Local Looks 2022

Style can be whatever you want it to be, and here in The Chippewa Valley, we put our own spin on things anyway. Welcome to our guide on local looks.

Luc

ECLECTIC, CHEAP, VIBRANT

Occupation: Musician

Age: 25

Where do you draw inspiration:

Local music and bands | “Just watching what other people are wearing. I grew up skating, but I’m a musician too, so I’m around a lot of di erent bands that all have very cool style.”

One place in the Valley you feel most comfortable: The Joynt or Mousetrap in downtown Eau Claire

CHIC, PROFESSIONAL, BOLD

Occupation: Membership & Marketing Coordinator

Age: 23

Where do you draw inspiration: Instagram | “I’d say I love minimalist things and color blocking.”

One place in the Valley you feel most comfortable: The Joynt in downtown Eau Claire

Adam

Lorance

DENIM, EARTH TONES, HERITAGE

Occupation: Creative Specialist

Age: 27

Where do you draw inspiration: Classic Films | “I think it’s a really awesome form of expression, and I’m a very visual person, so for me it’s a really easy way to communicate things I’m feeling and things I’m into.”

One place in the Valley you feel most comfortable: ECDC in downtown Eau Claire

NEUTRALS, WHATEVER I WANT, ANYTHING THAT WORKS

Occupation: Boudoir Photographer

Age: 34

Where do you draw inspiration:

My Younger Self | “I take inspiration from the fact I’m currently 34 and wearing a lot of the things that I wished that I could wear when I was younger but thought that I couldn’t. I’ve started leaning into things that are stereotypically more youthful.”

One place in the Valley you feel most comfortable: The Informalist (for Brunch, specifically) in downtown Eau Claire and her home

Alexandra

BAGGY, CHIC, ECLECTIC

Occupation: Graphic Designer

Age: 23

Where do you draw inspiration: Tumblr, Charlixcx, and my friends | ”Charlixcx...I love her.”

One place in the Valley you feel most comfortable: Panda Express in Eau Claire

Daniel

COMFORTABLE AGING GOTH

Occupation: Hair Stylist

Age: 35

Where do you draw inspiration:

“Honestly it’s been the same since high school. I like what’s comfortable, I live in band t-shirts, sometimes I’ll grab something from doing hair and fashion shows.”

One place in the Valley you feel most comfortable: Clancy’s in downtown Eau Claire

Mandi

Talkin’ Trends with

UW-StouT Fashion STUDENTS

budding fashionistas give us the deets on current trends and more

words by mckenna scherer

When we wanted to talk trends, we knew who to call: The fasion program at UWStout in Menomonie, which has more than 100 students.

Interim Director Belinda Banike said the program’s transitions and trans formation over the past few years has gotten the staff and faculty very excited for all that has changed for the better and what’s still to come. The former Apparel Design and Development and Retail Merchandising and Management programs merged in the fall of 2020, becoming the Fashion and Retail program. Ultimately, it just made sense, Banike said, to combine the two together to effectively collaborate between students and staff.

“This collaborative focus is what sets us apart from other programs in the area and helps our students to be well-rounded and knowledgeable about the whole apparel prod uct lifecycle from creation to distribution,” Banike explained.

As opposed to simply design courses, UW-Stout also focuses heavily on apparel product development, which is different than most apparel programs, she added. “(That’s why) a lot of Midwest apparel companies have actively recruited students from our program for many years.”

We asked two fashion students what their takes are on style in the Valley, what they pre dict is up next, and where they grab style inspo from:

Kevin Thach, 21

FashionMarketingmajor

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE TRENDS IN THE U.S. RIGHT NOW? Sustainability, logos, and the “cottagecore” aesthetic. People are finally seeing that because of rampant consumption we’re creating a lot of problems for the environment, for the future; Logos were always a little popular, especially among high-end lux ury brands. This was/is a way to show off your status and wealth; (“Cottagecore”) is, simply, quaint. People are total ly feeling and dressing like that this summer.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE “STYLE”? A way to express yourself. No one can tell you what to wear or how to dress yourself. Enjoy what you wear, and feel good in it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS UP NEXT FOR 2023? I think next big thing is going to be jump suit. I think this piece is something classic, and something that could be taken to the next level and brought back.

FAVORITE PLACES IN THE VALLEY TO SHOP AND GAIN STYLE INSPIRATION?

I’d say my favorite place to shop at is any secondhand store. I love thrifting and finding different and unique pieces.

Grace Wilsmann, 21

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE TRENDS IN THE U.S. RIGHT NOW?

Trend translates to different people depending on their demo graphic and values as a person. I think if I were to look at a specific market, like a female in her 20s going to college in the Valley, their trending items are most likely wide-leg pants, natural fiber clothing, and thrifted pieces.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE “STYLE”? I would define style as a personal aesthetic that reflects one’s personality and desired reflection of oneself … I think style varies depending on someone’s disposable income, values, how they view themselves, and how they want others to view them.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS UP NEXT FOR 2023? More nods to the ’80s (thank you Stranger Things), ’90s, and early 2000s with lower-rise pants, light-wash jeans, and looks taken from hit movies of that time such as Clueless, 13 Going on 30, Friends. I do not think they will be exact replicas, but I think they be modernized versions. I also think things will continue to get more of a homemade look as well, people want that hand-crafted local artisan look. I think bright colors will also start to become more popular.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACES IN THE VALLEY TO SHOP AND GAIN STYLE INSPIRATION? My favorite place to shop is Hope Bargain Center and I have recently found some great finds on the Macy’s clearance rack! Target is also my go-to for some affordable and fashionable basics to pair with the more hidden gems I find at Hope Bargain Center.

WHAT’S THE HOT HAIR?

three local stylists have the scoop on the latest trends and predictions about what’s to come words by SAWYER HOFF

Have you been thinking about trying out a new look? May be you want something dif ferent, but don’t know what you want or what’s “in” right now, and need some recommendations. We asked stylists from Saxy Salon (329 Water St., Eau Claire), Angelus Salon and Spa (506 Water St., Eau Claire), and VER Salon (403 Wa ter St., Eau Claire) about current hair trends and incom ing popular styles.

When it comes to hair trends in our area, there seems to be one common thread: texture. Whether it be through add ing curtain bangs or a shag cut, the stylists agree that creating texture and layers in your hair is popular for a reason.

to commit to actual bangs the look, brighten the eye area, and help those with finer hairlines.”

“Recently, getting anything and everything layers,” says Elli Larson, stylist at VER Salon. “For shags, curls, ’90s face frame, blowouts, and lots of balayage. For good reason – it’s easy mainte nance and custom izable.”

“Balayage is the free-hand movement of color infused into the hair. This creates texture, depth and brightness, movement with the least amount of maintenance.”

renelle laffe, angelus salon

“The framing gives it movement around the face to enhance the face shape,” said Renelle Laffe, owner of Angelus Salon. “Curtain bangs finish all trend looks right now because they give the ones who do not want

Not only are layers and move ment in, but hair coloring is also huge now, espe cially going blonde and getting a balayage coloring. Balayage is a high lighting technique that doesn’t use foils but sweeps the color onto the hair for a very nat ural look.

“Balayage is the free-hand movement of color infused into the hair,” Laffe said. “This creates texture, depth and brightness, move ment with the least amount of main tenance. Balayage hair color is best for those with medium texture and density. We always share with our clients to look at inspiration pictures of balayage colors with their own type of hair.”

Why are these the current looks?

Sabrina Speigel, owner of Saylon Seven, said that it’s likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected work and the amount of time people spent in public.

“With more people working from home and the conformity of the workplace relaxing, people are feel ing more free to be their authentic selves and express that through their hair with color,” Speigel said.

But what of the future? Well, according to the stylists, we’re going to be seeing a lot of the old made anew. Speigel expects to see more creative expression, including avant-garde hairstyles, while Laffe says women’s mullet shags will likely

be making their way back around. Larson says social media plays a large role in future trends, too.

“With COVID and social media, I can only predict new things we haven’t seen before with people having the time and platform for creativity,” Larson said.

If you’re looking for a fresh fall look, see if any of these trends speak to you and how you want to express yourself!

To schedule appointments with these salons, you can go to saxysalon.liveeditaurora.com, angelusdayspaandsalon.com, and verstylists.com.

SAXY SALON

Following family inspiration

Menomonie

Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Menomonie native Maysa Maraia is taking her knack for vintage fashion to the next level with her very own storefront: BarbaLynn’s Vintage.

Already in the works around the corner from The Raw Deal in Menomonie, BarbaLynn’s Vintage will house Maraia’s own curation of items plus vendors with a wide span of items and styles. “As I started to expand and looked at my vision for a shop, I thought it was important to focus on making this a community rather than all about me, myself, and I,” Maraia explained.

Though BarbaLynn’s has skyrocketed as an online shop thanks to popular resell app Depop and its Instagram account during the past few months, Maraia has been collecting and curating vintage pieces to sell for years, even selling in the same space her grandma did years ago.

“In the ’90s in the Acoustic Café building, the basement had a shop called Rose Room (that my grandma resold clothes at), and it was this vintage store with a bunch of dresses and apparently it was a big hit for the college girls,” Maraia said.

Maraia said her items started selling like wild

native to open resale shop in September words by mckenna scherer

this,’ because for the past year I’ve been selling without any branding for myself or the clothes.”

She described BarbaLynn’s as funky and unique with a range of styles that fit just about anyone. “It’s a unique blend of random vintage pieces,” she said. “Things from Gunne Sax dress es to Coogi sweaters, things with totally different styles.”

Maraia said she is trying to stress the impor tance of sustainability, especially in regard to fast fashion.

“Today’s clothes are cheaply made in the fast fashion industry, and it’s being made on a really high scale,” she explained. “I’m trying to promote fashion and sustainability in a way where people don’t flood fashion even more. They can come here and still find pieces that are even better quality, more unique, and that fit their styles and bodies.”

fire soon after taking up space in the café’s base ment, the same place her grandma had once sold vintage wear, bringing in a different demographic of shoppers. “Less than a year ago, in January, I was like, ‘OK, I need to make an actual account for

Located at 603 S. Broadway, the shop’s space is connected to The Raw Deal. If all goes as planned, a grand opening will follow Sept. 17.

Follow Barbara Lynn’s Vintage on Instagram (@barbalynns_vintage) to keep up with Maysa Maraia and the soon-to-open store.

LOCAL JEWELRY

Hello Adorn helloadorn.com Adam and Jess of Hello Adorn make handcrafted jewelry, together. The jewelry is an inspired to make little things that matter.

Lasker Jewelers 3705 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire ^ (715) 835-5914 ^ laskers.com Lasker Jewelers is a family-owned fine-jewelry store and designer that has served Eau Claire since 1928. Their selection is broad and they also specialize in creating one-of-a-kind, unique pieces for their customers.

Salt Collective facebook.com/saltcollectivejew

elry The Salt Collective makes jewelry that is

STYLE SPOTS

simple, beautiful, unique, and modern. Each piece tells a story with the beauty of nature. Works with natural materials like bone, and formally trained in metal smithing.

Token Jewelry 106 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire ^ tokenjewelry.com Each piece in the Token collec tion is handmade, using the finest materials, in cluding 14k gold filled, rose gold filled & sterling silver wire, along with semi-precious gemstones.

Williams Diamond Center Inc. 2823 London Rd. #4, Eau Claire ^ (715) 834-9929 ^ info@williams diamond.com ^ williamsdiamond.com Williams Diamond Center has collections of engagement rings, bridal, and groom jewelry, and an in-house design department to customize one-of-a-kind pieces.

HOME GOODS

200 Main - Art and Wine 200 Main St., Eau Claire ^ 200main.org 200 Main Gallery is always changing their artwork with hip, new young artists, established artists and fun events. Visit the Gallery market where you can find textiles, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, and more art for purchase.

B-Framed Gallery 313 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire ^ (715) 832-4476 ^ bframed.com This gallery’s great downtown location features two floors of fine art and collectibles including landscapes, figurative, floral and wildlife prints, plus original works from nationally known artists. Featuring fine art by the country’s most collectible artists, plus full-service framing services.

The Local Store 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire ^ (715) 552-0457 ^ thelocalstore.org The Local Store offers 3000+ items and products either cre ated by local craftspeople or products inspired by the Wisconsin way of life. Offering art, apparel, books, music, kids gear, glassware, decor, food stuff, and an impressive array of gifts. The stop for authentic local shopping in Eau Claire.

Raggedy Man 401 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire ^ raggedymanec.com Raggedy Man is a cozy store full of bright colors and aromas. You can find great decor, wall hangings, gifts, candles, bath bombs, mugs, and more.

Silver Feather 126 S Barstow St., Eau Claire ^ (715) 832-3055 An incredible collection of handcrafted American Indian goods. Featuring the largest selection of genuine jewelry using many different stones and shells. Browse through local art, dream catchers, fetish, pottery, and more.

Tangled Up in Hue 505 S. Barstow St., Suite B, Eau Claire ^ (715) 855-0090 ^ tangledupinhue. com A featured artist rotates monthly in this local art co-op that always has glass art, jewelry, clothing, photos, paintings, accessories, for sale, all by local artisans.

CLOTHING BOUTIQUES

Details 502 Water Street, Eau Claire ^ details direct.com Details carries an eclectic mix of classic, art-to wear, casual, career, and occasion wear. Details’ designers are a mix of best-selling brands and small, innovative designers making limited quality items.

BY JAMES JOHONNOTT

Electric Dingo Underground Vintage electric dingo21@gmail.com ^ linktr.ee/electric_din go Cyndi Kelly of Electric Dingo finds great vintage pieces at thrift stores, garage sales, and online, and repairs & restores them before recirculating them.

Iris Boutique 120 N Bridge St, Chippewa Falls ^ shopirisb.com A family-based, locally grown boutique. It’s their mission to bring a touch of joy to women with trendy, one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing. Shop online or check out their store in Menomonie for clothing, accessories, jewelry, home decor, and more.

Mainstream Boutique 1506 9th Street E, Eau Claire ^ mainstreamboutique.com/pages/Menom onie Started in Minneapolis, Mainstream Bou tique is a franchise of locally-owned boutique clothing stores that sell high quality clothing for women.

Mood Boutique 230 Main Street East, Menom onie ^ facebook.com/MoodBoutique.Menom onie/ Mood features a custom coffee bar, as well as women’s apparel, accessories, home & gifts and of course, shoes.

Muldoon’s Men’s Wear 1506 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire ^ (715) 832-3502 ^ info@muldoons. com ^ muldoons.com Muldoon’s is an Eau Claire original menswear boutique that does tux rentals for special events, and sells all of your essentials, including tuxes, suits, casual and formal clothes, jackets and sportcoats, underclothes, footwear, nightwear, cologne, hats and other accessories.

Mustard Seed Boutique 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire ^ (715) 833-1234 ^ downtoearthgar dencenter.com/mustard-seed-boutique Located inside the Down to Earth Garden Center, this boutique offers amazing styles with a tease of farmhouse décor and local wares. Discover exclusive women’s fashion, local jewelry, stylish handbags, and comfy footwear. Grab a bite to eat and a coffee at the adjoining Five & Two Cafe.

Pink Orchid Boutique 1512 S Hastings Way ^ facebook.com/PinkOrchidSalon Women’s fash ion, accessory and gift boutique. Located next door to the Pink Orchid Salon.

Seven Suns Vintage 305 S Barstow St, Eau Claire ^ instagram.com/7sunsvintage/ Seven Suns Vintage is a new retro-inspired clothing store in downtown Eau Claire. Features an eclec tic variety of aesthetics ranging from women’s dresses to Harley Davidson jackets.

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