Warming trends Three of the hottest style picks hitting the Twin Cities for spring.NEW RETAIL DISTRICT
The Warehouse District might soon be renamed the Shopping District.
Sartorially minded men have been enjoying MartinPatrick and Askov Finlayson, and women have C'est Chic and the fashion-forward bridal salon L'atelier Couture. Now Intoto alums Michael Basham and Sarah Dwyer have added their chic point of view for men's and women's fashion to the neighborhood with Arrow (121 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-339-1663). It features Antik Batik, Vanessa Bruno, Relwen, Steven Alan and Jerome Dryfuss. They chose the area for the vibe and walking traffic.
"We like the fact that there's other retail over here with similar price points -- you can go to a couple other places, several bars and restaurants," Dwyer said.
Strolling shoppers have more to look forward to with Whole Foods and a new home store coming soon.
ØBlowout bars
Despite the glut of local salons, the affordable quality blowout has remained elusive in the Twin Cities. That's about to change with the expected April opening of three new blowout-specific spots, all pricing the 45-minute service at around $35.
They're based on similar concepts that have been popping up in New York and Los Angeles. Blast Blow Dry Bar (www.blastdrybar.com) will open in downtown Minneapolis and the West End in St. Louis Park. The concept will offer its own product line, customized at an in-house "bar" that will allow you to select fragrances and ingredients catered to hair type.
Jason Deavalon of the eponymous Uptown salon is opening the Wow Bar (www.thewowbar.com) in the 50th and France neighborhood. He worked with José Eber from 1989 to 1993 and styled celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor. Deavalon offers what many consider the best blowout service in the Twin Cities. He's training a dozen hairstylists in his techniques.
COLLABORATIVE SALES
While there's usually a glut of special events and pop-ups during the holidays, local retailers and brands are taking the concept year-round.