St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood is best-known for its historic architecture, its significance as the home to St. Paul’s famous sons F. Scott Fitzgerald and James J. Hill, and of course, the Cathedral of St. Paul—not to mention dining hot spots like W.A. Frost and Moscow on the Hill. But with the recent addition of the internationally-minded, high-design boutique Idun, the area may be on its way to becoming an up-and-coming retail district.
Situated on Selby Avenue, the shop joins neighboring stores BlackBlue and Primp. It previously was the site of Allee Metro Chic and L’Atelier Couture bridal shop, but owner Dahlia Brue has made it her own with a number of updates.
“I wanted to give the space a museum feel to really showcase the pieces,” Brue told me as I checked out the space this past weekend, “and have it feel clean and minimal and simple but not cold.” One wall of the boutique features exposed brick and stone, providing a warm, urban contrast to the clean white walls. Brue also opened up the space by knocking out a back wall, putting in slimmed-down railings and installing large, orb-like light fixtures.
A former event coordinator with Tiger Oak Publications, the 27-year-old Pennsylvania native is a first-time business owner. “I’ve always loved clothing, and I’ve wanted to own my own business since I was little,” she explained. “And I really felt there was something missing in this area.”
The shop carries a mix of goods that reflect the shop’s minimalist aesthetic, with activewear-inspired detailing, luxe fabrics and clean silhouettes. Brands include quintessentially-French line Bérangère Claire; minimalist Danish label Won Hundred; sporty, streetwear-influenced NYC line Nomia and Toronto-based contemporary sportswear line Priority of Ten.
Idun is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Idun, 495 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 610-745-7681, shopidun.com
More local shopping news:
Velvet Moon Pop-up
Minneapolis-based e-retailer Velvet Moon is in the midst of a month-long pop-up sale at 50th & France coinciding with their summer lookbook launch. The shop owned by Gina Marie Landes features her own line, Gina Marie Vintage, plus a curated selection of modern-bohemian clothing, accessories and home goods, mostly made in the U.S.A. Bonus: Stop by this Thursday between 3 and 7 p.m. for happy hour and 15 percent off — get the deal online with the code “HAPPYHOUR.” (Through June 29. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Happy hour: 3-7 p.m. Thu. 3922 W. 50th St., Edina, shopvelvetmoon.com.)
Hackwith x Cliché
Local line Hackwith Design House is debuting a new capsule line of summer pieces exclusively for hip Uptown shop Cliché. The line includes square-cut linens tops with black splatter-paint hand-dyeing, each named after a Minneapolis street, and was crafted especially with Cliché’s customers in mind. (Launches with a trunk show 5-8 p.m. Thu. Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls, 612-870-0420, clichempls.com & hackwithdesignhouse.com.)
FindFurnish Party
Mid-century modern vintage home store FindFurnish celebrates summer and the addition of six new vendors with a party that includes a DJ set from Transmission DJ Jake Rudh spinning period tunes and food and drink from Chowgirls Killer Catering. (7-10 p.m. Fri. FindFurnish, 13 5th St. N.E., Mpls. 612-730-3389. findfurnish.com.)
Summer Bag Bash
North Loop shop D.NOLO—short for “Destination North Loop”—is hosting a Summer Bag Bash this weekend. Every handbag, wallet, and leather accessory in the store, including brands B May, Liebeskind, and Catarina Lucchi, will be 20% off. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. D.NOLO, 219 N. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-584-3244, dnolo.com.)
Father’s Day Tie Event
Menswear destination MartinPatrick3 is hosting a Father’s Day tie event this Sunday with local neckwear line the Bow Tie Shoppe. Shop from pre-made ties or create a custom tie on-site from one of your old ties or available fabric. (11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. MartinPatrick3, 212 3rd Av. N., Suite 106, Mpls., 612-746-5329, martinpatrick3.com & thebowtieshoppe.com.)
Faribault Woolen Mills Launches Fall Line
Just in time for Father’s Day, Minnesota brand Faribault Woolen Mill Co. has launched its fall line. The collection includes its classic broad-stripe blankets and pillows in merino wool—and the nautical colorways are perfect for cool summer nights. (Now available at faribaultmill.com.)
Retro To Go Green Line Launch Party
Vintage interior store MidModMen hosts a restock party at its Annex in honor of this weekend’s Green Line light-rail launch. Expect discounted vintage furniture, lighting, artwork, glassware and tabletop items. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. MidModMen & Friends Annex, 2399 University Av., St. Paul, 612-234-1201, midmodmen.com.)
