Twin Cities Fresh Taste Festival
When: Sunday, Aug. 17, 11 am–5 pm
Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Minneapolis
Visit: www.freshtaste.com

       
  2

Artistic Endeavors

If you think art should speak to you, implore your senses, make you think, and leave you wanting more, then get thee to MIA for the upcoming exhibit featuring Hardland/Heartland, Mike Elko, and Ruthann Godollei. Their works will have you looking at life, culture, and the Midwest in a whole new way.

What: Hardland/Heartland, Mike Elko, and Ruthann Godollei exhibit
When: Aug. 29–October 26
Where: Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S.
Call: 888.642.2787
Visit: www.artsmia.org

       
  3

Music and Merriment

Looking for something to do Labor Day weekend that doesn’t involve the State Fair? Try the Take Back Labor Day Festival. Top-notch national acts will be on hand to rock your socks off, including local favorite Atmosphere. Check out the You-Tube station, activism tents, and kid-friendly fun (think jugglers and storytellers) that round out the mix.

What: The Take Back Labor Day Festival
When: Monday, Sept. 1, 11 am –7 pm
Cost: $10
Where: Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul
Visit: www.takebacklaborday.com

       
 

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