Fall is characterized by crunchy leaves, apple cider, sharpened pencils, and…fashion? That's right. Fashion. September brings new beginnings, namely the new school year, and while you may have already done your back-to-school shopping last month, the rush to buy supplies and books may overshadow an introspective look into your own personal style.
It's no secret that Maple Grove is home to plenty of boutiques and shops, all of which are eager to help folks figure out their personal style. In the case of 25-year-old Becca Mathis, we look to Clothes Mentor to help gather some of the elements that make up her style.
Mathis is an art major at the University of Minnesota; this is reflected in the way she puts together outfits on a daily basis.
"If I had to put a label on it, I would say [my personal style is] simple and artistic," she says. "One of the most important things to me is to feel comfortable and pretty at the same time."
Why Clothes Mentor? Because Mathis loves things with a story behind them, which means she’s “much more likely to wear them often”. Clothes Mentor is a resale store. However, having a previous life does not necessarily mean their offerings are out-of-style or drab. At Clothes Mentor, it's just the opposite—clothing is "gently-used" and in the best condition possible.
“With more than 17,000 items in our inventory and hundreds of brand names, Becca would have fun exploring items that suit all elements of her personal style,” says Clothes Mentor’s Brittani Swedberg.
When it comes to breaking down a specific style, Clothes Mentor has some pretty nifty tools such as a POS Matrix, which helps the shop look up an item by favorite styles, colors and of course, size. But as we know, nothing beats a good old fashioned consultation with the experts.
“We’d talk with her about the personality and style she wants to convey, then help her gather outfits to pull it all together,” Swedberg says.
Becca is looking forward to checking out what Clothes Mentor has to offer: “I am really up for wearing anything as long as I feel beautiful in it!”
Breaking it Down
Mathis loves to pair girly things with tomboyish things, like cargo pants and a lace top or a skirt with converse shoes. This is a fun way to mix up elements, so she feels stylish and comfortable at the same time. Not sure if this will work on you? Take cues from ladies like Kristen Stewart—even if you’re not a Twilight fan, you can’t deny that the actress has shown us more than once how to combine feminine silhouettes with tough sneakers.
How does Swedberg interpret this trend for Mathis? “For the more girly pieces, we’d steer her to Cache, Arden B and Bebe. The tomboy in her will love Tommy Hilfiger, Eddie Bauer and Ralph Lauren.” All great for mixing and matching the way that she loves, but there is one major consideration: Mathis is tall for women at 5 feet 10 inches, which can make looking for clothing difficult, but her favorites are those that accentuate her height and slender build.
A tough styling challenge that Clothes Mentor doesn’t let get in the way.
“Because she’s tall and slender, we’d help Becca choose items that add volume such as ruffles and cap sleeves, and perhaps a few pieces that have extra detailing such as appliqués. One or two chunky necklaces will help complete her look,” explains Swedberg. “Layering would be key as we add to her wardrobe.”
Speaking of layering, it’s just about time to get our coats out and gear up for cooler weather. Swedberg says, because its fall, she’d especially love to see Mathis in a military style pea coat or in faux fur trim, and we’d have to agree. Pea coats are one of those universally flattering wardrobe essentials and they’re almost always available. At a thrift or resale store like Clothes Mentor, your budget will stretch, and you’ll be able to find this essential for $10 –$25.
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Thrifting is a great way to find quality clothing, not to mention freshen up your wardrobe, on a budget. Maple Grove and its surrounding areas are filled with excellent thrift and secondhand stores that always offer potentially amazing finds:
Clothes Mentor, 13641 Grove Dr.; 763.494.4584; clothesmentormn.com
Goodwill –If you haven't been to Goodwill's Maple Grove location, consider taking a trip over sometime soon. Not only are you shopping for a good cause (85% of each dollar spent goes towards helping Minnesotans train for and find jobs), but you'll be looking through an extensive clothing selection that can include brand names such as Gap, Old Navy, LOFT, J. Crew, Target, Forever 21, White House Black Market and more. Goodwill, 9530 Dunkirk Ln. N.; 763.420.8013; goodwilleasterseals.org
Earth Exchange –One of Maple Grove's hidden gems, Earth Exchange is filled with racks upon racks of clothing, sorted by color and style for easy browsing. Their vintage section is pretty impressive as well. Be sure to sign up for their Customer Appreciation Card. It's free and after your card is fully punched you enjoy 20% off an entire purchase. Earth Exchange, 11425 96th Ave. N.; 763.315.0826; earthexchange.org
Unique Thrift Store –Unique is literally overflowing with anything and everything you never knew you wanted—this extends into their clothing and accessories selection, where high-end brands like Coach and no-name handmade vintage items hang side by side. Unique also offers a free VIP card, which can be used on certain days during the week for 25% off your purchase. Unique Thrift Store, 4471 Winnetka Ave. N., New Hope; 763.535.0200; imunique.com
Plato's Closet –Especially geared towards teens through twentysomethings, Plato's Closet is perfect for those who are always on-trend. In addition to selling gently used clothing and accessories, they'll also buy your old clothing for cash (and help keep your closet from overflowing!) Plato's Closet, 13621 Grove Dr.; 763.416.8153; platosclosetmaplegrove.com
