ONLINE HED: Fall Fashion Tips from Excelsior’s Primp Boutique
Primp Yourself
The founders of Primp Cheap Chic Boutique open up about their growing franchise.
by Nicolle Mackinnon
photo courtesy of primp: Kelly Jo Photography
An assortment of stylish separates and accessories from Primp.
When Wesley Uthus and Michele Henry Gunderson met through a mutual friend in 2009, they hit it off instantly, comparing notes on their backgrounds in apparel design and passion for fashion. In no time, they were designing their own line of handbags and plotting to take over the cheap-chic fashion world with Primp, an affordable chain of boutiques in the Twin Cities.
With the launch of their fifth store in Excelsior this spring, the stylish duo opened up about how they stay motivated, what inspires them and what you need to snag to stay on trend this fall.
Lake Minnetonka Magazine: Why did you start Primp? What makes it unique?
Primp: We started Primp Cheap Chic Boutique for women like us: fashion-obsessed and on a budget. We wanted to create a clean, inviting atmosphere and a chic space where you could get pampered without having to spend a fortune. We employ the most knowledgeable stylists, feature items under $100 (with most pieces under $50) and put new merchandise out daily.
Why did you choose Excelsior as the place for your fifth shop?
We have been looking to expand into Excelsior for quite some time. The charm of the area and the wonderful people we have gotten to know since being open has been remarkable. The sense of community, paired with that charm, makes the city of Excelsior seem like something out of a movie. We are more than thrilled to be open here.
Primp sells your own line, Henry + Martin. Tell us about how that started.
Henry + Martin, our maiden names, is a casual-chic line we created in 2013. Our goal was to create a line of basics that could be dressed up or down, while still priced reasonably. Ruched knit dresses, loosely draped tops and long maxi dresses are just a few garments that encapsulate our collection, all of which retail for under $50 and are manufactured in the United States. Currently, we are working on expanding our designs and hope to have additional exclusive pieces by fall 2014.
You’ve expanded fast and been really successful. To what do you credit that?
It’s pretty safe to say that among the most important things we’ve learned, being frugal tops the list. We started Primp on a dime because we had to, but looking back we wouldn’t have changed a thing. It’s because of our thrifty beginnings that we have been fortunate enough to maintain our business debt-free since then.
What trends are you seeing for fall?
We love versatile pieces, things that you can take from summer to fall easily. The kimono trend, as well as the crochet vest trend, are two looks that can really brighten up the darker colors we often see trending in fall/winter.
Radiant orchid was Pantone’s 2014 color of the year, and we have watched its popularity continue to grow within our customer base. This will be a color that moves into the fall seamlessly—pair it with dark denim skinny jeans or a high-waisted skirt.
One trend that we continue to love is the scarf (and ours is only $16—how do you not love it?) It’s a great and inexpensive way to add print to a monochromatic season. //
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Primp Boutique
50 Water St., Excelsior
952.474.1049
primpyourself.com
When Wesley Uthus and Michele Henry Gunderson met through a mutual friend in 2009, they hit it off instantly, comparing notes on their backgrounds in apparel design and passion for fashion. In no time, they were designing their own line of handbags and plotting to take over the cheap-chic fashion world with Primp, an affordable chain of boutiques in the Twin Cities.
With the launch of their fifth store in Excelsior this spring, the stylish duo opened up about how they stay motivated, what inspires them and what you need to snag to stay on trend this fall.
Lake Minnetonka Magazine: Why did you start Primp? What makes it unique?
Primp: We started Primp Cheap Chic Boutique for women like us: fashion-obsessed and on a budget. We wanted to create a clean, inviting atmosphere and a chic space where you could get pampered without having to spend a fortune. We employ the most knowledgeable stylists, feature items under $100 (with most pieces under $50) and put new merchandise out daily.
Why did you choose Excelsior as the place for your fifth shop?
We have been looking to expand into Excelsior for quite some time. The charm of the area and the wonderful people we have gotten to know since being open has been remarkable. The sense of community, paired with that charm, makes the city of Excelsior seem like something out of a movie. We are more than thrilled to be open here.
Primp sells your own line, Henry + Martin. Tell us about how that started.
Henry + Martin, our maiden names, is a casual-chic line we created in 2013. Our goal was to create a line of basics that could be dressed up or down, while still priced reasonably. Ruched knit dresses, loosely draped tops and long maxi dresses are just a few garments that encapsulate our collection, all of which retail for under $50 and are manufactured in the United States. Currently, we are working on expanding our designs and hope to have additional exclusive pieces by fall 2014.
You’ve expanded fast and been really successful. To what do you credit that?
It’s pretty safe to say that among the most important things we’ve learned, being frugal tops the list. We started Primp on a dime because we had to, but looking back we wouldn’t have changed a thing. It’s because of our thrifty beginnings that we have been fortunate enough to maintain our business debt-free since then.
What trends are you seeing for fall?
We love versatile pieces, things that you can take from summer to fall easily. The kimono trend, as well as the crochet vest trend, are two looks that can really brighten up the darker colors we often see trending in fall/winter.
Radiant orchid was Pantone’s 2014 color of the year, and we have watched its popularity continue to grow within our customer base. This will be a color that moves into the fall seamlessly—pair it with dark denim skinny jeans or a high-waisted skirt.
One trend that we continue to love is the scarf (and ours is only $16—how do you not love it?). It’s a great and inexpensive way to add print to a monochromatic season.
Primp Boutique
50 Water St., Excelsior
