Belle Reve opens

Minneapolis' East Hennepin district keeps getting more stylish with the arrival of Belle Reve, a boutique opening Wednesday in the former Denny Kemp Salon space. The shop, owned by 28-year-old Aisha Ghanchi, will carry high-end apparel, jewelry, shoes and handbags -- much of it exclusive in the Twin Cities. Lines include Na.Be by "Project Runway" contestant Victorya Hong, L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani, Y? by JR Morrissey, and eco-friendly brands Mika and Reisto Bimbiloski. The shop will host its grand opening on Nov. 8. (320 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-333-3148.)

Local Motion Fall Party

Twenty-seven years is a long lifespan for a boutique -- most don't last beyond a couple of years. But Local Motion owner Barbara Heinrich has set her shop apart with its eclectic mix of unique offerings from local and national designers, and she credits much of its success to word-of-mouth and repeat customers. The shop will host its quarterly ladies'-night-out party to introduce its newest fall shipments. There will be informal modeling, refreshments, door prizes and 20 percent off the entire store (good through Sept. 27). (5 to 9 p.m. Thu., free. Local Motion, 2813 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-871-8436.