Valley Style 2018

• local loo ks & tren dy vi bes o n fu ll displaY •

OH SEW UNIQUE Elizabeth de Cleyre tailors fashion garments to the individual WO R D S :

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t starts with a conversation. From there, local clothing maker Elizabeth de Cleyre gets to know the person seeking a new garment before she designs them a custom-made piece.

The Portland, Oregon, native provides them with examples of pieces she’s done before and swatches of various fabrics, then gets to know their lifestyle to create the best piece possible for each customer. Finally, she creates the garment and makes sure it fits the customer properly, making alterations if need be.

“It’s a really awesome experience to wear something that’s been made for you,” de Cleyre said. “It’s just really special and it’s something that I get to do for myself, but I realize not everybody has the time or energy to do that so I love providing that for people.”

De Cleyre has her own business, Cede, which she officially kickstarted during Red’s Back Alley Market this

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year. Now, she works with her clients to create custom-made, ethical fashion.

Sometimes de Cleyre starts with a sketch prior to getting to work, but occasionally she’ll start a piece without a pattern and go from there.

“It’s a lot of experimentation,” she said. “Sometimes it ends in a lot of failure, but it’s always really fun in the end.”

She acquired a skill for sewing when she was young. Her mother was a quilter and worked at a fabric shop, de Cleyre said. She recalls flipping through the pattern books all day while her mother worked at the shop.

Now, she’s always researching and

observing what other people are wearing. She’s found her niche of fabrics – anything natural and easy to work with, but also fabrics known for longevity, de Cleyre said. She looks to the fashion of the 1930s and ’40s, back when fashion was what de Cleyre called “accidentally sustainable.”

The clothing designer looks to many female style icons, such as Audrey Hepburn, Georgia O’Keefe, and Joan Didion.

She also draws inspiration from the likes of Clare Waight Keller, the artistic director for Givenchy, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, the artistic director of Dior. Major fashion houses, such as Givenchy and Dior, typically don’t have female creative directors, de Cleyre said. That role is usually filled by men. However, when these women began their roles as artistic directors, de Cleyre noticed a shift in the practicality and wearability of the highfashion clothing they put out.

“It’s a really awesome experience to wear something that’s been made for you.”

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De Cleyre is also influenced by ethical and sustainable brands, such as Jesse Kamm and Elizabeth Suzann.

Ethical and sustainable fashion is necessary because of how big a polluter the fashion industry is. The former Dotters Books co-owner described her clothes as ethical rather than sustainable, because what she does still carries an environmental footprint. She refers to her brand as “slow fashion,” in contrast to the major fast fashion retailers around the globe.

“Though I try to be mindful and conscious of where I’m sourcing fabric from,” de Cleyre said, “my main concern is the design, quality, intention, and longevity of the garment.”

Ultimately, de Cleyre isn’t looking to grow her business. She enjoys making her pieces to order, rather than mass creating and selling her fashion in bulk, like major online retailers would.

“There tends to be a flattening effect where everything looks the same online,” she said. “Clothing is really tactile and you don’t get that when you shop online, so it’s hard to distinguish what’s actually good quality online.”

De Cleyre can be reached via her website, cedeclothing.com.

FA S H I O N F O C U S We scoured a few local hotspots for the most fashion-forward individuals we could find to talk about their unique style P H O T O S :

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KIANA SCHOEN —

24, retail manager at Old Navy

ANN KEN N EDY —

What are you wearing?

High-rise jeans from Old Navy, shirt from H&M, and boots from Charlotte Russe.

24, designer at Knorth Studios What are you wearing? Thrifted top, Anthropologie pants, Target shoes, Urban Outfitters cardigan.

Describe your style: Usually whatever I can find that’s comfortable and affordable, and style comes after that – things that are fun that have different textures and an array of colors.

Describe your style: Edgy – always casual, always always comfortable.

What is your style inspiration?

Billie Eilish and @uglyworldwide on Instagram.

What is your style inspiration?

I look at Old Navy, H&M, and Target for everyday inspiration.

If you had to wear one thing in your wardrobe for the rest of your life what would you choose?

These pants, probably.

If you had to wear one thing in your wardrobe for the rest of your life what would you choose?

Probably a maxi dress because they’re comfortable and easy.

What would be your ultimate style backdrop? Leonardo DiCaprio holding me up on the Titanic.

What would be your ultimate style backdrop?

Outside somewhere, in the woods maybe. But with a nice mountainscape in the back.

ANNIE PAU P O R E —

DANIEL SHOEMAKER —

36, customer support specialist

27, financial advisor at Blue Granite Wealth

What are you wearing? Fitted dress from Express, and my shoes are from Primp Boutique, a chain boutique out of Minneapolis.

What are you wearing? Hugo Boss blazer with Men’s Wearhouse pants, shirt from Younkers, shoes are Cole Haan.

Describe your style: Right now, I’m thinking maternity chic – that’s about all that’s on my mind – anything that’s making me feel feminine and stylish.

Describe your style: Classy with a touch of fun and laidback, ties are overrated.

What is your style inspiration?

The mannequin or the salesperson’s recommendation.

What is your style inspiration? I have to put it on to know how I feel – the way the clothing makes me feel and the way I carry myself when it’s on me is what really inspires me.

If you had to wear one thing in your wardrobe for the rest of your life what would you choose?

I would go with this jacket – I really like the texture of it – or a pair of Lulu Lemon shorts. They’re so cozy.

If you had to wear one thing in your wardrobe for the rest of your life what would you choose?

I would choose a really versatile feminine dress that I could wear some flats with or some heels to mix it up.

What would be your ultimate style backdrop? The peak of a mountain with some snow – because that’s beautiful – but that’s also cold, so some sunshine to warm things up.

What would be your ultimate style backdrop? An urban setting.

I’m a bonafide city girl. Definitely something with concrete, pavement, buildings in the background.

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JOHN MULDOON, MULDOON’S MEN’s wear LAUREN FISHER

A LWAY S I N FA S H I O N while big clothing stores are closing down, home-grown businesses shine WO R D S :

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uniform indicates occupation.

A pair of running shoes communicates athleticism. Accessories show attention to detail, and a tear in the knee suggests an active lifestyle.

We display our dedication to social causes with pithy T-shirts and swish logos. And we show Chippewa Valley style and investment in our community by shopping local.

In 2017, Walmart held the greatest share of the U.S. apparel market at 8.6 percent, according to Morgan Stanley Research. Amazon was second at 7.9

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percent, with Target stores, Kohl’s, and T.J. Maxx and affiliated stores coming in at just under 5 percent each.

“People want to buy suits at Sears, I guess,” John Muldoon, owner of Muldoon’s Men’s Wear said with a shrug.

But he doesn’t seem concerned. His father, Frank Muldoon, opened the men’s clothing store 68 years ago. There’s a sepia photo hung on the “history wall” at the front of the store, 1506 S. Hastings Way, that shows the flat, undeveloped earth around the building. He has seen other small clothing businesses come

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and go and watched as box stores moved into Eau Claire, including competitors such as Macy’s and Men’s Warehouse.

Muldoon attributes the store’s continued success to reputation and flexibility. He likens his business to a small ship.

“The biggest advantage is that I can change direction overnight,” Muldoon said. “If something comes into fashion, I can buy it and get it in the store in about a week.” He keeps track of the preferences of his patrons, working with suppliers to keep fashionable slim-fit suits

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in stock in all the right shades and hues.

Mickey Judkins, owner of Details Fine Apparel & Accessories, 502 Water St., also runs her business with attention to customers’ needs.

The manner of chain stores is too impersonal, she said. “They’re getting order-takers, but they’re not getting the kind of service we offer.”

That service, for the past 30 years, has been helping women develop styles that work with their lives and body types. Judkins began Details when she saw an unmet need for a high-end

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“That’s part of what we need to decide as a community. Does Eau Claire want interesting small boutiques and restaurants and special food, or do they want fast food and Walmarts?”

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clothing store for women, and has grown the business with her customers.

When people come to her in search of a specific item, she does what she can to find it for them. “As they asked for more special and unique things, we became more special and unique,” she said.

By Muldoon’s reckoning, box stores are much bigger ships – it takes them longer to adapt to customer preferences. Feedback is delayed, communicated in sales numbers instead of the one-onone conversations Judkins and Muldoon have with the people they serve.

Muldoon saw an uptick in business of about 25 percent, he estimates, in the past year. He attributes this in part to the closing of Macy’s in 2017, as their customers searched for a new place to buy suits, jeans, and shirts. The closing of Younkers, and soon, Sears, two more anchors in Oakwood Mall, may drive

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more people to locally owned shops in their quest for clothes.

However, it might also send shoppers to chain grocery and department stores, or online to familiar names like Amazon, which is experiencing rapid growth in its clothing sales.

“That’s part of what we need to decide as a community,” Judkins said.

“Does Eau Claire want interesting small boutiques and restaurants and special food, or do they want fast food and Walmarts? And that’s a decision I think they’re making with their dollar.”

“There’s a clientele that thinks it’s really important to support their local stores,” she said. “They want the nine people who work [at Details] to be employed and to stimulate the economy, and they want those goods and services in Eau Claire.”

A dollar spent at a locally owned store changes hands nine times within the community, Judkins said, while most of a dollar spent at a chain leaves that community. Spending money at small businesses of all kinds also lends itself to a diversified economy, which will be stronger during economic downturns, she added.

“If we had to close our doors, you

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would have only department stores – you would have to go to Minneapolis,” Muldoon said. “We are the only clothing store of our type in at least a hundredmile radius.” People come from as far as Green Bay to work with Muldoon’s for everyday suits or wedding party attire.

Thanks to its selection of rarer fashions, Details also brings visitors to Eau Claire, and both businesses draw more money into the area with online sales.

Judkins is seeing what she calls a rebirth of local clothing retail in the Chippewa Valley. Over the past several years, local boutiques and clothing stores have been popping up in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Chippewa Falls, offering quality products and individualized service. There are even options for those searching for custom-designed clothing. These are the originators and the facilitators of local fashion, helping define the “look” of the Valley. “People are saying ‘I want these kinds of goods and services.’ ” Judkins said.

Muldoon and Judkins are ready to meet that demand as it grows. “We live here, we spend our money here, and we care,” Muldoon said. “We’re all good neighbors.”

VA L L E Y S T Y L E R E S O U R C E S BOUTIQUE CLOTHING — DETAILS 502 Water Street, Eau Claire

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TRY THE BEST Local style favorites from our annual Best Of The Chippewa Valley Reader Poll

BEST BARBERSHOP 1. The Dapper Man Barbershop 2. Chips Barbershop 3. Govin's Barber Shop

BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 1. Mainstream Boutique 2. Red’s Mercantile 3. Muldoon’s Men’s Wear

BEST HOME DÉCOR & D E C O R AT I N G B U S I N E S S

1. Bed Bath and Drapery 2. Lydia's Furniture, Lighting and Gift Gallery 3. Pier 1 Imports

BEST PLACE FO R J EWELRY

• detailsdirect.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.

IRIS BOUTIQUE • shopirisb.com • A

family-based, locally grown boutique.

It’s their mission to bring a touch of joy to women with trendy, one-of-akind pieces of clothing. Shop online or check out their store in Menomonie for clothing, accessories, jewelry, home decor, and more.

LACEY’S LINGERIE

101 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls • facebook.com/ lacedbylacey Lacey’s is the Chippewa Valleys premiere boutique lingerie destination. Lacey’s provides beautiful and classy lingerie & accessories for all shapes & sizes. Lacey’s Lingerie boasts a large collection of lacy lingerie, hosiery, garter belts, and bridal lingerie.

MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE 2857 Mall

Drive, Eau Claire • mainstreamboutique.com/pages/about-us Started in Minneapolis, Mainstream Boutique is a franchise of locally-owned boutique clothing stores that sell high quality clothing for women.

MOOD BOUTIQUE • moodinmeno-

monie.com/shop/ 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) 8323502 • info@muldoons.com • muldoons. com Muldoon’s is an Eau Claire original menswear boutique selling all of your essentials, including tuxes, suits, casual and formal clothes, jackets and sportcoats, underclothes, footwear, nightwear, cologne, hats and other accessories.

200 MAIN - GALLERY & STUDIOS

MUSTARD SEED BOUTIQUE 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • (715) 833-1234 • eauclairelandscaping.com 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.

B-FRAMED GALLERY

NORTHBOUND SUPPLY CO 215 North Barstow St, Eau Claire • facebook.com/ northboundsupply Northbound Supply Company has a clubhouse vibe and selfdescribed “men’s mercantile” that sells boutique-inspired clothing, sundries, and accessories. Featured a coffee and espresso bar with unique creations.

RED’S MERCANTILE 224 N Dewey St., Eau Claire • (715) 829-0165 • hello@ redsmercantile.com • redsmercantile. com A lifestyle shop that engages and connects women through workshops, curated events and more. Carrying made in America clothing, accessories and modern home goods.

1. Lasker Jewelers 2. Williams Diamond Center 3. Token Jewelry Designs

BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES 1. Blue Ox Running 2. Scheels 3. Rogan’s Shoes

BEST SALON FOR A HAIRCUT 1. Saylon Seven 2. Sapphire Salon and Studios 3. SAXY Salon

BEST SALON FOR COLOR 1. Sapphire Salon and Studios 2. Saylon Seven 3. SAXY Salon

B E S T S E R V I C E F O R C U R LY/ N AT U R A L H A I R 1. Saylon Seven 2. Sapphire Salon and Studios 3. Nicole’s Downtown Salon and Spa

B E S T TAT T O O P A R L O R 1. Skin Prints 2. Krueger Tattoo Studio 3. Wintership Tattoo

BEST USED/THRIFT STORE 1. Savers 2. Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center 3. Goodwill

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HOME DECOR + GIFTS + SUNDRIES —

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200 Main St., Eau Claire • facebook. com/200Maineauclaire 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.

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, figurativ se, 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 AT THE VOLUME ONE WORLD HEADQUARTERS 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • (715) 552-0457 • www.volumeone.org • The Local Store offers 3000+ items and products either created by local craftspeople or products inspired by the Wisconsin way of life.

Offering art, apparel, books, music, kids gear, glassware, decor, foodstuff, and an impressive array of gifts. The stop for authentic local shopping in Eau Claire.

NORTHBOUND SUPPLY CO 215 North

Barstow St, Eau Claire • facebook.com/ northboundsupply Northbound Supply Company has a clubhouse vibe and selfdescribed “men’s mercantile” that sells boutique-inspired clothing, sundries, and accessories. Featured a coffee and espresso bar with unique creations.

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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.

RED’S MERCANTILE 224 N Dewey St.,

SALT COLLECTIVE •

facebook.com/ saltcollectivejewelry The Salt Collective makes jewelry that is 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.

Eau Claire • (715) 829-0165 • hello@ redsmercantile.com • redsmercantile. com A lifestyle shop that engages and connects women through workshops, curated events and more. Carrying made in America clothing, accessories and modern home goods.

TOKEN JEWELRY •

SILVER FEATHER

2823 London Rd. #4, Eau Claire • (715) 834-9929 • info@williamsdiamond.com • williamsdiamond.com Williams Diamond Center has a complete in-house design department to customize one-of-a-kind pieces. Incredible selections for brides and grooms. They also buy and sell estate jewelry, coins, and more.

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.

tokenjewelry. com Each piece in the Token collection is handmade, using the finest materials, including 14k gold filled, rose gold filled & sterling silver wire, along with semiprecious gemstones.

WILLIAMS DIAMOND CENTER INC.

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.

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 familyowned 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.

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