Classic clothing with a modern twist is usually difficult to find. Luckily, Anne M. Cramer of Minneapolis is open for business and whipping up charming, slightly quirky, high-quality timeless clothing.
Cramer initially opened as a space to teach sewing classes to kids. After a trunk show of her designs last spring, however, she decided to turn her shop into a boutique for her own label.
For the Chicago native, it's a dream come true. She learned how to sew while growing up in Chicago, where her grandmother had a tailor shop and her mom made all of her clothes. She made her own formal dresses and tapered jeans for friends.
Now she is putting her skills to work on a look that is contemporary with fits that are easy to wear. "It's classic with a little kick," she said of her style. "That's why my tagline is 'irreverent elegance.'"
Anne M. Cramer fall and holiday trunk show, 6 to 9 p.m. Thu., 316 W. 48th St., Mpls. Items will be for sale via www.annemcramer.com after the event. Prices range from $110 for a simple jersey tunic to $450 for an elaborate dress, with most pieces available for $130 to $220. Also, you can shop the studio by appointment.
J. Crew's crew drops in In a profile of J.Crew's mastermind CEO Mickey Drexler, the New Yorker's fall "style issue" treated readers to the inside scoop about his recent trip to Minnesota.
Drexler visited two suppliers, Minnetonka Moccasins and Red Wing Shoes, where his group toured the factory.
They also dropped in at the Grand Avenue J.Crew store, which failed to impress Drexler and his team. Drexler, the company's president and executive creative director Jenna Lyons discussed "how best to 'jzooz' up the store." Lyons explained by phone that the word is tricky to translate into print. (It's pronounced more like tszuj.)
In J.Crew-speak, it means tweaking things so they are just right, like "when you walk into someone's house, see someone who has a great eye and everything is in the right place and someone else's house isn't situated as well," she said. "The smallest detail makes everything look better."
For the Grand Avenue shop, that meant improving the selection of items sent to the store. "We do the best we can to create a cohesive umbrella for all of the stores to work under and to keep the bar as high as we can," she said.
Drexler has encouraged Red Wing Shoes, the first outside brand J.Crew brought into its line, to open a shop in Manhattan and even offered to help make it happen.
"We don't have a location or plan at the moment, but we'd consider it," said Red Wing President David Murphy.
Though the company actually does more business in Japan, Murphy reiterated what his three sons, ages 25 to 31, said about the collaboration: "The J.Crew thing is the coolest thing we do."
Sales and events
FRIDAY
Walker Art Center Shop sale: Hundreds of items will be up to 90 percent off.
Through Sunday, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-375-7600.
Robert Lee Morris jewelry trunk show: Check out the designer's two newest collections -- "Futura" and "Mid-Summer Night's Dream" with prices that range from $95-$1,295. Receive a gift with purchase of more than $500.
Scheherazade, Galleria, Edina, 952-926-2455.
Mao to Now: Chinese Fashion From 1949 to the Present: Four of China's top fashion designers will exhibit their new designs. Join three of them for the opening as well as a two-day symposium and workshop.
Events through Sunday, Goldstein Museum of Design, 1985 Buford Av., St. Paul; most events are free; see goldstein. design.umn.edu for details.
Old Gringo trunk show: Shop from the line's artisan handcrafted cowboy boots.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pumpz & Company, Galleria, Edina, 952-926-2252, www.pumpzco.com.
SATURDAY
Mighty Swell pop-up sale: Vintage clothing and accessories from local vendors, including High Plains Thrifter, Bourbon and Lace, Salvaged Strawberry, Two Birds, Geisha Pearl Vintage and Tula Baru. Alterations available at the event.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., Umber Studios, 3109 E. 42nd St., Mpls., www.mightyswell.com, cash and credit cards only.
SUNDAY
Crafty Baby Trunk Show: Locally made products for babies, kids and kids at heart by Sweetpea and Co., Too Many Suitors, My Little Dear and Numsi.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacifier, 310 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-623-8123, pacifieronline.com.
NEXT WEEK
First Monday at the Commodore: Shop from 38 vendors, including artists, designers, antiquers and collectors. Willie Murphy will play piano and the art deco bar will be open.
Oct. 4, 4 to 8 p.m., 79 N. Western Av., St. Paul.
Vintage Nina Ricci trunk show: A selection of rare vintage pieces (mostly in small sizes) have been flown in from France for this special event.
Oct. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., C'est Chic, 212 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 612-339-1600.
CONTINUING
Sixonetwo trunk show: Shop from an extensive selection of tees and totes that celebrate the Twin Cities.
Through Sunday, Drama, 1203 Lagoon Av., Mpls, 612-338-9423.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 sglassman@startribune.com
