When Louis Vuitton opened his first Parisian store in 1854, he probably had no idea that his famous monogram designs would cause such a stir when they arrived in Minnesota -- 156 years later.
On Tuesday, the state's first free-standing Louis Vuitton store opened in the Galleria. Larger than the in-store boutique at Macy's Minneapolis, the Edina space is a showcase for the Vuitton accessories collections, including a men's corner with ties ($195 each), women's jewelry and sunglasses, as well as a wide selection of luggage. Standouts included a practical "Neverfull" tote ($700), several off-the-runway pieces designed by Marc Jacobs and brought in for the opening, plus selections from the heritage collection, including a covered trunk ($6,600). The least expensive item in the store? A calendar refill for $50.
True LV fans will appreciate an original 1870 Malle en Toile Gris Trianon lady's trunk (not for sale) as well as the lounge area, where you can gaze at "rare and exceptional" bags while paging through books by -- or about -- the brand's famous collaborators.
Peppermint Park open to the public PeppermintPark.com is a new, in-town, online discount boutique. Here's how it works: You join the website (for $10 a month) to receive members-only discounts on high-end merchandise, including Rock & Republic jeans ($50, originally $246), Juicy Couture tees ($14, originally $58) and tons of Gucci handbags, such as the Gucci Sukey Boston bag ($443, originally $990), pictured. But local shoppers can get special access to the merchandise by attending the launch party from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the showroom (Northwind Lofts, 2400 N. 2nd St., Suite 302, Mpls.). Peppermint Park also will host monthly soirees at the same address. Fun fact: Jessie Hector, the founder and CEO, was a contestant on the first season of "The Apprentice."
Sales and events On Thursday, stop by the corner of Selby and Snelling Avenues in St. Paul for some deals and treats. At Flirt, enjoy champagne, cream puffs and 10 percent off, plus a gift with purchase. Around the corner, A. Michele is offering 15 percent off and a raffle for a $50 gift card; Initially Yours will offer 15 percent off and margaritas.
Also on Thursday, VState Clothing (6 to 9 p.m., Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-823-4699) is having a ladies-only night, which means 25 percent off everything in the store, free appetizers and an M. Bridget Designs trunk show. While you're Uptown, hop over to another ladies night out at Local Motion (4 to 9 p.m., 2813 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-8436), where you'll get 20 percent off everything in the store.
Women over 5 feet 8 inches will able to stand tall and proud when British retailer Long Tall Sally opens its first U.S. store Saturday at the Mall of America. On opening day, you can have your height checked when you enter the store. The three tallest women will win a prize. Everyone else will have a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. The store carries sizes 4 to 18 (including some inseam lengths up to 38 inches).
For female-focused shopping on Saturday, check out Hopkins Girls on the Town. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop at the Hopkins Center for the Arts (1111 Mainstreet) for a directory of all activities and deals. The first 300 guests will receive a reusable shopping bag. Anyone who visits eight participating businesses will qualify for a drawing.
