As a style editor, I’m spoiled when it comes to shopping. Because I’m often in boutiques and malls during the week, I’ve become fairly intolerant of weekend shopping, especially weekends like Black Friday. I can’t concentrate on finding the perfect thing when I’m being swarmed by people hitting me with shopping bags and most often, the things on sale aren’t things I personally want to give as gifts.
And this year, as with every year, I’m really focusing on shopping local. Locally owned boutiques and locally made products are where its at, in my book (or magazine, if you will). Our shopping community is awesome precisely because our local entrepreneurs. Arriving just in time to guide you if you aren’t familiar with the local scene is the Crave Twin Cities book, which is chock-full of local women entrepreneurs that either have amazing retail spots or offer incredible services. (How much would your friend love a wardrobe consultation with Style-Architects, a fancy Shhh. bar from 3-Way Beauty (aka Stormsister Spatique), cooking gear or a class from Cooks of Crocus Hill, or an acupuncture facial from Acupuncture in the Park? Best of all you can pick up the book at any participating shop, and 100 percent of the proceeds go back to the entrepreneurs selling them. Or maybe you get the book as a gift for someone. Can’t beat the price: $20! (PS: Last year’s version is still solid—this year adds on to the women from last year.)
Here are a couple of other no-miss deals and steals:
Details Style Lab is holding a Black Friday event. After Picky Girl closed, Elizabeth Varghese moved her buying and styling prowess to the salon’s retail area. Here’s what she and Details owner Brian Horst are offering:
8-10 a.m.: 50 percent off regular priced items in the women’s boutique
10-close: 30 percent off all regular priced items in the women’s boutique.
Then, there’s the salon. Book in advance and get 30 percent off your appointment. Remaining open appointments on Friday will be 50 percent off. Go get a holiday color! They’ve got some amazing gift certificates for spending more than $100 in the salon/spa and boutique for future use. And there will be drawings to win a free year of hair care. (Me, please!)
I can’t think of one woman who wouldn’t want or use luxe skin care, especially during the winter. One of my picks for this year’s Best issue was the fabulously effective, locally made By Elizabeth Dehn line. She’s offering her serum as a buy one, get one 50 percent off! Your skin will just drink it up.
Tons of other local boutiques and lines will be offering deals this weekend, so stop in and keep our independent retail alive this holiday season. Our retail community is something I’m thankful for this week.
