I have to admit that I haven’t generally been that adventurous in shopping on visits to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul). The extent of my browsing is usually through the maze called the Mall of America. Luckily, though, my fashionable friend Karin introduced me to a boutique in St. Paul that is brimming with more beautiful pieces than you can find in the entirety of MOA.

Stephanie’s is a gem of a shop, stocked with gorgeous pieces and fresh frocks newly unpacked for the fall season. Not only is the shop charming and filled with well-selected pieces, but Stephanie and her manager Bobby are full of knowledge about each piece and passionate about clothes. Among many, many (did I say many?) other things, I fell in love with this long sleeved cashmere dress/tunic, called the Allison Mini, by Dakota Martin. Layered with a tight long-sleeved tee and a pair of tights, I am convinced that I could get enough use out of this piece that it would be practically free by the last time I wear it, years down the line. And that’s the thing about the pieces at Stephanie’s – the prices are reasonable for such beautifully crafted, classic, yet unique, clothes.

If you should find yourself in the area, definitely check out the boutique and say hello to Stephanie. And if you work up an appetite while shopping, you can pop across the street for a bite at the adorable Highland Grill. Nothing compliments a brand new dress better than a gorgeous salad and a huge plate of sweet potato French fries. If only all cities were so friendly, well-stocked, and full of cute restaurants and boutiques!