Christy DeSmith I’m one of those crazy people who enjoys giving more so than getting. But that’s because I’m a total snob, not that I’m generous of spirit. I mean, I certainly appreciate the professional portrait of my nieces I get from my sister most years. But, geez, couldn’t she have at least tucked them inside some … Read more
I don’t mind shopping malls, really. But I intend to avoid them this Black Friday, not to stave off those bouts of claustrophobia, but to procure a series of gifts that are either high-quality second-hand or awfully, awfully special. Here’s the action plan (a working document): Roam (811 Glenwood Ave.) It’s the latest store to … Read more
The theme was black and white this year. And let me tell you something, it is very, very difficult to do anything interesting with b&w—especially when you have autumn coloring, such as I do, and a closet full of earth tones. I couldn’t find my slip, so I pulled on three, count ‘em, three see-through … Read more
So, I was cruising the fashion blog circuit earlier today when I happened upon a local writer (she shall remain link-less) who somehow seemed to sustain this incredibly luxurious, posh lifestyle. Day after day, the posts were about her sushi dinners, the diamond-encrusted electronics she had encountered, or a recent trip to the local furrier … Read more
Um, I hardly ever do this. But since I missed the big opening of the Gucci boutique at Nordstrom MOA last week, I figure I’d better slobber over some other local shop or other. Now, I assume that some of you, like me, are decidedly lacking in coin these days, and therefore cannot rationalize the … Read more
After World War II, when most U.S. businesses emphasized hiring male war veterans, Hormel Foods hatched an unusual plan to employ women. Of course, these women tended to be less needy than attractive—not to mention talented. In fact, from 1947–53, a troupe of sixty female employees from the Austin-based company, known simply as the “Hormel … Read more
It’s a big month for Zenon Dance Company. For one, they hop aboard the holiday treadmill with their premiere of The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose on December 15. But the company’s signature aesthetic—athleticism and precision, not to mention sophisticated musical tastes—will be better displayed a couple of weeks earlier, at its twenty-fifth anniversary program. … Read more
And this other thing: One of my fave local fashion photographers, Nic Marshall, just sent along these new portfolio pics. Local designer George Moskal (also one of my faves) lent some of his latest looks for the occasion. I absolutely lurve the following fancy, gray brocade dress with roped belt. Actually, it’s the dress I … Read more
Warning: In this post, you’ll have to wade through some sap before arriving at the payoff. This weekend I met my new mentee via the U of M’s school of journalism mentoring program. (I’m also on the school’s alumni board; do the warm-fuzzies never end?) Here’s what I love about mentoring: You give and you … Read more
Hate to say it, but last night’s RetroRama was sort of a disappointment. Not only was there little to no cleavage, but there were also little to no people. Where were you, folks? (You were at the 10,000 Arts party, from what I hear.) Of course, the first RetroRama, in April, was such a raging … Read more