Fashion

Prom season’s on the horizon—here’s everything you (and your teen) need to know.

Wayzata’s Sussan Mahjouri launches a new line of handbags with a very specific marketing plan.

Sitting in the heart of downtown Excelsior is boutique Down the Rabbit Hole, which opened last spring and offers a combination of new and gently used clothing for women.

Kenna Frees isn’t your average teenager. Though she enjoys typical teen activities like hanging out with friends and spending time with her pets, Kenna also runs her own fashion enterprise online.

44 North Boutique is among the newest shops that line Wayzata’s East Lake Street.

The line includes clothes, accessories, shoes, artwork, toys and books.

Minnesota native Chip Addington set out on a mission two years ago to combine his experiences—working in the outdoors as a camp guide and director, along with his art major—to create the perfect backpack for the urban traveler. His handmade backpack line combines aesthetically pleasing design with durability. The water-resistant bags come with pockets for a laptop, phone, notebook and pens, and take Addington around 12 hours to make on his circa 1892 industrial sewing machine.

Guys, how’s your wardrobe these days? If you’re clinging to Minnesota stereotypes—Paul Bunyan plaid and blaze-orange hunting gear, I’m looking at you—or just wary of stepping into the fashion world, use our handy guide to get started with a little apparel refresh this spring. And since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, now’s a great time to spruce things up, whether you’re looking forward to a big date, a causal dinner at home or a night out with friends.

Krista Fragola, owner of Maha! Boutique in Wayzata, says that when it comes to fall fashion, always stick to the classics.

“My recommendation would be to invest in a new black cashmere sweater each fall,” Fragola says. “It’s worth spending the extra money on quality materials that won’t pill.”

Fragola says cashmere is timeless and extremely versatile—a black sweater can be worn to dinner or to drop the kids off at school. You can wear it with anything from a long skirt to denim to shorts in the springtime.

Men’s fashion is all in the details: From collar shapes to shoe color, dressing involves so many small decisions. And on the first day of school, with standards high, dressing well can be a source of stress.