1009 W. Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Phone: 612-872-0880
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Checks accepted: No
Gift certificates: Yes
Gift receipts: Yes
Return policy: Full refund with receipt within 2 weeks of purchase. After 2 weeks, or without a receipt, store credit only. Store credit only on sale items.
Price range: Average handbag $75; $20 to $180 range. Average piece of jewelry $50; $12 to $100 range.
Size range: N/A
Carry organic materials: Yes
Partner perch: No
Brands of note: Latico, Harveys Seatbelt Bags, Lug
Shop here for: It-bag knockoffs, adorable and affordable bracelets of all kinds, patent clutches, trendy jewelry
I’m pretty sure that fairies inhabit all five Patina stores. Although each has a slightly different layout, all feature décor reminiscent of an enchanted glade. As you walk in, spicy floral fragrances from dozens of candles and diffusers swirl around you, mobiles and paillette curtains suspended from the high ceilings clink and sway, while bunnies, squirrels, and gnomes peer out at you from behind shelves of merchandise. This beloved gift emporium sells an overwhelming hodgepodge of … well, stuff. They’ve got gobs and gobs of stuff at Patina. Everything from bacon-scented band-aids to handmade photo albums to cloisonné garden trowels.
But of interest here is their selection of accessories. Which is impressive, but not nearly so overwhelming.
Whatever is on the pages of Lucky and InStyle this month will also be on the racks and in the cases at Patina. Whether it’s peacock feather earrings, statement cuffs, or tattoo-inspired bird necklaces, you’ll find it all here. They even stock a selection of designer knockoffs like Van Cleef & Arpels cloverleaf long necklaces. Brushed and hammered metal bangles, faux pearl bracelets, and studded leather cuffs hang from low racks, while multi-strand beaded chokers, CZ pendants, and long chains sparkle quietly nearby. The earring racks will, at any given time, hold 6 or more variations on the hoop – ranging from classic to oval to teardrop to multiples. Patina’s rack earrings are always adorable, always affordable … and always cheaply made.
But while less expensive pieces are displayed on countertops, slightly higher-end jewelry is kept behind glass. Cute resin necklaces from Foxy Originals and kitschy pendants from Lucky Loo Loo, as well as a tasteful selection of organic sterling pieces and whimsical multicolored gem bracelets populate the cases. Although Patina does cheap and chic remarkably well, their spendier pieces are well worth a splurge if you’re feeling flush.
Knock-offs abound in the handbag offerings as well, though classic originals such as Harveys Seatbelt Bags and Latico clutches are always in stock. Small design houses are well represented at Patina: Retro-inspired bucket bags from Jazzd, butter-soft oversized hobos from Miele Bianco, structured bags of all types in Biejo’s signature pearly patent, and thin flat totes from Shireleah. You’ll likely find all the hippest shapes of the season in leather-like PVC, as well as some more enduring designs in leather. Inexpensive clutches are a strong suit, and can usually be found in several colors, materials, and styles at any given time. Patina also carries Lug’s quilted pouches and totes, Milano’s clean canvas messengers, and a wide variety of small, embellished wallets. Although the majority is usually clustered together, handbags are scattered throughout the store, so be sure to browse carefully.
In addition to jewelry and handbags, Patina carries a constantly rotating stock of various other accessories. You may walk into your local store this week and see Pashminas and kicky aprons, while next week will offer you wide patent headbands and newsboy caps. So check back often, and keep an eye out for fairies when you visit. Some of them bite.