It has just been confirmed that Stephanie’s is opening a second location on 50th and France. The store will be taking over the location just vacated by Clutch.

More details to come!

One store closes and another one opens. Such is the ebb and flow of retail. This month, the opening and closing is happening across the street.

While we say goodbye to Clutch on 50th and France, across the street, we say hello to Bumbershute. The store is relocating from Wayzata.

These photos are from the scene on Friday evening. The lone 3.1 Phillip dress sat casually in the window as if to say: “Relax. Have a seat. The rest of the fashion will be here soon.” It will soon be joined by D&G, Just Cavalli, and Philosophy.

Sure enough, they opened this week with all of the goods. Don’t worry–I’ll go back for photos of the fully stocked shop. (5014 France Av. S., Edina, 952-475-2684)

Also opening this week or next? BCBG at Galleria. Stay posted for more.

This is the best local fashion news ever–there’s a new accessories boutique coming to 50th and France. The owners of Bluebird Boutique, Allison Mowery and Sacha Martin, are teaming with local fashionista Amanda Rose to open a new handbags, shoes, and jewelry shop in the space formerly occupied by Spirit Kids. They plan to call it Ladyslipper.
They’ll move the Loeffler Randall shoes currently in stock at Bluebird down the street and add other lines that aren’t high, high end, but also aren’t cheapy cheap. That’s known as the fashion-forward middle. Surely this cool-hunting team will keep the same stylish standard of Bluebird and finally offer shoppers an alternative to department store doldrums. Not to mention, they buy in small quantities, so odds are better that you won’t be wearing the same Kenneth Jay Lane necklace as everyone else in the office.
The bad news? Ladyslipper doesn’t open until August. However, that’s just in time for fall.
In the mean time, you can shop at Bluebird for spring. These LNA tees ($60 each) are soft, lightweight and feature the perfect scoop neck–seductive, but not slutty low. Be sure to check out the Loeffler Randall shoes and accessories as the selection will soon be expanding.
Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 2, 3, 4. Bluebird will have their seasonal sale where everything in the store will be 20 percent off.

Bluebird Boutique, 3909 W. 50th St., Mpls, 952-746-8675.

Now Open:
Uber Baby at Galleria:The new store is right across from Expecting Uber Baby and carries lots of Twin Cities exclusives. The cutest part? The shoe gallery with little shoes from TOMS and L.A.M.B..
Nine: This consignment shop (5456 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls, 612-827-8144) is devoted to maternity clothes. Seeing that moms-to-be have such limited use from their clothes? Sounds genius.
White House Black Market at Rosedale: This store has some cute, fashion-forward pieces. However, some of the fabrics feel a bit cringe-worthy.
The North Face: It’s hard to miss the building that rose at 3008 Hennepin Av. in seemingly record time. It seems like everyone in the store is already wearing a North Face jacket. I guess in our climate, you can’t get enough.

Opening soon:
Pacifier at Gaviidae: The popular Northeast Minneapolis shop for cool tots is opening in its second location. Where? Downtown, baby. First level in the Saks Off Fifth wing, across from Drama. It’s time to get off the skyway level, people.
Covered in Uptown: Didn’t you read the Daily StylePointer? Pay attention!
Rocco Altobelli, J.Crew, and Sephora at Rosedale: There’s a lot of action at this Dale. Stay tuned for opening info.

Closing:
Brooks Brothers at the Mall of America: Wrinkle-free shirt fans will have to shop the newer downtown location.
Staccato at the Mall of America: Shoes today, gone tomorrow. The store leaves
Paiva at the Mall of America: I hardly knew ya, but I already miss your active-lifestyle gear, including a wide selection of Stella McCartney for Adidas. All of the stores in the chain have closed.

First came bridal, then came eveningwear, then sportswear, then a Barbie and Royal Doulton fine china and now…handbags. It’s about time! What’s a celebrity (or a girl going to a party) supposed to wear with her Lhuillier outfit?
Try these on for size. The gold metallic python bag ($1695) which doubles as a clutch when you tuck the substantial chain inside, will not only last forever, it will look good with everything. Hey, who a fancy party when you could carry this sparkler to lunch at Salut?
If that’s not exclusive enough for you–try one of these ostrich bags ($2950 each) with jewel-encrusted clasp. They are very limited edition. The white one is the only one left of it’s kind.
See and purchase these handbags only in L.A. and Minneapolis. Lucky us, right?
Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Mpls, 612-920-0747.

Keith Elsworth Dorsett is one of the most recognizable sales people in town. He spent 21 years at Macy’s-Marshall Fields-Daytons. If you’ve bought something from the downtown store, you’ll probably know his face and you’ve probably missed seeing it in the past few months.

Never fear, his new menswear boutique is just steps away on the skyway through the men’s shoe department. The shop is a well-edited version of what Dorsett wants to stock. You’ll find a John Varvatos suit ($895), Jason Hammerberg’s Rarity shirts ($80), Parasuco jeans ($120-$140), Ted Baker and some very distinctive shirts from Billtornade such as this cotton sweater ($200) with subtle, but cool details. This soft collection belt ($106) in brown or black has very distinctive texture.

That’s what Dorsett’s style is about. “Simplicity without a lot of bling. Sharp,” he said. That’s also why he prefers silver (over gold) hardware on belts and clothes (such as buttons and studs). The store’s logo? A dark silhouette of a man, actually his father when he was 16. At Elsworth, it’s all about the personal touches.

The best reason to shop there? Dorsett’s signature advice. He’ll show you how to put your looks together–such as this outfit he mixed and matched before my eyes, inspired by the Leather Island belt ($56). Trousers with a Gypsy 05 shirt ($68) and Kenneth Cole boots ($275). He doesn’t use mannequins–the ideas will be just for you.

Yesterday, Dorsett answered the phone, “Thanks for calling Elsworth.” Then he proceeded to tell the rep: “I’m still getting used to the phone. For years, it has been Macy’s or Marshall Fields or Daytons.” I suspect he’ll become accustomed to it really quickly.

OPENING PARTY & FASHION SHOW!
Celebrate the opening with Dorsett this Thursday night, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Fashion show at 7:30.

Elsworth, Highland Bank Court, 811 LaSalle Av., suite 205A (skyway level, right through Macy’s men’s shoe department, Mpls, 612-339-0763.