I often find companies or products that are doing things well. Here are a few of them, along with a few products that you might find motivating during this up and down time.

I was scrolling through my Target app looking for a little pick me up (per the pandemic). Did you know that Target sells Pureology hair products? Well, this was an exciting discovery.

So, along with my hair products, I purchased this cute little tee. I highly recommend the fast and easy drive-up option at Target. I placed my order and when it was all ready, I got a text letting me know. A very easy way to get instant gratification!

Essence One– is a local company that caught my eye in the last year. Lauren VanScoy developed her 100% natural aromatherapy-based products out of a need of her own. Lauren was suffering from depression and anxiety and was looking for a more natural way to combat her symptoms.

I am a frequent purchaser of the Morning Calm essential oil and body lotion.

https://essenceone.life/products/essential-oil-blends?_pos=2&_sid=a1e6ad86a&_ss=r

My husband and my dog are reaping the benefits too! The beard oil is a must for any bearded man. And my doggie lets me give her a bath with much less fuss since we’ve been using the Adventure Dog Shampoo Bar.

I love the hand sanitizer spray too!

The Laundry Evangelist– Patric Richardson is the ultimate laundry detective. I am a new convert to the laundry flakes replacing my beloved Tide! I wasn’t even sure why I needed to part ways with my laundry detergent, but, Patric enthusiastically explained that the flakes get clothes clean because they are actually soap and not detergent. I learned all of this because, I had just recently been on a trip and was looking for a way to clean my swimwear and coverups. I’m just saying it works wonders on my workout clothes too!

All of the laundry must-haves can be purchased online and very soon at the Mona Williams store at the MOA. Let’s cross our fingers for a June 1^st reopening.

Billie Razors– Do you hate spending money on razor blades that seem to get dull only after a couple of uses? I do, and I have an answer – the Billie Razor subscription service. Billie makes affordable quality shaving supplies for women. The blades last longer than any other blades I’ve tried.

The Starter Kit is your first shipment and it includes a Billie ergonomic handle with two blades and a magic (magnetic) holder to keep your razor stored on your shower wall for just $9. Each shipment of four replacement cartridges cost only $9 and they ship for free. I also highly recommend ordering the travel case for $5 you won’t be sorry.

I will see you all sometime soon, and I will be wearing a cute mask that matches my outfit, of course!

–-CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LINK-–

A new way of life was just thrust upon us without much warning. We’re all at home riding out a storm with no defined ending. But hey, how are you looking in all of your zoom business meetings and happy hours? To feel good in these times we must look good, right?

Looking at life in a new way!

I think we are all looking for new ways to conduct business, shop, and connect with friends as we navigate this “new”, yet temporary, normal. I’m saying temporary, because I have to believe it.

I’ve always called myself an extroverted introvert, and boy, have I found out how true that is. I need people; I think that is why I love my job so much. Meeting and connecting with people through styling or shopping keeps me going. Now I schedule walks and phone calls, and shop online.

Change Can Be Good? Heck Yes!

There have been more than a few times in my life when I had to change course and think in a new way. I had a mentor, Jacqueline Murray, who thrived on change. Jacqueline passed away last month, so she’s been on my mind lately. She challenged each of us to shake up our worlds, and to believe that anything is possible.

Jacqueline encouraged us – almost demanded – that we get out of our comfort zones. She suggested that if you were a night owl, go to bed early. If you were a late sleeper, set your alarm for 5:00 am and watch the sunrise. Sleep on the opposite side of the bed than you usually sleep on. Give yourself less time to ponder and prepare for an appointment, then go out there and wing it! Get uncomfortable, she would say.  I was blown away at these crazy ideas; frankly they made me break out in a cold sweat! What she was doing was making us believe in ourselves.

Working from Home? What’s That?

While at home one evening during week #1 of the shutdown, I got a call from a client. She works for a bank, an essential business, and was explaining to me her frustrating attempts to do her spring shopping online. Timing is everything! I was having my own frustrating day trying to figure out how, when all of the shopping malls were closed and we’re ordered to social distance, I was going to reframe how I do my business. So, we chatted, made a shopping list together, and I started shopping.

Within a week I was on my way to her Bloomington home to deliver the goods. As I sat on her patio on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, she modeled her new spring clothes and sandals, and we made wardrobe decisions, just as if we were in a fitting room at the mall or in her house – and all the while, keeping our social distance!

I know a few of us have a little extra time on our hands. Maybe you have even organized a few spaces in your house! Spring is here (thank goodness) regardless of the situation going on in our world!

When things open up again here are a couple of resources to donate your gently used clothing:

Donate at Resale Select

https://davmn.org/donate-volunteer-veterans/

https://www.epilepsyfoundationmn.org/make-a-difference/

Time to talk men’s shopping opportunities in the Twin Cities. I bet you were thinking, it’s 2020 and time to organize and de-clutter – after all, it is January. I’m not here to stop you from cleaning out your closet (shameless plug), if that’s your January goal, just click here to book an appointment: https://lynnekehne.com/contact/

Back to shopping for men. If your significant other is like mine, he will claim he gets dizzy and loses his will to live as he enters any type of clothes shopping situation. Lucky for him I am a personal shopper! Below are my favorite men’s shops around the Twin Cities and why you should check them out.

Shopping Destinations

Plymouth

The Foursome – My first shout-out goes to The Foursome in Plymouth. The Foursome is a premier men’s clothier with all the bells and whistles. This fine store is family-owned with a professional, classy, down-to-earth style, from custom suits and shirts, to the Tasc Performance line.

Speaking of shirts, The Foursome Byron shirt program is an innovative new way to shop for custom shirts! They take 3 simple measurements and the client can pick from hundreds of fabrics and can choose their collar, buttons, and shirt style.

If special sizing is what you are shopping for, the Big & Tall selection is the best in town. Not to mention they have one of the best tailors in-store to perfect the fit on any suit, pant, or shirt. I tend to hang-out in the seasonal clearance area, hunting for bargains.

North Loop

MartinPatrick3 is a one of a kind shopping experience. This internationally recognized men’s boutique offers apparel ranging from upscale casual to custom suits. You will also find contemporary furnishings, artwork, JB Hudson Jewelers, its own barbershop, and interior design services through MartinPatrick3 Studio.

Jaxson Grey – Michael Druskin, the former CEO of Len Druskin’s, has set-up a men’s Shop in D.NOLO a fashion cooperative in the North Loop. Michael has a rich family history in retail; his parents owned a women’s boutique on 50^th & France in the 1970s and his grandmother was part owner of Jackson Graves. Jaxson Grey sets itself apart by offering new and innovative “digitally native brands”, meaning that the majority of these company’s business comes from on-line sales and they get their exposure through social media.

Notable names, such as Untuckit, Warby Parker and Allbirds shoes, all started out as digitally native brands.

Bonobos

Askov Finlayson

Atmosfere

The Galleria Edina

Twill was opened in the Galleria in 2004 by Scott Dayton. Yes, a famous last name with a lot of retail history. Scott ‘s father owned Harold, a specialty women’s clothing store that once stood in downtown Minneapolis. Twill offers traditional staples along with its sportswear brands, including Vineyard Vines and Peter Millar crown shop. The innovative fabrics and styles by Peter Millar make it a great line for the man who golfs.

Allen Edmonds

Filson

Hammer made

Suitsupply

Trail Mark

Linden Hills

Circle Rock – Shop online or in-store. CircleRock’s House of Style founder Paul Grangaard is the owner and the former Allen Edmonds CEO. Their specialty is custom suiting, with wool fabrics sourced from Italy. Price points start at $995.

Downtown Minneapolis

Hubert White

St. Paul

Heimies Haberdashery This iconic store has been in business for 100 years! I guess that means that they are doing a few things right. Heimies’ suiting selection is second to none from ready-to-wear, made-to-order and made-to-measure suiting options. The pant fabric choices are endless; like gabardine wools, silk and silk wool blends, plus polyester and rayon blends for easy care, and even linen trousers. Oh My! They even have an in-store cigar shop and a fly-fishing department with a full line of clothing, bags, and accessories.

Milbern Clothing Company

Scout

Wayzata

Judd Frost Clothiers

Excelsior

J. Novachis – High fashion for men with unique brands not seen everywhere. J. Novachis was located in Edina for many years and was a staple on the 50^th & France shopping scene. Now J. Novachis lives on in memory of its late founder John Novachis. This treasure of a store is now located in Excelsior, and John’s son Anthony has the reigns.

The good old department stores

Nordstrom – Customer service is real at Nordstrom.

Von Maur – Coats and traditional suits are their strong suit, no pun intended.

Macy’s – Moderately priced clothing a step above Kohl’s & JCPenney.

Consignment

Fashion Avenue on 50^th & France is a treat for the thrifty shopper. It’s a wonderful place to snag a “previously owned” designer brand. It’s no joke, Fashion Avenue is known for its discriminating eye when it comes to what they will accept for consignment. Don’t be sad if they won’t accept everything you bring in for their review, believe me, their vetting process makes for a superior consignment shopping experience for all of us.

Now that you have checked out some of these fine men’s clothiers (or called me to do it for you!), here are a few tips on how to keep your suits in tip top shape.

Caring for a suit

A good quality wool suit is quite sturdy and can last for many years, if care is taken in maintaining it. Stains, wrinkles, or smells should be addressed as soon as possible in order to extend the life of the garment.

When it comes to dry cleaning, a little goes a long way. Spot cleaning is best in most circumstances. Dabbing the stain with a light-colored cloth dipped in water and a dab of spot remover, should do the trick. Investing in a natural fiber cloth brush and giving the suit a good brushing will give it new life.

When its time to have the professionals clean it, take both the jacket and the pants in to get them cleaned together to prevent the unfortunate possibility of the suit not matching after dry cleaning. The harsh chemicals can do a good job of cleaning but they are rough on fabrics. 

Tackling wrinkles requires a soft touch—that means no iron. Steaming is the best method, as it prevents that dreaded shine that comes from pressing with a hot iron. The steam will open up the fabric fibers and will release any odors that might be lingering too!

A natural deodorizer like vodka or white vinegar can be sprayed 6-8 inches away from the fabric without soaking it, and as the suit dries the smells disappear.

Now go out and wear those suits confidently!

As the leaves begin falling and the brilliant palate of fall colors show their glory, what do I think of?? “Oh no, its time to give up wearing my sandals!” As many of you know, I am a warm weather person. My toes get cold if its below 60 degrees. I wish I was kidding!

Go ahead, keep wearing those sandals, but I’ve moved on to “the bootie”!  To add some spice to your fall bootie game, here are a few I can’t resist.

Most of us wear jeans as the main staple piece in our wardrobes come fall. That means we have to find a way to update that look, especially when a change in season is upon us! This is the perfect boot to take your outfit from basic to cool!

This knit bootie is perfection when paired with a dress and tights. It’s also a great swap when you don’t want to wear a pump with pants. Don’t let the pattern in this one stop you. Consider this a solid black when styling.

Ulla Johnson! I love the subtle details. Animal prints are on everything this fall, my advice is to keep it simple

Rain boots have come a long way in the style department. They also keep the chill out, even if it’s not raining.

If you haven’t been to the new SJP Sarah Jessica Parker shoe store at MOA, you must! This camo bootie is from SJP and its so darn cute.

The SJP store is also filled with classy pumps in a rainbow of colors. If you are searching for a unique hue to make a black dress pop or to match colors to a bridesmaid or special dress this is the spot.

Looking for a bit of guidance searching for the right fall footwear? Look no further. Whether its shopping for a bootie or clearing out your sandals, I am here to guide you!

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LINKS TO PRODUCTS

Link to website: LynneKehne.com

How does one acquire a “style”?

I grew up on shopping. As a young girl, one of my favorite things to do was to shop with my grandmother. She was ahead of her time in so many ways. She golfed and sold real-estate and hosted countless women’s gatherings at her house in Minneapolis. This was the “Dayton’s era”, when we were just two of the many that would travel to downtown Minneapolis to shop. From the Dayton’s bargain basement to Young Quinlan, on Saturdays we would scour shops for something new.

Back then, as it still is today, style is about how things fit your body and how clothing makes you feel. I learned from the best. We bought the finest quality we could afford, and splurged once in a while when the piece was just perfect. Each treasured purchase was scrutinized by my grandmother and I, and sometimes by my mother and sister, if we were able to drag them along. Those two didn’t enjoy the process; they couldn’t comprehend how you could spend an entire day searching for “what”? That was a valid question.

Sometimes it’s hard to describe what the hunt was all about. Looking back on those shopping experiences, I was walking a fine line between fitting in, at my young impressionable age, and gaining confidence in not wanting to wear what everyone else at school was wearing. I guess you could say I was searching for “my style”.

My grandmother had style and she helped me develop mine. Sometimes she would push me out of my comfort zone and encourage me to try something I wasn’t 100% sure of. Usually she was right. The questionable item always made me feel special and ended up being one of the best things in my closet.

My grandmother’s sister, Bernice, would come to town from Michigan City, Indiana every August, at the height of the fall shopping season. I was working for Dayton’s FYI shopping service at the time, so the downtown store was our first stop. Chicago and New York were her usual stomping grounds to shop. But, when she came to Minneapolis and found a Bob Mackie dress in the Oval Room, Minneapolis became a worthy shopping destination!

As each August came and went, and I assisted Aunt Bern with her shopping, I realized that picking just the right things for one’s body type and lifestyle takes a little practice. I was in awe at how Bern, with a discerning eye, could find the most unique and classy pieces that perfectly fit her vogue style. Little did she know she was training me for my future.

In my grandmother’s later years, I became the mentor. When she was in her 90’s and still caring about fashion and how she looked (which was no surprise), we were in a fitting room trying on a blue silk Eileen Fisher dress and jacket. As she peeked at herself in the 3-way mirror, as she always did to get the view from every angle, a darted scowl came across her face as she said, “See that hump on my back? I can’t wear this!” Of course I thought it was beautiful on her, but we were headed back to the sales floor to continue our hunt!

I’m telling you this story because I was reminded of those earlier days this past June, when I was privileged enough to be a part of a fashion show with the residents of Deephaven Woods Senior Living.

The models ranging in age from 70-90 years young, descended on Chico’s of Wayzata to select outfits for their first annual Spring Fashion Show. Each of these ladies had a “style”. They were all fashionable, confident women. It wasn’t difficult assisting the models in selecting the outfits that best featured their personality and made them feel special. This experience confirmed what I have always believed; that we acquire and develop our own sense of style over time, and I realized you can’t put an age on it.

Approximately 80 people from Wayzata, Deephaven, and Minnetonka attended the Fashion show. Attendees embraced the sheer joy of these women in all their glory. A shout-out to my friend Kelly Clarno, the Sales and Outreach Director of Deephaven Woods, for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful lesson on style!