Five questions: Ted Kim, Anne Klein's vice president, design

Five questions: Ted Kim, Anne Klein's vice president, design Anne Klein has a long history in American sportswear. Ted Kim of Anne Klein stopped by the Oval Room to present the fall 2009 collection, his second for the company. The graduate of Parson's School of Design worked for Michael Kors and Donna Karan, who designed Anne Klein early in her career.

Q What was your vision for Anne Klein?

A Dressing Michelle Obama. She represents a mother and a professional. She does it all! She's a real woman and not a stick figure. So the clothes are versatile and multifunctional.

Q How would you define the brand?

A Very American, very sportswear, very luxe with a fashion twist. It's not trendy. ... It's multi-season, timeless and sophisticated pieces.

Q What's the one thing women should buy for fall 2009?

A Color. Everybody has black already. Berries are very important -- blackberry, purple, violet. And they mix so well with black.

A Fresh and happy! There's so much gloom and doom going on and fashion is about fantasy. It's whites, grays and electric colors -- borderline neons.

Q How do your designs relate to the legacy of Anne Klein?

A For fall, I went through some of [Klein's] '70s sketchbooks. It was so easy because I love that, I love that, I love that. It's timeless. The new collection works back with everything else in the archive. So there are pieces you can still wear and be modern with the clothes I'm designing now. These clothes will still work in 20 years.

Pre-holidays savings Start your holiday shopping with the Shop, Save, Share card from the Junior League of Minneapolis. For $40, you'll get 20 percent off full-priced merchandise at participating businesses, including Belle Reve, Jon Charles Salon, Bumbershute, Crabtree and Evelyn, Hot Mama, Il Vostro and VState as well as restaurants (Punch Pizza). Available for purchase on Friday at the Container Store (3825 Gallagher Dr., Edina, 952-831-3780) and VState (Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-823-4699). Discounts go through Nov. 8.

Sales and events At Grethen House (4930 France Av. S., Mpls., 952-926-8725), the entire store is on sale during Pumpkin Days. On Thursday and Friday, get 10 percent off everything. On Saturday, the discount goes up to 20 percent.

Edina's Bluebird Boutique is opening a second location at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes (12177 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove). Starting tomorrow, check out the selection of cool denim and tops. The new location will also feature more shoes and accessories.

Happy first anniversary to OPM (3700 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-567-7399). To celebrate, get 25 percent off all ready-to-wear, including winter coats, holiday dresses and sweaters through the end of October.

Get your tickets now for Maiden Minnesota (Nov. 5, Graves 601 Hotel Minneapolis, 601 First Av. N., 5 to 9 p.m.). The event, now in its third year, is one of the busiest shopping parties of the year. A portion of the ticket price will benefit Free Arts Minnesota. More than 30 women-owned companies will be participating, including Annie Fink Designs, Ann Lambrecht, Bébé Babble, Ciao Marco, Corset, Elin & Clara, Foat Design, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Jeanne Beatrice, Joynoëlle, Karin Jacobson Design, KH Jewelry Design, JW Hulme Co., Kokoon, LiveSavvy, Local Motion, Nelle Handbags, Oscar & Belle, Penny Larsen Jewelry, Post- and Urban Junket. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door at www.maidenminnesota.com and www.free artsminnesota.org.

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