Spring 2025 Trends and Finds

Spring seems to be finally here. I sure hope I didn't jinx us by saying that! I'm a gardener. I have many flowers and I am ready to be digging in the dirt but, I don't trust the weather here in Minnesota until the first week of May. Too many times we've had snow at the end of April. It's a depressing sight when that happens. But, it's also short lived.

With the flux of temperatures, our wardrobes are transitioning, too. I don't get riveted by new styles like I use to but, I do like to freshen up my wardrobe with a few new items each season. Of course, I love shopping but, adding a few new items each season prevents my closet from getting stagnant. And...as new items come into my closet, I retire other items that I've noticed I haven't reached for or are looking tired or dated. Here are the items that have caught my eye this Spring.

High-rise 70s Flare Jeans from the GAP

GAP High-Rise 70s Flare Jeans - $79.95 to $89.95

You'd have to be living under a rock not to know that skinny jeans have been replaced by the flared leg denim. I love (LOVE) them! This pair (above) I bought at The GAP. The deep hem and the flattering seam down the side of the leg brings a bit of sass and fun to an outfit and has a slimming effect. I did miss not having front pockets but, I didn't need them.

1. 

   High - rise 70s flared jeans from The GAP

   I bought this "classic" flared jean (above) for the purpose of having a plain flared denim option. They are great! If you haven't gotten away from your skinny jeans, these are what you need to add to your denim collection. Don't throw those skinnies out but, do expand your options and get a boot or flared denim to update your wardrobe.

Red Ruffle Top from Madewell

1. Pintuck Ruffle Puff Sleeve Top from Madewell - $98.00

   I'm reading that a "touch of red" in our Spring/Summer wardrobes is a "must" for 2025. I already have plenty of red but, if you don't this blouse found at Madewell, is a perfect Summer top for an evening neighborhood barbeque or drinks at The Sidecar at the Tap, in Minneapolis.

   
   

   

   Utility Jacket for work and play

   Lee Chore Jacket found at Free People - $128.00

   Canvas Style Coats are HOT right now. That farm chore look or mechanic work coat is the look we're desiring. They can be paired with jeans or thrown over a little black dress.

   
   

   

   There's a reason our Grandmothers used it!

   
   

   Castor Oil - found at Fresh Thyme Market  - $8.99

   I read an article about all the benefits of Castor Oil and I wondered why I hadn't been using it all my life? A month ago I got this bottle of castor oil and started putting it on my face at night. Within a week, my age spots had faded, not gone away but, definitely faded. I put castor oil on my legs where I have eczema and found it to be soothing. I highly recommend trying castor oil for yourself. There's a reason our grandmothers used it!

   
   

   

   Engineer Stripes

   
   

   Stripe Slim Flare Jeans from Free People - 128.00

   I started seeing stripes more and more in February. Now, they are in every store in multiple different looks. A striped tee is a classic must-have in every wardrobe but, this year engineer striped pants are the trend.

   
   

   

   Papaya Colored peplum jacket by Liverpool

   Peplum Twill Trucker Jacket by Liverpool - $119.00

   This jacket comes in tan and olive but, the "papaya" color is my favorite; it's

   stunning. I bought this for a client and found the fabric to be soft to the touch with flexibility to move. My client tried several different jackets that I brought to her but, she kept commenting on how soft the fabric was on this one. She bought it. It's a winner!

   
   

green Trucker Jacket by L'AGENCE

Jeanine Cotton Blend Tweed Shirt Jacket - $98.98

I'm a fan of L'AGENCE brand clothing. Every item in their line is making a statement of style. When I saw the price falling on this green trucker style jacket with embellishments, I knabbed it. Sizes are starting to be limited on it. It'll be a fun piece that I'll wear over jeans or over my silver sequin dress for parties.

• 

  Jumpsuit

  Linen-Blend Halter Jumpsuit - $189.00

  Jumpsuits have been "a thing" this past year and they are even more popular now. If you have the proportions to fit a jumpsuit, you'll have fun with the multitude of choices available. But, if you're like me and often wear petite sizes, jumpsuits are not going to work for you.

Satin floral dress found at Talbots

Satin Midi Dress - Watercolor Bouquets - 129.99

While shopping for a client last week, it seemed to me that everywhere I looked floral dresses were on display. Some had lots of ruffles or tiered skirts, others had bold prints. I took notice and can say confidently, floral dresses are on-trend.

Spring is here and before we know it, Summer will be beckoning us. Until then, enjoy the transitions in your wardrobe and the transition of the seasons moving into warmer weather.

Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta

Happy Wardrobing!!

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Winter Boots

I could ask several women what they needed in a Winter boot and I could get different answers from each. We require details that reflect the needs of our lifestyles. Sometimes, one boot can not meet all the needs but, it's really great when one boot can be worn in a multitude of different scenarios. In Minnesota, I want my boots to have good tread for slippery walkways, warmth and waterproofing for walking in the snow, and I want my boots to have personality and style. Here are some great finds for each category.

Snow Boots: a warm waterproof boot worn in the snow. (google definition)

Warm Winter Boots:  Shoes designed to keep feet warm and dry in cold weather, and provide traction on slippery surfaces. (google definition)

Walking Boots:  A type of boot that covers the foot and ankle, used for long walks in the countryside. (Cambridge dictionary)  

Columbia Women's Minx IV Boot

$130.00

• thermal-reflective breathable lining

• sheds water and releases excess heat

• hike-specific tread pattern

These would be great for trudging through snow, winter walking the dog, and going to the bus stop.

I personally, don't like lacing up my boots; been there, done that.

So, here is another option.

Sporty Style, sturdy tread, zipper for easy use

Columbia Women's Minx Slip V Boot

$120.00

• sheds water and releases excess heat

• thermal-reflective breathable lining retains warmth

• hike-specific tread pattern

I like these boots. Easy and quick to put on with tread to tromps around the park or wear to work, changing into office shoes when I arrive.

Groovywish Women's Orthopedic Boots

$72.75

• instant foot pain relief

• wide toe-box

• High-arch support

I love the look of these with the rubber bumper look of a Converse tennis shoe. Fun!

Cougar Whammo Waterproof Boot

found at Nordstrom

$112.00 on sale

• Temperature rated to -11°F/-24°C

• Synthetic and leather upper/textile lining/rubber sole

• Selling out!

Stylish and Practical

Women's Cypress Fold-down Puffer Boot

by Canada Goose

$650.00

• Nylon upper with quilted padding effect for lightweight warmth 

• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) outsole for lightweight grip, siped tread adds traction

Women's Kinetic Impact Short Boot

by Sorel

found at Macy's

$140.00

• Functional inside zipper closure

• weather-ready waterproofing with plush faux fur

Women's Lodge Boots

from Eddie Bauer

$80.00 on sale

• waterproof

• breathable

• arch support

Not to be mistaken for a fashion boot but, a great boot for a more polished look for Winter weather.

There is such a wide array of options out there. If you see a favorite here, and aren't in a rush, I'd watch these items to see their prices come down in February and March. But, make sure they don't sell out of your size before you nab them!

Me

Happy Wardrobing!!

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant and Personal Stylist Kathy Banta

When Was The Last Time You Had A Bra-Fitting?

When was the last time you had a bra-fitting?

When was the last time you had a bra fitting? Seriously, this is a real question.

When I was in fourth grade and the girls and boys went into separate classrooms to begin talking about our differences of development, it was at this point that my awareness of the need for a bra perked up.

Are You there God? It's me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

After reading "Are you there God, It's me Margaret" by Judy Blume in fifth grade, I got excited to go and try on these mysterious undergarments for myself. I remember my mom bringing home training bras that were more like a cropped t-shirt. (The title alone is depressing, "training bra"? ) They were uncomfortable and felt so unnatural. I'd seen the industrial level undergarments my mother and aunt wore and I often wondered how they could breath. My mother brought home bra options for me until I was in my mid-teens and then, I assessed the fit and purchased these items for myself from that time on. I didn't experience a true bra-fitting until about ten years ago when I was in my forties. I know! It's crazy. But truthfully, I'd done a fine job of knowing what fit worked for me.

Some ten years ago, I decided I should have a real bra-fitting to be knowledgeable on the experience and the process my clients go through. So, I made an appointment at a big department store and went in ready to learn. In my disappointment, the fitter was a very young woman in her early twenties who was too embarrassed for me to be measured in my skivvies. This appointment went nowhere and I made another appointment at the other big department store down the hall. "Surely, this would be successful. This store was known for it's quality and its higher price point. They'd have experts, right?", I thought to myself. When I got there, the woman did measure me in my minimals and sized me up. But, I didn't want to be pushed up, padded out or synched in. Her listening skills were lacking and she told me the store didn't have the type of product I wanted. I left without a new option, and continued being my own fitter from then on.

Best to find a bra-fitting expert but, if you don't, this is how you start to find your size.

About five years ago, I went to a women's intimates store in the Galleria. I'd been referred by a friend who swore it was a wonderful experience. I went in for the fitting, got fitted, spent $100 on a bra and left. For the next couple weeks, when I wore this beautiful bra I would have chaffing under my arms and the boning in the bra was leaving marks that if I continued to wear it, I was going to have bruising. I couldn't believe I'd spent a $100 for discomfort. I took it back, got another fitter, who told me it was the wrong fit and size and traded it out for a different option. I was not pleased with this experience and the price point was too high for the product.

THIS IS THE EXPERIENCE I'VE HAD. What have your experiences been like? I hear women's negative stories and it's not a wonder that this is often the last item we want to spend money on yet, it's an important item.

Early this Fall, I had a client schedule shopping with me with the request that I'd help her update her bras. It had been seven years since she'd updated her bras and they were beginning to fall apart. I kind of had a panic. This was an area I was not happy with the options. But, it's my job to be able to give the answers. I was going to need to do my homework.

Anna at the Mall of America Lane Bryant

This is where I meet Anna in my story. While shopping for another client, I went into Lane Bryant and suddenly it dawned on me that one fourth of the Lane Bryant store was designated for women's bras, panties and shapewear. I thought, "Why not ask the staff about fittings?" Anna was working that day and the more we spoke, I found that Lane Bryant's bra sizes begin at a size 34 band going to a 54 and a cup size from B to K. That is a vast range in sizes! I asked if I could have a fitting right then. I wanted them to prove that they knew what they were doing.

After getting into a fitting room, Anna asked me several personal preference questions, measured me around my ribs and within minutes she started bringing me options. I could not believe how quickly she found me bra options that fit me well and to my liking. Not only did they fit but, they were pretty and feminine and the price point was half of what I'd paid at that Galleria store! I hadn't gone into Lane Bryant to buy bras that day. Anna confirmed that I was wearing the right size but, she introduced me to new options with different cuts for different necklines. I left with three new bras.

After a couple weeks had passed I went back to meet with Anna and ask her about her journey of learning about giving bra fittings. She told me her journey had started in retail with the product "Third Love" and then onto swimwear at "Everything But Water", eventually finding her way to Lane Bryant. She'd had some wonderful mentors along the way who taught her how to work with women in an often emotional experience; taking a little from each work experience. But, she said, "it's really about listening to the client's needs."

what complaints do you hear the most from women when they come for a bra fitting?

"It's always about fit; their band is too loose, straps are slipping, or they have a double boob effect happening." When a proper fit is found, these issues go away. She added, that it's amazing how a good fitting bra changes the way a woman stands; their posture. And, it can give the appearance of weight loss.

What are the top selling bra styles right now?

"Wire free and lightly lined options have become popular of late."

What should women know about shape wear?

"Shape wear should hit high enough to go under a bra" to help keep it in place. When it's too short in body length, it just creeps down.

What are some tips for caring for bras?

Bras should rest (not be worn) "for a minimum of 2 days" before wearing them again. But, ideally, "a bra should be worn once every two weeks". This resting rotation keeps the fabric and elasticity of the bra in its best shape and lasting longer.

Let's think about that. That means in a perfect intimate wear dresser drawer we should have 14 bras in rotation. (I didn't know this.)

Wash your bras on a gentle cycle, preferably in a mesh bag and COLD water. Let them air dry. Washing your bras too often can break down the fabric and they will lose their shape more quickly.

When storing bras place them in your drawer like you see them displayed in retail stores; stacked together to keep their shape. If storing padded bras, do not fold cups into each other.

When it came time for me to shop with my client to update her bras, she needed a smaller band than Lane Bryant offered. So with Anna's referral, we went to Soma at the Mall of America and met with Jazmine. She was fabulous, too! My client left with several new bras and the information to come back to replenish when she needed.

I've found that not just anyone can give a proper bra fitting. It's a specialty. So, I'm here to tell you, if you are in need of a bra fitting, Go to the Mall of America Lane Bryant and ask for a fitting with Anna! OR...Jazmine at Soma. They know their product and they listen!"

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta

Happy Wardrobing!

Minneapolis Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta

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