Boutique Spotlight: Suite201

Every fashionista knows that the best feeling is finding an edgy yet affordable ensemble that you personally pulled together. Though this feeling can be found at department stores, retail stores, outlets, and thrift stores, my personal favorite spot to find it is in a chic, personable boutique. Maybe it’s the way each owner puts together such a girlishly tasteful vibe with gorgeous furniture, vintage mirrors, and a soundtrack that just makes you feel freshly optimistic. When you find a boutique that fits your style, it’s like walking into your own closet full of possibilities. Dozens of styles, brands, and accessories that match your style, waiting to be purchased and rocked. Alina Leshiner shows off her eye for style with her gorgeous boutique Suite201, in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Carbon Magazine: Where and when did your company get started?
Alina: I opened the store in October of 2011. The store is located in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

CM: What was the inspiration behind Suite201?
A: I wanted to own a store that was different, not your typical mini Bloomingdale’s type of boutique but not something that isn’t wearable. There needs to be a middle point.

CM: What is your favorite spring trend?
A: The neons. I like everything that is neon. Hot pink is my favorite color. Other than my usual favorite colors, black and white. I ordered some pieces for summer this morning from three different brands and I loved how thoughtless everything was. Just cute, throw on, and don’t think much about how to wear this and that and with what. That’s very much my style.

CM: What type of woman shops at Suite201?
A: My store attracts anyone from a high school girl to a trendy grandma.

CM: How do you keep up-to-date with the latest trends?
A: I just research a lot. I look at all different blogs and read a lot of magazines. Also just read alot in general, I google anything and everything that catches my interest, and I watch youtube videos.

CM: How would you describe your city’s style?
A: The village of Ridgewood itself is very preppy. But the surrounding towns are all different styles. Having a store like this in Ridgewood seems to be a positive thing because they have an option of stepping outside their box.

CM: What brands or favoured designers can a Suite201 shopper expect to browse?
A: Within the store my favorite designers are Naven, J. Godfrey, Feel the Piece, Sam and Lavi, and Michael Lauren. But I also love Free People, and Michael Kors for outerwear, and basically anything leather and fur (faux or real sorry peta) and like I said earlier, I like to see effortless style-which is my favorite.

When I started asking Alina what her personal style was like, I quickly realized her idea of high fashion was quite similar to mine.
Any style icon that appreciates a put-together look, both expressive and professional, will love browsing through Suite201. I received my BB Dakota poncho and instantly found a new appreciation for the type of outerwear. Pairing it with a pair of Guess skinnies and some charcoal ankle boots, I was completely comfortable yet considered classy. To collect a few beautiful, light
outerwear layers for the beginning of spring, hit up Suite201 for an elegant and high-fashion look.

Not in the Jersey
area? No problem! http://www.shopsuite201.com/