l'etoile's Guide to Sales & Shopping: 3/13-3/19

This week in local fashion and shopping news, a renowned local designer is on the move, a local boutique closes, and a local shop debuts an exclusive collection from a former Twin Cities designer.

Through March 31: A. Michele Closing Sale
What: A. Michele is stripping its hangers and packing its bags, but leaving their adoring fans to pick up the pieces. Visit the adored Parisian-styled boutique for the chance to scoop up the vintage pieces, one-of-a-kind tops and must-have accessories you secretly wanted but couldn't quite convince yourself to buy. Take 50 to 90 percent off all clothes, accessories and jewelry (excluding consignment jewelry items) until the shop closes on or before March 31. Head to the shop as soon as you can - their beloved items will disappear even quicker than you think. -Meg Junkermeier
When: Closed Mondays; Tuesdays-Thursdays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays: noon-4 p.m. Through March 31.
Where: 1591 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, 651-917-6966. Click HERE for the shop's Facebook page.

News alert: Kevin Kramp announces move to Italy
Some bittersweet news from local knitwear designer Kevin Kramp came in over the weekend: the Minnesota native is making the move to Italy to work for Diesel this month. It was all but inevitable, as the designer spent ten years working in New York and London before returning to Minnesota two years ago. Since then, he's shown as Milan and New York fashion weeks, received a prestigious ITS design award, and was featured in Vogue Italia and Belgium Elle as an "new talent." But despite his international renown, he embraced the Twin Cities fashion community, showing as part of MNfashion Week's "The Shows" in April 2011 (a collection that would later hit the Milan Fashion Week runway) and winning a Jerome Foundation grant that included an exhibition at the Textile Center, as well as creating custom garments for Minneapolis-via-Berlin avant-garde electronic pop group Dearling Physique. We wish the designer the best, but he'll be sorely missed. -Jahna Peloquin (Image courtesy SID Magazine)

Now in stores: Pierrepont Hicks exclusive "Woody" tie at Walker Shop
What: While men were busy coordinating their dress shirts with ties of plaid and stripes, Pierrepont Hicks was busy designing a tie more rustic than the rest of their collection. Made strictly of silk, the Woodgrain Necktie honors the Minnesota scenery with a design timely for Spring fashion season. The necktie is a work of art by Mac and Kat McMillan, decorated in a wood grain pattern and amplified with bold shades of brown. Like the other ties by the husband-and-wife-team, this one can be creatively paired with jackets and dress shirts, its unique design is sure to draw in any bit of attention. This design made exclusively for the Walker Art Center is available at The Walker Shop for $120. Quantities are limited; when ordering this tie it will arrive gift-wrapped in a wooden box. -Meg Junkermeier
When: Now available.
Where: Walker Shop at Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-375-7633 & at shop.walkerart.org

Now in stores: Annie Larson sweaters at Askov Finlayson
What: Minneapolis-turned-Brooklyn designer Annie Larson has received international acclaim as of late, with features in Time Out New York, Refinery29, and Coolhunting.com, and her line ALL Knitwear sold in stores around the world. Though the designer no longer calls Minneapolis home, Larson's colorful, patterned sweater line (which retails for $200 to 280) has been picked up by Warehouse District boutique Askov Finlayson, which sold out of her line of knit hats last fall. One of only a handful of retailers in the world) to sell Annie Larson's limited-edition line, it's quite the coup for the shop - and for her local fans. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Now available.
Where: Askov Finlayson, 200 N 1st Street, Minneapohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflis, 612-206-3925, www.askovfinlayson.com

Now in stores: Marimekko Spring 2010 at FinnStyle
What: For lovers of Finnish design, one of Minneapolis' best-kept secrets has to be FinnStyle, an exclusive seller of Merimekko fashions and home decor for over nine years. Unsurprisingly, Marimekko's Spring 2012 fashion line should keep fans of the iconic, pop art-inspired line happy - it's filled with oversized, colorful floral prints, bold stripes in swingy, '60s-inspired silhouettes. Head to the store to check out the looks in person, or swing by the store's internationally-known online shop. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Now available.
Where: FinnStyle, 160 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-333-2127, www.finnstyle.com

Thursday-Saturday: Penny Larsen Trunk Show
What: Local jewelry favorite Penny Larsen presents her Spring 2012 collection with a weekend-long trunk show at L'atelier Couture bridal boutique. Meet the designer, peruse the collection, and place orders for custom pieces whether you're a bride-to-be or just looking for a new piece to add to your collection (we love her sterling silver Minnesota state pendants). Call 612-367-8120 to schedule an appointment. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, March 15-Saturday, March 17.
Where: L'atelier Couture, 219 Second Street North, Suite 404, Minneapolis, 612-367-8120, www.lateliercouturebridal.com

Through April 10: Mezzanine Salon 5th Anniversary
What: To celebrate ten years of business, independent salon Mezzanine is offering 20% off Kerastase and Shu Uemura products when you get a hair service done, and 20% off Dermalogica with any skincare services done with Kallie.
When: Now through April 10.
Where: Mezzanine Salon, 2225 E Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-333-9913, www.mezzaninesalon.com

Thursday-Saturday: The Current Event at Neiman Marcus
What: We count ourselves lucky to have a designer retailer with such a storied history as Neiman Marcus lining Nicollet Mall. With this weekend's "The Current Event," the store is making it clear that despite their past, they've still got their eye on the here and now. Get a crash course on spring's latest trends and receive an NM Exclusive Moyna clutch when you spend $350 on regular-priced pieces in Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections, plus $50 off your purchase when you spend $500 or more. -Jahna Peloquin
When: Thursday, March 15-Saturday, March 17.
Where: Neiman Marcus, 505 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-339-2600, www.neimanmarcus.com

Beginning Thursday: ID Inside Design Clearance Sale
What: ID Inside Design makes room for new inventory by offering deals on luxury home furnishings. Receive 15% off Missoni, 20% off Jonathan Adler, and 20–25% off Ligne Roset floor models.
When: Sale runs March 15–24.
Where: ID Inside Design, 212 3rd Avenue Ste. 105, Minneapolis, 612-317-0045, id-insidedesign.com

Friday: Genetic Denim Trunk Show at Stephanie's
What: St. Paul boutique Stephanie's hosts a trunk show for designer denim line Genetic this Friday. Take 30% off any pair of Genetic Denim during the trunk show. Plus, if you bring in a pair of clean, gently used jeans to donate to charity you'll receive an additional 10% off. Genetic's denim guru will on hand with a preview of fall styles that can be special ordered only on Friday, with all special orders receiving 15% off. Afterward, stick around for extended hours to enjoy treats and shop the rest of the store - all new spring merchandise storewide will be 15% off for one day only. -Jahna Peloquin
When: 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 16.
Where: Stephanie's Shop, 758 Cleveland Avenue S, St. Paul, 651-690-3802, www.stephaniesshop.com

Beginning Saturday: Grethen House 30% Off Sale
What: Designer boutique Grethen House offers its first markdowns of the season beginning this weekend. Take 30% off designers like Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, Yigal Azrouël, Gunex, Rozae Nichols, Theyskens' Theory, and Rick Owens.
When: Ongoing.
Where: Grethen House, 4930 France Avenue, Edina, 952-926-8725, www.grethenhouse.com

Editor: Jahna Peloquin / Contributing Writer: Meg Junkermeier