Warming trends Three of the hottest style picks hitting the Twin Cities for spring.NEW RETAIL DISTRICT

The Warehouse District might soon be renamed the Shopping District.

Sartorially minded men have been enjoying MartinPatrick and Askov Finlayson, and women have C'est Chic and the fashion-forward bridal salon L'atelier Couture. Now Intoto alums Michael Basham and Sarah Dwyer have added their chic point of view for men's and women's fashion to the neighborhood with Arrow (121 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-339-1663). It features Antik Batik, Vanessa Bruno, Relwen, Steven Alan and Jerome Dryfuss. They chose the area for the vibe and walking traffic.

"We like the fact that there's other retail over here with similar price points -- you can go to a couple other places, several bars and restaurants," Dwyer said.

Strolling shoppers have more to look forward to with Whole Foods and a new home store coming soon.

ØBlowout bars

Despite the glut of local salons, the affordable quality blowout has remained elusive in the Twin Cities. That's about to change with the expected April opening of three new blowout-specific spots, all pricing the 45-minute service at around $35.

They're based on similar concepts that have been popping up in New York and Los Angeles. Blast Blow Dry Bar (www.blastdrybar.com) will open in downtown Minneapolis and the West End in St. Louis Park. The concept will offer its own product line, customized at an in-house "bar" that will allow you to select fragrances and ingredients catered to hair type.

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Jason Deavalon teaching his signature blowout technique to employees of the soon-to-open The Wow Bar in Edina (thewowbar.com).

Jason Deavalon of the eponymous Uptown salon is opening the Wow Bar (www.thewowbar.com) in the 50th and France neighborhood. He worked with José Eber from 1989 to 1993 and styled celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor. Deavalon offers what many consider the best blowout service in the Twin Cities. He's training a dozen hairstylists in his techniques.

COLLABORATIVE SALES

While there's usually a glut of special events and pop-ups during the holidays, local retailers and brands are taking the concept year-round.

Parc Boutique and Drama have hosted spring local designer trunk shows, several 50th and France retailers collaborated on a short-term clearance sale and men's labels banded together for SnowGrade. This week, the women behind Post- handbags have organized more than 15 women-owned businesses to stage a major spring clearance and sample sale (Saturday and Sunday, Northrup King Building, 1500 NE. Jackson St., No. 406, Mpls.) -- including Irely Intimates, Smart and Chic Makeup, Foat Design, Assez Bon and Annie Fink Designs. The no-frills warehouse sale will feature priced-to-move merchandise, including Post- bags at 50 to 70 percent off.

"The sense of satisfaction and empowerment goes both ways," Lois Eliason of Post- said. "The collaborators keep building our community and identity within the local fashion scene, and the consumer walks away with fantastic deals, as well as a sense of supporting locally owned businesses."

THURSDAY

Houndstooth's spring fever fashion event: A trend specialist will be on hand for a fall preview from Clover Canyon, Aaron Ashe, AG Jeans, Sundry and Continental Diamonds. There will be a 20 percent off discount, appetizers and giveaways.

5 to 9 p.m., 582 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie.

FRIDAY

JB Hudson annual engagement ring trunk show: Take 20 to 50 percent off diamond engagement rings and his and hers wedding bands from Armadani, Sylvie Collection, Ritani, Martin Flyer, A Jaffe and Uneek.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, Ridgedale, Minnetonka, 952-591-0737, www.jbhudson.com.

SATURDAY

Ming Wang Day at Von Maur: Make a full-price purchase from the line known for wrinkle resistant and machine washable knitwear and receive a complimentary tote bag. Spend more than $350, and get a tank.

Von Maur, Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, 952-829-0200.

NEXT WEEK

L'atelier Couture Sample Sale: The bridal salon has gowns from 14 designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Angel Sanchez, Romona Keveza, Elizabeth Fillmore, Lela Rose, Amsale, Peter Langer and Carolina, for 20 to 80 percent off.

Monday through April 7, 219 N. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-367-8120; by appointment only.

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