Minnesota-Made

March 2008

By Melissa Colgan

Really, It's Real Good

Minneapolis–based mod furniture company Blu Dot accomplishes the near impossible—it doesn’t sacrifice good design for the sake of commerce. The Real Good chair (which is available in four colors) is emblematic of Blu Dot’s design ethos—chic, modern, and well-designed, yet uncomplicated and inexpensive. $99. Roam, 813 Glenwood Ave., Mpls., 612-377-6465

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Hats Off

A sleek black-and-white palette and ribbon detail makes this cloche-style felted chapeau by St. Paul milliner Angie Hall Sandifer quite progressive. $150. Artist Mercantile, 24 7th Pl. W., St. Paul, 651-222-0053

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Hand Wash

With warm, rich scents such as Tarocco orange and clove, Sorrento lemon and ginger, and mission fig and thyme, Hugo–based Daub & Bauble has made a splash in the world of practical apothecary. The naturally formulated fragrances are warm and rich, but not overpowering, and the vintage wallpaper-inspired labels are chic. Hand wash, $8.50. Dish soap, $9.50. Hand lotion, $9.50. Garden of Eden, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-293-1300

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

My Buddy

Twisted wiring and a found rock give this test tube an organic feel. A collection of bud vases by Lutsen–based artist Tom Christiansen decorates the tables at the Angry Trout Café in Grand Marais. $48. Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-312-1122

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Rockin' Around

Give a rough edge to spring’s frilly fashions with this 14k gold bracelet with rutilated quartz by Emily Johnson. The hints of purple, pink, and green and the range of rutilation and density of the stone make this bracelet look different in every light and from every angle. $168. Gallery 360, 3011 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-925-2400

Photo by Michael Hendrickson

Skirting Spring

Step into spring with a pretty A-line skirt by Bara by Eireann Lorsung. Pairing it with a nautical-inspired striped top lends modernity to the skirt’s botanical print. $62. Design Collective, 1311 W 26th St., Mpls., 612-377-1000

Photo by Michael Hendrickson


Shops Guide Shopping Fashion Beauty StyleMakers \| Blog: Style Parlor Style Parlor