Thanks to a few new boutiques, the retail-dense intersection of 50th and France in Edina has strengthened its position as the best non-mall browsing destination in the Twin Cities.
DRAMA
What: A stylish women's boutique that keeps prices down and quality up.
Who: Owners Courtney Smallbeck and Brynn Idelkope.
The scoop: Drama started in downtown Minneapolis, moved to Uptown and has now settled in Edina. Smallbeck said they've "tweaked" the selection with each move, keeping items "on-trend with a classic twist" for an average of $60 to $125. "We cater to women who are sophisticated, feminine and sexy," she said. That translates into silky tops from Greylin, separates from Bella Dahl and Ladakh plus local lines such as Kjurek Couture, Rox Minneapolis, Camba Jewelry and m.bridget designs.
For fall: Navy and browns, drapey fabrics, dolman sleeves and jeggings.
Shop: 4946 France Av. S., Mpls., www.shopatdrama.com.
PAPERISTA
What: Stationery, greeting cards, desk accessories and paper goods, all inspired by fashion.
Who: Antoinette Ramos, a former development director for a nonprofit in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The scoop: "We're very much paper fashion," she said. "We try to look at runways for inspiration of color, pattern and design style." The brand is well known for letterpress invitations embellished with a fabric flower that might play off the bride's dress or groom's tie or a favorite shirt. In addition to products by Wren Press, Kate Spade, Crane and Company and Haute Papier, Paperista is developing a signature line of paper goods for entertaining. They also offer event styling services.
