Fashion At The Fair
If you are a local there is no need to explain or describe to you enormity of the Minnesota State Fair. For those of you tuning in across the country I’ll try to paint an accurate picture. The state fair is THE biggest and most anticipated event in the the state of Minnesota all year!!! I can promise you that residents of Minnesota are more excited for the fair than the when Super Bowl L was here. People drive from every corner of the state to visit the great Minnesota get together. When I say get together I really mean it, without fail every time I go to the fair I run into a minimum 3 people I know.
At the Minnesota State Fair you can eat anything on a stick, see some of the states most talented artist, ride a ferris wheel, watch any local tv show taped live, go through a haunted house, sign up for a Costco membership, meet local politicians, see Princess Kay of the Milky Way get her head sculpted in butter, find the largest hog in the state, find the largest pumpkin in the state, listen to live music, drink mini donut beer, and 1 million other very cool and curious things. Here’s one more thing you can do, shop on-trend and in-style fashion from local boutiques.
Yes!! Believe me when I say you can find amazing cute hand crafted jewelry, fun fashion, and more! I’ll prove it to you. Here is a short list of some of the vendors I visited at the fair this year and what they are offering.
North End Market
Homespun is a new comer to the state fair and they did not disappoint! They host collaborations with local designers, creatives, and artists to showcase some of the best hand made apparel and accessories. I gushed over everything I saw there that it was hard to decide what I loved the most. I was impressed with how they curated their booth to have a comfortable and welcoming environment with elevated trends! If you can’t make it out to the fair this year don’t worry, you can find them all year round in their brick and mortar located in south Minneapolis.
Pictured
Earrings - LaLunette Jewelry
Hat - August Sparrow
Sunglasses - Skyline Specs
The Coliseum
If you’re surprised to see a me sending you to the coliseum to shop don’t worry so am I! The coliseum isn’t just for cattle shows and horses, there are some major players in the retail game who set up shop in the outer rings of this building. I got a hot tip from Minnesota Brands For Good to check out this boutique and I am so glad I did. Fox Run is another rookie to the fair and they brought their finest for this 12 day extravaganza. Fox Run is a mobile market popping up around the greater Twin Cities area. Get a full schedule of where they will be popping up next by following their adventures on Instagram !
Pictured
Shirt - Winique Antiques (upcycled apparel and design)
Bracelets - Moxie Malas (crystal healing and aromatherapy jewelry)
Knits + Hat - Spoonful Apparel (donates 50% of all proceeds to end childhood hunger)
The Grandstand
Great Lakes Northern Outfitter
I first ran into Great Lakes Northern Outfitter at a pop-up at the Mall Of America. When I found out they were going to be at the state fair I was excited to visit their booth and shop their latest collection. Great Lakes has taken the lake life look and elevated it. With modern design they still keep a nod to the classic up north vibe in all their apparel and accessories. If you love soft washed knits and styled weekend living this is for you! The gentlemen that started this brand love life at the lake so much they also started the Freshwater Initiative, where they donate proceed to different organization who protect our great lakes!
I was running through the Grandstand on my shopping mission and this booth literally stopped me in my tracks! I came to a complete halt and could not stop myself from touching every soft sweater, cozy hat, and fabulous handbag. If you ever wonder where people find pieces to put together those Pinterest worthy looks, this is it! Ooh La La Boutique has everything you could imagine to jump start your fall wardrobe. This is a must stop on your shopping list at the fair. You can fully expect to see me wearing this pom hat all winter long! If can’t get everything you want now you can visit them again at their permanent location in Excelsior, MN!
Holly House is a unique shopping experience featuring over 60 local Minnesota makers! You are guaranteed to find something for your self and great gifts for others. I love stopping by this booth every year because I am always finding something new and unique. Everything they carry has a touch of creativity and love getting lost in their store and uncovering new treasures!
Pictured
Left + Bottom - KT Designs
Top + Right - Fan Girl
West End Market
Make Shift Accessories is a must stop for me every year at the fair, I never want to miss what new pieces they’ve added to their collection. This is one of the most unique shopping destinations at the fair with everything they make 100% upcycled from vintage and salvage metals. Every piece of jewelry has a story. You can find bracelets made from military ammunition, earrings crafted from drum cymbals, and so much more! If you have a chance to have a conversation with owner and lead designer Devon Johnson take it, he has stories that bring you into the history of every piece he makes!
Living in the bold north never looked so good! If you are proud to be from Minnesota and survive the months of tundra like weather this gear is for you. There is a charm and romance when it comes to being from ‘up north’ and Nicole Trigger has given a look to it. Her chic accessories and apparel have a badge of honor that gives creative and bold representation to our great state! You can find her product at the Piccadilly Prairie booth at the fair and at their store location located at Southdale mall!
Imagine every inside joke that only Minnesotans would know, or funny state fair references that others just would get. Now put those jokes on cleaver graphic t-shirts, the ladies of I Like You have nailed it! You will laugh your way through all of the funny and quippy tees at this booth, and it will be hard decide which one to buy because you’ll want to bring all of them home! You can find more than graphic tees but trust me, you’ll want to check out the wall of knits. They bring big and beautiful personality not only to the fair but keep real in their location on Snelling Ave in St. Paul too!
This is another location where you can find amazing pieces that will add trend and style to your fall wardrobe. There is no short supply at this booth to find cute denim, amazing accessories, fun layers, and great blouses. They have brought to the fair the best fashion for you to try! Whatnot Boutique has been voted Mobile Boutique of the Year 3 times in a row now. Don’t miss out on seeing what all the hype is about and grab yourself a quick update for your seasonal look!
