Frugal fashionistas in the White Bear Lake area can rejoice. This summer, Michele Henry Gudmundson and Wesley Uthus opened Primp in White Bear Lake—the third store this dynamic duo has opened since September 2010.
Gudmonson and Uthus have long held individual interests in fashion. After being introduced by a mutual friend in 2009 and realizing their shared passion for all things style-related, the pair teamed up to create their own handbag line. They were on a trip to Chicago to find resellers when they noticed many boutiques were overpriced, and it was then they decided to switch from making leather handbags to opening their own boutique that would offer chic fashions at a bargain. A whirlwind three months later (and after many 14-hour days)their store on Selby Avenue in St. Paul opened and became an instant hit; that success was followed the next year with a Primp in St. Louis Park.
Now open in downtown White Bear Lake, Primp prides itself on offering a wide variety of tops, pants, dresses, basics, accessories and shoes less than $100; most cost less than $50. To keep things fresh, Primp orders in small quantities and receives new inventory daily; customers can also order online via Facebook.
Primp seeks to create a fun and friendly atmosphere. “We want to be that friend that you want to shop with,” Gudmonson says. “We want to give good advice and styling options.”
Primp, 4766 Banning Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.340.4717.
