Nicole Jennings. Photos: Chris Emeott
Nicole Jennings strives to help women find their sense of style through clothing that suits their lifestyle and body while boosting confidence.
A mentor. A mother figure. An inspiration. For Edina resident Nicole Jennings, those words—and so many more—embody the role that her great-grandmother, Anna, played in her own life. She was a queen in Jennings’ eyes.
Her calm charisma and natural ability to lead made Anna well known in their native Michigan. “She made such an impact in the community where we are from,” Jennings says.
It’s a legacy that has impacted Jennings and has informed her path today. Her great-grandmother taught her at a young age the importance of showing up in style. “She just moved through life so gracefully,” she says.
Because of her great-grandmother’s influence, Jennings says, “Fashion was never a thing I got into—it was a part of who I was.” So, it’s only natural that the avenue for carrying on her legacy was through fashion.
She honored her great-grandmother’s legacy by creating fashion businesses that reflect elegance and empowerment, two values Anna passed down to her. “One business sells clothes, and one business sells services,” she says.
The Value of Elegance
Jennings named her clothing boutique after her great-grandmother. Queen Anna House of Fashion opened its doors in the North Loop area of Minneapolis in 2017 with the goal to provide clothing for women in all seasons of life.
“It’s not necessarily about, ‘Oh, what’s the hottest trend today?’” the mom of four says. “It’s [about] ‘Where are you in your life, and what is it you are trying to do in that space?’”
“Wide-legged jeans offer a comfortable and breezy silhouette and are often associated with a more sophisticated and tailored look,” Jennings says. “They are highly versatile and can be styled in both casual and formal settings.”
Jennings’ passion for female empowerment and inclusion is reflected within the store’s four walls. Shoppers can find dozens of pieces from minority-owned and female-owned businesses. “It holds true to our brand,” she says. “I’ve been so pleased to partner with so many individuals with unique stories … It is an opportunity to share and have different perspectives in one space other than what the norm might be. That’s where
we thrive.”
Rather than following fleeting trends, Queen Anna House of Fashion holds pieces that won’t go out of style. “It’s about what’s trendy on your body,” Jennings says. Her team leads shoppers down this self-reflective journey to ensure every purchase is empowering and worthwhile. Her focus is to provide recommendations that satisfy the needs of the individual.
“You don’t have to buy anything today or tomorrow—but when you come into our doors, we are going to acknowledge you as a human,” she says.
Queen Anna House of Fashion was designed to be a flexible space. Furniture and displays are easily moveable. Jennings recreates the look of the shop on a regular basis so customers get a unique experience with each visit.
Empowering a “Fashion Awakening”
Jennings believes in honoring what you already have. She first unleashed her entrepreneurial spirit and personalized shopping approach in 2011 when she created her styling business, One Posh Closet. She and her team help individuals, who need guidance shopping for and styling outfits to suit their lifestyles and for specific occasions.
“If someone has a whole room of clothes and says they have nothing to wear, it’s because they have seen it every day,” she says. Rather than ditching the items, One Posh Closet stylists give pieces new life by mindfully composing new outfits for clients to try.
“Skinny jeans are known for their tight fit and slimming effect on the legs,” Jennings says. “Skinny jeans have become a staple in modern fashion, offering a sleek and stylish look. They are often made with stretchy materials that allow for comfortable movement while maintaining a streamlined silhouette.”
One Posh Closet’s virtual stylists live around the United States and serve clients nationwide. With that, Jennings says, “We’re able to help everywhere, not just Minneapolis.” She compares the virtual styling process to going shopping with a friend, pointing out different options until the right one is found.
Jennings says their process often leads to a “fashion awakening,” after stylists recommend items that speak to a client’s unique lifestyle. “I don’t like to even say styling—I feel like it’s a coaching moment,” she says.
After filling out a questionnaire that helps pinpoint the lifestyle, challenges and sizes of the client, One Posh Closet stylists read between the lines to find the perfect fits. “It’s learning about [what] they do in life,” she says. “[We build] around the need of the moment.”
Building around those needs with core values of empowerment, elegance, care and mindfulness continues to inspire Jennings. “It really is fulfilling for me,” she says.
Queen Anna House of Fashion
109 N. Second St, Mpls.; 612.354.7581
Facebook: Queen Anna House Of Fashion
Instagram: @queenannaliving
Pinterest: Queen Anna House of Fashion
One Posh Closet
clientservices@oneposhcloset.com
Facebook: One Posh Closet
Instagram: @oneposhcloset
Pinterest: One Posh Closet
