First Look: Nicole Jennings's North Loop Boutique, Queen Anna

After she opened her luxury resale boutique One Posh Closet four years ago, Nicole Jennings knew she wanted to open a second store. When her beloved grandmother passed away last May, she was inspired to found Queen Anna in her honor.

“When you came into contact with her, you always left with a piece of wisdom or memory that was going to be with you forever,” recalls Nicole, who is married to retired Vikings player Greg Jennings. “So for Queen Anna, I chose things that were going to be timeless and you’ll have in your closet for years.”

The North Loop boutique sells effortlessly chic women’s clothing and accessories with an emphasis on quality materials that are on-trend without being overly trendy. The store stocks silk joggers, velvet tuxedo blazers, and cashmere sweaters from cult indie fashion brands that include L.A.-based designer Chan Luu, Montreal’s LaMarque, and Calgary-based label Bano eeMee. While quality is key, attainable prices are also important to Nicole, who has stocked the store with items ranging from about $100 for sweaters to $500 for luxe leather jackets.

With help from Greg, Nicole designed the store with high ceilings and linear lines to give it a spacious, minimalist vibe. The space is accented with chic touches, such as light gray wood-laminate flooring, tile with abstract designs, industrial metal clothing fixtures, and a custom-built brass checkout counter.

True to her grandmother’s legacy of philanthropy and building on her decade of experience as the president of the educational nonprofit Greg Jennings Foundation, Nicole’s boutique donates a portion of proceeds to local charities, such as Tubman’s shelters for women and families suffering from domestic violence.

Queen Anna opens Sunday, April 23 @ 109 N. Second St., Minneapolis, 612-888-5153, queenanna.co. The store hosts a free grand opening event on Sunday, April 23 from 5:30–7 p.m.; RSVP at eventbrite.com

More images from a preview party held earlier this week:

jahna peloquin

jahna peloquin

jahna peloquin

courtesy Queen Anna/by niche

courtesy Queen Anna/by niche

courtesy Queen Anna/by niche

owner Nicole jennings, Right; courtesy Queen Anna/by niche

courtesy Queen Anna/by niche