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Do you remember a time when Standard Style wasn’t the go-to place for fashionistas? Yeah, neither do we. The store is celebrating an impressive 15th anniversary. Fifteen years of getting Kansas City to think differently about how they dress while upping the quality of clothing in closets throughout the metro. “Standard Style hitting 15 is a huge milestone for which we are grateful. It is truly reflective of our clients and the community support,” says Joni Johnson, buyer and service director. “The store has always been about finding your individual style and modernizing it. We value being able to introduce new trends and designers.”
When Standard Style opened, you could easily find contemporary specialty boutiques sprinkled throughout either coast, but there was nothing like it in Kansas City. Owners Emily and Matt Baldwin saw an opportunity and ran with it. Turns out—their hunch was right. Shoppers wanted more trendy options and they were willing to pay for it. “We wanted to concept our version in KC and bring a new approach to lifestyle shopping. We wanted to be able to dress the family. From high to low, clothing to accessories to gifting, to launching new labels/designers while cultivating classics—it was the idea of one-stop shopping,” says Johnson. “The first store was small, and we wanted it to feel discoverable, interesting, warm, and energetic.”
Goal achieved.
From the day the doors opened, the Leawood store started gaining buzz. It wasn’t long before Standard Style was the quintessential place to find a fab new ensemble and/or accessorize to the hilt. Baldwin, meanwhile, was launched to cater to guys who now found it imperative to get in the fashion game. Their girlfriends were looking sharp. Why couldn’t they do the same?
From humble beginnings, Standard Style and Baldwin have now become a juggernaut in fashion-forward apparel. Seems the rest of the country is chomping at the bit to have a chic slice of what Baldwin is serving up. “We have had a busy past year with opening up six stores since last September: NYC, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Jose, Austin and Baldwin Market on the Country Club Plaza. We are looking forward to settling into our neighborhoods and building community,” says owner Emily Baldwin. “We are excited about our product evolution. At Standard Style, we are introducing a lot of new designers now through next year. We are also evolving our services piece of the business with our in-home styling and delivery.”
The line-up of trendy, contemporary clothing and accessories continues to evolve. The company has grown along with the needs of their clientele. Some eye-catching items are particular rave-worthy. “My favorite item in the store right now is anything Tibi. Every piece has this ‘designer cool’ thing about it,” says Johnson. “From their poly-tech sweatshirts to drawstring maxi dresses to their front-slit trouser pantsuits, their designs are effortless and bound to be the favorite pieces in your closet.”
Both stores are excited about the upcoming retail madness this holiday season. People in a giving mood are also the first to find a little something for themselves. And why not? ‘Tis the season, right? For the staff in the stores, it’s a time for them to wax nostalgic—oh, and point out all their amazing new wares. “It’s honestly our favorite time of year for many reasons, but the main one is getting to see all the families that have supported us for the past 15 holiday seasons,” says Johnson. “For Standard Style you can expect a lot of newness. We have spent a lot of time researching and discovering new designers and products that you can’t find anywhere else. We are launching labels like Mansur Gavriel, Etoile by Isabel Marant, Cult Gaia, Staud, Nanushka, Danse Lente and many more. We have an amazing gift and apothecary section perfect for anyone on your list. (And, yes, Virginia—it’s okay if that gift list includes yourself.)
Haven’t been to Standard Style or Baldwin lately? Swing by. With 15 years of helping clients look and feel their best, they know what they’re doing. And at the rate their going, global domination certainly isn’t out of reach in the next decade. They’re just getting warmed up.
Visit Standard Style:
4573 W 119th Street
Leawood, KS 66209
913.685.4464
Visit Baldwin Market:
422 Nichols Road
Kansas City, MO 64112
913.312.2374
Shop online: Baldwin.co
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