StyleByMax

We're Not Finished Partying Yet!

2009-12-09T15:42:00.006-06:00

While "officially" we call them trunk shows, we like to think of our artist events as parties! And what better time to throw a party than the weekend before Christmas? You can come and enjoy some treats (chocolate, of course), sip on a sparkling beverage and try on some sparkling gems all in the same place. We're hosting one more artist "party" to wrap up 2009 on December 19 and 20 with jewelry from Anne Sportun. Many of you have become familiar with Anne's work in the store and, possibly, from the Sundance catalog, and we are thrilled to have her ENTIRE collection here for the weekend. And, because we really do love a party around here, we'll be previewing some of the work on Friday night, December 18, between 5 - 8pm. Don't worry though....there will be plenty of chocolates and beverages to last throughout the entire weekend!

You Better Watch Out ....Vicente is Coming to Town!

2009-11-29T13:24:00.005-06:00

It's that time of year again! For the 4th year in a row, Max's is welcoming jewelry designer Vicente Agor for a trunk show to kick off your holiday shopping this December. Let's see....the first year he came to Minneapolis the mercury took a dip below zero. The second year -- a blizzard. It was a beautiful weekend last year while he was here and it seems like it's going to be the same this year. Even if it is snowing like crazy and cold outside, it's going to really warm here at Max's with the beautiful glow of his creations. Vicente continues to amaze us with his designs that have been inspired by his global travels and experiences….whether it’s his Antarctica collection that includes aquamarines surrounded by diamonds (pictured), his Moroccan collection of hand-cut 18k gold, or his fine silver work, his jewelry bears the mark of the exotic with a fresh modern interpretation.

As an extra holiday surprise, Vicente is bringing 5 pairs of white topaz earrings to be given away over the weekend (also pictured). We will be drawing 2 names on Saturday and 3 on Sunday to win these earrings, but you can only enter to win at the store during the trunk show. The show runs this Saturday, December 5, from 10 until 6, and again on Sunday, December 6, from noon until 5. I hope that you’ll stop by Max’s to meet Vicente and see his absolutely exquisite and unique work.

It's That Time Again - Silver and Gold Friday at Max's

2009-11-27T11:11:00.012-06:00

Ok, so everyone in retail (as well as the media), refers to today as "Black Friday". Many of you may know that here at Max's, we prefer to think of it as "Silver and Gold Friday". Today is the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season and we think that calling it a silver and gold day is much more festive and better represents the sparkle that the holiday season brings -- not to mention all of the fabulous silver and gold jewelry we think that you'd love to give as your holiday presents this year (you might like to receive them as well, so don't forget that we have a "wish list" program here at Max's!). And, to add even more sparkle, you can use your Max's rewards points that you would earn on your purchases this weekend ON your purchases this weekend! What does this really mean? Our on-going reward points system is structured such that you can use the points you earn on any given sale (10% of the total pre-tax amount) on a future sale on another day. Today, tomorrow and Sunday, you can use the points that you earn that day on the current sale. Make sense? Bottom line is that you earn 10% off of everything you buy! Of course, if you still want to "bank" your points and keep building up your balance for something down the road, that's ok too! And, because we love a party around here, there will be lots of chocolates and tasty beverages (hot and cold!) to make your shopping that much more enjoyable!

What A Great Way to Explore Minnesota Theater!

2009-11-16T16:21:00.014-06:00

Max's is proud to announce that it has partnered with SecretsofTheCity.com to sell Theater All Year packages! Theater All Year ticket vouchers offer an easy and affordable way to enjoy a huge variety of Twin Cities theater offerings throughout the season. Use the vouchers to reserve seats for any of the hundreds of designated performances by some three dozen theater groups. There’s no standing in rush lines, no hassles, just the opportunity to step out and sample new stages and theatrical experiences, at a savings. You get 6 ticket vouchers for $99 (plus tax, of course) that are honored by more than 35 theater companies for over 100 productions. Click here for more details and then come on over to Max's and buy your package of vouchers!

I Want Some Candy!

2009-11-10T14:18:00.001-06:00

When you think about a bag of gumdrops, you think of brightly colored delicious treats -- right? Well, we think Stephanie Albertson got it right when she decided to call some of her earrings gumdrop earrings, and describe her rings as being made with candy colored gemstones! We are just in love with the new 18k gold/gemstone earrings and rings that we have added to the fine silver and gemstone pieces from Stephanie. Whether it's stack rings for everyday, or drop earrings to make that "wow" jewelry statement with this year's holiday party dress, we think her work is just beautiful in the way that the stones have been set to show off their color. Come take a look ....you just might find yourself craving some candy!

It's Time for the Excelsior & Grand Pre-Holiday Party!

2009-11-02T17:40:00.003-06:00

Please join Max's on Thursday, November 5 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. as The Shops at Excelsior & Grand host the premier pre-holiday party of the season!

Max's will be accessorizing the latest fashions from Shorty's Loft and OPM, including designers Sue Wong, Karamov and MEK Denim, with some of our newest jewelry arrivals from Vicente Agor, Stephanie Albertson, Janis Kerman and Anne Sportun....just to name a few! You'll also catch a glimpse of the season's hottest hairstyles for men and women from The Hair District and Supercuts, and be able to enjoy a chairmassage from RejoovMe.

If your're entertaining this holiday, there will be some holiday inspiration for food, too! You can sample some tasty treats from Laredo's Tex-West and McCoy's Public House, as well as enjoy some wonderful wines. And, of course, there will be lots of chocolate to sample from Max's!

So I hope that you'll be able to join us on Thursday night to kick the holiday party season off to a great start!

The Aloha Spirit Comes to Max's

2009-10-24T15:58:00.003-05:00

A bit of Hawaii arrived at Max's yesterday just time time to warm us all up as the mercury takes a dip. Malie Kai Chocolates are made in Honolulu and are made with beans grown on the North Shore of Oahu. This is really special (and, of course, delicious) chocolate, as the cacao that is used is considered to be one of the rarest in the world as only 15,000 pounds are produced each year (not a lot if you're trying to make a lot of chocolate!). And here's another interesting factoid: Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where cacao can grow. I first tasted Malie Kai 2 years ago at The Fancy Food Show, and I was so happy to receive word recently that it was ready for distribution on the mainland. I have a trip to Hawaii planned for next year, but I am so glad to be able to experience just a little bit of The Spirit of Aloha here and now!

Sarah Graham is Coming to Max's This Weekend!

2009-10-06T15:09:00.008-05:00

You've made Sarah Graham one of your favorite jewelry designers here at Max's with her signature blackened steel pieces that are adorned with gold and diamonds, and we're looking forward to her trunk show this weekend! The inspiration for her work is grounded in nature as you can tell by the names of her collections, including Coral, Pebbles, Stepping Stones, Conifer and Bamboo. The trunk show runs Saturday, October 10 from 10am - 6pm and Sunday, October 11 from noon - 5pm. In addition to her wonderful jewelry for women, Sarah will introduce our customers to Mr. Graham, a new grouping of men’s jewelry. It's going to be cold outside this weekend, so why not head on over and join us for an afternoon of fun with this award-winning designer. And who knows...we may even break out the hot chocolate!

A Little Piece of Heaven Arrives at Max's!

2009-09-26T16:09:00.014-05:00

Oh, how I love this! I have been admiring Jacob Albee's work since I first saw it a couple of years ago at the St. Paul American Craft Council Show, and I am really, really thrilled that he has agreed to have Max's represent him in the Twin Cities. Talk about unique....how does some meteorite (yep, you read that right...meteorite, as in the stuff that falls out of the sky and hits the earth every once in a while) sound? If that's not enough, when the meteorite is sprinkled with diamonds, it has the effect of looking like stars, as a customer pointed out to me the other day. Not all of Jacob's work involves meteorites though. The ring pictured here is one his collection that he calls "free diamonds" , and is made of oxidized silver, 18k gold and diamonds that are loose or "free" under the ring's crystal. We're happy to welcome Jacob to Max's collection of great artists, and truly believe that his work is something that is out of this world.

It's Time for the Janis Kerman Trunk Show!

2009-09-09T12:17:00.003-05:00

I am a huge fan of Janis' work! Her designs are recognized for their extraordinary combination of colors and geometric shapes and sizes, and I particular love her “mismatched” earrings (in fact, I love them so much that I have a couple of pair in my personal collection!). In addition to her collection, Janis likes to work with a customer’s own jewelry pieces to completely remodel them by using existing elements of the jewelry to create a new design. This includes pearls, in which she often incorporates geometric shapes of gold with precious stones. If you have some jewelry at home that you’re not wearing because it’s not your style or you think it’s a bit outdated (don't we all have some...or a lot....of that?!?!), you can bring it in to Max’s during the trunk show and have Janis sketch some designs for. If you’re interested in spending some time with Janis and having her develop some designs for you, please give us a call so that we can schedule an appointment. I hope that you'll stop in this weekend and take a look...Janis will be in the store Jewelry artist on Friday, September 11 from 11am - 7pm and on Saturday, September 12 from 10am - 6pm.

Go Back to School With Max's!

2009-08-12T14:14:00.009-05:00

If you're anything like me, back-to-school season was an exciting time, especially when my mom took me shopping for new clothes and school supplies. The biggest question I had to answer was what pattern I was going to pick for my notebooks...was it going to be the year of flowers, birds or bright colors? Unfortunately, many children today face much bigger and more difficult questions at this time of year, wondering where and how they will find the resources for necessities like backpacks and school supplies.

Richard Moody, founder of IamMoody (www.iammoody.com), a modeling, production, event planning and branding company, and all-around terrific human being, is coordinating Minneapolis Backpacks 4 Kids In Need, a grassroots effort to gather basic school supplies for kids who won’t have any at the start of this school year. Max's wants to help and we hope that you will join in the effort with us. We are donating 100% of the proceeds (pre-tax) of all of our sale chocolates and 5% of the proceeds (pre-tax) from regularly-priced chocolates sold between August 12 - August 30 to Minneapolis Backpacks 4 Kids in Need. I hope that you will be inspired to join us in support of this great cause, as we just don't think it's right for any child to begin the school year without the basic tools necessary for success.

Very Honored

2009-08-06T15:25:00.006-05:00

Every year, NICHE magazine presents awards to retailers of American craft. Max's was fortunate to win an award in 2008, and I am honored, thrilled and humbled to be able to announce that we have won a Top Retailer Award again for 2009. The annual Top Retailer Awards program recognizes craft retailers who are committed to fair business practices and to growing and strengthening the North American craft community. “This awards program honors galleries and retailers for their commitment to supporting craft artists and the craft community,” said Wendy Rosen, publisher of NICHE magazine. “It’s not about the biggest sellers or fanciest shops. The ‘Top Retailers’ are often mentors who work hard to build and maintain good relationships with emerging and established artists.”

I have long believed that the relationships one has with its customers, suppliers and employees are critical to the long-term success of the business....ANY business. With that said, it is tremendously rewarding to be recognized within the industry for building and maintaining strong relationships with our artists. Thank you so much to all who recognized this core value from Max's and enabled us to be recognized so publicly for it.

It's Time for Another Trunk Show at Max's!

2009-07-28T10:51:00.012-05:00

Yep, that's right. We're just keeping the trunk shows coming this year as we think it's such a fun way to get to see the full collection from a jewelry designer. This weekend, we're welcoming Dana David to Max's. Actually, we're welcoming both jewelry artist Dana Melnick and her business partner/husband David...thus the name of the jewelry line! Dana was a graphic artist prior to becoming a jewelry designer, and she has melded the 2 together with her scribble and graffiti pieces done in 18k gold and sprinkled with diamonds, as well as her icon necklaces and earrings including peace signs, hearts, the sun and moon and daisies finished with pave diamonds. I know that a necklace isn't going to bring about world peace, but I have both the pave peace sign necklace as well as the 18k gold peace sign necklace in my personal collection, and I find myself wearing one or the other many days of the week. Dana has been hard at work at some new designs...come in and take a look! The show is this weekend....Saturday, August 1 from 10am - 6pm and Sunday, August 2 from noon - 5pm. Hope to see you here!

This Quote Makes Me Smile from Ear to Ear!

2009-07-24T10:41:00.005-05:00

Many of you who know us here at Max's know that we are huge fans of Vicente Agor...both his gorgeous jewelry as well as the man. We were thrilled to learn of the recent profile of him that San Francisco Magazine did as he so deserves this recognition. I have to say that his quote "life's too short to be mousy" makes me smile inside and out every time I read it or hear it (and I've heard him say this MANY times!). Aside from causing me to have that screeching Road Runner moment in my brain, questioning whether I really want to walk out of the house wearing whatever it is I'm wearing for fear of invoking images of Mickey (maybe Minnie?) in others, it really does speak to a major fashion trend right now. Things have become so casual, it sometimes seems as there's sometimes a blurred line between casual and "blah" (a.k.a., mousey). Don't get me wrong...I'm all for casual and can usually be seen here in the store in jeans, but I do believe that great jewelry can not only make the outfit, but can also change the whole look of something that is otherwise very plain to an outfit that becomes striking in its simplicity and ease.

Ok, so it's not going to go down in history as one of the world's greatest quotes like "Ask not what your country can do for you...." or "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart", but doesn't it make you smile....just a little?

This is So Much More Civilized Than a Paper Cup!

2009-07-21T14:56:00.005-05:00

Now I certainly don't have anything against my local coffee shops (how could I...I'm there every day!!!!) but, given a choice, I would much prefer to drink my cuppa joe from one of these pretty hand-blown espresso cups from glass artist Shiloh Hunkapiller. For those of you who have shopped with us for a while, the pattern may look a bit familiar. Shiloh also makes beautiful holiday ornaments as well as candle snuffers (and yes, the candle snuffers will definitely make an appearance again this year at holiday time!...you let us know that we missed the boat by not having them last year!) in this dot pattern and we just love it. In addition to the espresso cups, we also have some port glasses in the same pattern which (I think) make a really beautiful gift....especially for a wedding or an anniversary. If you've been in recently and seen the glass ring stands on the counter, those are from Shiloh too!

We're Getting Ready for This Weekend's Todd Reed Trunk Show!

2009-07-13T18:32:00.003-05:00

It's always exciting to see the new things that Todd has been busy creating, and here's a sneak peek at a few of the "pretty pretties"! I'm thrilled that this show will introduce some of his newest creations and I hope that you'll be able to join us to admire this fabulous work. When I first saw Todd's work, I was really drawn to the organic nature of it, and that seems to be the thing that customers react to the most when they see it. I like the mystery of the uncut diamonds, and the subtlety of the natural colored stones. The show is the Friday from 11am - 7pm and Saturday from 10am - 6pm. Of course we carry Todd's work throughout the year, but for 2 days we'll have his full collection. Even if you don't have any intention of buying a diamond this weekend (!), this work is really special and something to see!

Max's Summer Sale Starts Today!

2009-07-08T08:58:00.002-05:00

We only do it twice per year. Our semi-annual sale starts today. Come see if that special something that you've been eyeing is one of the items that's been marked down...you could enjoy savings of between 30-80%! Select items only, final sale...you know the drill!

Tomorrow is the Rebecca Myers Trunk Show

2009-07-06T11:58:00.003-05:00

....and we couldn't be more excited as Rebecca has told us that she's bringing her ENTIRE collection! YIPPEE!!!!!! I am a huge fan and can't wait to see what she's been working on. She'll be in the store with us all day...until 7pm...so I hope that you'll stop in and see some of her fabulous creations. I'm really loving these rings.....!

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-03T13:24:00.003-05:00

The 4th of July says summer to me more than almost anything! I love it! I have to admit that I'm a big kid at heart....I absolutely MUST go see fireworks on the 4th or the day is a total bust for me. We're going to take the day off here at Max's and hope that you are too...time with family and friends, time to just unwind and relax with a tall glass of lemonade (and maybe some chocolate?!?!?), time to begin writing the next great American novel....whatever it is you choose the do, we hope you have a great holiday. While we're closed tomorrow, we will re-open on Sunday, so if you're out and about, please stop in and see us! Happy 4th!

Chocolate Overload!

2009-07-02T17:07:00.005-05:00

I attended the Fancy Food Show in NYC earlier this week and I think I'm still in chocolate overdrive mode! Is there a limit to how much chocolate one can eat in a day? I ask that question every year when I go to the show and I still don't know the answer. Everyone always says that they think the show must be really fun to attend....which it is....but no one wants to believe me when I say that it's a really hard show to do! Really, it is. Seriously. Keep in mind that all I'm looking for is chocolate and that starts at 10:00 a.m. You go from booth to booth tasting fabulous creations....toffees, caramels, bars, truffles....and by about 12:30 are pretty close to your sugar maximum. Oh, but wait. We're only in row 900 out of 5700....must keep going. Do all of these toffees really taste different? Yes, yes they do. Perhaps it's time to sample some of the coffees to clear the senses (especially the tastebuds) before we start over again. Maybe a little bit of bread and olive oil or some pasta with pesto. Ok, those were good, but we don't carry those things at Max's. More chocolate. But don't forget that we kind of "stretch" our definition of chocolates for our holiday gift baskets to include chocolate cookies and/or brownies. Must taste those too. I mean, not all brownies are created equal...right? How about some hot chocolate? So, after it's all over at 5:00, I always find myself in search of the biggest green salad I can find in New York! And then it's on to day 2 of the show! It's kind of funny....the Fancy Food Show is the only show that I shop that my husband wants to attend with me....what, he doesn't want to go jewelry shopping? I can't figure that one out!

In terms of trends, sea salt and hot chili pepper continue to be strong. I also saw a lot of chocolates with different herbs and spices. I loved the chocolate covered mustard seeds, as well as the spiced mendiants. Once all of the chocolatiers return home and get re-settled, we'll be talking with them about some orders for the store, so stay tuned for some new products at Max's!

Congrats to Max's Friend Nelle Handbags

2009-06-21T13:32:00.005-05:00

A big yippee to our friend Laura Nelli, the owner of Nelle Handbags, as she was featured in Daily Candy a couple of weeks ago. Laura is making good on her dream of becoming a nationally-known handbag designer, and her collection can be found around the country. You can see her pretty clutches (and new items too, including a great fabric neckpiece (her "floral bib necklaces) at nellehandbags.com and read what Daily Candy had to say! We're proud of you Laura!

Rebecca Myers is Returning to Max's for a Trunk Show!

2009-06-19T11:29:00.008-05:00

We're so happy to announce an addition to our 2009 trunk show schedule! Our friend (and jewelry designer extraordinaire!) Rebecca Myers is returning to Max's next month for a one-day trunk show. We had so much fun last year when she was here and loved that we could showcase her full collection. Rebecca will be at Max's for one day only this year....a full day!....and she will have her collection which includes some fabulous new pieces. Rebecca's work runs the gamut from highly contemporary to the more traditional, and we just love it! We hope you can stop in....the hours of the show are 11am - 7pm. You can see a bit more of her work by clicking here.

Congratulations to Pamela Froman on Her Couture Award

2009-06-16T10:51:00.005-05:00

A big congratulations to Pamela Froman, one of Max's newest jewelry artists (see post dated May 19) as she continues to rack up the awards! Earlier this month, Pamela was honored with the Best of Bridal designation at the Couture Design Awards during the Couture Show, one of the jewelry industry's premier markets. In addition, one of Pamela's pendants was a finalist in the Best of Gold category. This picture is of one of Pamela's ring sets that we currently have in the store right now. What do you think?

What a Way to Spend a Sunday

2009-06-15T17:40:00.004-05:00

Have you been to ReJoovMe yet? Oh my, my, my. The floatation spa is right across the greenway from Max's, yet it has taken me over a year to get in there to float for the first time. Well, I made it yesterday and can tell you with complete certainty that it won't be the last time. I loved it! It really was relaxing and I felt great when I was done (I slept like a baby last night too!). I'm not sure how the people who float and then have a massage make it home....I think I'd be a complete jellyfish and would have to call a cab! Anyway, I'm now a believer and a big fan and would suggest to anyone that they give it a try. Check it out at www.rejooveme.com.

Can't Wait for This Weekend's Trunk Show with Jamie Cassavoy

2009-06-11T16:51:00.003-05:00

We're here unpacking all of Jamie's great work for this weekend's trunk show and having so much fun! She has been busy and hard at work in her studio and has made a number of one-of-a-kind pieces especially for the show that are so beautiful! I hope that you'll stop by...Friday, June 12; 11am-7pm and Saturday, June 13; 10am-6pm.