Last week during a morning session of media ingestion I stumbled on a story in the City Pages about Yoga Pant wearing teens running amok. The next day it had made the front page of the Star Tribune, and could even be found on the Huff Post, Fox News, and the UK’s Daily Mail. Apparently Minnetonka High School principal Dave Adney put the kibosh on the trend.

Though I can’t pull off the black leggings and silk blouse pairing myself, I know it’s been a fashion mainstay for several years. The yoga pants and t-shirt look, however, comes as a surprise. I’ll admit I’m a bit skeptical of its aesthetic appeal. Parents across the greater metro area, who find the skin-tight exercise gear much too revealing, aren’t so pleased either.

After receiving about a half-dozen complaints from concerned parents, Dave Adney responded with a call to arms. The principal wrote a letter last Monday to parents asking them to discourage their kids from wearing such “distracting” outfits. In his message to students he took a no nonsense approach: “Cover your butts up—I’m just gonna say it straight up,” he admonished. Adney got lots of positive feedback, receiving more than 70 e-mails and phone calls from supportive parents.

To say that the yoga pants uproar is over the top would be stating the obvious. The Star Tribune lampooned it along with its front-page feature. When I spoke briefly with Minnetonka senior Kristen Teresi, she was underwhelmed and hardly seemed scared off by Principal Adney’s warnings. She assured me that most girls aren’t particularly revealing about their choices of pants. They have no lascivious intentions; they’re just prioritizing comfort over style.

In his e-mail, Principal Adney made no mention of yoga pants. He called out all “tight-fitting leggings,” and the news reports seemed to blur both garments together. However, the distinction is crucial. Yoga pants are workout clothes. Leggings look perfectly chic under a long blouse or dress. It sounds like teen girls are veering in the right direction, but they’ve slightly missed the mark. American Apparel and Urban outfitters both offer great, affordable leggings. As for actual workout attire there are some wonderful local options:

Foat Design, owned by yoga instructors and twin sisters Kaja and Zoe Foat is an independent yoga-ware business. The duo makes unique and sustainable items. You can shop their designs online or at their studio in the Warehouse District. (1828 NE Marshall St., Ste. 11, Mpls., 1-800-658-1448)

If you’re looking for something more hippie than hipster check out Soul Flower, an online boutique with a warehouse in St. Paul. They also have options for men and children.

And, of course, there are always the favorite standbys: Athleta, Lululemon Athletica, and prAna to name a few.

So parents might be off about calling yoga pants salacious, but they have a point about asking their kids to wear real clothes instead of sweats. Most people would probably argue that what we wear has no bearing on how we learn or work. But if school is preparing kids for life, then for better or worse the  “dress for success” adage should hold sway there too. This doesn’t have to mean vanity, or a ruthless rat race for the most expensive brands and trends. It’s simply a way to distinguish our days from our nights, our public from our private selves, and a subtle reminder that the way we spend our waking hours deserves to be taken seriously. At 6 a.m., the thought of rolling out of bed and stumbling into the office in my pajamas is comforting, but I wouldn’t want to test it out.

My initial reaction when I was asked if I wanted to be “styled” by a duo of new Minneapolis men’s fashion consultants was, in a word, apprehensive. Sure I’ve taken advice on my clothes before, but really just from girlfriends or family and even then it was more for appeasement than anything else. The thought of being judged and tweaked by a pair of fashionistas sounded about as tempting as a week of cold showers.

Leah McMullen and Carrie Erickson of Blackjove. Photo by Paige DeWees, deweesphotography.com

But, after further consideration, I figured it might be like traveling on a plane, sure getting through security and flying through the air in a horizontal building may be uncomfortable and a bit scary but in the end its worth it when you step out onto a beach and 72-degree weather.

So I met with Carrie Erickson and Leah McMullen, also known as Blackjove, the style consultants. And as it turns out, the only part of my travel analogy that was true was the result.

The first “consultation” was just a casual chat over coffee about my lifestyle, workplace, and the clothes I wear or would like to wear. The stylists then roam the Twin Cities for clothes that both fit with your current look but also push you into trying more stylish alternatives.

For those who need more than just a couple outfits or tips, Blackjove also offers a full wardrobe edit. They’ll appraise your closet and tell you what needs to get tailored and what needs to get tossed. They even offer text support after their renovation, in case you want to send a pic of an outfit for some reassurance or correcting.

In the end, being styled was completely painless and surprisingly informative. Whether you see your fashion sense as runway ready or hopelessly out-of-touch, Blackjove will have something to teach you.

Check out how the ladies styled me (with the help of martinpatrick3) in the video below:

First Look: Jacket, Filson ($290); Tie, Pierrepont Hicks ($120); Shirt, Plectrum by Ben Sherman ($125); Vintage tie bar ($55); Jeans, rag and bone ($185); Shoes, Hudson ($225); Belt, Torin ($120).

Second Look: Shirt, Gitman Bros. ($180); Corduroy pants, Mr. and Mrs. Benson ($100); Sweater, Moods of Norway ($155); Shoes, Hudson, ($225); Tie, Altea ($100).

All from martinpatrick3, 212 3rd Ave. N., Ste. 106, Mpls., 612-746-5329, martinpatrick3.com

Check out blackjove.com for pricing on the duo’s styling packages.

There are few clothing items that stay in my closet for more than a couple years. It’s not that I’m big on trends; At 24 I don’t exactly have boat-loads of cash to spend on one-of-a-kind it pieces that’ll take me through the ages. Usually I wear out all my clothes until they become drab and ill-fitting, then I get replacements. One exception to this cycle is a dress I bought at Cliché when I was sixteen, right around the time the store opened. I have no idea who designed it or where it comes from. But it’s pretty unforgettable and has garnered me complements whether I was in France or in Argentina. It’s got a 1920s feel. It’s probably a polyester blend though it looks like silk. I think it cost me about $50.

Cliché has a wonderful mix of local, international, and U.S. made designs. Owners Josh and Delayna Sunderg used to carry a more random assortment of locally-made clothes. Nowadays they’re trying to narrow them down. They look for a clean, modern aesthetic found in collections by Twin Cities-based designers, including Kathryn Sterner and Amanda Christine, which they recently made into wholesale accounts. Their work is classic in cut and style but also forward-thinking. It’s on trend but simple enough to last. Kathryn Sterner uses a lot of sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and silk. She has some beautiful red dresses at Cliché, that would work great as everyday staples. The same goes for Amanda Christine’s purple cut-out dresses, though her draping fabrics seemed to make for a less casual look. Josh also named Christine’s Red Italian Mohair sweater as one of the highlights of her collection.

Dress ($168), by Kathryn V, from Cliche

Dress ($178), by Amanda Christine, from Cliche

When I first saw the new Bōbiam Artistic Streetwear store, it was a humid August day and the sunlight illuminated the space full of plaster and construction debris. Bōbiam COO Joel Baardseth took me around the room excitedly talking about his vision for the space.

When I first caught up with Baardseth earlier this summer, Bōbiam operated out of a stuffy office in Wayzata that was filled with canvases, mailing packaging, and orders.

Months later on Saturday, Nov. 10, Bōbiam finally celebrated its grand opening, and the transformation is incredible. The Uptown location above The Social House looks like a hip artist’s loft. The sparkly floor, gray walls, and black ceiling are minimalistic, but the walls are filled with canvases of youth art.

Customers may forget it is a retail store, since it also is an imaginative haven for artists. The shirts are lit and displayed like art. Beneath each design is a small plaque with the youth artist’s picture, name, and title of the work of art. The other shirts sit under a glass display tables with sleek drawers organized by shirt size. On the wall, unique hats are strung.

The area has a juice bar, tables and chairs, glass conference room, and studio space in the back painted with a mural that reads, “Creativity is…” Baardseth said that artists can rent out the space, and customers can interact with the artists. The store will also transform into a gallery space for special art shows in the future.

Left: Alika by Allison Walker $38, Dialyn Thelen hat, Right: Feathered by Heidi Trandahl, $38

For the grand opening, the space became a runway. Family, friends, and youth artists strutted down showing off new designs that would make a great holiday gift. (I was flattered that the eccentric young model known as Z.J. (see featured image) asked to autograph my notes after dancing his way down the runway.)

One unique addition to the Bōbiam family are youth artist Dialyn Thelen’s kit hats. The colorful designs are all different shapes and sizes with dangling additions that range from ornaments, silk flowers, nerf darts, rubber duckies, and legos. Canvas reproductions of art and iPhone cases are also available.

Bōbiam customers can pay $100 to get the ō logo shirt that comes out every quarter. Check out the store to find some more surprises.

Bōbiam Artistic Streetwear, 2919 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 763-222-3363

What does a flirt, vixen, or socialite smell like? U of M grad Hannah Follis offers her interpretation with Aromi solid perfumes. After studying chemistry and biology in school and working in the lab for a home fragrance company, she realized she could combine her passions for science and beauty. She began making fragrances and cosmetics for herself before family and friends were asking for her creations. Aromi was born.

Style Parlor: What inspired you to create Aromi?

Hannah Follis: I wanted to create fragrances and perfume for myself so I knew exactly what was going on my skin and face. I’ve always used beauty products as a way to express myself. I wanted to create products that help women feel great about themselves. Aromi gives me the opportunity to fulfill both my science interests and my very girly side with the cosmetics and fragrances.

SP: What makes your products stand out from all the rest out there on the market?

HF: Every single product is handcrafted in the Aromi laboratory. The solid perfumes are multi-functional. Because of the ingredients used in the formulas, they work great as a cuticle cream, skin moisturizer (hands, elbows, etc.—especially good for dry, winter skin), and as a hair pomade. They are also fairly compact so they’re easy to carry in a clutch, purse, or bag.

We also offer solid colognes which is really unique—so unique that I’ve never seen it in another store! They have quirky names, which make them a great gift—Outdoor Guy, Sexy Man, Very Manly, etc. I created this product originally for my brother as a joke because when he was a teenager he would cake on the body spray and cologne. I wanted to create a way for him to wear cologne without overdoing it. I called the fragrance “Very Manly” mostly because I thought he would think it was funny. This fragrance has been the #1 seller for the Aromi solid colognes.

My lipstick, lip gloss, and mineral eyeshadows are all vegan and cruelty-free products. I use organic and natural ingredients whenever possible. Aromi lipstick is packed with Vitamins C and E, capuacu, avocado and aloe butters, and natural oils. My favorite thing about Aromi lip gloss is that they are not sticky at all. I personally hate sticky lip gloss so it was important to me to formulate one that had a luxurious shine that was smooth. Aromi loose mineral eyeshadows can be applied with a wet brush for a more dramatic look and also works well as eyeliner if applied wet.

SP: Which is your favorite beauty product or essential that you would never leave home without?

HF: I always have my lip gloss (Pink, Pixie, or Snob) and solid perfume (Amazing, Socialite, and Delicious are my favorites) in my purse. When I dress up, I really like to wear Jaqueminot Lipstick because it is such a bold, vibrant red lipstick. I also really like Merlot Lipstick for this season—a darker, maroon-purple shade.

Aromi beauty products and fragrances are sold at stores around the metro, including i like you, martinpatrick3, Paper Hat, Moss Envy, CorAzoN, Quince, and Finding Joy. Fans should be on the lookout for Follis’ liquid perfumes, which will be launching soon, and available through the Aromi website.

Intern and fact checker extraordinaire Sally King always manages to look chic and pulled together on the job. We recently took a little Saturday morning field trip to MOA for an exclusive interview with a certain Canadian pop star. Sharing the spotlight on the red carpet (which was actually black), Sally wore a black lace dress from H&M, a gray blazer from Urban Outfitters, and black shoes from Target. While very on-trend, her neutral-toned ensemble was still grounded and sensible for work. Wearing stilettos when you’re trying to chase down celebrities in a mall large enough to fit seven Yankee stadiums inside is never a good idea.

How would you describe your style?

I like very classic, simple pieces. I don’t like going too outrageous with my wardrobe. I don’t want to look back years from now and go, “what was I thinking?!”

Your favorite colors to wear?

I tend to stick with solid colors. I have so much black in my wardrobe! I need to start bringing more color into it.

I’m sure you love J.Crew just as much as the rest of us, but let’s talk local. What are some of your favorite spots?

I like shopping at thrift stores. I like My Sister’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange in Uptown.

Every girl has that one article of clothing she can’t resist. For lots of us, it’s shoes. For me, it’s jackets (don’t ask me why). What is that item for you?

I love sweaters because I’m always cold! So sweaters are a must.

You can say that again! Winter in Minnesota is no joke. Repeat after me: colored blazers (or sweaters, if you’re like Sally), tights, and scarves. Layer, layer, layer.

Calling all you mustache enthusiasts! Movember 2012 is launching its 6th year in the United States on Nov. 1, challenging men everywhere to support the mustache movement for the whole month of “Movember” to raise awareness for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their life. So, the point of Movember is to embrace your masculinity to encourage men and women to open up dialogue around men’s health.

Last year, Movember participants raised $15 million for programs in areas of awareness/education, survivorship and research, run by Movember and its partners: Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG.

Le Moustache notecard ($6), by Spitfire Girl, from martinpatrick3

Nick Wensits and his team, the Midwest Mustache, kicked off their mustache campaigns two years ago and will be going on for a third year. Wensits hopes to raise more than $500 this year.

“Whether you try hard and ask people for donations or just participate by growing a mustache, you are creating awareness,” says Wensits. “It’s a very easy and amusing way for us to raise awareness for a serious cause. I’m starting to think the ladies dig mustache season.”

On Nov. 1, Movember participants are required to start off the month with cleanly shaven, handsome faces.

So, mustache aficionados, be sure to register your ‘stache this season on Movember.com and campaign to raise awareness!

The Art of Shaving is offering a free shave on Nov. 1 for those who register online. Gent barber shop is offering a $30 shave special on Nov. 1 where 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Movember foundation.

Pillow covers ($18 each), anyarwotdesigns.etsy.com

And for all of you ‘Mo Sistas’ out there who are unable to grow facial hair, you can get in on the trend. Check out the latest mustache products, from pacifier to paper goods, in the November issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.

As much as I love reaping the rewards of a shameless shopping binge, the truth is the process itself is fairly taxing to me. I think of it as a weekend affair not a Friday night out. Shopping is something you should take on when you’re well rested, armed with the mental and physical dexterity needed to beat other insatiable spendthrifts to unique finds. But the Maiden Minnesota event last Friday turned out to be a great way to unwind.

The fifth floor of the Graves 601 Hotel was brimming with energy. I found myself in the throes of a shopping frenzy, only everything was kept in order. Clothes weren’t carelessly strewn about the floor. There was no pushing or shoving. Instead there was an atmosphere of female camaraderie. The event was high-energy without being overwhelming, and it showed the healthier side of consumerism.

Project Success staff members stood at the entryway to give guests a warm welcome. From there, women of all ages huddled together in groups, mingled, and slowly made their way through the congested rooms, perusing the vendors’ stands with enthusiasm and care. Some were local designers or business owners, or friends of local designers, and many were working professionals just looking for a fun Friday night out. Most everyone had a drink in hand.

All the maidens had items worth sifting through, but among my favorites were J.W. Hulme Co.’s artisan handbags, regionally-inspired paintings by the mother/daughter artists Rachelle and Terri of Mayhar Art, Greenbody Greenplanet, and Mitra Vahhaji jewelry.

Based in St. Paul, J.W. Hulme has been around for more than a century, originally making a name for itself as a quality producer of tents and awnings for wealthy homeowners. These days you can find Brooklyn hipsters donning these handbags, one of the most notable being Lena Dunham in the pilot episode of her HBO hit series Girls.

Around the corner Lorrie Weisen was busy explaining how her organic hair care line Greenbody Greenplanet strikes the perfect balance between Aveda and co-op brands. On the opposite end of the hall Rachelle and Terri Mayhar had their mixed-media paintings for sale, while Mitra Vahaji’s jewelry, made of silver, colorful gemstones and crystals, and pearls, stood out for its delicate and tasteful designs.

If you missed the event, be sure to mark your calendar for next year. And check out our Party Patrol pics from the event!

Last Friday night at the IIDA Fusion + Fashion show I weaved through a throng of shouting guests, all dressed in black, scouring the room for a few unforgettable looks. It’s hard to distinguish yourself at a fashion event, especially when dress codes are imposed. The truth is, no matter how much time we may put into priming and preening, and despite feeling exceptionally chic as we walk out the door, amidst 100 other fashion conscious people, most of us won’t be sartorial standouts. Unless of course we’re models. Or designers.

I was able to catch Danielle Everine almost immediately after she came through the door. The local designer and contestant from Project Runway Season 9 looked wholesome but elegant. Her outfit, an eclectic ensemble of shopping finds, gifts from friends, and her own designs looked bohemian-chic and ’70s inspired. She was wearing a tan colored wool coat—a vintage piece a friend gave her, and the black jumpsuit she wore underneath was a Danielle Everine original. She also wore a copper ring with a leaf motif that she picked up from a Salvation Army in Key West while on vacation with her husband, and she held on to a simple red clutch. There was no fastidious hair-do; her long wavy hair hung naturally.

Danielle Everine’s designs can be found at Cliché on 24th and Lyndale in South Minneapolis. Her finely tailored and high-quality garments are inspired by her visual arts background (she was trained as a sculptor) and are based off of abstract concepts. She uses mostly natural fibers, including silk, linen, wool, and cotton. You can find her and pieces from her collection at a special event at Cliché on Nov. 30.

While we may not be on the coast, we do have 10,000 lakes, and Minnesota has always had a nautical feel to its culture. We love our lakes, our fish, and our boats. My mascot in high school was even the Skipper, not the Pirates or the Buccaneers, but the Skippers. We were simply non-violent sailors, although not altogether fearsome, we were pretty damn classy. If you’re looking to embrace your inner Ahab, a relatively new nautical brand emerging from New England can be found here in the Midwest.

Triton Knot Bracelet and Sailing Belt

The name of the founder and brand is Kiel James Patrick and it adopts the vintage New England style made iconic by the Kennedys. From the regal colors to the tartan patterns, KJP is simple but sophisticated. The brand specializes in accessories, focusing mainly on bracelets but also designing handbags, belts, neckwear, and headbands.

Kiel James Patrick began designing clothes while still in high school. He rejected his school’s bland uniforms and created radically patterned blazers and pants for his classmates. After finishing school, he starting making his own bracelets and selling hundreds of them at Crafters Markets in Cape Cod. Now all of KJP products are designed and handcrafted stitch by stitch in Rhode Island but the products are sold all across the world, including in Minnesota at the Stone Ridge Equestrian in Long Lake.

Wellfleet Anchorage Bag

Along with sailing, New England is known for its horseback riding. And although KJP may embrace the nautical lifestyle more than the equestrian, Helen Hayssen, the owner of the Stone Ridge Equestrian, says the bracelets are “wildly popular” at her horse track. Hayssen even refers to the Archer Wrap style of bracelets as “horsey bracelets.”

Archer Wrap Bracelet

In true sailing fashion, the different bracelet styles come in various knots and materials. They have the thinner styles like the Quartermaster collection, nautical cords twisted with high quality leather, and the Lanyard Hitch, solid brass surrounded in a simple cotton nautical cord, and the Triton Knot.

Quartermaster Collection Bracelet

KJP embraces old-fashioned vintage looks while adding new elements. They make the classic hand-braided sailor’s bracelet, but instead of the originals that would shrink from the water and cling to your wrist indefinitely, KJP’s connect with gold anchors in the back, so they’re detachable. They make the same braided nautical cord style for their belts, with brown leather and gold buckles.

Turk's Head Knot Rope Bracelet

More than clothes, KJP is selling a lifestyle, a life of Nantucket reds and Cape Cod blues, a truly American look that spawned on the East Coast but was adopted all over the country. If your hobbies include looking through vintage clothing stores, antique shops, and old attics, then KJP would make an excellent addition to your wardrobe. 

Featured image: Drift Knot Woven Silk Earrings.