STYLEDLIFE®

What’s a style-ophile to do in the midst of a recession? Uncle Sam would answer: spend, spend, spend. Yeah…Uncle Sam must have a rich…uncle. For fashionistas who have no such relation, frugality is the new black. But how to add fun and spunk to last year’s wardrobe without a federal bailout? Kevin Quinn, founder of STYLEDLIFE®, would answer: accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.

STYLEDLIFE® presents a mix of modern and vintage funky accessories at a variety of price points. It has made the Galleria in Edina its new exclusive digs.

As well, STYLEDLIFE® has expanded to include what Quinn describes as a music “bar,” which contains about 50 CDs, a good number of which are hard-to-find imports.

Quinn says, “We feel that people view music the way they do fashion and accessories. They’re very passionate about it, and it’s a very personal experience.”

But what ultimately brings people to the store is the way Quinn and his team help their customers discover their individual style.

Quinn notes, “The principle of STYLEDLIFE® is personal style, and helping people craft that personal expression. It’s a lot easier when you focus on accessories, and most of them don’t have to fit. We want to be an inclusive resource, where whether you’re a size 4 or 24, you can put on a great accessory, and look dynamite.”

The fashion accessory that does double duty this season is the lightweight scarf, which allows people to experiment with bringing color into their wardrobe, even as the weather warms.

Quinn also loves a long necklace that splits the difference between day and evening, favoring its purchase over an exclusively evening accessory.

“If you have this really glamorous necklace, but you only wear it when you get really dressed up, how often do you wear it?” Quinn asks.

That question perhaps is addressed best by STYLEDLIFE®’s sister company, styledlook®, where wardrobe experts help clients mix up their wardrobe to maximize its potential, and might suggest a few practical additions. The service is free inside the store. Clients simply can bring in a few pieces to get instant feedback. Quinn’s team also makes visits to clients’ homes. More information about styledlook® is at www.wardrobeexperts.com.

Stop in to the store between the French Open (which started May 24) and Wimbledon (ending July 5); make an in-store donation to Perspectives, a women’s shelter and advocacy group; and receive a discount on your purchases.

As Quinn explains, “We have this big tennis court on the back of our store, with tennis balls on it. For a donation, you get to pull a tennis ball off the wall, and that translates into your discount in the store.”

Name of Company: STYLEDLIFE®
Year Founded: 2006
President/CEO: Kevin Quinn
Number of Employees: 11
Phone: (952) 928-8888
Web Site: www.styledlife.com