‘Style’ and ‘farmstead’ aren’t words you often hear used in parallel, but Allie Kuppenbender marries the two well. She and her husband operate 4 acres south of Mazeppa, Minnesota, under the moniker Bleed Heart Floral Farm & Design, where they cultivate seasonally available cut flowers for the Twin Cities and Rochester.

“On most days, even when I’m working on the farm, I wear earrings — most handmade by artists,” Allie says.

Allie grew up in Eagan, Minnesota, followed by a stint of living in Washington before moving back to the Midwest in 2019.

She adds, “I have a 3-year-old, two dogs and five cats, but they’re outside cats — I swear I’m not a crazy cat lady.”

Allie enjoys reading, art, running, swimming, and going on adventures when the farming season and its accompanying responsibilities permit it.

Sum up your style.

Bifurcated into farm and non-farm style choices based upon what I’m up to on any given day. I might be covered in mud and sweat, but I also will be wearing some cool cowboy boots or butterfly earrings.

How does your role as a flower farmer influence the way you choose to dress?

My day-to-day clothing choices are heavily influenced by practicality and function. Anything I’m wearing while working is going to get dirty, wet, sweaty, and probably stained or ripped at some point. My attire is definitely guided by the seasons, too.

What makes your style uniquely you? And what do you hope it conveys to others?

It took me all of my teens and most of my twenties, but I feel pretty secure in who I am as a person at my core. I want to wear what I feel good in and what I like — what makes me feel the most me. I hope that self-confidence is what I convey to others.

How would you describe today’s style scene?

I think it’s pretty cool that the definition of what is trendy is expanding to whatever people want to wear. I love how inclusive and wacky Gen Z fashion trends are. It seems like younger folks’ fashion choices are more authentic to their inner self.

Any spending strategies?

I think when budgets allow for it, buying quality is the best, most certainly if you’re buying something new. In my opinion, it’s better to buy something that is nicer quality and ethically made/sourced but more expensive, especially in today’s fast fashion/throw-away landscape.

Repeat purchases?

I don’t buy a ton of things new, but I do buy workwear on repeat.

Thoughts on shopping secondhand?

100,000% yes; All of my best clothing items are vintage or thrifted.

Best thrifted find?

I randomly found my wedding dress for $25 at a secondhand store in Reno when I was visiting friends. Everyone likely covets their wedding dress, but I genuinely love mine and would wear it every day if I could. And I love the story behind finding it.

Any items you just can’t seem to part with?

I have a lot of vintage and thrifted items that are nostalgic for me. I can remember pretty well where I got something, who I was with, what drew me to it. Even though they don’t get worn often enough, my closet is almost like a little time capsule or treasure chest.

Most surprising thing in your closet?

I’ve curated a lot of really fun pieces that probably don’t get worn as often as I’d like because my job does not necessitate it. I have a weird amount of relatively formal dresses for example that I love and definitely fit my personal style, but that probably don’t get worn enough to warrant the amount that I have.

Anything in particular you’re excited to wear as we approach the colder months of Minnesota?

I love layers and I love not overheating while working. This summer was especially hot and dry so I’m extra ready for a shift to colder weather.

Parting advice?

Wear whatever you want. Like literally whatever you want and like and feels good on you because that’s all that really matters.

Do you know someone who has unique style? Send nominations to

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with “Your Style” in the subject line.