Destination Shopping: 50th & France

Photo by Stephanie Colgan

Postshopping sips at Beaujo’s Wine Bar & Bistro.

As we head into fall, we turn our fashion eye to one of our most high-profile shopping districts. It’s seen its share of buzz and bust over the decades. But it’s recently undergone a makeover—dare we say facelift—and frankly, darling, the ol’ girl is looking better than ever. The district is one of only a few places in the TC where you can park once and spend the day doing some serious fashion shopping. And contrary to popular belief, this little neighborhood is an equal-opportunity shopping haven. There’s not one look—or pocketbook—for the women who rely on this fashion-drenched corner to keep their closets well stocked. So, with that in mind, we’ve divided 50th & France into like-minded shops. The savvy shopper will most likely dip her well-heeled toe into all of these categories, whereas the less budget-conscious fashionista will head to premium designerland. And then they’ll clink glasses together at Salut Bar Américain, Beaujo’s Wine Bar & Bistro, Tejas, or D’Amico & Sons to gush over each other’s finds.

Designer

Photo by Stephanie Colgan

In Monique Lhuillier’s cocktail attire, you’ll be ready for the red carpet.

This tiny corner of Edina is definitely a chic sister for neighboring Galleria. Though Monique Lhuillier is known for her bridal gowns, the truth is, there is hardly a Hollywood star-studded affair that doesn’t have at least one beautiful woman in a Lhuillier creation. We’re confident that the same can be said for some of our most high-profile local fundraisers. We’ve said it before, Los Angeles and Edina are the only two cities that are home to her flagship salons and her full ready-to-wear lines. Lucky us. Next up: couture haven and high-fashion neighborhood anchor Grethen House. The move a few years ago to a larger space  made more room for more (!) as well as a shoe department. Such sought-after labels as Peter Cohen, Rick Owens, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Stella McCartney draw TC stylemakers. We think the comfort of the new space also makes the store more approachable for those who could be intimidated by the price tags. The big news is two recent additions to the corner. In a bold move, Bumbershute left the shores of Lake Minnetonka for a gallerylike new location in Edina. The sun-filled salon has much more breathing room than its former shop and allows premium designer lines Roberto Cavalli, M Missoni, and Alice + Olivia, as well as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada handbags and accessories to shine. West siders are kicking up their high heels at news of the upcoming arrival of Stephanie’s. The second location of the destination-worthy Highland Park boutique is a coup. And the addition of the shop’s ladylike looks from Tracy Reese, Nicole Miller, and David Meister helps round out the neighborhood offerings.

More to Love + Fashion Avenue is known as one of the top consignment shops in town. Photo by Stephanie Colgan The new autumn hues await at Cos Bar. + Cos Bar takes buying cosmetics to a boutique-level experience. + Ladyslipper Boutique opens this month selling shoes and accessories. + Bay Street Shoes & Accessories offers good style, great comfort, and perfect travel pieces. + Priscilla of Boston recently arrived with a salon filled with beautiful bridal gowns and accessories. + Brides of France for new, vintage formalwear and jewelry for weddings and cocktail parties. + For finishing touches, check out Jeri Kaplan Jewelry and Robert Foote Jewelers both known for one-of-a kind custom pieces. + R. F. Moeller Jeweler serves as the neighborhood full-service jeweler. Photo by Stephanie Colgan Fun play clothes at Goodnight Moon. + Goodnight Moon gives us too-cute picks for the younger set. + Spalon Montage adds luxe spa services to your shopping day. + New neighbor, Steele Fitness, will get your bod in peak shape for winter knits—plus offers great workout attire. + Belleson’s reminds us that even guys need something new. + And since you’re in the neighborhood, why not explore the great gift stores, including Live, Laugh, Love.

Contemporary Separates

Photo by Stephanie Colgan

Kids play while Mom shops at Hot Mama.

Equally strong is the category that fuels our appetite for trend-right pieces for work, play, and out on the town. The price point at these shops is appealing to the fashion elite because it means mixing pieces within a more label-driven wardrobe. Plus, the handful of stores that serve up cute tops, flirty skirts, and premium denim is like a magnet for women who want to spice up their looks without overhauling their closets. Topping the list is il Vostro, which offers unexpected looks that range from feminine to edgy and appeal to the woman of style who buys what she likes and doesn’t mind if it’s a label she’s never heard of. Bluebird Boutique’s offerings draw the fashionista who looks smashing in well-fitted jeans, a sleek T, and just the right accessories. Another noteworthy shop is the extremely popular Hot Mama. This is the original location of the now four-location-strong independent. It’s the spot for the woman who needs a little handholding to find the right outfit—or jeans—to flatter her physique and channel her in-hibernation sexy side. (Plus, Hot Mama Maternity is across the hall.) The lower profile but not-to-be-missed Spirit appeals to the younger set as well as those who can still “pull it off.” And if you lean more toward the style of Tory Burch, direct those driving mocs to Melly, which sells Lilly Pulitzer—the original designer of Palm Beach style—although word is the upcoming collections will take us down the path of less-preppy hues. And no fashion girl can live without an Anthropologie fix for Boho–chic styles for her and her home.

Everyday Looks

Besides the strong selection of independent boutiques, 50th & France offers locations for such favorites as Banana Republic (including petites), Chico’s, Ann Taylor Loft, Talbots, Acorn, and Dana’s Apparel.

Where to Find It Acorn 3914 W. 50th St., 952-926-2710 Ann Taylor Loft 5001 France Ave. S., 612-922-9280 Anthropologie 4999 France Ave. S., 612-285-9164 Banana Republic 3925 W. 50th St., 952-929-1551 Bay Street Shoes & Accessories 3940 W. 50th St., 952-922-5574 Beaujo’s Wine Bar & Bistro 4950 France Ave. S., 952-922-8974 Belleson’s 3908 W. 50th St., 952-927-4694 Bluebird Boutique 3909 W. 50th St., 952-746-8675 Brides of France 5015 France Ave. S., 612-926-1596 Bumbershute 5014 France Ave. S., 952-475-2684 Chico’s 4954 France Ave. S., 952-925-5474 Cos Bar 3905 W. 50th St., 952-303-6249 D’Amico & Sons 3948 W. 50th St., 952-926-1187 Dana’s Apparel 3946 W. 50th St., 952-927-5052 Fashion Avenue 4936 France Ave. S., 952-929-7919 Goodnight Moon 5051 France Ave. S., 952-285-5252 Grethen House Netc 4930 France Ave. S., 952-926-8725 Hot Mama 3940 W. 50th St., 952-746-8255 Hot Mama Maternity 3940 W. 50th St., 952-746-8255 il Vostro 5045 France Ave. S., 612-920-3167 Jeri Kaplan Jewelry 3902 W. 50th St., 952-848-8735 Ladyslipper Boutique 4944 France Ave. S., opening this month Live, Laugh, Love 5019 France Ave. S, 612-455-3302 Melly 3906 W. 50th St., 952-929-9252 Monique Lhuillier 3928 W. 50th St., 612-929-0747 Nani Nalu 3922 W. 50th St., 952-546-5598 Priscilla of Boston 3926 W. 50th St., 952-922-2106 R. F. Moeller Jeweler 5020 France Ave. S., 952-926-6166 Robert Foote 5009 France Ave S., 612-929-2279 Salut Bar Américain 5032 France Ave. S., 952-929-3764 Spalon Montage 3909 49-1/2th St., 952-915-2900 Spirit 4944 France Ave. S., 952-920-8191 Steele Fitness 3918 49-1/2 Street., 952-285-8001 Stephanie’s 5005 France Ave. S., 612-929-2087 Talbots 3936 W. 50th St., 952-925-6155 Tejas 3910 W. 50th St., 952-926-0800