Best Shopping

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Boutique Shopping Center

Galleria. This gem continues to marvel with its always-evolving mix of trend-right shops. In 2008 alone, Galleria welcomed a two-story Crate & Barrel, the state’s first BCBG Max Azria, StyledLife’s anticipated second store, children’s shop Über Baby, and the new Westin Edina Galleria Hotel and Residences, which includes a McCormick & Schmick’s. Plus, the Coach location was designated the Cities’ only Coach “fashion store.” Next up: Louis Vuitton. Edina, 952-925-4321 [top]

Holiday Shop

Bachman’s on Lyndale. The flagship location is like Santa’s workshop. Real and faux trees and all the trimmings—hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, ornaments, wine-mulling kits, and accouterments that run the gamut from woodsy luxe to contemporary Noel. Plus, Department 56 (which began at Bachman’s) has introduced a limited-edition “Lyndale Tree Lot” to commemorate it. 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-861-7600 [top]

New Hot Spot for Home

The Shops at Centennial Lakes. Finally, The Container Store and West Elm land in the TC. Bonus: West Elm stocks its furniture in its adjoining warehouse for instant gratification. France Ave. S. and Gallagher Dr., Edina [top]

DIY Designer Wallpaper Source

Hirshfield’s Design Studio. Until recently, the papers you see in design magazines (Osborne & Little, Brunschwig & Fils, Designer’s Guild) have been available only to the trade. Hirshfield’s has quietly started carrying collections of designer wallpaper at prices between 20 and 30 percent off list prices. Select wall coverings are also available at other Hirshfield’s locations. 721 2nd Ave. N., Mpls., 612 374-8901 [top]

Day-Trip in a Little Girl’s Life

American Girl. No more traveling to Chicago for all that American Girl goodness. Opened last month, MOA’s new mega American Girl boutique carries all of the company’s famous dolls and best-selling books, plus outfits, accessories, and girl-sized clothing. Plus (hello), AG–themed parties, a Doll Hair Salon, and a casual bistro serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Mall of America [top]

District to keep your Eye on

East Hennepin. It could use a branding campaign—what do you call this area, anyway?—but this slice of Northeast continues to excite. There are the foundation businesses (Surdyk’s) and those early comers (Bibelot, GH2, Bone Adventure, Let’s Cook, Pacifier), but this year saw the opening of two great fashion boutiques Parc and Belle Reve. (Oh, yeah, there’s even a Lunds.) Plus, Mr. über-Cool and an early area pioneer, Denny Kemp brought his creative vision to a fresh space and moved his salon and spa a few blocks away, putting down some major world-class salon roots. [top]

“Then I’ll Do It Myself!”

Zelaz. Local mom Janet Polach saw a need for stylish, yet tasteful and affordable, fashion for tweens and teens. With inspiration and support from her teen daughter, Alex, she launched zelaz.com, an online boutique selling everything from cute tops and hoodies to denim, dresses, and skirts. This summer, Zelaz opened its first storefront at Ridgedale. Bonus: The biz donates 5 percent of its revenue to charities that support girls with few resources. Ridgedale, Minnetonka, 952-920-1044 [top]

In Town Retreat

Ivy Spa Club. The stunning Ivy Spa Club—tucked inside Hotel Ivy—debuted this year offering countless ways for members and day guests to relax, rejuvenate, and be pampered. A swanky yet soothing interior will help you forget about the three feet of snow outside. Amenities include a café, state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga classes, whirlpools, cold-plunge showers, treatment rooms, and several warm, serene spaces to linger and lounge. Heck, you can even spend the night. 201 S. 11th St., Mpls., 612-343-3131 [top]

Fashion Secret Weapon

StyledLife. OK, so we are talking about them again. But the folks at this ridiculously fabulous fashion accessories boutique remind us of how retail is supposed to be—efficient and fun. An edited selection. A bottle of water. Great music. Big mirrors. Gear for both ladies and gents. Happy hour on Fridays. (Check out the earring bar at the new Galleria store, complete with stools so you can try on scores of earrings in one place.) To top it off, the staff encourages you to bring in your outfits so you can find the perfect finishing touches. Want more? StyledLook will come to your home and give you the rock-star treatment. Gaviidae Common, 612-746-5400; Galleria, 952-928-8888 [top]

New Digs

JB Hudson. Since first opening its doors back in 1885, JBH has been the jeweler of choice for many a fashionable family. So when it came time to move, it made perfect sense that the pedigreed jeweler would choose one of the Cities’ most beloved architectural jewels—the 1926 limestone, art deco Young Quinlan Building. Sure, there are diamonds, but the lure are the red carpet designers (H. Stern. Ippolita, Valente), an entire room devoted to watches (Cartier, Baume & Mercier, Chanel), plus fine china and gifts. 901 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-5950 [top]

Vintage Bridal Gowns

Andrea’s Vintage Bridal. Housed on the bottom floor of Blake Antiques in Hopkins, Andrea Erickson’s collection of antique and vintage bridal gowns—ruffled, ankle-length, war-era dresses, ’70s hippie gowns, ’60s Jackie O. shifts—are in mint or near-mint condition. Not a bride-to-be? There’s plenty for you as well. A white shift can be belted and worn to a cocktail party, a romantic hippie frock has garden gathering written all over it, and does one even need an excuse to don a fur bolero, great chandelier earrings, or a lace shawl? 901 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 612-716-8006 [top]

Reason to Hibernate

Sleep Number Bed. A bed is just a bed? Bah humbug. TC-based Select Comfort has earned a cultlike following of customers (including countless celebrity spokespeople). But this fall, it upped the ante by introducing a Memory foam bed. An air mattress with a ridiculously luxurious top layer? Those temptresses. We may have to sell our old mattress on CraigsList. Twelve metro locations [top]

Vintage Store

Hunt & Gather. We hate to even share this—now we’ll have to get there before you. This multiple-dealers-of-good-taste shop reminds of the good-ol’ days of vintage shopping in this town. The emphasis here is on furniture, art pieces, and decor that fills two floors. Oh, yeah, did we mention Sheryl Crow shoppped here this summer? 4944 Xerxes Ave. S., Mpls., 612-455-0250 [top]

Family Expansion

Über Baby. The husband and wife duo behind the hip-and-happening baby boutique Über Baby know a thing or two about family planning. First, there was the baby store. Then, Expecting über Baby, the maternity store for women who want to have fun (and look a little sexy) during their pregnancy. Earlier this year, they opened Über Outlet, where many Galleria stores combine their clearance merch in one spot. Now Lynne and Dan Gonsier have opened satellite locations of Über Baby in select Kowalski’s grocery stores. Perfect for multi-tasking moms who need to grab gifts on the fly. Find ÜberBaby and Expecting Über Baby at Galleria. Über Outlet, 6021 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-869-0930 [top]

High-Profile Customer

Sarah Palin. Regardless of your opinion on Palin, we can’t help but thank the Republicans for spreading some green along Nicollet Mall. From a couple hundred bucks at mod baby store Pacifier to a few thousand at the downtown Macy’s to the big dough ($75,000) at our Neiman Marcus. At least they were budget-conscious enough to do their spending in a state that doesn’t charge sales tax on clothes. [top]