by staff
This week in l’étoile’s Guide to Sales & Shopping, stock up for summer at local sales, preview Fall 2012 collections at Nordstrom and shop to defeat the marriage amendment in Minnesota.
Now: Clothes Out Sale at Cynthia Rae
What: While you can, help get these clothes out before the closeout. Cynthia Rae is closing its doors and already they have said goodbye to many of their fabulous pieces. Catch half-off everything in the store and hurry, we have heard there’s little left already. The silver lining: fans will still be able to shop the boutique online.
When: Now
Where: Cynthia Rae, 2817 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-871-8471, www.cewelgirl.com
Now: ROX Jewelry debuts LuxeYard.com
What: Minneapolis’ very own eco-friendly jewelry designer, Robyne Robinson will now offer ROX Jewelry through the members-only site, LuxeYard.com.The former Fox 9 news anchor is known for creating her line with exquisite statement pieces for unique and dramatic looks. One of Robinson’s eco-necklaces featured in the June issue of Nylon magazine was made from harvested wood from the Boundary Waters area and carob leaves dipped in silver. Visit the website and browse pieces Robinson has created out of her eclectic palate of materials including natural elements such as wood, shells and leaves and the famous semi-precious stones.
When: Available now-June 20
Where: www.luxeyard.com
Thursday: Ladies Night Out at Local Motion
What: Come celebrate your love of summer and all the beautiful things that follow it. Find a new summer dress or even a simple tee that fits great at this evening dedicated to ladies. See the unique pieces modeled and enjoy refreshments while you shop this 20% off sale. If you can’t make the party, the lovely ladies at Local Motion will extend the discount through Sunday.
When: 4-9pm, Thursday, June 21
Where: Local Motion, 2813 Hennepin Avenue S, Minneapolis, 612-871-8436
Thursday: Nordstrom Designer Preview
What: A blend of featured American and European designers will bring fashion to life at this runway show, previewing style for Fall 2012 collections. Begin the evening with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and boutique shopping. See a runway show at 7:30pm, followed by shopping, more cocktails and delicious desserts. Tickets are $100; checks should be made directly to the PACER Center, which will benefit from the proceeds.
When: 6:30pm, Thursday, June 21
Where: Nordstrom, Mall of America, 952-838-1346, www.nordstrom.com
Thursday: Straight Women for Gay Marriage at GUILD
What: In honor of gay-themed Too Plus Too Studios, retail boutique GUILD Collective has decided to create an evening of shopping and celebration to benefit Minnesotans United for All Families. Notable local ladies including jewelry designers Stephanie Lake and Robyne Robinson, GUILD’s own Gwen Leeds and Pam Mondale, former local news anchor Joan Steffend and many others will be lending their support. Shop the collections of local artists, designers and retailers from the Twin Cities including art, vintage designs, eclectic home decor and fashion-forward clothing for a good cause – 10% of sales will go toward the organization in an effort to defeat the marriage amendment on the ballot next November.
When: 6-9 pm, Thursday, June 21
Where: GUILD Collective, 4414 Excelsior Boulevard, St. Louis Park, 952-378-1815, guildcollective.wordpress.com
Friday: Summer Stock-up Sale
What: The locally-owned shoe and handbag boutique Pumpz & Co. is encouraging you to grab the accessories you love at a reasonable price. Purchasing one item will grant you 30% off and better yet, get a second for 50% off. Stop in for this impeccable deal and find designs by Fiorentini+Baker, Free*Lance, Tory Burch, Belle and more.
When: Begins Friday, June 22
Where: Pumpz & Co., 3335 Gallerina, Edina, 952-926-2252, www.PumpzCo.com
Friday: Grethen House 50% off sale begins
What: The upscale boutique specializing in high-end, edgy designers is offering its semi-annual 30% off sale starting Friday. Take 30% off designs by New York designer Yigal Azrouël, Rick Owens and Martin Margiela, and spice up your summer wardrobe.
When: Starting Friday, June 22; ongoing.
Where: Grethen House, 4930 France Avenue, Edina, 952-926-8725, www.grethenhouse.com
Saturday: Jennifer Merchant Design Trunk Show
What: Using affordable yet attractive materials, metalsmith Jennifer Merchant created her very own jewelry style with colorful paper clippings and acrylic. Her contemporary statement pieces are easily versatile with any wardrobe. See the artist’s full collection this event, and catch some of her work at the Grand Hand during regular hours.
When: 10am-6pm, Saturday, June 23
Where: Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-312-1122, jennifermerchantdesign.com
This week: Arafina’s Season-end Clearance
What: Galleria designer boutique Arafina is kicking off its season-end clearance sale this week, taking 30 to 70% off spring 2012 merchandise from names like Alice + Olivia, Bianca Nero Maria, Helmut Lang, McQ Sarah Burton, Milly, Robert Rodriguez and Theory. Shop soon for best selection.
When: Now
Where: Arafina, 3365 Galleria, Edina, 952-925-1565, www.arafina.com
Now open: Blowdry! Blowdry Bar
What: Named best salon by Minneapolis Monthly last year, the sophisticated and state-of-the-art Blowdry! blowdry bar opens Thursday. Owned by HAUS salon, this bar – the first in Minneapolis – follows the trend of coastal blowout salons around the country. Stop in and choose your style, costing between $30 and $50.
When: Opens at 8 am Thursday, June 14
Where: Blowdry! Blowdry Bar, 1203 Lagoon Avenue, Minneapolis
Friday: Sip & Shop
What: Every Friday, Parc Boutique is dedicated to bringing you a happy hour filled with drinks and shopping, all in one. Enjoy wine and save 15% off your purchases. The weekly tradition will continue all summer long.
When: 3-6 pm Friday, June 22, continues every Friday
Where: Parc Boutique, 320 E Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-353-4966, www.parcboutique.com
Now-July 8: The Summer of (Tennis) Love
What: If you love-love fashion, celebrate a summer of discounts inspired by a tennis charity event, the most important of the year for STYLEDLIFE. Mimicking points in a match, each tennis ball on the ‘court’ will conceal a prize: 15, 30 or 40% off purchases in the store. Receive a ball with a $3 donation, and play up to three times a day. The money raised at this sixth annual event will go to the American Cancer Society and Perspectives Family Center charities.
When: Now-July 8
Where: STYLEDLIFE, 3410 Galleria, Edina, 952-928-8888, www.STYLEDLIFE.com

