Karma

It’s that time of year when a woman’s fancy turns to spring wardrobing. The TC has earned a good reputation for rock-solid gift stores, but until recently trend-forward women’s boutiques were slim. Thankfully that’s been changing of late, and a former Ampersand gift buyer has made the leap to ready-to-wear. Jada Breuer opened her funky shop, Karma (841 Grand Ave., 651-291-1997), along St. Paul’s Grand Avenue last fall. Luckily for St. Paulites, Breuer lives close to her shop and thought her neighborhood needed more independent retail, especially fashion. The mix is slightly urban hippie with a girly twist. Though there’s a fashion focus, Breuer tapped into her gift-buying days and wove in a few lines of apothecary—including Red Flower soaps and candles, Lulu Beauty cosmetics, and Anthousa Collection—as well as an edited mix of home décor, stationery, and books.

As for the fashion, nothing is overly tailored here—or overly priced—including fluid and feminine party skirts. Though the silhouettes reflect the current trend toward body consciousness, Breuer has selected lines that work for slightly curvy girls too. You can also tell that this buyer’s eye is drawn to floral patterns, embroidery, beading, and other pretty embellishments. Karma also carries artisan jewelry, a small selection of shoes, and a selection of hip handbags, including bags from Trina Turk. Clothing lines with the most presence include Tulle, Velvet, Three Dot, JWLA, and denim from Odyn. On our recent stop, spring was trickling in with white linen separates from Parameter, dresses from Betsey Johnson, and pastel floral pieces from Johnny Was.

We’re not sure where all of this will take Breuer, but it’s obvious she is surrounding herself with lots of good energy and pretty things, near a lively retail intersection (just east of Victoria) all of which should bring her—good Karma. (I couldn’t resist.)