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Shop Small,  Support Local

KANSAS CITY COMMUNITIES RALLY TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE LOCAL BOUTIQUES

Article by Mindy Hargesheimer

Photography by Mindy Hargesheimer, Cassie Taylor

What in the world is one to do when you’re unwillingly quarantined at home craving a stylish scene, some local retail therapy, and, well, social human interaction?! The answer is obvious when it’s in the hands of Kansas City Creative-Extraordinaire and Digital Hostess with the Mostess, Cassie Taylor (otherwise known as @extraontop)! Welcome to the first and only of its kind; the KC Quarantine Fashion Show and its predecessors of free online fashion entertainment that connects Kansas City and gives back!

“Stay Home. STAY FABULOUS.”

And that, we did (all 500 of us)! As 1 of 8 @kcquarantine models who represented Leawood-based Scout & Molly's, I had the pleasure of styling some of their edgy and on trend pieces that I am sure to be seen wearing around town. Continue reading for all the entertainment insights into what was one of the MOST FUN and fashionable nights {at home!} of the year, and a HUGE thanks to Stop-Motion creative mastermind, @appehs for his wild and standout montage of some select @scoutandmollysleawood ensembles I styled for the event!


If you haven’t heard, Kansas City is by far one of the most collaborative, loyal, and prideful communities anywhere around. From the #shoplocal #eatlocal #drinklocal mantras that are adopted by the masses, to the infinite ideas and opportunities to inspire, engage, and support one another; particularly the small business owners who put their heart and soul into their creations, and we are better consumers because of it. It’s hard to convey the deeply authentic love so many of us have, in that we opt for buying a locally handpicked dress or locally made coffee almost always over a mass produced and distributed item.

#ShopLocalKC #EatLocalKc #DrinkLocalKC #ShopSmallKC #KCLocal #KCLocalBusiness

As retail takes one of the biggest hits during this unprecedented 2020 crisis, Event Creator, Taylor, explored ways to bring to light the ways we can continue to drive dollars and fandom to our clothing boutique owners who are feeling the brunt of the lack of sales accompanied by a lack of social gatherings. Unless you’re in the market of pajamas and make-up free workshops, you as a small business owner are being forced to get creative as we ALL wait for the elusive light at the end of this tumultuous tunnel.   


So, let’s get to the epic and unique event deets that everyone needs to read about! 8 Kansas City Influencers, 8 Kansas City Shops, 2 Brilliant Hosts, 1 Musical Guest, and a laundry list of fabulous sponsors that made this a night to remember; particularly for those Giveaway Winners who were on the receiving end of the likes of a 1-night stay at the cool cat Crossroads Hotel and $450 in gift cards to Local Kansas City shops, spas, and restaurants.

Ready. Set. BROADCAST: It's SHOWTIME!

Kicking off the fashion show was musical guest @crystalro.se who initiated the virtual vibes with her sultry sounds. Followed by co-hosts @1dapperlatino and @kelsie_isabella, this sassy duo brought the wit, the remarks, and the glamour we’ve been clamoring for as they introduced the night’s models and partner boutiques, providing the comedic and captivating commentary to keep that digital audience engaged. Each Influencer walked the “runway” in their respective homes, getting cheeky and cute in front of their tablets as they each modeled 6 local looks from their partner boutique. Music filled the screens as onlookers in their living rooms were dressed to the nines as part of a red-carpet style showdown that entered them into the giveaways.


With corresponding events to follow, like a digital guide to styling basics, @kcquarantine is putting Kansas City’s local shops at the forefront of the new norm of shopping; shop small, buy local, shop online, and do it NOW! If this global experience of Coronavirus has taught us anything, it is to be more heartfelt, more empathetic, value what matters most, support those in need, and that includes everyone from our heroic first responders to our mom and pops shops. Thank you for keeping their spirit (and orders) ALIVE! 

Shop the Shops and Influencer Styles: Buy Online and Gift Fun Finds!


  1. Boutique: @addieroseboutique + Influencer: @crowninggloryblog
  2. Boutique: @shopscoobie + Influencer: @thekathrynelise
  3. Boutique: @frankieandjules + Influencer: @mrsandsis
  4. Boutique: @ensemblekc + Influencer: @annie_austen
  5. Boutique: @anchorabellaboutique + Influencer: @katiemrae
  6. Boutique: @shopkatekc + Influencer: @chioma.atanmo
  7. Boutique: @scoutandmollysleawood + Influencer: @kansascitybucketlist
  8. Boutique: @ladybyekc @cocobrookside + Influencer: @caitore

Businesses featured in this article