Fashion Mini Capitals

Something to note about the “mini-fashion capitals” burgeoning all around the United States? Don’t refer to them as you would your kid sister. Because we kid you not, sister- these cities have the bark and the bite.

Cities such as Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Portland are stock full of fabulous fashionable hometown heroes. They are the ones that are banking big, and catching the eye of red carpet names- but prefer to run their shop in their very favorite town (their own).

Every fashion darling in Minneapolis knows of the locally made goodies on display at area boutiques. These Twin City fashionistas are known for their smart layering (please disregard the overstuffed parka and Ugg crowd), and according to Minnesota Monthly Life Style Editor Elizabeth Dehn, this easy-breezy technique shouldn’t be mistaken for sloppiness. Minneapolis or “Minny” girls dress in denim and flats with statement accessories and are supremely good about mixing high and low. Dehn attributes this ability to being part of ‘Target country’ after all.

The protocol for chilly nights in the land of lakes? Denim, dressed up or down. Then, consider the stereotypes of the south or that of L.A., and completely reverse them in a northerly fashion. No big hair, six-inch heels, or leather leggings to be found. That’s not to say pretty pieces aren’t highly sought after- according to Dehn, Minny girls flaunt their chicest BCBG, Trina Turk, and J.Crew ensembles.

Laura Fulk is a local designer and favorite, for the avant-garde fashion seeker. So is star-on-the-rise Joy Teiken of Joynoelle (Andie McDowell has worn the brand at Cannes). However, when push comes to shove, and gloved hands dip into pocketbooks- Minnesotans opt for denim. Sex sells, but comfort wins when it comes to trotting around the oft icy and snowy streets of Minneapolis.

Moving on to the “Valley of the Sun.” Snowbirds and bleach blonde party girls have been residing in Phoenix for ages. This desert space is found by following a trail of glitter and sequins where Vegas and L.A. meet. In short- it’s one hot, dry mess. Tight jeans and rhinestone tees on the ladies, and way too much Tommy Bahama on the men, according to Jaimee Rose, Features writer and blogger for The Arizona Republic. Angela Johnson is the most well known, according to Somlynn Rorie, Managing Editor forwww.PhoenixPicks.com. Debra Davenport is a staple on the scene, and was worn by fellow Arizona native Jordin Sparks for the 51st Grammy's. Rickie Gonzales is a staple at Phoenix Fashion Week each year- this year holding to a futuristic but wearable aesthetic, known as VMarie.

Rickie Gonzales: left, Angela Johnson: right

In the midst of such tackiness, the fashion forward powers through. This pocket of Phoenicians cling to maxi dresses year round, and lots and lots of white everything. This same social set pairs punchy Robert Rodriguez ruffles and Oscar de la Renta for evening wear, and keeps an entire portion of their closet devoted to Juicy Couture- according to Rose. Sassy shoes are a must among the keen fashion eyes in this sweltering city. Scantily clad silicone nods to Pam Anderson may be de rigeur around Phoenix, but there certainly is the crowd with their eye on a certain Alexander McQueen black jumpsuit and knockoffs of Chanel’s fall 2009 collection (ala Jaimee Rose and her dedicated posse of readers).

Ahh, the Pacific Northwest. Messenger-bag-toting-beanie-and-hoodie-wearing looks reign the crunchy Portland scene. Portland is the complete green girl’s guide to the fashion galaxy. This city proudly launched the first sustainable production of fashion week in the world back in 2007, and has been paving the way with eco-friendly fashions ever since. Is green the new black? Portland sees no other way.

Healthy hipster types wear frocks by local designer, Jess Beebe of Linea. Beebe makes dresses out of hemp and silk cocoon material in slouchy, casual west coast looks. Portland boutique EXIT is all about reworking menswear, and creating something new- much like Imitation of Christ, according to Vivian McInerny, Staff writer for The Oregonian. Indie designers in Portland have long been clued in to this craft, and in the art of recreating fresh garments out of old ones, for quite some time. Point being, Portland has been ahead of the eco-friendly market that has encompassed the U.S. and pulls off the stylish quotient to boot.

Abby Yemm is a freelance writer and the Managing Editor of www.ChicagoPicks.com