Ma Cherie

The second of its kind - the first is located in Pennington - the store opened Oct. 8 and carries apparel, jewelry and accessories. "It's a really cool, unique ladies' boutique [that carries] quality merchandise at affordable prices, and [we] try very hard to buy everything within the USA," co-owner Cheryl Goldsmith said. Though the store's merchandise is a bit expensive for the college-student demographic, some of the business and semi-formal attire might appeal to those aiming to amp up their appearance for a special occasion.

Goldsmith added that the store is open to ideas and looking to do something special for students. "We'd like to have special events here for the Princeton community," said co-owner Gayle DeAndrea, Goldsmith's sister and business partner.

One of the more eye-catching aspects of the store is its collection of Nahui Ollin handbags. The bags, with their energetic, geometric design, are handmade with recycled candy wrappers, DeAndrea explained. Though the larger totes bordered on overkill, the smaller clutches and purses are just the right mixture of bold and adorable.

Another major feature of Ma Cherie Boutique is its assortment of Chamilia Beads and Troll Beads, which allow customers to custom-make charm bracelets, DeAndrea explained. A customer can select a chain and the beads to put on it. The beads are incredibly beautiful and, in some cases, quite intricate. A fully lined chain of beads averages around $500, DeAndrea said, though often customers opt for pieces with fewer beads, and price varies accordingly. Ma Cherie carries other jewelry as well, ranging from the garish and costume to the more subdued.

DeAndrea added that vendors such as Troll Beads "gave [Ma Cherie Boutique] the exclusivity to sell in the Princeton area" based on the success of their first store.

"We wanted the opportunity to expand. Princeton seemed like the next step for us ... It was one town over," Goldsmith explained. "A lot of people that we already had [as customers] worked in Princeton," she added.

Other designers featured at Ma Cherie Boutique include Ronen Chen, Hobo International and Brighton. The boutique also carries a rack of handmade greeting cards. One with a neatly fashioned motorcycle on the front is particularly memorable.

Both owners said they were honored to become a part of the shops at Nassau and Chambers and the Princeton community as a whole.