With a new season of the Real Housewives of New Jersey right around the corner, I thought it was time to pop into Melissa Gorga’s boutique in Ridgewood, NJ, Envy. The Bergen County town is quaint and appealing to the eye thanks to its main street and one-of-a-kind businesses. Thanks to its affluent residents, I don’t doubt that a few women could make their way onto the series.
Nestled on the corner of East Ridgewood Ave is Melissa’s clothing store. Let me tell you, I couldn’t wait to get my boots, aka my blue Converse, through that door to experience a little bit of the Garden State housewife attire, especially since Season 14 is premiering in May. Melissa always looks impeccably dressed, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I could rock these looks, too. Spoiler alert: I could!
The store is beautiful
Now, I have been to a lot of reality stars’ shops and eateries, but Envy really stood out to me. Before even walking across the threshold, there is a mythical garland of ivy that frames the storefront in a very appealing way. It might have also helped that the sun was shining brightly after a week of rain, and I was over the moon excited to get my shop on. The front window is framed in glass, and the mannequins are always looking ready to step out on the town.
Upon entering, you’re greeted with a neatly hung rack of clothes to your left. To the right is a cute step-and-repeat setup where fans or shoppers can happily pose under the neon sign. The woodland theme continues around the cash wrap, where stencil-like trees are perched and more ivy hangs with white fairy lights.
I found the entire visual experience calming, which led me to do some damage to my wallet.
Happy to help
Now, Melissa was not in the building when I had my shopping day, but I’ve been a few times, and each time, she is out. And honestly, that’s okay because the sales associates are out of this world nice and extremely helpful! Give. These. Ladies. A. Raise! Each one made sure to welcome me into the store with a big smile and ask if I needed any help.
When I found some items for a possible Italy trip that caught my eye, they were happy to start a dressing room so my arms wouldn’t get weighed down. But most important, in my opinion, was their honesty.
I came out a few times to show my shopping companions and not once did I feel like I was being upsold. My friend, who came as my trusty sidekick, actually found this gorgeous dress, and the Envy associate was so kind as she described just how good my friend looked in the garment. Kudos to you, ladies.
Envy is size-inclusive
Now, I did have a reservation or two before heading into the shop. Mainly, I was worried that all I would find was small sizes and skimpy resort wear. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Envy is very size-inclusive. I actually did a little happy dance in the dressing room.
The shop had different items to suit all kinds of tastes. Including a few summer clutches, long maxi vacation dresses, and some sexy leather pieces. I could have shopped all day, but alas, my credit card and time were maxed out after about an hour.
But if you are ever in the Ridgewood area, I highly recommend stopping by and trying your luck. You never know; you might just bump into Missy G herself. But if you don’t, I promise you will at least spend a nice afternoon being lifted up by the helpful worker bees and hopefully even find a one-of-a-kind garment that fits you like a glove.
And Melissa, if you ever feel like inviting me back for a proper interview, I’m just a phone call away!
TELL US – WOULD YOU GO AND TAKE A LOOK AT MELISSA GORGA’S ENVY OR GIVE IT A PASS?
