top of page
  • Writer: kathrinkim
    kathrinkim
  • Apr 8
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 10


Spring in Minnesota is a test of patience. We had 75 degrees mid-March and flurries in early April. I was wearing shorts and a tank top and sweating three weeks ago and three days ago I was wearing my Winter coat and hiking boots. Proof that we can not transition our closets anytime soon towards lightweight attire. But, as I say every Spring, "Spring WILL come". When Spring does finally arrive, what will you wear?


We pull out our old faithful favorites; that olive green field jacket that looks great over a black dress or paired with a tank and denim. We can count on that navy and white striped tee that goes so well with those red shorts and flip flops. That worn in denim jacket that makes all sun-dresses look cute and is an easy extra layer in the evenings around the bonfire, will always be a faithful piece. These are all classic timeless pieces that when they wear out, we search high and low for the perfect replacement. They aren't going anywhere; they're keepers and we'll be wearing them for years to come. But, you say, "there's got to be something fresh to add to my wardrobe to make this season's styles come alive and be memorable". Yes. Yes, there is!


(All pictures are linked to websites)


  1. Patch Pockets

    We've been seeing patch pockets on denim for the last year but, you'll see them on tops and and jackets too.


    Madewell Emmy Patch Pocket High Waist Wide Leg jeans found at Nordstrom for $148
    Madewell Emmy Patch Pocket High Waist Wide Leg jeans found at Nordstrom for $148

Design History short sleeve cardigan sweater found at Anthropologie for $118
Design History short sleeve cardigan sweater found at Anthropologie for $118

2. Light Weight Cargo Pant

Last year I read that joggers were out of style. Whoever wrote that article evidently didn't get the right information because, I see joggers all about in different configurations. Having a light weight summer pant that can be dressed up with a sandal and cute top or worn comfortably over a swim suit is a worthwhile investment.



Pilcro Linen Cotton Jogger found at Anthropologie for $148
Pilcro Linen Cotton Jogger found at Anthropologie for $148


Aerie Workwear Pant for $45.46
Aerie Workwear Pant for $45.46

  1. Midi Dress (with a full poplin skirt and tank top)

    This is not a new style but, it is a style you'll see much more. Each store has their take that they are offering on their racks.

    Moment Hybrid Dress found at Athleta for $119.20
    Moment Hybrid Dress found at Athleta for $119.20

Sleeveless Boatneck Midi Dress found at Gap Factory for $41.99
Sleeveless Boatneck Midi Dress found at Gap Factory for $41.99
Striped Sleeveless Mixed Media Midi Dress by Blu Pepper found at Nordstrom Rack for $39.97
Striped Sleeveless Mixed Media Midi Dress by Blu Pepper found at Nordstrom Rack for $39.97



















  1.   Belted Vest

These are really much more versatile than one would think. Whether straight or curvy, there's a style for you.



The Belted long Vest from Ann Taylor for $64.99
The Belted long Vest from Ann Taylor for $64.99
Belted Tweed Vest from Ann Taylor for $119.25
Belted Tweed Vest from Ann Taylor for $119.25

















  1. Mary Jane Shoes

    In flats to heels to sneakers, Mary Jane style shoes are popping up everywhere! This would be an easy addition to freshen your Spring Wardrobe. I am kind of obsessed with the ballet sneakers.



    Square-Toe Mary Janes by VIVAIA for $139
    Square-Toe Mary Janes by VIVAIA for $139



    Silent D Samantha Ballet Sneaker at Anthropologie for $99.95
    Silent D Samantha Ballet Sneaker at Anthropologie for $99.95

Play Pretend Mary Jane Pump by Seychelles at Nordstrom for $149
Play Pretend Mary Jane Pump by Seychelles at Nordstrom for $149


  1. Jewelry - beads, turquoise, shells, and gold

    It's funny how jewelry trends just subtly change and styles come back around. About the time I think a piece will never be exciting to wear again, the trends evolve and it's an "it" piece again. Glad I don't throw out my costume jewelry.


Turquoise Stone Bracelet from Ann Taylor for $59.50
Turquoise Stone Bracelet from Ann Taylor for $59.50
Beaded Swirl Bracelet from JCrew for $39.50
Beaded Swirl Bracelet from JCrew for $39.50














Donatello Gian Turquoise Ball Stretch Bracelet from Nordstrom for $23.99
Donatello Gian Turquoise Ball Stretch Bracelet from Nordstrom for $23.99


Pearl Flower Statement Stud Earring from Ann Taylor for $59.50
Pearl Flower Statement Stud Earring from Ann Taylor for $59.50
Rose Stud Earrings from JCrew for $29.50
Rose Stud Earrings from JCrew for $29.50













Adornia Tarnish Resistant 18k plated gold flower studs from Target for $18.67
Adornia Tarnish Resistant 18k plated gold flower studs from Target for $18.67

















  1. Summer Beach Bag

    It's this time of year I start to hunt for that Summer bag that is gonna take a beating from days at the pool to toting extra attire on the back of my bike. Here's some trendy carrying pieces.

Everyday Tote from POPUPS for $125
Everyday Tote from POPUPS for $125
Crochet Tote Bag from GAP for $62
Crochet Tote Bag from GAP for $62















Verve Culture Moroccan Shopping Basket at Nordstrom for $48
Verve Culture Moroccan Shopping Basket at Nordstrom for $48



























To freshen your Spring look, you really don't need a make over. Add a couple pieces and blend them in with the classic choices you already own.


A few seasonal favorites:


$16.49 at CVS
$16.49 at CVS
$11.99 at CVS
$11.99 at CVS






















Music!!!

If you have taken the time to dig into my website, you know my first love is music. So, here is my new favorite artists I think are worth checking out.


The Band Loula is a band I just started following.  Their songs are strong and vocals are rich.
The Band Loula is a band I just started following. Their songs are strong and vocals are rich.




Spring bookings are starting to fill my calendar. Reach out and we can schedule a shop together, too.



Happy Wardrobing!!



Kathy Banta

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant

Twin Cities Stylist

Closet Refresh

Image Consultant

Polish Your Look






 
 
 
  • Writer: kathrinkim
    kathrinkim
  • Feb 12
  • 2 min read

By Twin Cities Stylist Kathy Banta

It's February. Blah! Tis the season to yearn for Spring. For me, I long to dig in the dirt, tend my flower beds and watch the garden come back to life. I long for the Sunshine, to shed layers and feel the sun's rays and a mello breeze. But, it's February. I must have patience and wait a bit longer as the earth prepares to awaken into colors, scents, textures and sounds.


In the meantime, I am looking ahead to the Spring fashion color trends. One of the ways fashion keeps us coming back to purchase something new and fresh is the ever changing trends of colors. I know it's their gimmick but, I don't mind. I would get bored wearing the same colors ALL. THE. TIME!!! I DO gravitate to those colors that pop on me; chocolate brown, Teal, Hunter green and Red. But, it's those trend colors that bring my basics to life. Here's what's showing up this Spring. Some are fresh ideas and some are some of the same with just a new color name.

Perennial Blue


Phlox
Phlox

Oe Mary Janes at Evereve
Oe Mary Janes at Evereve




















We The Free Palm Springs Pullover at     Free People
We The Free Palm Springs Pullover at Free People
The Poppy Kick-Flare Pull-On Pants by Maeve at Anthropologie
The Poppy Kick-Flare Pull-On Pants by Maeve at Anthropologie



















Pink Glo


Fuchsias
Fuchsias

Check It Out Shorts at Free People
Check It Out Shorts at Free People




















Zenergy Double-knit Jacket at Chico's
Zenergy Double-knit Jacket at Chico's
Lyla Double Buckle Sliders at Boden
Lyla Double Buckle Sliders at Boden
















Green Glow


One of my favorite ground covers - Creeping Jenny
One of my favorite ground covers - Creeping Jenny

Design History Short-Sleeve Stitched Cardigan Sweater at Anthropologie
Design History Short-Sleeve Stitched Cardigan Sweater at Anthropologie


















Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater at Banana Republic
Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater at Banana Republic

Sun Dazed Cotton-Linen Striped Pants at Free People
Sun Dazed Cotton-Linen Striped Pants at Free People


















Transformative Teal


Hens and chicks plant
Hens and chicks plant

We The Free Breezy Denim Pull-On Jeans at Free People
We The Free Breezy Denim Pull-On Jeans at Free People


















Scarf - collar Ribbon Silk Blouse
Scarf - collar Ribbon Silk Blouse


















Lava Falls


Red Cone Flowers
Red Cone Flowers

The Suede Mini Ring Pouch by Madewell at Nordstrom
The Suede Mini Ring Pouch by Madewell at Nordstrom




















Maeve Short-Sleeve Bow Appliqué Cardigan Sweater at Anthropologie
Maeve Short-Sleeve Bow Appliqué Cardigan Sweater at Anthropologie

Boden Jumpsuit
Boden Jumpsuit























Acacia


Sun Flowers
Sun Flowers

Maeve Wool Bomber Jacket at Anthropologie
Maeve Wool Bomber Jacket at Anthropologie



















I'm grateful for the blue sky and the sunshine today. But, I look forward to the melting of the snow and the tuffs of green popping up from the earth. As the colors arrive in nature, don't be afraid to show your colors in your wardrobe too!
















Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant

Kathy Banta
























 
 
 
  • Writer: kathrinkim
    kathrinkim
  • Oct 29, 2025
  • 2 min read

Fall is Fall. It's the season of pulling out those sweaters and layering is comfortable. But, every season has it's trends that the designers influence. Often what's on the runway would not be a look I could easily pull off in my day to day life. But, the trickle-down trends are styles that I most definitely can apply. And...Often, the trends are already in my closet. I just have to pair them or feature them in my outfits.


  1. Brown (specifically Truffle Brown)

    There was a good six years that when I would go looking for a brown option in clothing and I couldn't find anything. Brown is so rich. Well, it's back and it's come back strong. We'll be seeing several shades this Fall but, Truffle Brown is the "it" color this season.


Aire Puffer Jacket from Athleta
Aire Puffer Jacket from Athleta


Faux Leather Jacket by Mango found at Nordstrom
Faux Leather Jacket by Mango found at Nordstrom




Faux Wrap Dress from Ann Taylor
Faux Wrap Dress from Ann Taylor
Parker Stretch Velvet Jacket by Ralph Lauren
Parker Stretch Velvet Jacket by Ralph Lauren
found at Neiman Marcus
found at Neiman Marcus


























  1. Anything Cat "Leopard" Print

Leopard Print is a classic that never goes out of style but, last year we saw a gentle push in favor of more leopard prints. This Fall, it's no longer a gentle push; it's a full blown shove towards wild cats.




Leopard Cardigan Sweater at WHBM
Leopard Cardigan Sweater at WHBM


Burberry
Burberry









Tuckernuck
Tuckernuck





Animal Print Satin Bias Slip Skirt at Ann Taylor
Animal Print Satin Bias Slip Skirt at Ann Taylor





















Calf Hair belt in Leopard at JCrew
Calf Hair belt in Leopard at JCrew

















Levi's Trucker Jacket
Levi's Trucker Jacket

  1. Leather - It's always a favorite of Fall/Winter

    We always love leather in the Fall! Here are some of this season's leather looks and where to find them.

Faux Leather Draped Top at WHBM
Faux Leather Draped Top at WHBM
L'Agence Vashti Fringed Leather Blazer
L'Agence Vashti Fringed Leather Blazer
















Alice + Olivia Chara Vegan Leather Croc Mini Dress at Neiman Marcus
Alice + Olivia Chara Vegan Leather Croc Mini Dress at Neiman Marcus

The little Lbd Upcycled Leather dress  AS by DF found at Nordstrom
The little Lbd Upcycled Leather dress AS by DF found at Nordstrom

















Relaxed Suede Trucker Jacket found at Banana Republic
Relaxed Suede Trucker Jacket found at Banana Republic

Christy Moto Jacket Mauritius Leather found at Free People
Christy Moto Jacket Mauritius Leather found at Free People
















Studio Collection The Straight Pant in Leather at Ann Taylor
Studio Collection The Straight Pant in Leather at Ann Taylor



























  1. Mary-Jane Shoes

    I'm definitely seeing a surge in Mary-Jane style shoes with a twist of personality.


Franco Sarto's shalina Pump
Franco Sarto's shalina Pump
SOREL  Revel Ave Mary Jane Loafer
SOREL Revel Ave Mary Jane Loafer















LifeStride Madelyn Mary Jane Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump
LifeStride Madelyn Mary Jane Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump

NeroGiardini Pointed Toe Mary Jane Pump
NeroGiardini Pointed Toe Mary Jane Pump















Donald Pliner Mary Jane Pump
Donald Pliner Mary Jane Pump

Rothy's The Square Mary Jane
Rothy's The Square Mary Jane


















I'm a believer in making investments in Classic Styles that last the test of time and trends. A lot of these pieces are "classic style" and will be items you can wear for years to come. But, I also encourage my clients to splurge on one item a season that is a little more trendy; just to have fun! Fall is my favorite season for style and it feels like it's just getting into the swing of it.



Happy Wardrobing!!



Kathy Banta

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant

Twin Cities Stylist

Closet Refresh

Image Consultant

Polish Your Look






 
 
 

Contact Kathy, Wardrobe Consultant

Minneapolis/St Paul
Kathy@KathyBanta.com

© 2023 by Arianna Castillo​. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page