Photos: Chris Emeott
Shop local for on-trend pieces to pack on your spring break.
While vacation may mean to vacate one’s normal life, there is no need to sacrifice style or comfort when traveling this spring. With the help of local boutiques, we’ve selected pieces that will help you reach your destination looking chic and relaxed.
Indulge Boutique
Indulge Boutique has been a mainstay in Eagan for 15 years. Sue Korkowski was such a fan of the store that when the opportunity came to purchase it four years ago, she left her job in nursing and took the leap. “It’s always been a lifelong dream of mine,” she says. “I’ve always loved fashion.”
Korkowski says she likes to bring in pieces that are versatile and appeal to a wide demographic. She carries a mix of comfortable, casual clothes alongside dressier pieces, perfect for a business meeting or date night. Korkowski is thoughtful when she goes to market to stock her store. “I touch everything,” she says. “I make sure that fabrics have the stretch, the coziness that my customers are looking for. I think about that customer that wants to keep their arms covered or that customer that’s always cold. Customers are truly valued here.”
Zaket & Plover Zip-Up Hoodie
One touch and this super soft zip-up hoodie will have you hooked. With a blend of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent cashmere, this sweater has a fantastic texture that oozes supreme comfort. The zip-up style makes it easy to throw on alone or layer over a tank top or a tee. Its simple design incorporates wardrobe staples gray, black and white, but with a trendy pop of color on the sleeves and ties. It’s perfect for dressing up with jeans or keeping casual on the plane over yoga pants. Available at Indulge Boutique. $159.99
Tribal Sweater
What better way to welcome spring than with this vertical striped sweater from Tribal. Offered in contrasting shades of oatmeal, tan and pink, this casual sweater brightens up the black and white scene. At 85 percent cotton, the sweater is cozy, soft and breathable, making it as easy to wear as it is to pack. Available at Indulge Boutique. $99
Indulge Boutique
1095 Diffley Road, Eagan; 651.454.3900
Facebook: Indulge Boutique
Instagram: @indulgeboutiquemn
Wild Ruffle
Wild Ruffle has been through quite the evolution since its launch 11 years ago. What began as Cate Mezyk’s lifestyle blog and pop-up jewelry shop in 2011 quickly turned into an online shop and then a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Prior Lake in 2014. With the addition of clothing designer Tammy Hiveley, Wild Ruffle built a dedicated customer base through regular fashion segment appearances on Twin Cities Live and the Fox 9 Morning Show.
When its lease was not renewed last summer, the team decided to head back to the internet, changing its focus exclusively to online sales. Wild Ruffle maintains a warehouse space in Prior Lake that offers a local pickup option for customers and will play host to the occasional shopping event. Though they aren’t manning a storefront, Hiveley and Mezyk maintain an active online presence with plenty of try-on videos showcasing their merchandise. “We make a big effort to find real life people in a variety of sizes,” says Mezyk. She says that their niche is that casual everyday look for women. “We work hard to find things on trend, but age appropriate,” she says.
Submarine Beltbag
This versatile genuine leather beltbag is the ideal accessory for travel with an adjustable leather strap, allowing it to be worn around the waist or across the body. The slim-fit style is comfortable enough to keep the bag on throughout the day’s adventures while the main zippered compartment is sized to fit all the basic necessities, including a phone, small wallet, lipstick and keys. Available in two colors—cognac and black—this beltbag adds a sophisticated pop to any outfit. Available at Wild Ruffle. $98
Wild Ruffle
15981 Jordan Ave. SE, Prior Lake; 952.381.7405
Facebook: Wild Ruffle
Instagram: @wildruffle
Pinterest: Wild Ruffle
Twitter: @wildruffle
Mainstream Boutique
Mainstream Boutique in Apple Valley is the flagship store of a nationwide franchise with about 80 locations and counting. “We’re always testing new things,” says store manager Mac DeNicola Ketterling. “Many of our designs come from hands-on work with the customers and seeing what fits best for them.” Founded by Marie DeNicola (Mac’s mom), the store celebrated its 31st anniversary last fall with throwback photos of the tie-dye jumpsuit that put them on the map.
Today, the store carries stylish, classic pieces that appeal to a wide range of ages. While the styles have changed, the mission hasn’t: “We haven’t wavered from our mission since the beginning—to love the women that walk through our doors,” DeNicola Ketterling says. “And that in itself is timeless. We hope you feel loved, strengthened and celebrated every time you stop in or shop with us online.”
Mac and Me Jeans
These jeans, part of a clothing line designed exclusively for Mainstream Boutique with input from founder DeNicola and DeNicola Ketterling, are known for their buttery, soft material and ability to enhance a wide range of body shapes. They also pack well and play nice with a variety of different tops. Available at Mainstream Boutique. $68-$98
Mainstream Boutique
15322 Galaxie Ave. Suite 115, Apple Valley; 952.423.7469
Facebook: Mainstream Boutique Apple Valley
Instagram: @mainstreamboutiqueapplevalley
