Made in Minneapolis

The Versace Riots

Made in Minneapolis — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:09:04 +0000

Versace reached an all new height in its popularity on Thursday when it released its new line through the international store, H&M. Anxious Asian and European customers had been waiting outside of the stores for hours in anticipation of the release Italian designer’s latest collaboration, and in the case of a select few entrepreneurs in Shanghai, paid “professional place-holders” large sums of money to hold their spot for them. Many of those waiting in line at the Shanghai location were men, some of whom openly admitted that they were planning to buy parts of the collection in bulk and sell it off online. In addition to the stores in the European and Asian markets (where the collection is being sold exclusively for the time being), The H&M website also was greeted by a large and unexpected amount of customers, causing it to crash and remain faulty for the rest of the day. The Versace craze is expected to continue for the next few weeks, but hopefully will resume with a bit more organization.

Mark Jacobs Spring Collection Stolen

Made in Minneapolis — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:58:38 +0000

American designer, Marc Jacobs, is not only known for his renown designs, but now his stolen ones as well. On Tuesday morning, a group of British journalists from the Telegraph received a message from the Marc Jacobs PR team canceling the scheduled press day due to the theft of the designer’s 2012 spring line. While en route from Paris, the entire collection was highjacked without a single piece remaining. As of now, no one knows the whereabouts of the line, but it is highly suspected that the items were stolen for either counterfeiting purposes, or simply lost on their way to London.

Trunk Show!

Made in Minneapolis — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:56:54 +0000

Lately, I have highlighted quite a few stores in the NE Minneapolis area. Although somewhat of an sketchy area at times, this is such a cute little part of town, and I encourage anyone who’s interested to check it out when they get the chance. This weekend, many of the stores in this area are hosting a small “trunk show.” Owners will be serving drinks and hors d’oevres while showcasing their winter collection and some up-and-coming Minneapolis designers. Anyone interested can contact a store in the area, such as Parc Boutique.

The Bag Lady

Made in Minneapolis — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:15:20 +0000

With tons of jewelry, animal-pattern hats, knits, and reasonably priced clothes, the Bag Lady stands out as a premium, trendy boutique in Northeast Minneapolis. Although small, the quality of the store should not be judged by its size. The cramped area is packed so full of trinkets that it is often hard to walk through. Every shelf, stand, and display is of varying styles, trends, and assures that one is able to find at least one “to die for” item. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift for a friend, or a Christmas gift for Grandma, The Bag Lady is a store you should definitely check out.

Larue’s

Made in Minneapolis — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:30:16 +0000

After being in the business for thirty-plus years, you could say that owner of Larue’s, Kathy Lawrow, knows a thing or two about fashion. Since the opening of Larue’s one and only location in 1988, this small, eclectic Minneapolis boutique has become known for a wide variety of items including accessories, pants, shirts, jackets, ponchos, and much, much more. Although Larue’s may not be the best place to go if you’re shopping on a budget, all items are exquisitely mad with all-natural fibers and are always one-of-a-kind. The designs come from both local and international designers, giving the store its unique, Bohemian feel.

Rewind

Made in Minneapolis — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:10:13 +0000

Let’s face it: good vintage clothing can often be hard to find, but as far as vintage stores go, you really can’t go wrong with Rewind. With two locations, one in Northeast Minneapolis and another on Chicago Avenue, both locations provide affordable vintage from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Like most vintage stores, Rewind offers a huge variety of items (the shoes and broaches are my favorites), but what makes the store truly distinctive are its sources. Rewind is always searching for new sources from which to gather new items and ideas, and never sticks with one provider for too long. Although sources cannot be revealed, it is clear that whatever the owners are doing, it’s working fabulously.

Warm Hands Green Heart

Made in Minneapolis — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:06:31 +0000

Although the name may seem unfamiliar, Warm Hands Green Heart is well known for their best creative use of recycled sweaters. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a thrift-store treasure, sweaters can be easily transformed from an itchy wool prison to a pair of warm, fleece lined mittens with unique patterns, buttons, and colors. Because all materials are found in thrift-stores or other Ragstock-esque locations, no two pairs of mittens are ever alike, unless you want them to be. In addition to selling their creations at local boutiques and on their website, Warm Hands Green Heart takes custom orders which anyone can take advantage of as long as they have a sweater and a passion for warm hands. Last year for Christmas, I sent in one of my grandfather’s old sweaters which is now a beautiful, warm pair of mittens that I wear everyday to combat those long, Minnesota winters. Exceptionally crafted and reasonably priced (around $30), a pair of mittens from Warm Hands Green Heart will not be met with remorse. I encourage you to check out their website (link in the bottom) and look around!

http://www.warmhandsgreenheart.com/

Sewtropolis

Made in Minneapolis — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:19:23 +0000

I’m going to challenge myself to post a new Minneapolis store or boutique at least every other day! First, I would like to bring attention to a place I discovered this past summer. Located on W Diamond Lake Road (by that fancy Russian Art museum. If you’re in that area, you know what I’m talking about), Sewtropolis opened its doors in 2009, and since then the small fabric and retail store has gained understandable popularity and prestige not only for its delightful fabric selection, but their unique classes and workshops. Regardless of taste or skill level, curious designers and sewing enthusiasts can sign up for a either a single class or a series of classes in which they learn to make everything from pillow cases to pajama pants to dresses. Ranging from about three to five people, class sizes are generally small, and cost between $25-50, but money is always well spent at Sewtropolis. In addition to learning to create garments and accessories, the classes also allow ample time to discuss and learn from the store’s friendly, knowledgeable owner and staff members who show an incredible and unparalleled passion for what they do. I have taken a couple classes here, and they are absolutely amazing!

A Fashion Prayer

Made in Minneapolis — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:34:57 +0000

View This PollBecause sometimes you just have other things on your mind during school masses…

Let us begin in the name of the Prada, Coach, and Louis Vuitton!

Our Prada, who art in Paris

Hallowed be thine brand.

Thy Visa be charge, thine bags be filled,

On Earth as it (hopefully) is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily sprees,

and forgive us our over-charged Amexes

as we forgive those who shop at Walmart.

Lead us not into Sears, and deliver us from Kohl’s.

For thine is the Couture, Versace, and Coach,

Now and hopefully come next year’s Fall line.

Amex.