Best Skirt For Summer By Local Designer Ann M. Cramer

By Nicole Crosbie

If you're looking for the perfect skirt for summer, Anne M. Cramer's Flynn skirt is a must-have. Timeless and classic with a modern twist, this skirt can be worn to any occasion. Pair it with a crisp white blouse and open toed pumps for a dressier look (think summer weddings or date night), a kitten heel and cardigan for work, or a tank top and flip flops for an afternoon in the sun. From the more subtle nautical (navy blue) and ink (black) to the brighter moss (green) and cherry (red), the Flynn skirt will add a touch of class (and color if you choose!) to your look.

Minneapolis designer Anne Cramer said that she designed the Flynn skirt with the everyday woman in mind. As the mother of three boys, (the skirt is named after her youngest son, Flynn) Anne knows the importance of looking stylish while being comfortable at the same time. She wanted the skirt to be functional, easy to wear and flattering on all body types. She created a gathered elastic waistband to make the skirt comfortable and easy to move in. Anne said that she designed the skirt to be a statement piece that allows women to show off their personal style and to experiment with a variety of tops and accessories. She is thrilled that the skirt translates so well to different body types and said that the skirt looks flattering on all sizes, from petites to larger sizes.

About Anne

Anne started her career as a designer at the age of eight when her mom taught her how to sew. With a family of crafty women, (her mother sewed all of Anne's clothing growing up and her grandmother was a seamstress) it was no surprise that Anne took to sewing. At age eight her most loyal customers were her Cabbage Patch dolls and as she grew older she began sewing clothing for friends and for herself. Anne continued to design clothing for her own enjoyment, but never chose to make a career of it. Two years ago, when her youngest son started school, Anne's husband suggested that she open a studio. She had already taken over four rooms in her family home with her sewing materials and decided that opening a studio was a good option. Anne began designing full time and unveiled her first collection last spring. Her fall collection came soon after and both lines received high praise.

"The trunk shows were very well received and the clothing at both shows sold out," Anne said. "I decided to take things to the next level and three retailers began carrying my line. Anne M. Cramer can now be found at nine retailers worldwide. Things have just sort of exploded over the past few months."

Local retailers Melly, Picky Girl and Allee Metro Chic all carry Anne's collection, in addition to retailers in California, Colorado, Illinois and Australia. Visit any of these boutiques or Anne's website to purchase the Flynn skirt (Anne decided to just do one piece for this year's spring collection) and to pre-order her full fall collection.

With four collections complete and rapidly growing sales, (her line is now made by manufacturers in the U.S. due to such high volume orders) Anne is both humbled and excited.

"I've been very fortunate and I absolutely love what I'm doing," Anne said. "It's been very flattering and I'm glad that people love what I'm doing. It's been unbelievable."

Nicole Crosbie loves fashion and shopping, she has lived in Minnesota her whole life and loves finding new places to shop, eat and explore in the Twin Cities. She has degrees in public relations and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.