All eyes on the bride

Also: Sales and events and the pick of the week.

By Sara Glassman, Star Tribune

November 3, 2010 — 5:52pm

Eyes on the bride On Friday, tune into "Good Morning America" (7 a.m., KSTP-TV, Ch. 5) to watch Chaska native Tara LaTour Lindemeier in the "Operation Dream Dress" competition. The winner will be announced on the air and the selected gown will be produced by David's Bridal and featured on the December cover of Brides magazine.

Lindemeier, a recent graduate of Parsons: The New School of Design in New York, recently returned to the Twin Cities and is working on establishing her bridal line under the label Tara LaTour (www.taralatour.com). Her design for the competition features a drop waist, hand-dyed fabrics and a belt. And she's sure it's a winner. "I feel like I can't lose," she said. "I love being able to design something that's more of a dream than what daily life is."

pick of the week

Anna Hovet New designs from Chicago-based Anna Hovet have arrived at Picky Girl (949 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-698-4107). Hovet, known for dramatic modern pieces such as capes and reversible dresses, has deep Midwestern roots. She grew up in Grand Forks, N.D., summered in Brainerd, Minn., and regularly visits her mom in Eden Prairie.

sales + events

THURSDAY

Maiden Minnesota: Shop 36 local, women-owned companies. Five dollars from each ticket will benefit Free Arts Minnesota.

5 to 10 p.m., at the Graves Hotel, 601 1st Av. N., Mpls, 612-677-1100, $30 tickets, www.maidenminnesota.com.

Autumn Cashmere trunk show: The entire spring and summer resort line of cashmere and cotton will be available for orders.

Through Sunday, Epitome, Galleria, Edina, 952-920-2978.

Shorty's Loft storewide sale: Everything will be 30 percent off, including boots from Bed Stu and Old Gringo, denim from MEK and sweaters from Sisters and Wooden Ships, jewelry from Brighton and handbags by Big Buddha.

Through Nov. 11, 4590 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-473-0404, www.shortysloft.net.

FRIDAY

David Heston trunk show: The former sculptor designs jewelry that blends sterling silver, gold, rubber, diamonds and colored stones.

Through Saturday, Max's, Excelsior & Grand, 3831 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-922-8364, www.stylebymax.com.

Bills Khakis trunk show: The brand's representatives will answer questions.

Through Sunday, Twill by Scott Dayton, Galleria, Edina, 952-922-2711, www.twillbyscott dayton.com.

SATURDAY

Girls on the Town: The Jewelry Liquidator will be giving away items valued at $79.99 to the first 350 women, no purchase necessary, and the entire store's merchandise will be 20 percent off.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., check in at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, www.thinkhopkins.com, first 300 shoppers receive a reusable bag.

Local-to-Global Jewelry Artist Mart: Kick off holiday shopping with jewelry from down the street and around the world. Artists include Yen Chee, Bridget Clark, Karin Jacobson and Tia Keobounpheng of Minneapolis, Marisa Martinez and Andrea Terhaar of St. Paul, Liz Oie of Burnsville, Danny Saathoff of Robbinsdale, Molly Spilane of Richfield and Helen Wang of Edina.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-375-7600, www.walkerart.org.

Hunting opener at Flirt: The lingerie boutique will celebrate on Saturday. Enjoy champagne, cupcakes and 15 percent off one item. Free camouflage boy shorts with purchase of $75 or more.

Noon to 8 p.m., 177 N. Snelling Av., St. Paul, 651-698-3692, www.flirt-boutique.com.

Parc Boutique's reopening: The men's and women's boutique will celebrate its move a few doors down to a larger space with free hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, plus 20 percent off everything in the store. Also enjoy door prizes and shop local jewelry by Camba Jewelry, ekate, KR Designs and M. Bridget Designs.

5 to 8 p.m., 320 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-353-4966.

SCENEaSOTA: The third annual runway show features Minnesota-based designers Jenn Bratvold, Jenny Carle, Carmichael Claith, Britta Feuerhelm, Kathryn V (Kathryn Sterner), Kevin Kramp, Raul Osorio and Francis Zerr.

Reception at 8 p.m. and runway at 9:30 p.m., Loft 2 (above OM Restaurant), 401 1st Av. N., Mpls. $10 general admission and $15 seated, available at Cliché, 2403 Lyndale Av. S.