More is More
 
After the holiday mayhem we endured for loved ones (aching feet, Great Wall-long lines, a freaky fragrance spritz to the eye), the stamina needed for finding something new and fun for ourselves had seriously begun to erode. Luckily we rebounded (and our eyesight returned) just in time to explore StyledLife, the perfect place to avoid cloned clothes and accessories.
 
This Galleria newcomer is a one-of-a-kind accessories destination where high-class style meets first-class service, giving the girl (or guy) who’s already got the threads a way to individualize their wardrobe. We adored Missoni’s colorful, cozy scarves, and the jewelry by eco-friendly Cleo & Cat is not only bold, but made of recycled precious metals, clay and gold, making for an earthy-meets-ooh-la-la vibe. And if you’re craving a heavenly handbag, look no further than an Anya Hindmarch piece with designs boasting patent leather, pony hair, and edgy brass hardware embellishments.
 
With finds this fab we’ll be able to spruce up our closet without spending bundles on a whole new wardrobe. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize, and everything will appear new again!
 
StyledLife
3565 Galleria
Edina, MN 55435
952.928.8888
www.styledlife.com

Keep It Real
 
This year we thought we’d MG-FME (make-gifts-for-my everyone). You know, boil a little wool, knit a few mittens, and whittle down a block of wood into fine salad tongs. But after
a full weekend of stinky, wet, wool gloves that looked like deranged ski-masks, and more wood chips than a hamster cage,
we cried uncle.
 
Weekend projects aside, we decided to jingle over to the locale for real artisan pros, The Grand Hand Gallery. The GHG is an upscale option for handmade goods (two outta three are MN artists), including creative pottery, bold jewelry, colorful apparel, and funky artwork. Divided into two rooms, the first hosts Todd Reed jewels made of uncut diamonds and recycled gold, and bowls and cups by Robert Jonson constructed with wide-wale corduroy (who knew?)—both practical and cool. Room number two is stocked with affordable felt rugs, scarves, hand-knit wool mittens, glass-blown ornaments, and other eclectic trinkets that tickle our fancy.
 
The GHG even has its own framing for all of your sophisticated canvas purchases. We say, forget the craft projects—let the experts do the work!
 
The Grand Hand Gallery
619 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651.312.1122
www.thegrandhand.com

Midwestern Size Margaritas, Ya’ll
 
After the holi-resolution-season we wanted nothing more than to snag a bikini and hit the beach. We’d have loved to to skip our aunt’s crock-pot wieners, ignore our whining family’s request for quality time, and trade those blechy fruit cakes for delish fruity cocktails, but the rellies would have freaked! So in lieu of skipping town, we’re skipping over to Bar Abilene.
 
An Uptown mainstay whose chic Western interior (and killer margaritas) make us feel like we’re worlds away from snow and tiny hot dogs, Bar Abilene a sprawling eatery with a mouth-watering assortment of Tequila-infused drinks. We can’t resist the Hibiscus margarita which elegantly pairs house-made hibiscus flower tea with a healthy dose of Sauza Blanco, and the sinfully good Latin Lover is the most loving get-you-over-the-holidays marg we’ve tasted. Hungry? We recommend their tableside guacamole: a mix of ripe avocados, tomatoes and roasted garlic, prepared fresh before your very eyes.
 
So if you can’t hit the beach, hit Bar Abilene, where at least you can sample some summer lovin’ flavors! 
 
Bar Abilene
1300 Lagoon Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.825.2525
www.barabilene.com

We’re Stylin’
 
We swore we’d never turn into a laptop junkie who camped at Starbucks pretending to plug away on a novel while in reality surfing for deals on Prada and perusing Facebook, but here we be, so we figured we’d better start totin’ our hardware in something stylish.
 
Enter the casually cool totes we spied by Leslie Black. 
Available in a slew of designs, these eye-catching bags are electronic perfection, plus they’re cute enough to double as
an everyday bag.
 
www.leslieannblack.com

Oldies but Goodies
 
We heart the vintage, but are lazy when it comes to digging through the not-so-greats. Maybe that’s why we love Hi
and Lo Modern. This online purveyor hosts an eclectic
selection of vintage finery, totally eliminating the sifting
through junk dilemma.
 
We love their ultra-modern Robert Larin cuff. It perfectly epitomizes a gothic-chic we just can’t get enough of. Add in their bevy of mod artwork, décor, and spot-on knick-knackery, and you’re left with a true vintage haven.
 
www.hiandlomodern.com

All Good, All the Time
 
We recycle, we shun plastic, so why not do right by our bods, too? But with roughly a bajillion brands hocking their wares at you, deciding what to buy can be tough!
 
Our go-to? The indulgently earth-friendly lines found at Vert. 
This eco-chic boutique offers up the crème de le crème of
covet-worthy beauty must-haves, including heavenly scented perfume balls, make-up, masks, and salts. This site even has goodies to pamper your pooches and babes, making it a notable one-stop-shop.
 
www.vertlosangeles.com

Rock Your Tots
 
Grab your littlest jammers and head to MIA for Rock the Cradle, a family-friendly day o’fun for kids and their adults that features toe-tappin’ tunes courtesy of the Current, story time with Current DJs, disco, live performances, yoga, arts and crafts, and even a petting zoo. Free fun, people! Load up the mini and go!
 
What: Rock the Cradle
When: Sunday, Jan. 25, 11 am–5 pm
Where: The Children’s Theater Co. and the Minneapolis
Institute of the Arts
Visit:  www.thecurrent.org

Sustainable Style
 
There’s nothing we love more than fashionable do-goodery, so of course the Second Runway fashion show is a must-see! This worthy event features local designers (think Kristina Bell and Joy Teiken) who re-create new (and stylish) garments from items found at Goodwill stores.  Delish food, drinks, and an auction for the runway collections round out the night.
 
What: Second Runway ’09, benefiting Goodwill/Easter Seals
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 7–10 pm
Where: Goodwill/Easter Seals Headquarters,
553 Fairview Ave. N., St. Paul
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Visit: www.goodwilleasterseals.org

An Artful Eye-full
 
Help the ever popular Rosalux Gallery celebrate their anniversary and raise some much-needed dough by hitting their swanky-sexy peepshow. For one night the gallery will be transformed into a red-light district offering up Stag films (shorts about deer people, come on) and other like-themed fun, all alongside noteworthy art and artists.
 
What: Peepshow
When: Friday, Jan. 30, 7 pm–midnight
Where: Rosalux Gallery 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis
Visit: www.rosaluxgallery.com