French exchange students are always the coolest and best dressed.

Now you don't have to fly overseas to capture their classic style -- Allee Metro Chic is bringing it to the Twin Cities.

First, you have to find it. The boutique is tucked away in a small (petite!) house in an alley next to Flirt.

It's stocked with local labels like uber-feminine Joynoelle (with dresses starting at around $350) and retro-influenced Jessika Madison-Kennedy's Dada Dress. You'll also find unique items like Chie Mihara shoes, Gerard Darel separates and a Calvin Tran skirt that can be worn 10 different ways mixed in with more accessible pieces by French Connection, Sanctuary and Wooden Ships Canadian imports Eve Gravel and Annie50 (from French-speaking Montreal).

June Berkowitz, owner of Nina's Coffee Cafe and her daughter Kelissa Stempski came up with the concept. Staying true to their coffee shop roots, the duo will offer espresso, croissants and macarons.

It all adds up to that certain je ne sais quois.

Allee Metro Chic, 179 N Snelling Av, St Paul, 651-414-0274.

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