Savvy.mn Magazine by Big Fish Works

Where women shop, talk, learn and laugh.

SEPTEMBER 2011

Navigating change Junk Bonanza

Fall fashion & beauty

Boots & Boas 5K

Sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; handbag line garnering star attention

contents September 2011 Se

Local Finds Where to find what to wear out on the town.

Top 5% in the Nation for Patient Experience ... Again!

4 5-7

Letter from the Editor Shopper Sara’s Style featuring blue notes; Prior Lake purchases; Already Pretty blogger shares fall styles.

Belle Vache Sisters’ handbag line garnering star attention

8-10

12-14

Local Finds Gifts, shoes, clothes and décor from our advertisers.

Me New book helps you face critical crossroads.

15-16 Budget How can you save enough to send your kids to college?

This and cover photo by Amy Zellmer

Feature Story Help a woman in trouble get a running start on safety.

Publisher | Jennifer Sorenson

18-19 Feature Story Junk Bonanza: Discover a tarnished treasure trove.

Editor in Chief | Melissa Gilman Graphic Designers | Jennifer Baker, Renee Fette Circulation Manager | Ruby Winings Lead Writer | Sara Glassman

20-21 Feature Story Macy’s Glamorama sets tone for fall fashion and beauty.

Contributing Writers | Unsie Zuege Photography | Shannon Fiecke, Amy Zellmer/Custom Creations Photographer Web | Steve Delmont

www.ridgeviewmedical.org/quality

Savvy.mn Magazine is published monthly by

CONTACTS:

Southwest Newspapers. No part of this publication

Content: Melissa Gilman, 952-345-6387 or mgilman@savvy.mn

may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of Southwest Newspapers, 952-445-3333, P.O. Box 8, Shakopee, Minn. 55379.

savvy.mn | September 2011

Advertising: 952-345-6477 or advertising@savvy.mn Subscription and address change: Ruby Winings, 952-345-6682 or circulation@swpub.com

Fun Fashion’s Night Out; ASID Kitchen and Bath Tour; Paws for a Cause.

Scene Photos from the Savvy Soiree at Encore Consignment Boutique. savvy.mn | September 2011

Letter

company, Southwest Newspapers).

our Shakopee office we celebrate birthdays once a month with an announcement over the intercom and a heavily frosted cake. The coffee is free and that’s good enough for us. We talk about housework, husbands, kids, cooking, weekend plans and each other. Sometimes we spend more waking hours with our coworkers than our own families.

She was also afraid her husband might hurt her. We shared Ruth Anne’s life play-by-play: diet successes, conversations with her daughter and frustrating phone calls to her husband alike. When Ruth Anne filed for divorce she was worried how her husband would react, so company managers installed locks on our back employee entrance, contacted Shakopee police and distributed photos of her husband to employees.

It makes sense that we spend so much time with them that our coworkers end up feeling like our cousins, aunts or sisters. Writer Ruth Anne Maddox was part of my family. We knew Ruth Anne was starting a new life and we were rooting for her. She was going through a divorce and was working out the details of custody of the couple’s two dogs, as well as their finances. She was exercising, eating well and making positive plans for the future. She was sunny and social. She was charming and impressed those she interviewed as a reporter for the Shakopee Valley News and the Savage Pacer. (Both are published by Savvy.mn’s parent

When Ruth Anne failed to show up for work, co-workers feared for the worst and contacted police. Although her husband pretended she had left the state, her friends and family didn’t believe it. Officers went to their Prior Lake home and found Ruth Anne dead in the garage on Nov. 12, 2008. She had been beaten to death. Despite concocting an elaborate scheme to cover up the crime, her husband was found guilty of seconddegree murder in June. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 17, after this publication goes to press.

Now Playing on the Main Stage!

from the

Sara’s Style

Editor

Nearly three years after her death Ruth Anne is still on our minds. We know she’s not the only victim of domestic violence. Melissa Gilman According to Editor in Chief records from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, every year since 1989, between 12 and 40 women have been killed by domestic partners or family members (that’s just in Minnesota). We hope to help in some small way. A portion of the proceeds from our Sept. 10 Boots & Boas Fun Dash & 5K Run/Walk will benefit two organizations working to end domestic abuse: Cornerstone and Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women. This month, Southern Valley shares tips on how you can help someone experiencing domestic violence, page 17. Let’s work together to stomp out domestic violence.

By Sar Sara Glassman

Blue Notes

A rich shade of Yves Klein, cobalt blue was a hot hue for the summer and designers are offering super-saturated versions of the shade for fall 2011. So it looks like this is one color that will be sticking around for quite some time.

Libbey glasses, $40 for set of 12, bedbathandbeyond.com. The minimalist design of these dishwasher-safe glasses will add some color to Bright foundations wedges, $78, anthropologie.com. Sandals are way more practical, now that it’s acceptable to wear them with tights. These will add a pop of color in your wardrobe, right up until the snow falls. Lee Angel necklace, $264, charmandchain.com. The 22 chains make this accent piece pretty substantial. Leather belt, $34, jcrew.com. Wear this bright belt with your cobalt blue jeans (yes, they are awesome!) or add a pop of color to any shade of denim or more formal pants. For extreme impact, pair it with bright red. Hobo handbag, $78, hobobags.com. This mini-cross body bag is the perfect way to carry your essentials stylishly and hands-free. Madewell shirt dress, $168, madewell.com. Layer this over a striped long-sleeve tee and tights as the temperature drops. Nicole Miller sunglasses, $125, nicolemiller.com. You’ll look mysterious behind these blue sunnies. KitchenAid blender, $100, available at Target. Mix up your margaritas your table.

or puree soups with this blueberry-hued blender. Your kitchen will thank you.

Eden Prairie Players Presents

A Collection of One Acts Enjoy appetizer and dessert buffets along with a collection of comedic and dramatic plays.

Please join us as we celebrate our

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

“You Can’t Stop the Beat”of this Big Broadway Musical!

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HILARIOUS! Fabulously funny improv, sketches, and music!

savvy.mn | September 2011

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Savvy

adj., Being well-informed, astute, knowing, keen, smart, clever, intelligent, discriminating, discerning, canny, perceptive, sharp, far-sighted and artful.

Your ﬁrst service or retail purchase

Mention this ad

savvy.mn | September 2011

Priority shopping

Already Pretty for Autumn

However, getting dressed seems more like a chore than a cruise. Meet your new best friend, Sally McGraw of Minneapolis. Her popular personal style blog (AlreadyPretty.com) chronicles her closet case as she models daily looks. Her efforts prove that if you feel good in your skin (and outfit), you’ll look good, too.

ith a fabulous town center fi lled with shopping, you’ll want to take a day trip to Prior Lake while you can still check out the top-notch farmers market on Saturday mornings. Here are a few spots to get you started:

Giggle Gals: Though she

Home Accents, Etc.: Need a hostess gift, birthday gift or housewarming gift? Look no further than Home Accents, Etc. Owner Mary Viereck has curated a store made for browsing and scooping up collectibles, foodie fi nds and décor touches. When shopping for others, you might even fi nd a jacket or top for yourself. 16161 Main Ave SE, Prior Lake, 952-440-5624, www.homeaccentsetc.com.

Camille on Rouge: Get your French Country fi x, thanks to owner Camille Kasma’s carefully edited selection of housewares and home décor items. The selection and clever arrangements change weekly, so it’s worth check back every weekend. 16220 Main Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, camilleonrouge.vpweb.com.

Rosie Posie: Fill your closet with this boutique’s selection of fashion forward items. A knowledgeable sales staff will help you get the trends right from jewelry to handbag to jeans. 6880 Boudin St., Prior Lake, 952-226-5241.

Edelweiss Bakery: Shopping does work up an appetite. Luckily, the best chocolate croissants in town are conveniently located on the main strip. Owned by Mark and Julie Bowles, the duo traveled through Europe and knows how to make the real deal from scratch. 16186 Main Ave. SE, Prior Lake, 952-4402773, www.edelweissbakery.net.

She even offers some personal shopping services. Either way, you’ll be able to pretty see, pretty do and emerge with a more inspired work. Here are a few of Sally’s tips for fall, so you can move your fashion forward. Try fishnets and sheers: Come September, most women are fed up with leg hair maintenance and extremely eager for fall’s covered-up looks. If Sally McGraw you’re among those itching to bust out the fun and funky hosiery but worried that opaques will appear too heavy, consider fishnets, micro fishnets, or patterned sheers. Even if you loathe old-fashioned, sheer pantyhose, don’t discount these lightweight, transitional alternatives. Actual fi shnets may be too racy for many environments, but micro fishnets have a much smaller, subtler pattern and often include a layer of sheer black nylon beneath the netting. Sheer tights with polka dots, stripes, or other patterns add personality and sass to any outfit. Try out a few sheer legwear options as you ease into autumn.

Sunny sofas

Royal blues

Employ shawls and wraps: Fall is the ideal time to experiment with drapey cover-ups. With changeable weather and fluctuating temperatures, committing to either extreme may backfi re: A lightweight ensemble may leave you shivering, while thick, warm layers may smother you. Constructing outfits using pieces that can be swapped in and out is a good practice and wraps are marvelously swap-able. Sleeveless garments may appear too summery, so try wearing short or three-quarter sleeves with a shawl, wrap, over-sized scarf, or poncho. Wrap up if you get chilly, and shed your shawl if you overheat. Skip heavy, denselywoven wools and cashmeres for now and opt instead for open weave designs, silk, rayon, and cotton for the fall months.

California designer Trina Turk (TrinaTurk.com) borrows inspiration from the cocktail party and the poolside lifestyle of the desert. Her clothing and interiors lines are instantly recognizable for their bold geometric prints and vivacious color palette. The fi ne linen sunburst pillows here can enliven everything from a basic white duvet to a living room sofa.

If Kate Middleton wore these jeans three days in a row, you can feel comfortable doing the same. The Duchess was the epitome of casual chic in day looks paired with J Brand’s “811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg in Navy Luxe Twill. Though they sold out right after the three-peat, the jeans are back in stock ($169 jbrandjeans.com and Houndstooth).

Warm up your accessories: You’ve likely been doing whites, brights and pale neutrals for summer, and may downshift into blacks and grays for winter. But while we’re lingering in fall you may want to embrace warm, autumnal tones for your accessories. Dressing head-to-toe in orange, brown, tan, and olive green may feel like overkill, but belts, bags, shoes, and scarves in these rich hues celebrate the season in style. Cognac brown leather is quite possibly the most versatile shade on earth, as looks equally amazing with warm tones, cool tones, and other neutrals. It pairs as beautifully with stark black as it does with sumptuous red.

savvy.mn | September 2011

Sizes 0-26, Maternity, Purses, Shoes & Accessories

You’ve always wanted to roll in style.

By Sara Glassman

made a name for herself with hand-painted stemware, Deanna Rodewald’s boutique is now known for its variety of unique and affordable items. She and her mom Susan Hanson recently moved into a larger space and are stocking up on jeans, dresses, tops and tees. The top-seller right now is the Coobie Seamless Bra, which customers like to buy in bulk. 16180 Hastings Ave., Prior Lake, 952-440-GALS, gigglegals.net.

A Totally new Kind of RESALE Store for ALL Women!

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www.clothesmentor.com savvy.mn | September 2011

local finds

Ooh La L La!

Sponsored Feature

A stroll on the beach or a night on the town, this fun tie dye dress fits all occasions. Great item to pack for a fall trip to a warm destination. Pair it up with ou our Miche Mini handbag, and our great accessories. Ooh La La, 274 Water St., Excelsior, accessorie 952-474-1743. Follow Ooh La La on Facebook! 952-474-1

Encore Consignment Boutique utique Juicy Couture slingbacks, $30. Handbags, $68–124. Encore jewelry, $10-32. Encore Consignment nt Boutique, 8264 Commonwealth Dr., Eden Prairie, com 952-944-9290; encorecb.com

Home Accents, Etc. Turn hot summer days into cozy cool nights with this Tribal embellished tank top and matching sweatshirt. For a refreshing drink add one of our drink mixes and pour into our Minnesota hand-crafted glasses. Home Accents, Etc., 16161 Main Ave., Prior Lake, 952440-5624; homeaccentsetc.com

The Vinery Floral and Gifts Fun leather bling pocket jeans and new out on the town tops. We carry Miss Me jeans and LA Idol jeans in fun new styles. Need that fun purse that can be worn with classic styles and fun night out on the town styles, come check out our new lilines, all under $50. We now carry a new line of jewelry that really adds that outfit. One shown $24.99. a spark to th Check us out o on Facebook under The Vinery Floral and Gifts for sales and new specials. The Vinery Floral and Gifts, 214 Water St., Fl JJordan, 952-492-5222

Step Into School In Style S

Impact of Excelsior

Ze is THE place for back to school shopping Zelaz and this outfit shows you why. Great fitting an denim capris paired with a terrific loose-fitting de chiffon top over a bright orange tank. School ch never looked so good. Zelaz, 287 Water St., ne Excelsior, 952-920-1044; zelaz.com Ex

We hate to say it, but it's time to think back-to-school! Put yourself steps ahead with the Frost River Premium Daypack, Antique Rivet "Sunny" jeans and UK Brianna shirt! Fashion forward men's, women's and juniors clothing and accessories! Custom T-shirt printing for your school events and sports activities. Impact of Excelsior, 266 Water St., Excelsior, 952-470-1300; impactofexcelsior.com and impactclothiers.com

Lillians of Hopkins ns The back to school bell is ringing at Hopkinss Lillian's! Great Himalayan cross body bags and fabulous fashion all waiting for you in September. mber. In celebration of the legendary week-long nod od to fashion, several Hopkins businesses are bringing ging a little NYC glamour to Minnesota. From up-dos, -dos, to eyelash applications, to free accessories,, the Hopkins Haute Nite Out is Friday Septemberr 9th from 5pm to 9pm. Lillians of Hopkins, 1023 Main St., Hopkins; 952-938-2426; lilliansshoppe.com/ com/ hopkins. Follow us on Facebook. Open the first Thursday through Sunday of each month onth

Back to School ool in Style! Spruce up your back-to-school o-school wardrobe with fun, flirty and inexpensive expensive jewelry sets at $15 $ a piece. p Open pen every Sat. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jewelry Jewelr y Liquidator, #5 11th Ave., Hopkins, 612-801-1242 612-801-1242

A Bo Boutique of Fun

Needful Things

savvy.mn | September 2011

Needful things now carries Stephanie Dawn quality cotton quilted handbags, travel gear and accessories made exclusively in the U.S.A! 6 fun prints and 5 different styles to choose from. Shown is the tote, $37.50, wallet/clutch $31 and wristlet, $19. Knit sweater poncho, $58.95. Coordinate with this necklace and earing set, $24.95 and hat with crystal detailing, $18. Needful Things, 212 N. Chestnut St., Chaska, 952920-9240; needfulthingsboutique.com and facebook.com/findwhatyouneed.

Fall in Love with Giggle Gals Knit sweater with faux aux fur collar, $62. Leggings, $18. Leather cuff bracelets, $14 and up. p. Giggle Gals, 16180 Hastingss Ave., Ste. 100, Prior Lake, 952-440-4257; -440-4257; gigglegals.net

Home of local designer Michele Lee… features fe a bold and delightful dress for any occasion, size 8/10, $59. Golden Go Shaddow chandelier earrings made from the finest crystals, Swarovski, 4" long, $68. crystals Hand-b Hand-beaded 4x6 picture frame, $24. A Adjustable fashion rings come in a variety va of colors and make great gifts, $29. We also house a col collection of hand-crafted jewe jewelry and tiaras for your upc upcoming wedding and prom 2012! New to Facebook! Go to 201 219 Water St. and click on LIKE! Ho Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–7 p.m p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sun. 12 noon–4 p.m. A an BBoutique of Fun, 219 Water St St., Jordan, 952-454-1088

Fanciful Pearls 12 mm Tahitian Pearl earrings, $1500. Cultured Pearl bracelet with 14k Bumblebees, $1200. Diamond in a Pearl necklace, exclusively designed by Galatca, $6000. Shelly Storch Fine Jewelry, 1250 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, 612-817-4493

savvy.mn | September 2011

local finds Sponsored Feature

Navigating change

Ficus & Fig Shop FICUS & FIG in Burnsville for home décor and unique gifts for all occasions. We keep all your favorite core items in stock and are always bringing in new items. You can also count on us to keep up with the latest trends like these owl tabletop items! Prices range from $6.95 for dishtowel to $44.95 for glass vase. Ficus & Fig, 12750 Nicollet Ave., Ste. 100, Burnsville, 952746-4456; ficusandfig.com

Hopkins Antiques Find fun occasional tables and more at Auntie M's, Hopkins Antique Mall, and Mainstreet Antiques, Hopkins, 952-931-2144; thinkhopkins.com/antiques

Phatchellies Salon Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Smoothing shampoo for all curls, $22, Smoothing Conditioner for all curls, $23, Curl Conscious Holding Foam for all curls, $28, Reactivating Mist for all curls, $23, Calming Créme for coarse curls, $28. Phatchellies Salon, 11 10th Ave S., Studio B, Hopkins, 952-938-5402; phatchellies.com

Tierdrop® Earrings Tierdrop ® earring - voted 2008 Best Earring. Pricing available upon request. tierdrops. com. Brian Walters Jewelry, 216 Water St., Excelsior, 952-470-0013; bwrings.com

s your career feeling stalled? Karen Kodzik, a St. Paul-based career management consultant (cultivatingcareers.com) with 15 years of experience, can help give you a jump start. Her new book “Navigating Through Now What?” is full of advice that covers how to move forward and the emotional aspects of crossroads. For her a career crossroads is “any time anybody is facing a critical career decision.”

Karen Kodzik

Her goal? Empowerment. When people come to her, the first thing they figure out is “what was the trigger that brought them in,” she said. People usually come because of a confl ict with their boss or they just don’t fit in the culture of the organization or their job was eliminated or they are re-entering the workforce. If you fi nd yourself in a crossroads, take Kodzik’s advice.

Don’t panic: It feels very daunting and overwhelming, whether you entered that crossroads by choice or not. Don’t jump at the first thing that comes along: That’s what Kodzik calls a “rebound relationship.” “That's when the old thing isn’t working, so you grab onto the next warm body that comes along and you default to the same old situation you were in,” she said.

Pandora inspired murano glass charm bracelets, $10 each. Leather snap banded Austrian crystal bracelets, $10 each. Open every Sat. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jewelry Liquidator, #5 - 11th Ave., Hopkins, 612-801-1242

KeikiB

savvy.mn | September 2011

Map out a plan: Make sure that your course includes milestones (mini-goals) and timelines that are measurable and actionable. That’s the way you see if you’re making progress or not. If you don’t know where the plan is leading you, go back to the assessment plan and use it as a compass to stay on course, so you can move to a place that really is better.

EDEN PRAIRIE

news

present

Civil read

Better with butter

Make sure you have support: Odds are that you’ll feel alone during this crossroad, so making sure you have a support system, which might involve reaching out to people, will help keep you moving forward.

In Amor Towles’ debut novel, “Rules of Civility,” post-Depression Manhattan— the glittering metropolis of cocktails, jazz clubs and glamorous apartment towers guarded by knowing doormen— is also the city of profound reinvention. Katey Kontent works as a legal secretary, where she hides the fact of her parents’ immigrant background as she competes with her roommate for the affections of a suitor.

Affordable and fun!

Simply Organic volume shampoo, $68. Simply Organic conditioner, $76. Flavours sunless spray tan bronzer, $30. KeikiB Salon Spa, 21 Water St., Excelsior, 952-913-4949; keikibsalonspa.com

Take a step back and reassess: The core of the book is to figure out where you’re at from a value and skill standpoint. “Get a clear picture of who you are e and what you want to do, so you when you realize what your path is, you’re starting from a place of centeredness,” she said

Save Ti S Time & M Money on Holiday H lid Decorating Distressed white ceramic canisters, bowls and doves with red berry sprays and candle rings will take you from late summer through the holidays. Just add a few fall accents next month, and Christmas accents after Thanksgiving. Find these and other unique home décor items at Carver Country Flowers & Gifts, 109 3rd St. East in historic downtown Carver, 952-681-7582; carverflowers.com

Sat., Sept. 10, 2011

Say hello to Farm House Fresh Hello! Yellow Shea Butter Cream ($30, farmhousefreshgoods.com). This lotion earns its exclamation point by smelling like a lemony vanilla cake and melting into your skin. You’ll be addicted to how yummy it smells and how soft your skin feels.

Purgatory Creek Park, Eden Prairie 9 a.m. start / 10:30 a.m. awards Exhibitors’ booths open 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Major Sponsor LasikPlus

Nutritional Food Sponsors Complete Nutrition Pure Market Express

Water Station Sponsor Anytime Fitness Eden Prairie & Chaska

~ Sara Glassman savvy.mn | September 2011

or rag-rolling). Julie does much of the prep work and then Jennifer applies the products. “We don’t even have to talk, we just go, go, go,” said Jennifer.

Another inspired idea In 2010, Jennifer started getting creative by crafting a Christmas stocking out of an old fur she had in the garage. Furbellish, a name coined by Julie, was born and Jennifer made earrings, cuffs and holiday décor with recycled second-hand furs.

Sisters’ handbag line garnering star attention

Then, while searching for the perfect snaps, Jennifer came across a source for patent leather that she just couldn’t leave at the store. “I have to do something with it. I have to do something with it NOW.” So she called Julie, who lives in Chaska, and said, “Get over here!”

Story by Sara Glassman Photos by Amy Zellmer

t’s difficult not to be jealous of Jennifer Wight and Julie Driscoll. They fi nish each other’s sentences; they're best friends; and they're business partners. These sisters have mastered the sibling relationship.

On a Saturday afternoon at the Guild in St. Louis Park, where their popular Belle Vache handbag line is sold, the two took a break to try to explain their near-psychic connection. “We feed off each other,” they said in unison. “I don’t remember not doing things together,” said Jennifer. You might even catch the thirtysomethings in a moment of sister talk – where they call each other in hushed tones “Doodie” and “Dennifer.” Belle Vache bags, which will turn one in October, are being spotted on the arms and shoulders of celebs and stylemakers all over the Twin Cities and beyond. Julie said she has been pleasantly surprised by how quickly the brand has gained popularity. "We’re so glad everyone else loves it as much as we do," she said.

Sister act The two have always been pretty tight. They grew up in Le Sueur (not to be confused with soeur, which is French for sister) on a horse farm. When they

weren’t doing horse chores and cleaning the barn, both girls did lots of horse drawing. Even then, they got along extremely well, most of the time. “Until I took her clothes and she saw me at school,” said Julie. You know, normal sister stuff such as when Jennifer charged for entry to her room.

A few years later, Julie followed her sister to the Twin Cities, where they lived together and would work weddings on weekends. They were known for hand-tied nosegay bouquets – Julie favored mini-calla lilies and Jennifer adored hydrangeas.

Business, travel partners

The women have been working together since their early teens. At 13, Jennifer got a job in the flower shop at the Le Sueur Country Club. By 15, she was running the store and Julie was, of course, tagging along, where the two physically worked side by side. Their mom, Lani Driscoll, bought the shop and it became a true family affair.

Later, they were being inspired by their parents' newly decoratively painted home. They set out to learn the art by taking classes and traveling through Europe. They’ve taken five all-girls trips (with their mom) to Europe. The sisters’ decorative painting was informed by what they saw in Venice, Rome and Paris. In 2000, they started their company as “My Sister and I, Inc.”

Then Jennifer left the small town to attend St. Thomas University and continued to work in the floral business.

After a boost from the Luxury Home Tour, they were able to showcase faux brick fi nishes (not sponge-painting

They ran to Jennifer’s basement studio that night, took out the material and stitched it together. Using old painting sample boards, they made a template, cut bags and sewed them together. “We knew we had a cool thing,” said Jennifer. They named the company Belle Vache – French for “beautiful cow.” The name and the logo, which includes a crown, was inspired by the Swiss Alps, where they encountered parades of decorated cows being led down from the mountains. They brought the fi rst bags to a paint job and the client bought six without thinking. “I was painting her bathroom and she was calling her neighbors,” said Jennifer. Next, friend and client Landyn Hutchinson (wife of Viking Steve Hutchinson) carried a Belle Vache tote to a Food Network event in Florida, where Sunny Anderson and other culinary stars wanted their own.

Julie Driscoll, above left, doesn't play favorites when it comes to her Belle Vache handbag company. "I just love them all!" she said. | Every Belle Vache bag is handmade and numbered in a tiny basement studio in New Market. | Jennifer Wight, above right, shares all aspects of work with her sister Julie, except for sewing. That she does herself.

savvy.mn | September 2011

They took Landyn’s advice to keep the designs simple with a bold flower, which the sisters knew quite a bit about, thanks to all of their years in the flower business. They adopted a signature peony-like bud, like those from their grandmother’s garden. They now do bags with tassels, animal prints and profi le cameos, which can be customized. They range from $50 for a cell phone bag up to $300 for the more exotic materials.

Where to find Belle Vache Facebook: Contact them for painting and custom bags at facebook.com/ mysisterandiinc Guild: 4414 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-378-1815. Extrados: 4279 Sheridan Ave., S., Mpls, 612-920-0051. Houndstooth: 5749 Egan Dr., Savage, 952440-2807.

Play together to stay together "I like that we get to experience all this together," Julie said. "We get to bounce our creativity off each other and we get recognition together, which is pretty fun." Now, they not only work together, they also golf in a ladies league and spend tons of time together. “She’s super aunty,” said Jennifer of her sister, who is a constant presence in the lives of her daughters, Abby, 7 and Lauren, 10. Their lessons on sisterhood are being passed down to next generation. Jennifer tells her girls, like her mother told them: “Be happy you have a sister to play with,” she said, adding that having a close sibling means “everlasting friendship.” Continued Julie: “You can always rely on your sister.”

Volumes Vol mes of Vinta Vintagge in Downtown Hopkins

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How are you going to send her to college? By Sara Glassman So far, your best money-saving strategy for your kid’s college tuition is curbing your $5 afternoon latte.

Sibling Revelry Julie and Jennifer are experts in getting along with each other. Here’s some advice on how they stay so close: Mother knows best: "We always listen to our mom. When we are in a bind, we’ll call and ask her advice. She’ll talk us through it and say, “mother knows best!” Always make it fun: "The days we are together, we try to do the unexpected. If we’re on the way to job site and we see an estate sale, we’re going, even if that makes us 10 minutes late."

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Define goals: Parents need to decide how much they want to save by the time their child will reach college age. You may choose a specific dollar amount, such as the projected cost of public college tuition or you may choose to devote a fi xed percentage of your income.

Include your kids in the process: Getting them in on the saving can help teach them about their own finances and financial responsibility. Also, the Internet can be a great resource for finding scholarships, so consider asking your high school-age child to help by searching the Internet each week to find scholarships that apply to them. Contact Christina Boyd, christina_boyd@ml.com, 952-476-5612 and 800-782-1691.

Share everything: "We share our grievances, our joys, our money, a Coke. What’s mine is hers. " Forgive each other: "We do have disagreements, but we can have them and know that we’ll always make up in the end."

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Review the options: Families should take the time to carefully review all of their savings options. There are three plans that people use: Coverdell Education Savings Account, Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) and a 529 college savings plan. Christina usually recommends the 529 plan and has it for her own kids. You can pull withdrawals out taxfree as long as they’re used for higher education purposes. Plus, if one child doesn’t go to college, you can easily change the beneficiary.

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As you probably guessed, it’s never too early to save. “You should start thinking about it when you’re pregnant!” she said. “Suddenly they’re 5-years-old and you already have several thousand dollars saved.” While you can’t turn back the clock, you can sit down with a planner and go over some of your best

Here’s how she suggests you can get started:

Find an advisor you trust: They will work with you to outline your short-term and longterm financial goals – including paying for your children’s education expenses, retirement, and more – and help you establish a roadmap to achieve them. Also be sure to meet with your financial advisor on a regular basis to review these goals and your roadmap, as it’s an on-going process and your goals may change. Parents should also remember that their children can take on loans to finance their education if necessary, but they cannot borrow for their retirement.

Get playful: "We spend so much time in pretty tight spaces, we talk silly and giggle."

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For a plan that actually makes sense, Christina Boyd, a Wayzata-based financial advisor for Merrill Lynch, can help. Named the number one female advisor in Minnesota by Barron’s magazine, she Christina Boyd specializes in people who are “in transition in their life,” often times that means recently retired or divorced. As a mom of two (ages 7 and 9), Christina relates to the challenge of planning for your children’s college education.

options – no matter what your child’s age. “If your kid is now 13, that’s okay too. You start when you can,” said Christina. “The key is to plan. Have a roadmap so you can take a look of where you’re at.”

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Cheap tricks While the cost of gas, gold, coffee and rent keep going up, there are some things that are getting cheaper. Those include Kindles ($114), Solar Panels (down 15 percent) and Ikea prices (down two to three percent this year). Also a bargain? Pools! Sales of in-ground pools have plummeted by 75 percent since 2004, making it an ideal time to get a dramatic discount.

Complaint department Got a problem? The Consumer Federation of America has gathered more than 250,000 complaints from consumers in 2010 and discovered that automobiles came out on top. Car salesmen and mechanics yet again live up to their less-than-stellar reputations: There were more car-related complaints (“misrepresentations in advertising or sales of new and used cars, lemons, faulty repairs, leasing and towing disputes”) than any other category.

Help a woman in trouble get a running start on safety By Sara Glassman

fun run or 5K on a fall morning? Kind of like a walk in the park.

The Boots & Boas event will be just that, but also a chance to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit two organizations that work to end domestic violence: Cornerstone and Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women.

“

[One out of four women is being abused today]. So if you have 40 runners out there, you have 10 abused women.” Mary Ann Bigaouette

It’s a special event for the folks at Savvy.mn and its parent company, Southwest Newspapers. In 2008 they lost coworker and reporter Ruth Anne Maddox, who was murdered by her husband. He was recently found guilty of second-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing. According to Mary Ann Bigaouette, executive director at Southern Valley Alliance, one out of four

women is being abused today. That statistic includes physical, sexual, emotional, fi nancial and psychological abuse. “So if you have 40 runners out there, you have 10 abused women,” she said, adding that events that attract primarily women offer an opportunity to educate and help those who might be in an abusive situation. For 28 years, Southern Valley Alliance has served women in Scott and Carver counties. After being a victim of domestic violence herself, Mary Ann’s mom started the program to help other women – a legacy Mary Ann continues today. If you suspect someone you know is in an abusive situation, you can and should help. “The most important thing you can do is believe her,” she said. “If you don’t believe her completely, she’ll pick up on that and might go right back into the situation.” Here are a few of Southern Valley Alliance’s tips: Lend a Sympathetic Ear: Letting your friend know that you care and are willing to listen may be the best help you can offer. Don’t force the issue, but allow her to confide in you at her own pace. Keep your mind open and really listen to what she tells you. Never blame her for what’s happening or underestimate her fear of potential danger. Remember that your friend must make her own decisions about her life. Focus on supporting her right to make her own choices. Guide Her to Community Services: When she asks for advice on what she should do, share the information you’ve gathered with her privately. Let her know she is not alone and that caring people are available to help her. Encourage her to seek the assistance of battered women’s advocates at the local domestic violence hotline or program.

savvy.mn | September 2011

Boots & Boas Fun Dash and 5K Run/Walk Presented by St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Eden Prairie News and Savvy.mn Magazine. Major Sponsor: LasikPlus. Nutritional Food Sponsors: Complete Nutrition and Pure Market Express. Water Station Sponsor: Anytime Fitness, Eden Prairie & Chaska When: 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Where: Purgatory Creek Park, Eden Prairie What: Stomp out domestic violence by wearing your favorite boots and donning a complimentary boa for the 50-yard fun dash. Some proceeds will benefit Cornerstone and Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women. Details: Race starts at 9 a.m.; awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Exhibitor booths open 8-11 a.m. Fees: $30 through Sept. 3 and $35 Race Day Register: Visit active.com and search for “Boots & Boa 5K”

Help Her Develop a Safety Plan: Encourage your friend to develop a plan to protect herself and her children. Help her think through the steps she should take if her partner becomes abusive again. Make a list of people she can call in an emergency. Suggest that she put together and hide a suitcase of clothing, personal items, money, social security cards, bank books, the children’s birth certificates and school records and other important documents. For more information, contact Southern Valley Alliance (www. southernvalleyalliance.org, 24-hour-crisis line 952-873-4214) or Cornerstone (cornerstonemn.org, 24-hour helpline 952-884-0330). Day One Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line is 866-223-1111.

savvy.mn | September 2011

Junk Bonanza What: One of the largest ﬂea markets in the country—130 juried vendors When: Sept. 15-17: Thu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bonanza

Where: Indoors at Canterbury Park, Shakopee Admission: $8 per day. Purchase at the door. Early Bird tickets are $25 and provide early entry Thursday, two hours before the start; also good for admission during regular hours Friday and Saturday.

Discovering a tarnished treasure trove

Info: junkbonanza.com

Sample of Minnesota vendors How Quaint, Shakopee Mustard Moon, Carver (Owner Jane Hall helps organize Junk Bonanza) La La Land, Chaska The Hogshed, Lester Prairie Haupt Antiek Market, Apple Valley hunt & gather, Minneapolis

By Unsie Zuege

verything old is new again.

At least in the hands of those gifted in repurposing, reusing, and reinventing the stuff most people consider junk. In these artists’ and crafts people’s eyes, the tired, the tattered and the tarnished have intriguing potential. Old wire egg baskets become industrial steam punk lighting fi xtures, discarded paint by number oil painting projects become gloriously kitschy post-modern art collections, and former dusty, dingy dress forms make a perfect backdrops to eclectic “old family jewels” collections. Who else could repurpose the playing pieces from board games into one of a kind jewelry, witty wall art, and clever accessories?

The sixth annual Junk Bonanza returns to Canterbury Park in Shakopee Sept. 14-17. It’s the one place where more than 100 of the most creative artists, home décor experts and stylists come together to showcase and sell their fi nds and creations from the past year.

Photo courtesy of Junk Bonanza Ki Nassauer, the creative force behind Junk Bonanza and Flea Market magazine.

According to Ki Nassauer, the founder of Junk Bonanza, it’s perhaps the largest such indoor market in the country. Nassauer, a retail professional for more than 30 years began combing garage sales, estate

sales, and junk yards years ago, recognizing the wealth of treasures most people tossed out after outliving their original purposes. Nassauer could see the good bones in a tired armchair; she could see how a coat of paint could transform an old cupboard, and how vintage linens could fi nd new life in contemporary homes.

This once a year glorified flea market started small, in Long Lake, in a rented warehouse. There were 20 vendors, Nassauer remembers. Word of mouth made the second year bigger—she estimates 1,000 came

to shop, and by the third year, the small downtown surrounding the warehouse was overwhelmed by enthusiastic treasure hunters. Last year, Nassauer moved the Junk Bonanza to Canterbury Park’s extensive indoor facility. Attendance at that event surpassed 10,000. She expects this year’s show will draw even more. Junk Bonanza’s reputation and buzz has prompted many of the vendors—from across the United States—to specifically hold their most amazing fi nds for the Junk Bonanza. “Our vendors come from as far away as Washington state, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas. There are many flea markets that are much larger,” Nassauer says, “but what makes this one

“

We limit ourselves to the very best. If you’re into romantic, industrial modern, modern country, farmhouse, we’ve got [it].”

different is that it’s juried. We select the vendors and we determine a good fit. We limit ourselves to the very best. We want to represent all styles of merchandise so if you’re into romantic, industrial modern, modern country, farmhouse, we’ve got [it].” “And, we don’t allow any merchandise that is less than 40 years old. We’re adamant that every thing is truly vintage.” The other key to Junk Bonanza’s reputation is that the selected vendors know how to create their

Ki Nassauer booth displays and merchandising. “It’s a beautiful show,” Nassauer said. “And there is something for everyone, from items that are 50 cents to antiques that are $5,000.” Vintage fans, this is your Lollapalooza. But just remember, what you buy, you have to haul. Nassauer laughs. “The vendors will help you carry stuff out to the loading dock. But you’ll have to figure out how to get it home!”

Photos by Unsie Zuege: Dressmaker dress forms find new life as displays for accessories. | Remember these? Everything at the Junk Bonanza is 40 years or more old. | A vintage souvenir plate, perfect for an arty wall of vacation photographs. | Treasures are outside, too. This is one you can drive away.

savvy.mn | September 2011

Z X

Y [

artistic impression

Make an

odels crossed the Orpheum Theater stage wearing everything from nude pink lips to a glossy red pout thanks to Alex Sanchez, the national makeup artist for Lancome and leader of the makeup team for Macy’s Glamorama Aug. 5. Disparate work from artists like Banksy, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring were projected onto a videowall behind the models and Sanchez took a painterly approach to creating their makeup looks.

s u o m a r o Glam Fall A

hile you might not look like you walked off a runway every day, you can take inspiration from the super-stylish looks at Macy’s Glamorama. The 20th incarnation of the show raised money for Children’s Cancer Research Fund and offered an inspiring kick-off to the fall fashion season. Here are a few trends that can easily go from runway to your way.

X Plaids If it’s fall, you can safely pull out your tartans and look fresh. The latest nonlumberjack plaids – such as this Sonia Rykiel ensemble – will play off of 2011’s vivacious palette.

Y Longer skirts Hemlines are down, but not dreary. This flowing, pleated, feminine Tracy Reese skirt is topped off with a chunky sweater.

“Fashion incorporates a lot of pink and purple this year which lends itself to harmonizing makeup in these cool tones,” Sanchez said. “It is all about an impressionist palette of shimmering pinks and purples . . . think Monet sunsets and Degas ballerinas. To make this work in the real world my advice is to pick a focus . . . either eyes or lips and really make a statement in these luscious pink and purple hues.”

Sanchez shares his favorite products for getting the Glamorama look, as seen on model Martinique Mitchell, below.

Eyes: "My current favorite palette is Lancome Color Design Pink Envy 5 Pan Palette because it works on all skin tones. This is also the palette we used at Macy’s Glamorama." .

Lips: "If you choose to focus on lips select a gloss instead of a purple lipstick (which can be very tricky and gothic). I love to slick purple gloss over warmer tones to give it an unexpected pop of brightness and femininity. Get the Glamorama lip at home with Lancome Le Laque Fever Gloss in Purple Current." Glamorama Lip Switch: "There is a dramatic makeup change during the show for the lips . . . from nude to red. Red lips have a wonderful brightening effect for the face and are very wearable when you choose the right shade. Be sure to choose red lipstick shades that are creamy and glossy versus matte and metallic. Think modern vermillioncrimson rather than dated frosted cherry. Get the Glamorama look with Color Design Lipstick in Red Stiletto."

~ Melissa Gilman

It’s monochromatic, but defi nitely not monotonous.

Z Spots Dalmations have lent their chic-est dots to create Marc Jacobs’s fall aesthetic. Since America’s top fashion designer is feeling spotty, expect for the pop up on prints for a while.

[ Bright colors Banish blah grays and blacks and go for bold colors, seen here in a look by Sonia Rykiel. Throw a red sweater with your gray pants. The truly daring can mix different brights together.

Looks for less

savvy.mn | September 2011

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You can look expensive without the top notch pricetag, thanks to the Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse line, available exclusively at Macy’s. One of fashion’s most intimidating figures has a one-time, temporary collection that looks quite lovely.

~ Story & photos by Sara Glassman savvy.mn | September 2011

Savvy Scene Shop hop Get ready for one of the biggest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if not the biggest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; shopping events ever. Fashionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Out (www. fashionsnightout.com) is an evening dedicated to getting customers out of their spending doldrums and into stores to purchase something (preferably full-price). Started by Vogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anna Wintour in New York, the festivities have now spread around the world and to the Twin Cities. Locally, Galleria will be celebrating from 6 to 10 p.m. (galleriaedina.com) with special events at many of the stores. Arafi na will offer a Christopher Fischer trunk show with cashmere and accessories. Epitome will offer a trunk show (and 10 percent discount) on Liz Oieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelry, pictured, and Autumn Cashmere. Shop trunk shows such as Anne M. Cramer at Melly and Frye boots at Pumpz & Company. There will be refreshments at many of the stores, but you can also get a free appetizer at Peoples Organic Coffee & Wine Cafe when you spend $20 and receive a free appetizer.

Paint the Town Pink Shop for a Cause

Join us for great deals and great fun!

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savvy.mn | September 2011

and her staff taught guests unusual ways to knot a scarf, demonstrated magic fashion tools (isABelt) and shared treats and free lattes with guests. Cassie Reimers, Prior Lake, and Trish Meschke, Savage, experiment with scarves. Jessie Witt and Sarah Hughes, both of Eden Prairie, smile pretty. Katherine Livingood, Eden Prairie, shows off a cute top.

Photos by Shannon Fiecke. See more photos on Savvy.mn

Win a makeosveLrive ! from Twin Citie

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Ladies Night Out Thursday, October 6, 4 - 8:00 PM.

lay it again: scoring high-end fashion for low prices was defi nitely a good move during the July 14 Sip â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;N Shop Savvy Soiree at Encore Consignment Boutique in Eden Prairie. Kay Nordbye, third from left,

SUMMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S END SOIRĂ&#x2030;E

Kitchen un-confidential Turn off the HGTV and get a voyeuristic look at some newly renovated homes during the ASID Kitchen and Bath Tour (Sept. 10 and 11, $20, tickets available at Hirschfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail locations, including Shakopee and Eden Prairie). This Minneapolis kitchen was designed by Mary Jane Pappas, ASID, Pappas Design.

Pet project Bring the whole family including any fourlegged friends to Paws for a Cause (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 18, Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley). Presented by Chicks for a Cause, the shopping, dancing and educational event will benefit local animal rescues. You will be rewarded with a treat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; free goodie bags.

Time: 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 15 Location: FICUS & FIG 12750 Nicollet Ave., Suite 100, Burnsville Cost: FREE Learn quick and easy entertaining ideas along with great hostess gift ideas. Enjoy treats, refreshments, hourly giveaways, in-store specials and much more.

TWIN CITIES LIVE! Time: 2-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29 Location: KSTP STUDIO 3415 University Ave., St. Paul Cost: FREE

avvy.mn readers are invited to participate in a live studio audience for Twin Cities Live on Sept. 29. As part of that special Savvy Soiree TCL is giving one lucky lady a makeover. To enter submit a picture and tell us why you want a makeover from the TCL Makeover Team by Thursday, Sept. 22 at Savvy.mn and click on contests. The winner will get a new look from Lillians Shoppes and New ReďŹ&#x201A;ections Salons. Winner must be 18+ and available from 2- 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 to appear on the show.

Attend a live show with a Savvy readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s makeover results. Enjoy treats, refreshments, door prizes, gift bags, studio tour and meet-and-greet with TCL hosts Elizabeth and John!