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Love is in the Air at Guild

Monday, February 14th, 2011

Love was in the air this past weekend at Guild for their ‘Second Saturday Event’ and trunk show. I could feel the love as I walked around this charming shop full of timeless antiques and new treasures. Guild is full of sweet gifts that are the perfect treat to any of your friends- or yourself!
It is no secret in the cities how amazing Guild Collective is! This past year Guild was voted “Best of the Best Curated Shop 2010” by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and a “Best of the Twin Cities’ shop by Minnesota Monthly.  With a collection of local artists, designers, stylists, photographers and retailers, this Saint Louis Park store is really a one stop shop for all of your gifts.

The Collective is divided out between different vendors and artists, but the open floor plan allows to you to seamlessly browse between them. As I made my way around Guild with storeowner Pam Mondale, I could see the time and passion that not only went into choosing which items will be featured, but by the local collectors and artists as well.

Nothing beats a gift with a great story! What I loved about Guild is that the vendors all carried a unique story of how their product or collection came to be. Whether it is MaverickJune pillows that are made from 100% post consumer felt or custom shirts made by retired NFL quarterback Alial Fital, Guild has a gift for each of your Valentines. A gift from Guild is stylish, unique and heartfelt; which is what any friend would love!
Guild Collective is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11AM-6PM. For more information on their collective talent or find out about upcoming events check out Guild’s website.

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Envision: Artopia Fall 2010

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

As you may have heard, fashion week is upon us. With a week full of events à la mode, it is no wonder that Envision Artopia was the event to see and be-seen. With a night full of hairstyling, music, live painting and a beautiful high-fashion runway show, it was no shock that the ballroom at the Graves 601 hotel was full of excitement.

Natalie Auger from Vimlab Promotions, a Featured business in the CRAVE guide, managed all of the marketing and PR for this fabulous event and filled ballroom with elite and fashionable guests. Everyone was dressed to impress as they made their way around mingling and sampling some delicious treats from local restaurants.

Early in the night, hairdressers worked their magic on stage providing hair transformations in the Interactive Hair Show. As the lights began to dim and guests took to their seats near the runway, Ignite Models’ founders Allison Hamzehpour and Jessica Cunningham took to the stage to start the show. The show opened with an electrifying performance by Dani-Vi, an electric violinist all the way from Barcelona. The models then owned the runway as DJ Shiek played a mix of house and electronic beats.

The two runways shows showcased local designers and boutiques’ fall fashions. I was excited to see the Ignite models rock the latest fashions from CRAVE favorites OPM Boutique and Karma! Other local boutiques featured were Cliché, Drama and Local Motion.

The crowd was full of chatter when America’s Next Top Model contestant and Minnesota native, Raina Hein, made a surprise appearance on the runway. Hein and the other edgy Ignite models also rocked looks from local designers Allilamodie, Amanda Christine, Ariel Simone, Calpurina Peach, James Reily, Jenny Carle, Kathryn V., Kyurek couture, PFT Coutrue, Russell bourrienne, Sydney Ilten, Tender Cuts, Ypy by Vivian and Project Runway contestant, Christopher Straub. Straub previewed pieces form his upcoming Spring 2011 collection as the finale to this fantastic show.

The event also featured a silent auction for great cause, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Young Survival coalition. It was a fun night full of the arts at Envision Artopia and a great way to kick off a fun week of fashion in the Twin Cities!

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CRAVE Women Chosen as the Best!

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

Minnesota Monthly

In 2010′s September issue of Minnesota Monthly, many of our CRAVE businesses are featured as the “Best of the Cities”. We were so excited to see all of our fabulous women and their businesses in this magazine. Both CRAVE and our readers know that these ladies rock, and now the rest of the Cities have caught onto our favorite shops around town. Pick up a copy of the Minnesota Monthly to see the full “Best of the Cities” article and see all of these fabulous businesses:

Sweets Bakeshop

The magazine lists Ly lo and Krista Steinbach’s bakery as the go-to place for the “Best Macaroons” in all of the Cities!

2042 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, 651-340-7138, sweetsbakeshop.com

Salty Tart

Referred to as the “Savory Pastry”, Michelle Gayer’s shop is recognized for its array of treats, including those that are unconventional but delicious.

920 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-874-9206 saltytart.com

Joynoëlle

Known for her beautiful and thoughtful designs, Joy Teiken is praised as the “Dress Designer”.

312 W. 42nd St., Mpls., 612-209-7822, Joynoelle.com

StormSister Spatique

Hailed as the “Beauty Crusader”, Becky Strum knows her stuff when it comes to the best eco-friendly and effective beauty products on the market!

635 S Smith Ave., St. Paul, 612-716-5480, stormsister.biz

I Like You

The magazine guarantees you will find something you like in Sara Sweet and Angela Scandin’s shop, or be inspired to make something in their classes!

501 First Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-208-0249, ilikeyouonline.com

Picky Girl

Titled the “Women’s Boutique” in the Cities, Elisabeth Varshese is thanked for her great boutique and fabulous taste in fashion.

949 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, pickygirlmn.com

L’atelier Boutique

Amanda Kautt’s shop is titled the “Bridal Boutique” of the cities and is recommended as the ultimate bridal experience.

493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492, lateliercouturebridal.com

La Petite Parfumerie

Diana, Jennifer and Sally own this shop chosen as choice “Perfume Shop”. But don’t let the name fool you! This shop carries beauty products, accessories and handbags as well.

287 Water St., Ste 100, Excelsior, 952-475-2212, lapetitparfumerie.com

Guild

Winning the award as best “New Shop” this year is Pam Mondale’s boutique. Guild offers a great selection of vintage and new home furnishings, clothing and jewelry.

4414 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-378-1815, guildcollective.wordpress.com

Mpls St. Paul Magazine Shops

Our CRAVE shops were also chosen by Mpls St. Paul magazine to be featured in Shops magazine. Mpls St. Paul magazine produced Shops as a guide to the best places in the cities, and as to no surprise this guide was FILLED with CRAVE ladies! This is an exclusive magazine that can not be bought on newsstands, only subscribers received it. Congratulations to all 36 of the CRAVE businesses that are featured in this issue!

Arafina, Collaborations Boutique, Covered, Ditchotomy, Joynoëlle, Karma, Martin’s, OPM Boutique, Picky Girl, L’atelier Couture Bridal Boutique, Posh Bridal Couture, Melly, Stella, The Bungalow, Max’s, Blooma, Sigh Yoga and Boutique, Art of Optiks, Jaide: A Salon & Boutique, La Petite Parfumerie, StormSister Spatique, Bananas For Kids, Red Rover Kids, Bibelot, Inizo, Patina, Coca and Fig, Just Truffles, Local D’Lish, Russel + Hazel, Casa Verde, Euronest, Interior Motive, Maison Galleria, Victory, and Petunia’s.

Minnesota Monthly: http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/

Mpls St. Paul Magazine: mspmag.com

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Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Details, Style | 1 Comment »