Did you just come from the gym? These are words you are unlikely to hear if you are wearing Belles, a new clothing line of stylish must-haves for women who go from exercise to errands.
Belles (pronounced Be-el-ez), is designed, cut and sewn here in Woodbury by industry expert Kirsten Elles, who has worked as a designer and tailor for companies including Neiman Marcus, Gantos and Banana Republic. Launched in June of 2012, Belles provides a unique line of comfortable everyday clothing made for versatility without sacrificing fashionability.
“I know what it’s like to be a mom with little kids, trying to find time to work out, no time to shower, and then running to Target with children and being asked ‘Did you just come from the gym?’ I hated that. I never felt put together,” Elles says. “I wanted clothing to work out in that could also be everyday, comfy clothes that wouldn’t look like you are running around in gym clothes.”
The Belles line includes tops, pants and jackets with comfortable resilient fabrics in patterns you won’t see in typical workout wear. “You won’t find the solid bright, high contrast blocking that you see in most workout wear out there,” Elles says. “We are more hippy and funky with artsy cutouts and layers of prints and textures.”
A longtime tailor, Elles has used her line to fix many of the common issues with fit that women dread. Her pants are made higher in the back than front to prevent “whale tale,” and a custom-wide soft double waistband helps avoid the “muffin top.” Even the sizing descriptors--extra sassy, sassy, moxie and lively--are created with a deliberate intent “that every size is beautiful,” adds Elles. The pieces can be dressed up or down and are made to flatter all shapes.
An alternative to the traditional yoga pant, Belles’ “utility pant” is a loose-fitting comfy pant that can replace jeans. “I can’t wear that pant without people asking where I got it,” says Belles customer Anne Lynch of Woodbury. “It’s cute, unique and is my go-to travel pant; it’s comfortable and doesn’t wrinkle.”
Lisa Hein goes from workout to grocery shopping in Belles clothing.
Lisa Hein, owner of The Pilates Body in Woodbury, also loves the line. “Her style is fantastic. The patterns, the fit and the fabric—she really pays attention to the detail,” Hein says. “I’m in workout clothes all day for my business. It’s very chic and you look fashionable.”
Elles, her husband, Jason, and two children (Avery, 16 and Chloe, 13) have lived in Woodbury for 12 years. Now the growing popularity of Belles means that this local clothing designer has outgrown being a one-woman show. “I have five industrial sewing machines crammed into a 10x10 room in my house, and did all my cutting on my dining room table. I would lock myself in my house sewing for three weeks to complete an order,” Elles says. The growing business means she will be making the move to delegate more sewing and cutting to contractors. Elles has plans to display at HAMMS (Help a Minnesota Maker Succeed) and Maiden Minnesota this year, two fashion industry events that help small local businesses like Belles.
Fashion, fitness, friends and fun is the Belles mantra. “I’m excited about the future,” Elles says.
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Belles clothing can be purchased online.
Photos taken at Kowalski’s Market in Woodbury
