New Fashion Shops Worth Springing For

OPM
Do the names Catherine Malandrino, Valentino, and Alice+Olivia mean anything to you? If la mode is your thing, St. Louis Park’s newest contribution to local high style, OPM (3700 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-567-7399, opmboutique.com), is a revelation. Susan Sun (pictured above right) and Isaac Broberg’s boutique is worth a jaunt off the stiletto-beaten path. The offerings are always on-trend—think brightly dyed silks by Catherine Malandrino, slouchy dresses by Loeffler Randall, downtown-style separates from indie label Mike + Chris, and buttery leather handbags courtesy of Valentino. But there’s enough timeless style for those who want their acquisitions to last more than one season. In addition to ready-to-wear, OPM also offers a robust selection of accessories. Find handbags by Mulberry, Rebecca Minkoff, and Valentino and jewelry (including cocktail rings and statement necklaces) by Andrew Hamilton Crawford and Rox by Robyne Robinson.

Belle Reve
For more of-the-moment fashions, including oversized baubles, crazy high heels, and brazen party frocks, head over to East Hennepin’s newest addition, Belle Reve (320 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-333-3148, bellereveboutique.com). The well-appointed store is owner Aisha Ghanchi’s homage to New Orleans—purple damask walls, dark wood floors, oversized rococo mirrors, scrolling gilded fixtures. Best of all, it’s filled with wonderful fashions. While she doesn’t stock many “big” names, Ghanchi (pictured below) seeks out ateliers regularly featured on the pages of Lucky, Marie Claire, and Nylon. Most of these labels are impossible to find elsewhere in the Twin Cities. The mix is dominated by party dresses from Plastic Island, Rory Beca, Maria Bianca Nero, and Foley and Corinna, but there’s also a corner devoted to eco-friendly threads, and another to accessories (L.A.M.B. and Tarina Tarantino). Oh, and did we mention the flat-screen TV that rotates the most stylish movies of all time? Ghanchi regularly shows Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Flashdance, and The Thomas Crown Affair.

Dichotomy
If you favor a classic look, head to Wayzata’s Dichotomy (611 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-476-0668). The medley of romantic, vintage-inspired fashions includes ruffled blouses, fitted jackets, and elegant shift dresses by designers such as Nicole Miller and Tracy Reese. The look is ideal for the suburban mom who likes high style but needs ease from her wardrobe. The space is tiny and the selection isn’t necessarily deep, but owner Stephanie Patineau is careful to carry the preppy aesthetic into her generous spread of accessories. Check out the kitschy pottery by Jonathan Adler and jewelry by Leila—it looks one part Hermès, two parts Lilly Pulitzer!

Lyric
When in Wayzata, don’t miss the burg’s latest repository for Ed Hardy tees and True Religion jeans. Lyric (1133 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, 952-476-0320) is not for the wallflower—the selection of skinny denim, fitted jackets, and glam tops have a definite LA rock ’n’ roll feel. How appropriate, since owner Jessica Hilde is a former model (yes, that is her picture hanging above the register—she’s also pictured at left). With the opening of this shop, Hilde refines an aesthetic that’s all about being comfortable while looking hot.

A. Michele
If eclecticism and eccentricity are your game, and vintage is your substance of choice, St. Paul’s latest fashion tenant, A. Michele (1591 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-917-6966), has you covered. Perched at the intersection of Selby and Snelling (also home to vintage store Lula and gift haven Patina), owner Amy Michele Mullen’s charming space is brimming with eclectic fashions for women, handbags, jewelry, gifts, and even a quaint section of baby accessories. From romantic slip dresses by Ruby Pearl (made from vintage handkerchiefs) to casual tees and bohemian accessories, much of the merchandise is sourced from local designers, and everything has a unique and individual feel.