Just when you think you’ve had enough drama for the day, a boutique by the same name moves in and makes you want more. Drama, a clothing boutique for women, recently relocated from Uptown to downtown Edina. France Avenue is a fabulous fit for the dainty duo that co-owns the store. Co-owner Courtney Smallbeck is thrilled by the fabulous fashionista foot traffic the store is experiencing already. "There's a wonderful energy at 50th & France," Smallbeck said. "So many beautiful boutiques, and we’re happy they’re now our neighbors." "Uptown is more about drinks and dinner and maybe that cute …

Bright. Bold. Beautiful. That’s how JUUT Salonspa summed up fall makeup trends in an email alerting clients of their August and September Shine Like a Jewel Make Up Events.      I eagerly attended the August event so I might bring Edina Patch readers some of JUUT’s innovative ideas in wearing bold, beautiful makeup.     Greeted and seated by Salon Manager Andrea Julson, I enjoyed a coolglass of cucumber water as she offered up some fall makeup insight before my appointment at the Southdale location. "Everyone’s eyes tend to be their striking point, so to have colors that accent that beauty is…

As little girl leggings, big boy button-downs and tie-dyed tees dominate Sunday circulars, back-to-school bargains can cause moms to, in fact, run circles.   While price is important to most back-to-school shoppers, ideas from other shopping moms are often priceless. In this article, experienced Edina mothers offer insight into clothing their well-clad kids. Pick and choose tips from the range of ideas below, meant to save money, time and perhaps your sanity. Buy Basics for the Future "I like to the buy basics on sale, so I buy a size or two up and keep them in a storage box on the top shelf …

Beautiful baubles, fancy finger foods and girly gossip—all under one roof—can only mean one thing: A jewelry party is underway. The jewelry party concept is an ingenious excuse for women to get out and socialize, stylize and support the entrepreneurial efforts of those behind the business.  Edina entrepreneurs, Kris Pauls (Silpada Designs) and Nikki Weber (Independent) are two such women who enjoy the opportunities that selling accessories affords them. The resourceful, fashion-forward mothers offer insight into the benefits of running a bauble biz.     Fantastically Fun Weber once wandered …

BEACHWEAR. No other clothing classification can conjure up a sense of summer like that one can. The sound of thwacking flip flops is music to a Minnesotan’s ears.  Now, as we approach the hot, sticky, dog days of summer and our overworked Edina pool passes are put to good use, it seems it's our overworked beachwear that puts the "dogged" in dog days. As much as you relish in the relaxation and recreation of swimming with the kids, throwing on that tired, sun-baked, chlorinated cover-up is almost unbearable. Let the second half of summer's sun and sand be infused with some easy, breezy, fresh …

As burgers, brats and BBQ chicken bring friends together to celebrate summer, it seems we’re suddenly barraged with backyard barbeques and block parties. And for many, “what to wear” to these events becomes a more difficult decision than “what to bring.”  Once you’re done wavering between watermelon or Waldorf salad, wander over to your wardrobe and assemble some summer ensembles.      Block Party If you’re bustling off to a block party, keep it casual: Skinny cargo pants with a fitted Minnesota Twins tee. Jeans with a basic black tank top, sandals and a pretty pink pedicure. A dark colored …

The House of Amore & Fede wrangled in another line of dramatic denim this month. Cowgirl Tuff Company—based in Cokato, MN—is now available at Amore & Fede on West 50th Street.    The blingy boutique is known for its significant selection of decked out denim with a fabulous fit. “Customers already come in from all over for our huge selection Miss Me jeans,” explained Kim Parmater, store owner. By adding Cowgirl Tuff, she’s one step closer to her goal, which is “to become your best boutique denim source in the country.” Patient and particular, Parmater searched more than three years to locate “…

Do you have clothes in your closet that make you feel guilty?  You know, the pieces you’ve purchased, but wish you hadn’t? I once bought a salmon color skirt that didn’t go with anything I owned—except maybe the cream cheese in the fridge. While garment gaffes come easily, figuring out what to do with them can be difficult. How does one start the process of purging poor purchases? As a wardrobe stylist, I tell clients to take an afternoon and make an “oopsie” pile. "Oopsies" include all of the items you’re kinda bummed you bought. Dig into those drawers and drop every questionable item of …

Bright colors and feminine florals were in full bloom at the Morningside Woman’s Club meeting this spring. Judith McGrann & Friends planted fresh style ideas at the club’s fashion show in the Edina Morningside Church.  The annual fashion show features the clothing collections of local boutiques on actual MWC members. “I think the ladies love seeing their friends dressed up in clothes they might not normally wear… and looking amazing,” explained Program Chair Liz Heineke. Six MWC members put themselves in the very capable, creative hands of Coutney Kircsht, a colorful Judith McGrann & Friends …

There’s something so Parisian about getting buzzed into the building and climbing the short flight of stairs to La Bratique. Overlooking France Avenue, the professional bra fitting boutique specializes in a largely overlooked segment of the bra wearing population: women that wear a C-cup and up. Overlooked, at least, by lingerie stores. The boutique’s recent transition is a tribute to all the ladies who are frustrated with fit. If you’ve been told by a store fitter that you’re a perfect C or D, yet you’re still bulging out the sides, drooping in the middle or fussing with your straps looking …

I always knew EXACTLY what I wanted to wear on “picture day” and it rarely lined up with my mom’s choice for me. Looking back at photo albums, I’m quite certain she won most of the battles. Outfitting one little girl can certainly be trouble. Imagine coordinating clothes for a family photo and having to outfit everyone. Not a pretty picture. One of the most common questions photographers are asked is “What the heck should we wear for a family portrait?” Photographer and Edina native Elissa Kadue hears it all the time. Little Bean Photography is her “baby.” The studio has a reputation for …

Whether you hang them in the closet or store them in a top drawer, basic tee shirts should have a prominent place in your wardrobe. This simple little essential will make the rest of your clothes more wearable. Tees can be worn with nearly anything, and furthermore, they can be worn so many ways.   The convenient cotton tops are copious at Hobo. Known for its selection of designer tees, the Galleria store carries sought after labels such as Michael Stars, Three Dots and Marika Charles.    Hobo’s dressier tees include a brand called A’nue Ligne that look great under suit jackets. Both the …

Spring fashion has found its feminine side: flirty floral prints, delicate chiffons and a new kind of nautical are among the season’s top trends. Take a stroll past the well-dressed windows of Hot Mama this March and you’ll likely detect an overall feminine feel. What you may not notice is that their ensembles incorporate girly details without looking too girlish. Not noticing is good. Their ensembles are effortless. Frilly fashion can easily turn futile. Fun, feminine details are perfectly appropriate for women of all ages, so long as they're done in moderation. Floral Prints Flowers are …

Remember last October when you couldn’t wait to wear that cozy cashmere cardigan? You’d throw it on with a scarf and feel fabulous. Funny how fickle we are. Only five months into wearing our winter wardrobes and the love is gone. It’s February’s fault. After a month of longer days, bluer skies and lighter, brighter, better spring styles, it's hard to not feel weighed down by our cold weather attire. While we’re all dying to shed the long sleeves for cap sleeves and mittens for maxi skirts, March simply won't have it. What’s a worn-out wardrobe to do? As we patiently wait for April, here are a…

Sunglasses!  I love everything about them—except for the fact that I lose them. They’re practical. They’re fun. They’re stylish and versatile. Sunglasses are a necessary accessory that add personality to any outfit. Among the top trends this season are macro, wayfarer and aviator. While each style couldn’t be more different, they do share one common classification: vintage-retro. Consumers are clamoring for iconic looks from yesteryear.    Diana Fleetham, manager of  The Optical at 50th and France, has seen the looks come and go. And come again. "Retro is definitely hot," Fleetham said. "…

Save-the-dates, cost-per-plate, flowers and showers; the big day has so many big decisions it’s a wonder brides survive the wedding planning experience. Fortunately, there are peaks of pure pleasure amidst the mountains of details—discovering the ideal dress is one of them. A wedding gown, for the majority of women, is the most exciting, extravagant and expensive garment they’ll ever wear.   Edina is perhaps the perfect place to pursue that gorgeous gown. The 50th and France business district hosts an array of bridal shops including Pricilla of Boston, Brides of France, Monique Lhuillier and …

Brimming with beautiful bikinis and trendy tankinis, January style magazines remind winter travelers that it’s once again time to shop for that new cute suit. Finding that suit is not always easy. In fact, many women liken swimsuit shopping to a root canal. Recently, my friend Nancy and I learned that it doesn’t have to be that painful. Two weeks ago we made an appointment at Nani Nalu Beachwear Boutique in search of a suit for her upcoming vacation. The Edina boutique’s owner, Jennifer Cermak makes it her mission to fit women—sizes 0-18—in beautiful, flattering styles that feel comfortable …

Bolder brows and luscious lashes are bringing eyes into focus this year. Whether you pencil, pluck or professionally wax, Edina experts have invaluable input for 2011 eye trends. Cos Bar manager Julie Boosalis begins with the brows. “Study the art of beauty and you won’t get very far without realizing the brows define the face," Boosalis said. "Beauty is symmetry and we can create the illusion of symmetry on your face—through your face by framing your eyes." A common shape for a nice brow begins over the inside corner of your eye, slants ever-so-slightly upward to an arch that peaks at the …

"Effortless," "au naturel " and "beachy" are among the words used to describe 2011's top hair trends. The styles makes you want to stomp the snow off your tall boots, sit back in the hair chair and let your stylist make you more "Miami." Or at least take your hair there. The hair experts at The Metropolitan say 2011 trends will vary from short and sleek, medium length bobs—both with or without a fringe—and long, big curls for the au naturel look. They suggest Aquage's Sea Salt Texturizing Spray for that "just left the beach look." It smells as amazing as it sounds. Glam-rock short will also …

Outdoors is better than indoors and indoors is better than nothing. That's what they believe at Title Nine Sports on 50th & France. It's easy to be inspired by the store's employees, workout wear and the "We Believe" statements prominently posted in the store. With New Year's fitness resolutions upon us, it's good to be inspired to get fit—and look good doing it. Might you be inspired to walk more in the winter if you owned Title Nine's adorable Jane Dean jacket paired with a polka-dot scarf? Fashionable and functional, this one-of-a-kind cotton and Italian fleece keeps us outside and active …