Twin Cities Shopping Guide: The Fad Is Plaid

So, when Chictopia posted their “Chic in the City” contest, I got really excited because it’s a wonderful chance to spotlight some of the great local shopping stops the Twin Cities have to offer. So make sure to save this post if you ever find yourself in Minneapolis or St. Paul for a day! You can’t walk down a Twin Cities sidewalk without seeing a hipster or two clad in plaid. So, it should come as no surprise that I’ve got a closet full of plaids of all sorts: houndstooth, buffalo, and even your red/white/blue variety pictured here. So, where does one fill their wardrobe with the Midwestern staple? And for that matter, how is it that I occupy the rest of my shelves and drawers? Following are descriptions of just some of the great spots the Cities have to offer (and I say only some because I couldn’t possibly wear a piece of clothing from them all at one time!).

UpSix Vintage. Half furniture, half fashions, this St. Paul boutique provides the best of the best quality vintage in the city. My favorite thing to purchase here is jewelry.

Valu Thrift. My favorite thrift store in the Twin Cities is located in East St. Paul. I could spend hours searching the racks here, but usually I have a friend accompanying me which shortens my time there as well as the list of items on my receipt. Jewellry, purses, and lots of cheap vintage items make this store a St. Paul staple.

Tatters. A seasoned vintage shop in South Minneapolis, I love this place because of their “bins.” You can search for great graphic tees for $5 and under.

Blacklist Vintage. The newest vintage store to hit the Twin Cities, this little boutique in South Minneapolis is only a hop, skip and jump away from my doorstep. Amazing vintage dresses and gorgeous sweaters, it’s arguably my favorite vintage shopping spot in the Twin Cities.

Mall of America. Located in Bloomington, a suburb of the Cities, I try to steer clear of the largest mall in the United States, but sometimes when you have that urge to browse through Steve Madden, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Forever 21, and American Apparel, the MOA is a good place for one-stop shopping. I’d love to say I don’t shop here because I really prefer to support small businesses, but I can’t lie that I end up here more often than I’d like to admit!