Bonjour beauty Just in time for Valentine's Day, fragrance seekers will be happy to hear that Cherie, formerly of Wayzata, has reopened as La Petite Parfumerie in a new location (287 Water St., Excelsior, 952-475-2212). Despite the name, the French-inspired shop is not at all small. It is a sprawling emporium filled with sweet, but not overwhelming beauty products.
While lines such as Caudalie and Kiehl's are stocked, the focus is on fragrance. Owner Diane Wissink and her staff are able to analyze your preferences and find a scent that you'll love and won't give you (or the person next to you) headaches. "Everybody should smell good," said Wissink. "I don't care if you're cleaning the garage -- scents should be part of your life." That said, she has found signature scents for someone who wanted a fragrance that her horse would like (Acqua di Parma's myrtle Mirto di Panarea) and carries Audrey Hepburn's signature Spring Flower by Creed.
Through Valentine's Day, crystal-covered heart accessories by Tarina Tarantino are 15 percent off. Another best bet for Feb. 14: The best-selling Fresh Sugar Lips Rose, with a slight red tint and a lemon-rosy fragrance, will keep you ready to pucker up.
Olympic style As the world prepares to watch the Olympic torch make it to Vancouver, you can dress like one of the athletes. Ralph Lauren created a collection that is patriotic, sporty and cool.
You will feel like you're a member of the team in down jacket, fleece pants, a cable-knit turtleneck sweater and wool hat with an American flag emblem. Or you might just opt for the cool casual cardigan that will be worn at the closing ceremonies.
All of the opening and closing ceremony looks along with some casual Village-appropriate attire are available for men, women and children on Ralphlauren.com. Sorry, Ralph: Polo is not a sport for the Winter Olympics.
Fabulous at Fashion Week Clothes, yes. Celebs, yes. Glamour, yes. Spectacle, yes. Minnesotans, yes! That's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. With so much going on in New York, we'll catch up with Twin Citians on the scene and the fashions for fall and winter 2010. Check page A2 of the Star Tribune starting on Saturday for updates.
Sales and events From Friday through Sunday, you can get something if you shop any combination of stores from the northwest corner of Selby and Snelling in St. Paul -- including Flirt, Patina and A. Michele. Bring your receipts to the kissing booth on the corner. Spend $100 and receive a free shimmer puff; or, if you spend more than $250, you'll get a free boudoir photo session at Custom Creations Photography. Bonus: With any purchase at Flirt (177 N. Snelling, 651-698-3692) through Sunday, receive a coupon for a free cocktail at Azia restaurant and receive a coupon for 25 percent off one item in March.
There's more love to be found (and possibly bought) at the Valentine Beauty Event at June (3406 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-354-3970). On Friday (6 to 9 p.m.), enjoy pink champagne, pink cake pops and a lash bar along with makeup with Suzy Martin. Plus you can shop the high-end consignment pieces.
Think spring with Chanel's spring 2010 trunk show on Friday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Nordstrom (Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-883-2121, ext. 1350). Appointments are recommended.
Operation Glass Slipper, a nonprofit that provides free prom gowns and accessories to high school girls in the Twin Cities, will be having a cash-only dress and accessories sale this weekend. The proceeds support their annual giveaway. Racks of dresses ($5 to $20), bridal gowns ($20 to $50) and flower girl dresses ($20) will be restocked daily. The sale is at the Wellstone Center (179 E. Robie St., St. Paul) on Friday (3 to 8 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (noon to 4 p.m.).
On Thursday and Friday, Blue Willi's (Galleria, Edina, 952-926-2533) will host an Ilse Jacobsen trunk show. The Scandinavian line features handmade rubber boots, raincoats and rain gear.
Prom, MOA-style Here's a cool contest for local teenagers who are prom-bound. Guys and gals can submit their stories with photos or video on how they were asked to their prom or how they asked someone else. Two couples will be selected by the Mall of America to participate in Pick-A-Prom 2010. Then the lucky (and brave) couples will try out different hair, makeup, restaurants and clothes. However, the final decision for their prom night will be made by voters on www.mallofamerica.com/prom, just like when the "Today" show throws a wedding. Prom-goers have until 5 p.m. on Feb. 25 to send in their essay (250 or fewer words) with photos or a video to prom@mallofamerica.com.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@startribune.com
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