The Wake

Dinkytown’s first high-end clothing store, “Covered,” is nestled on the corner of 14th Avenue SE and Fourth Street. The shop, owned by Stacy Larson, is the newest addition to the student neighborhood’s ever-changing landscape. But don’t let the flashy tags fool you; while some of the clothes may be out of most college students’ price range, Larson’s boutique might have what you’re looking for.

“The store may seem upscale,” Larson says. “But once you get in the door, I promise you’ll be sold.” And sales seem to be the only thing on Larson’s mind, “Last weekend for our grand opening (Sept. 9th and 10th), we were so busy that we even had people changing in the bathrooms,” Larson says.

The boutique may be limited on space, but the young and contemporary clothing is abundant. Take one look at Larson and you’ll know what kind of clothing Covered has to offer. She may not be runway-model tall, but she has a pronounced sense of style. “I have been reading Vogue since I was 10 years old,” Larson says. Since she has a keen eye for fashion and a knowledge of jeans exceeding any Express or Gap employee, Larson makes a perfect salesperson.

In each dressing room Larson created a list of what she calls “denim rules,” a simple guide to help buyers find the perfect fit. “I say the same thing to nearly every customer,” Larson says. “So I thought that I should just post a list of guidelines to help women find the perfect pair of jeans.” The list includes how the jeans should fit, how much they should stretch, and which pairs work on taller versus shorter women. But out of all the guidelines, Larson saved the best for last. Number eight reads, “You are gorgeous!” Shopping and a self-esteem booster? It doesn’t get much better than that.

Jeans aren’t the only focus at the new store. Covered carries some big name brands like Citizens of Humanity and T-bags, but the store also sells more affordable brands like Tulle. “We have really cute long T-shirts for $30,” Larson says. Some of these comfortable tees have scrunched sleeves at the shoulder or fun designs on the back. In addition to cheap shirts, Covered is preparing for fall, stocking big wool jackets for $80.

Although some threads may be more expensive than those at a chain store, Covered has attracted plenty of Golden Gophers. “I’d say that about 60 percent of my customers are students,” Larson says. “But we have a ton of women driving in from Edina to shop here.” So what made Larson choose Dinkytown to open up shop, when many of her customers are in their 30s?

“I had been thinking about opening up a shop in Dinkytown for a few years,” says Larson, who was a buyer for St. Louis Boutique “Q” the past two years. “Last February I was looking at Craigslist and found this retail space,” She bought it right away. “I just felt it,” Larson says. And luckily for Larson, since Covered is surrounded by sandwich shops and used-book stores, there is no competition. Sure, Dinkytown has a few veteran clothing stores like “Everyday People,” but Larson doesn’t view them as competition. “We help each other out more than anything else,” says Larson.

“I think Covered is really good for our store,” says Jessie Taft, a longtime employee at Everyday People. “It is great because we can refer people there if they are looking for something more specific. And since Everyday People carries plenty of vintage accessories and shirts, it makes a perfect fit. “Everyday People is great for someone looking for a piece to add to their outfit,” Larson says.