The Occasional Saler

And West of Nokomis

by sue Posted on February 11, 2015

There’s still time to stop at Urban Cottage tonight; they’re open until 7:00. The walls have been freshened in shades of grey and all the mirrors sparkle. You’ll find the usual buffets, tables, dressers, barware, china, frames and fabulous accessories. Special guest vendors have joined the mix adding strings of pearls, sweet night lights with feminine shades, and cute fabric bags. There are lots of Valentine gift ideas including some handsome items for the man in your life. Urban Cottage is only a mile west of the new Sophie Bleu as the crow flies and it’s not much farther on the parkway to Bloomington Avenue and 52nd St. For Thursday through Sunday hours at Urban Cottage, check This Month’s Sales. Happy saling!

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Announcing a New Shop: Sophie Bleu

by sue Posted on February 11, 2015

It was great to do a quick preview of a new shop in South Minneapolis. Of course, some of us know Amour Sophie and others know Bleu Velvet Vintage so it’s no surprise to find that the two shops have merged into one. The newly named Sophie Bleu is located at 3002 East 50th Street (3 blocks east of Lake Nokomis). You’ll find vintage furniture and accessories, jewelry, candles, glassware, trays, and mirrors for starters. There is a real appreciation for old books and ephemera like a 1940 Kenwood-St. Louis Park bus schedule. The fun begins tonight from 6 to 8 PM and continues Thursday-Saturday from 10-6. Happy saling!

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Bustling Buffalo

by sue Posted on February 6, 2015

THIS & THAT - NOW & THEN — THIS & THAT – NOW & THEN

Once you find a parking space in downtown Buffalo, head for the nearest shop where you can pick up a map highlighting occasional shops and other retail stores. Most are clustered in a two-block area on either Central or 1st Avenue. There’s some shabby and some vintage, but in many of the shops it’s hard to tell the repurposed from the imports. The photos will give you a glimpse of a few vintage, rustic and recycled pieces. From the downtown center, it’s a short drive to Soo Lane where you’ll find two shops which epitomize occasional sales. Second Hand Rose (now rebranding itself as SHR) is the original occasional store in Minnesota (and perhaps the US) yet it is on the cutting edge with clever staging and attractive home decor. The twig chandelier is just one example of a unique item in SHR. Next door is THIS & THAT which has a huge selection of antique, refinished, and generally old stuff at reasonable prices. (You can also go to Soo Lane by turning south off Hwy 55 at Culver’s).
Buffalo is a great small town for shopping especially on the first weekend when the occasional shops are open. Happy saling!

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New Shop in Hamel

by sue Posted on February 5, 2015

It’s a pleasure to introduce a new occasional sale shop. Twisted Root is set back from the street at 112 Hamel Road just off Highway 55 in historic downtown Hamel. Handcrafted, vintage and upcycled goods fill the small storefront. There’s great vintage furniture, sweet handmade baby garments and assorted gifts with an authentic one-of-a-kind look. Hours are 10-6 Friday-Sunday. Check details at twistedrootshop.com or Facebook. While you’re in Hamel, stop at Chloe’s Attic on the corner – the first occasional shop in Hamel. Happy saling!

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Saling in St. Paul

by sue Posted on January 24, 2015

The Middle Sister occupies a splendid location on Snelling Avenue South which makes it convenient to Minneapolis and St. Paul shoppers. Although it’s the lone occasional shop in the Macalester-Highland area, there are other vintage shops nearby. There’s an eclectic mix of traditional furniture and accessories with repainted and handmade items including jewelry. Classes are offered using Pot de Creme paints to refresh shelves, picture frames, and tables. Or you can buy them already redone. Children’s chairs and small tables are a specialty. The Middle Sister is located at 416 Snelling Avenue South and is open today until 5:00 and Sunday noon to 5:00. Happy saling!

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Shopping Southeast Suburbs

by sue Posted on January 22, 2015

The shops in the south suburbs were bursting with fun merchandise today. There were lots of sweet Valentines for your honey, your friends or your grandkids. Hand-painted signs are ready to hang now or for summer at the cabin. Haupt Antiek Market in Apple Valley was bustling with shoppers so be warned (as always) that anything you see here may be gone by tomorrow. A Cat and the Fiddle in Rosemount offered discounts on many items including the soy candles which are available in over 100 scents! At the Vintage Marketplace in downtown Farmington you can find handsome vintage furniture in its original wood stain as well as chalk painted pieces and amazing handcrafted items like the little dress for clothes pins. Addresses, days and times are listed in This Month’s Sales. Happy saling!

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More from Carver and Chaska

by sue Posted on January 16, 2015

Linda's Cellar, Chaska — Linda’s Cellar, Chaska

The Carver and Chaska shops coordinate their dates and hours making it fun and easy to visit many in just one trip. All the shops are open tomorrow, Saturday. Just a word to the wise. (Some are open on Sunday too). You’ll see a few Valentines this month plus the usual great selection of furniture and home decor. The Good Junk Garage had some great pieces including this porcelain sink from a Summit Avenue mansion. And do check out the new Studio H where the cupcakes are waiting. All addresses and hours can be found in This Month’s Sales. Happy saling!

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New Opening in Carver

by sue Posted on January 16, 2015

A new occasional store has opened this week in historic downtown Carver. Studio H adds a new vibe to the already eclectic mix of merchandise for sale this weekend in Carver County. Besides furniture, there are locally sourced and created products including jewelry, fabrics, signs and candles. Housed in a former bank, the space allows the owners to display goods in the walk-in safe. A loft and lower level offer more repainted furniture. All in all, Studio H offers a nice mix of vintage and trendy decor items at 308 N. Broadway. Happy saling!

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Splendid Winter at Urban Cottage

by sue Posted on January 14, 2015

Bright sunshine and warmer days certainly bring good feelings during Minnesota winters. Just add warm, homemade mittens for outdoor walks or shiny sparkle for time at home and – Voila! – you’re enjoying January. There is plenty of silver, gold and brass to warm your home and your heart this month at Urban Cottage. Clocks, frames, scales, tables, Italian boxes, and more accessories to give a little punch to post-holiday rooms. You’ll also find repainted buffets, cabinets and tables for good looks and extra storage. A few Valentines are ready too. Urban Cottage is open this weekend at 52nd & Bloomington in South Minneapolis. Check This Month’s Sales for days and times. Happy saling!

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European Style at Sale Prices at Laurie’s Trunk

by sue Posted on January 12, 2015

Laurie is kicking off the year with her annual clearance sale. Everything in the store is on sale with discounts of 10% to 75% off the regular prices. Besides furniture and garden statuary, you’ll find curtains and yard goods, mirrors, artwork, decor items, rugs, candles, dishes, and, of course, beautiful chandeliers. The sale starts at 10 AM this Thursday and continues through Sunday afternoon at 9066 Lyndale Ave. S. in Bloomington. Hours are 10-5 Th-Sat and 12-4 Sunday. Happy saling!

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