Woodbury Wandering: Carla Nichols Boutique

I’ve passed by Carla Nichols Boutique many times since they opened their pink doors last October, and every time I think, “Oh! I need to go in there!” Finally, the day before my sister Suzi’s birthday, I did! {I picked up a few awesome birthday/housewarming presents for her, too!}

It was even lovelier than I had imagined. A beautiful round table with a bouquet of fresh roses welcomed me in, and offered a great selection of skinny jeans. And where would skinny jeans be without the face that inspired their comeback? Large photos of Audrey Hepburn hang just above shelves that hold clutch purses and vanities draped with jewelry and handmade hair accessories.

Owner Terri Barbieri greeted me warmly, and before long we were chatting about her boutique, fashion, and empowering women to treat themselves and finding their own ways to be beautiful.

“I’ve always had a passion for clothing and dressing up,” said Terri. “My mom used to bring me on shopping trips in New York City when I was younger. I enjoy being well-dressed for work and taking the time for self care. My daughter, Stephanie Carla, is the same way.”

Yes, that’s where the “Carla” in Carla Nichols Boutique comes from. It’s also Terri’s granddaughter’s name. “Nichols” is for Terri’s son Nicholas. While you won’t find many things for men in the shop, there is a fantastic little children’s section, with photos of Stephanie and little Carla hung on the wall.

Most of the boutique, however, is filled with unique articles of clothing, luxurious scarves, beaded necklaces and rings, purses large and small, beautiful hats and headbands reminiscent of the 1920s — I tell ya, this would have been the perfect place to shop for my 1920s murder mystery party!

Possibly my favorite accent is the wall decal found above the mirror in the shop’s dressing room. It reads, "Be your own kind of beautiful." :)

Everything about Carla Nichols’ Boutique is inviting, empowering, and inspired. This is no accident. Says Terri, “I’ve always dreamed of having my own boutique. I wanted to create a space where women would come and shop, but also relax, have fun, and be proud of who they are as women.”

The chaise lounge that Terri keeps just inside the door of her shop has been a place where women sip tea and catch up, compliment each other, and peruse the boutique for something special for themselves.

“I have something for every woman, I think,” Terri says. “The items that I bring in are all unique in their own ways, and I try to find things at price points that will accomodate every woman’s budget.” The besteller? The handbag organizer.

Terri has these in different sizes and designs, and they sell like hotcakes. And why wouldn’t they? They’ve got tons of pockets of all sizes for all kinds of purposes. It’s something I will most likely go back for, especially with my resolution to Be Organized!

Oh, and those gifts I got for Suzi? One of them was a wine shoe. Yep, a fancy high-heeled shoe that holds your wine. Perfect for my sassy sister.

Needless to say, I will absolutely be back in Carla Nichols Boutique to treat myself and other ladies in my life. Stop in at 813 Main Street South in Woodbury during her hours: Tue – Fri: 11:00 am – 5:30 pm, Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Don’t forget to ”like” Carla Nichols Boutique on Facebook to stay informed of her upcoming events, like her “Ladies Night” on February 28th.

This post was originally published on Poor & Pretty.