The latest designer collaboration has a true Minnesota connection. Shakopee-based designer Christopher Straub has created a capsule collection for Duluth-based Maurices.

"One day I'm in four boutiques, and the next I'm in 800 stores," he said.

Fans of the busy "Project Runway" alumnus will recognize his signature style.

"The pieces I did were feminine and flirty, and it's a holiday collection, which is perfect," he said. At $12 to $89, the collection is much more affordable than his own line.

Straub used abstract flower petals in a 3-D scarf and the skirt of a cocktail dress. He also designed his first fragrance, Be Amazing.

"You're dressing her to go out; you may as well complete the look with scent," he said. "I wanted the notes to be citrus and floral, but not overly floral or citrusy."

Christopher Straub for Maurices

Where: Full collection available at www.maurices.com and at Maurices stores at Mall of America, Burnsville Center, Eden Prairie Center, Maplewood Mall and Northtown Mall in Blaine. Accessories and fragrance available at all locations.

Fashion show: Meet Straub and see a runway presentation, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sat., Mall of America rotunda.

More: www.christopherstraub.com.

Pick of the Week

Sequin sample sale: Minnesota natives Linda and Kim Renk give their home state a holiday gift every year with their costume jewelry company's annual sample sale blowout. You might have seen the pieces by New York-based Sequin on "Gossip Girl." In addition to the main line of jewelry sold at Nordstrom and Henri Bendel, the Renks work with Badgley Mischka on their runway collection. During the event, jewelry will be 60 to 80 percent off original prices of $40 to $1,000.

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thu. and Fri. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., International Market Square, 275 Market St., Mpls., www.sequin-nyc.com, cash only.

Sales and events

Thursday

Crowned Cottage grand opening: The sisters behind Belle Vache bags and Furbellish accessories are opening an occasional shop with additional gift items.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thu. to Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., 531 Main St., Elko-New Market, www.mysisterandiinc.com.

Amanda Christine trunk show: The local designer will be in-store with her special-occasion dresses and separates.

1 to 4 p.m., Arafina, Galleria, Edina, 952-925-1565.

Saturday

Snap, Crafted, Pop: Join Radar Concierge for a pop-up boutique featuring local vendors, including Benjo's, the Wandering Ham and Katherine's Basement.

4 to 9 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., 2400 N. 2nd St., Mpls., www.snapcraftedpop.com.

Next week

Style Show: After 10 sold-out years in Prior Lake, jewelry designer Karla Haugen of k.h. Designs will bring her popular holiday show to Minneapolis. The lively shopping event includes Houndstooth, n'etc, Local Motion, Urban Junket, Leather Renditions by Sandy and Cindy Perry Handbags.

5 to 10 p.m., Women's Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St., Mpls., $46 ticket includes a glass of wine, appetizers and dessert, available at 612-743-6417, www.khdesignjewelry.com.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@startribune.com • Follow Glassman onTwitter: @sararglassman