Last week I travelled to Ft Wayne, Indiana to spend a week with my brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Susan. We spent the weekend in Michigan at their cabin. It was pretty chilly and rainy, making it the perfect weather to avoid the lake and attend the grand opening of Erin Schrader's "living in yellow" boutique.
I had never heard of Erin but, my sister-in-law was a big fan and when I went to Erin's Instagram page, I saw that she had more than a casual following. We drove from the cabin deep into Amish country. We passed beautiful country homes with sturdy barns and horses grazing in fields while clothes hung out to dry on front porches. We arrived in Middlebury, Indiana and stopped at the town's central stop light. Across from us was a horse and buggy that, like us, was waiting for the light to turn. We began looking down streets for the yellow and white balloons Susan had seen in a photo on Instagram. Sure enough, there they were!
Walking in the front door of the boutique we could sense the excitement and hear the chatter of fun conversations. This was the second day of the opening and the buzz was still strong.
There was a patriotic themed table at the front of the store and I was drawn to a red dress and a pleated sun top. I wondered would they be fairly priced? This ruffled necked red tiered midi dress was priced at $79.00 and this tomato colored pleated cami was priced at $44.00. I was immediately excited! Good pricing and fun styles; I began to shop.
Here's Erin in a pink pleated cami and a staff member modelling the red tiered dress. If you follow Erin on Instagram, you will see Erin show-casing many items from her store and how to pair them plus she shares blogs on style, life and travel. She shares her favorite curling iron from Nordstrom and her favorite lotion from Target and everything in-between. Her tips and secrets are practical and fun.
Walking through the store it was fun to take in the accessories and gifting displays . Shoes and candles, earrings and necklaces, stationary and slippers; There was a wide variety of unique and fun options.
I shuffled through each rack of clothing on the main floor and then made my way upstairs to the loft where two long walls had racks of clothing hanging along them. This section was called "Erin's Closet". This area sold items that were from Erin's personal closet. I found a black faux leather extra long bomber jacket with fleece lining. I had not brought enough warm clothing with me for this trip and when I put it on I knew I needed it, not to mention it was cool and priced at only $40.00.
I bought a white tie front button up shirt that I've already worn with my cropped denim and red Blow Fish sneakers; super cute for Summer. The last and third item I brought home with me was a black shirt jacket with white letters on the back saying "Rock and Roll". The musician in me had to have it! What a fun shopping experience!
I realize that many (most) of you are not going to travel to Middlebury, Indiana to Erin's store. But, you can find out more about Erin on Instagram, Facebook and shop from afar at https://tapto.shop/livinginyellow
If you do find yourself in Middlebury, tell Erin I said "Hi" and check out her sister's home decorating store
"JOYFULLY SAID" just a block over at 402 E. Warren St.
Shopping is what I do and I'd love to shop with You!
Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta
