Best Ofs 2013: Outtakes and behind the look of the issue

Best Ofs outtakes 1.jpg
Emily Utne
Yesterday, our Best of the Twin Cities issue hit the streets. This year's edition takes a page from the gorgeous, decadent, art-deco world of the Roaring '20s. Our sources of inspiration included modern re-imaginings of the era (a la Baz Lurhman's upcoming take on The Great Gatsby), as well as iconic folks and films from the period, such as Clara Bow, Coco Chanel, and Metropolis.

The look of the issue is something we typically plan months is advance, and this year was no exception. The process involved research, wrangling of vintage duds, a few photoshoots, and experimentation with watercolors.
  
See also:
Behind the Scenes: Best of the Twin Cities shoot [SLIDESHOW]
How to go Gatsby for our Best of the Twin Cities party
Top 7 vintage stores in the Twin Cities
City Pages' Best of the Twin Cities party is coming


More »

Tags:

Best Ofs

How to go Gatsby for our Best of the Twin Cities party

the Best of the Twin Cities Party (550x338).jpg
It's finally here: Tonight is your chance to step back in time to the Roaring Twenties. This year, our Best of the Twin Cities party takes on a decidedly Fitzgerald flavor. Use The Great Gatsby as your lead, and live it up at one of the year's most-epic parties. We'll provide the music, the drinks, the food, and the fun. The only thing you need to do is find something to wear.

From period looks by Clara Bow and Zelda Fitzgerald to Coco Chanel introducing the Little Black Dress, the '20s were such an iconic time that it's no wonder we're still inspired by the era. Whether you're a Daisy or Jordan, Gatsby or Nick, we've put together a list some of the most-essential '20s trends and styles to consider should you choose to transform for the evening. For sartorial inspiration, take a look at some of our favorite outfits from the latest film adaptation by Baz Luhrman, as well as a few authentic period looks.

In the meantime, we'll be brushing up on our Charleston.

See also:
Top 7 vintage stores in the Twin Cities
City Pages' Best of the Twin Cities party is coming

More »

Tags:

Best Ofs

Best Of the Twin Cities 2013: Arts categories

Best Ofs 2013 arts cropped.jpg
Right this very moment, City Pages' Best Of the Twin Cities 2013 is hitting the streets. This year's theme boasts a healthy dose of the roaring '20s, as we took inspiration from period films and films from the period, such as The Great Gatsby and Metropolis.

For your easy perusal, we've compiled some of the top arts winners -- be they theater, dance, literary, fashion, or visual arts related -- into one handy post. Come take a look:

More »

Tags:

Best Ofs

Text your votes for the Best of the Twin Cities 2013 Readers' Poll

votebannertext.jpg
We're getting oh-so-close to revealing the winners of City Pages' Best of the Twin Cities next month, but first we still need your help. We're on part two of the 2013 Readers' Poll after narrowing down numerous Twin Cities contenders to the top five for each category.

Cast your vote with your fingertips by texting the codes for your favorites to 61721 in each of the 10 highly-contested categories after the jump!

See also:
Best of the Twin Cities 2013 online voting form


More »

Vote in the Best of the Twin Cities 2013 Readers' Poll

votebanner.jpg
It's that time of year again, old sport. The Best of the Twin Cities guide is coming up quickly, and we need your help finding out what's the crème de la crème of the metro area. Tell us who you think is the bee's knees and what places are the cat's meow.

See also: Best of the Twin Cities 2012: Enchanted Cities
More »

Celebrate with City Pages at the Best of the Twin Cities Party







aria560a.jpg
Noah Wolfe Photography
For City Pages' 2013 Best Ofs, we're taking a trip back in time to the Roaring 20s, an era filled with flirtatious flappers, dapper gentlemen, gin mills, and juice joints. This year, our annual Best of the Twin Cities party takes on a decidedly Gatsby-like vibe to celebrate our biggest issue in style.

See also: Vote in our 2013 Best of the Twin Cities Readers' Poll

More »

Best of the Twin Cities: Delve deeper into the look of our 'Enchanted Cities' issue

1637_BestOf_800.jpg

Fairy tales abound in our 2012 edition of the Best of the Twin Cities, which features hand-designed type (including two original fonts) and decoration inspired by a visit to the Minneapolis Central Library. The location's James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library is home to the Heffelfinger Aesop's fables Collection, entrusted to the library by the Minneapolis Athenaeum.


More »

Best Of app praised by iTunes Rewind, Wired

Thumbnail image for cpbestofapp.jpg
As 2011 draws to a close, year-end lists run rampant on the Internet and this site is no exception. But this time we're on the other side of those lists with our Best Of mobile app

The app, which debuted last April with our Best Of The Twin Cities issue, appeared in a capsule review in Wired this month, where the writer called it "what Yelp would be if only the cool kids could post reviews. Provides quick access to phone numbers and addresses, with in-app calls and maps."

iTunes also featured it in their year-end "Rewind" list of best travel apps of the year, nestled between the likes of Airbnb and Jetsetter.

The Best Of app was created to act like our Best Of issue on the go, helping you find the highest rated foodstuffs, restaurants, stores and other venues where ever you are.

More »

50 Reasons Minnesota is the best state in America

Thumbnail image for minnesotawin.jpg
Thanks, we're happy to be here
Bratty gossip site Gawker is counting down the 50 Worst States in America and last week named Minnesota the 45th Worst.

That actually makes us the 6th Best, which isn't half bad, except that it's the blog equivalent of "damning with faint praise."

Big surprise: Gawker chose New York as the Best--relying on nepotism over logic and reminding us of all the times the Yankees beat the Twins.

But Gawker's evaluation was clearly performed by someone who never actually visited Minnesota--at best, they shopped at Mall of America during a layover between LA and NYC. Those of us who live here can tell you quite a few more advantages to living in flyover country (including: "no earthquakes").

Here are 50 Reasons Minnesota is the Best State in America. Feel free to add your own in the comments.



More »

Best Of photo shoots: Behind the scenes

SHOPPING.jpg

Production for this year's Best of the Twin Cities involved months of planning, shopping, scouting, and arranging of schedules... all culminating in three days of photo shoots across four locations. The final product highlights contributions from many talented individuals and fine Twin Cities businesses.


More »

From the Vault

 

©2013 City Pages, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Minneapolis / St. Paul

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city