FASHIONS FINEST

Words by Erin Peterson | Photography by Kensie Wallner Photography

January 2016 has marked the six-year anniversary that Kristi Larkin took over the infamous Laurie’s boutique. Although Kristi has owned Laurie’s for short of a decade, her love of fashion began in her single digit years. She is arguably one of the most stylish women in the Fargo/Moorhead area and has a personality that can make any woman believe that the new Joseph Ribkoff wrap dress was made for her.

Throughout college, Kristi worked at Laurie’s as the previous owner’s right hand, not knowing that she was being groomed to one day take over the business. Having fallen in love with the small boutique atmosphere, her passion would never stifle. However upon graduation, Kristi took a job in Minneapolis as a buyer for Dayton’s. Being a buyer had always been an aspiration for Kristi, an “I’ve made it” declaration, but working in a corporate environment necessarily wasn’t. She missed the satisfaction that she got by creating intimacy with customers at Laurie’s and wasn’t fond of the “rat race” that consisted of a metropolitan city. She soon moved home and couldn’t be happier to return to her roots. Kristi initially took a job selling clerical office personal where she gained the candidacy for pharmaceutical sales. Although she was able to give her hand a try at business and sales, her passion still burned for the fashion industry. As fate would have it, Kristi received a call in March of 2008 from Laurie who was offering her the opportunity to take over the business where she first got her start. Kristi was eager at the opportunity, but with one suggestion in mind… that Laurie’s would consider relocation out of the mall. As Kristi was raising a young daughter, she understandably didn’t want to work the typical later nights that come with mall hours. With Laurie’s understanding in mind, she was able to get out of her mall lease and Kristi jumped in with both feet, spending her first year and a half alongside Laurie as she was preparing to take over the business after 25 years.

Kristi told me that she credits much of her success to the people she surrounds herself with and is incredibly thankful to have such a positive support system. She explained to me that; “The key to success is to surround yourself with people who are better and smarter than you and I’m very fortunate to have that access.” She is endlessly grateful to have such a positive support team who encourages her take a leap of faith and challenges herself by asking, “What’s the worst that can happen?” She admits to challenges that come with working in the fashion industry such as the known fact that fashion is constantly changing and it can be fickle. Although this can make forecasting difficult, it’s exciting because one day she’ll think that she’s got it all figured out, and the next she’ll be given a new obstacle to tackle. She’s a jack-of-all-trades, noting that, “When you own your own business, you’re 24/7. It’s constantly on your mind but I’ve never loved getting up and doing something more.” Each and every day is different and doing purposeful work is what keeps her head on straight. She’s helping women put their best foot forward aesthetically, building self confidence and allowing them to see themselves in another, well lit light.

As for women looking to revamp their wardrobes for the New Year, Kristi has some tips. She advises to take stock in good staples to build off of by mixing and matching pieces you currently own. Her personal style icon is Ralph Lauren who supplies both men and women with timeless clothing that makes a statement. She recommends that every woman should own, “A great pair of jeans that make her feel fabulous, a versatile black cashmere sweater, a great jean jacket, a fitted blazer, and lastly a tailored pair of black pants.” She says that women can be surprised by how far just a couple of pieces can go and that a few jazzy accessories can change any outfit in a second. Lastly but certainly not least, Kristi advises, “Trends are fun, but also be sure to invest in timeless, beautiful clothing that you’ll love forever.”

What makes Beans (extra) special?

»

»

»

— Maya Angelou

READ ON ABOUT Britt Selbo’s drive to hold up a massive aquatics program during a total reconstruction at the downtown YMCA pool; how finding a true partner in breast cancer treatment makes all the difference; and how one area medical clinic is helping restore and repair sun-damaged skin.