Now open at the Mall of America: Geox. I’ve been curious about these shoes for awhile. They claim to have a “breathable” sole, making them extra comfy and eliminating any foot perspiration problems. However, up until last week, they were impossible to find in these parts.

The new store is at the Mall of America (first floor, in between Sears and Nordstrom).  You’ll find men’s and women’s, including these flats ($134). While they also carry heels, flats are the rage right now–so why not run with it.

You might recall that there was a trunk show at Gallery 360 last night. What a fun place to shop! On my way out, this bright resin jewelry by Solrojo (a designer in Argentina) caught my eye.

This yellow necklace ($98) is just perfect for summer. There’s a sort of lightness that comes from the transparency. As designer Kimberly Jurek pointed out–it looks like candy on a string. The gray one on the rack would look awesome over a tank and full skirt.  Not ready to commit? Pick up a ring for a touch of color for just $17 to $23.

Gallery 360, 3011 W. 50th St., Mpls, 612-925-2400.

Picky Girl was the place to be last weekend! For a good reason: Now that it basically feels like spring, we need spring clothes.

I was into some of the hats. (We have to shield our faces from those UV rays!) They’re all very reasonably priced– like under $30.

Otherwise, there are lots of pretty dresses, also reasonably priced. So spring. Now you can walk the new Grand Av. strip that includes Picky Girl, Siji Kids and Flirt. So convenient.

Picky Girl, 1325 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-698-4107.

This popular premium denim shop has opened in a second location. However, that’s just part of the scoop–the new shop is three times the size the of the Dinkytown shop and there is a nice selection of men’s.

By my count–the fellas are having a good spring with the openings of Elsworth and Details Style Lab. Another feature at Covered for guys? A foosball table.

For the clothes, premium denim for men and women–Serfontaine, True Religion and William Rast. I liked this Gregory Quinn striped V-neck ($82) for men.

For women, in addition to the Hudsons and Taverniti jeans, check out these Dolce Vita pumps ($145), staples such as Michael Stars tees and dresses by T-bags and Lauren Conrad. They also have a few beachy pieces–bikinis and terrycloth cover-ups.

It’s conveniently located near Bar Abilene. It’s much more fun to shop for jeans after a margarita.

Covered, 1201 Lagoon Av., Mpls, 612-825-1610.

Saturday was a beautiful shopping day as evidenced by the crowd on Grand Avenue. There’s a new shop on the strip next to Picky Girl and Siji Kids–Flirt. In the space that was the Vagabond, there is now a very girly destination.
Flirt has lacy lingerie, including a selection of Hanky Panky and Eberjey as well as the very practical supersoft bamboo robes ($70, by Willow Knit) and my personal favorite crisp cotton robes ($96 for a kimono-stye) and nightgowns ($84 by Sophie Golightly). Note: the lingerie selection is fun and pretty, but there are no underwires to be found so don’t expect a fitting here.
You’ll also find a wide-range of bath products–I scrubbed and moisturized with this yummy Pink Butter Cream line ($8.50 for the moisturizer). I even fell for the colorful textured luggage tags ($20 each)–a bright, simple gift idea. Paddywax candles? Check. Locally-designed jewelry (the below bracelets are $40)? Check. Scented drawer liners? Of course! Hours of browsing? Enjoy!

Flirt Boutique, 1330 Grand Av. S., St. Paul, 651-698-3692.

As you’re driving by the Denny Kemp Salon in Northeast Minneapolis, it’s hard to miss the message painted on the walls inside (and visible through the windows): “Beautify America–Get a haircut.”
Simple and direct. That’s how the rest of the the eclectically curated salon and spa. Getting your colored? As you wait for it to process, you can gaze upon a reassembled giant movie poster and kick up your legs on the dog-shaped footrests. The lobby not only has a gigantic goat and an imported life-size horse lamp that also serves as the salon’s mascot.
Surreal? Yes. Fabulous? Yes.
It’s enough to forget why you’re there. (Look to the wall– “Get a haircut.”) Kemp, who has been in the business since 1979, cuts hair along with his team of stylists. You can also enjoy a mani, pedi, facial and massage. The salon uses a variety of products, including a new line by Shu Uemura. I’m looking forward to trying a restorative treatment and having the chance to ponder an artistic rendering of Joey Ramone. “It’s a good hair picture,” Kemp said.
Though he’s lived in Minnesota for over three decades, Kemp grew up in Iowa. He gave his first makeover to a neighbor when he was 11 and she was 16. He transformed her un-cut locks into a mod blunt look with bangs. Kemp will offer you his expertise today for $140 per cut.
“I don’t like hair when it’s so practical that it’s not attractive. It has to be sexy! That’s what it’s for!” said Kemp. “It’s the worm on the hook–it needs to attract attention.”
Scott Anderson, a stylist at the salon ($55 for a cut with him) noted “He uses the idea of sculpture.” It turns out, Kemp does have a background in art. That brings us back to the salon–where art and hair merge in one inspiring space.

Denny Kemp Salon, 605 Central Av. NE, Mpls, 612-676-0300.

Number one on my list of things do: Get a pedicure! Otherwise, I’ll have to wear my tights and closed-toe shoes well into May.
Number one on your list of things to do: Visit Shu Global Footwear. There are spring shoes galore–and they specialize in “comfortable,” but not dowdy.
From the top–Orange Camper shoes ($149) and yellow Me Too platforms ($79). If you haven’t heard, popping your outfit with a bright shoe (even if it’s all neutral otherwise) is the easiest way to look spring 2008. For those who aren’t read to get bright below the ankles–there are these black Biviel shoes ($125).
THEN…scroll down to the summer Uggs! Featuring Ugg espadrilles ($99) and Ugg flip-flops ($29). Yes, they have that soft sheepskin lining that does feel so good under your toes. You know, those espadrilles actually look pretty chic. The flip-flops? I’m not sure how sheepskin would fare on the beach.

Shu Global Footwear (two locations): 1041 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-224-3570 and 3832 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-926-3599.

Bright pink or coral lips are perfect for spring, especially this spring. A great option? Sonia Kashuk’s Sheer Lip Color and Plumping Glossy Tints.

They pack a lot of product into a leeeettle package. One side of the tube is a sheer lipstick and the other side is a high-shine plumping gloss that’s tinted a lighter shade of the lipstick. There are three shades available for $11.99 each at Target. (Am I the only who thinks if they just made it $12, it would feel a little more Chanel and a little less Maybelline? Not that there’s anything wrong with Maybelline!)

Note: If you go with a bold pout, you can keep the rest of your makeup way neutral.

Have we discussed the floral trend that is big for spring? There are water-color florals and bold abstract florals. Basically, if there’s a flower on it–it’s good.

Try this cotton dress from Anthropologie ($178). It’s also got the full-skirt silhouette that we can all embrace. It’s retro, but oh-so-flattering too.

The other news on florals? They’ll also be big for fall. So you can throw a cardigan and belt on over this dress and you’re good to go.

I’m not sure that I’d call today’s stylepointer a recommendation. Readers, meet the first high-heel Crocs.
These sandals ($49.99 on crocs.com), while not as offensively disturbing as the original clogs are still, in the words of Cady Heron from “Mean Girls,” so plastic.
Will they be “comfortable?” I’d love to hear from anyone who tries them.