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.