Start the Semester in Style with Alegre Westport

Even though summer isn't over yet, it's time to start thinking about how to start the fall semester in style!

Alegre, one of the new women's clothing stores in downtown Westport, regularly receives new merchandise that is perfect for going to class during the week, relaxing in the dorm, or heading out on weekends.

The store will be offering an exclusive 20% off discount to college students starting on Monday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 14. Students must present a valid college ID in order to redeem the discount.

Take a look at some of the hottest essentials to wear on campus...

Alegre is located on 180 Post Road East in Westport, CT on the corner of Bay Street and Post Road East. Learn more about Alegre by following the store on Facebook, Instagram or signing up for their email newsletter. 

Find of the Week | 39

Chokers are not as scary as you think they are. 

Once upon a time in the 1990s, I had a harmless purple, jelly plastic choker from Limited Too that I got in a birthday party favor bag. It was one of the first pieces of jewelry I wore on a regular basis.

Fast forward from elementary school to post-college life—chokers have reappeared in my life in black lace, cognac suede, with charms, without charms...

They've definitely evolved into a much sexier accessory than purple jelly plastic. 

Chokers do not necessarily need to be exclusively worn after-hours—keep it casual with a t-shirt dress or a flannel button-down with shorts.

Love the chokers and the clothes in this post? Check out Alegre in downtown Westport!

Find of the Week | 38

My friends texted me on Friday afternoon to let me know we were going out in Stamford. 

Naturally, this meant that I needed a new top from work. 

I ended up choosing the Suzette cage front bandeau in cobalt blue.The nice thing about being petite is that a "layering piece" that would normally be way too cropped on an average height girl can suffice for a smaller frame. 

The bandeau looks purple in the photo, but it's cobalt blue

I wore the bandeau again, but as a layering piece with my red and white plaid flannel shirt that I also bought from Alegre. Definitely a fun way to update the classic flannel for summer!

Find of the Week | 36

I constantly shop at work.

This comes as no surprise, considering I work at a boutique with merchandise that's both adorable and reasonably priced in the middle of Westport. 

I bought a few things before I ran to Newport...

While I was in Rhode Island, I stopped by Crosswynds Traders in Narragansett. Not only did I pick up two much-needed shirts for my boyfriend—you don't even know—I also found this adorable crochet crop top for $10...

Cheers to wardrobe building!

Find of the Week | 35

When you work in retail, it's hard to resist the urge to buy everything in the store.

I bought this BLANK NYC jacket at Alegre in Westport and it's my go-to since the spring weather has been absolutely unpredictable. We also have the jacket in black, which will probably be my next purchase...

Alegre Makes Shopping Easy for the Trendy Girl on a Budget

Check out downtown Westport's latest addition to its shopping district

Alegre is a new women's boutique in Westport, CT for the trendy, chic, smart shopper!

There has been a lot of comings and goings in Westport over the past year—Wishlist, Blue Lemon and Post 54 have closed while Lester's and new boutiques, including Alegre, have opened. 

It's easy for me to be biased—I work there—but several things set Alegre apart from the rest...

Guilt-free shopping

Let's be honest—most of the stores in Westport are expensive, especially if you're trying to shop for a tween or teenager. In high school, my friends and I went to Westport to shop, but we wouldn't be able to really buy anything without coming back with our moms. Alegre's price points are super affordable and, unlike some stores, don't elicit guilt for buying one t-shirt.

New-new nearly everyday 

Alegre gets new merchandise every other day—if you come in twice a week, chances are you'll find several new things. 

Mother-daughter shopping

Sure, Alegre is definitely for the trendy "girl" on a budget, but there are plenty of clothes that fashionable women can wear, too. My mom has already come to the store a few times and bought jeans.

The layout is open

If you walk down the main strip of shops in Westport, they're crammed together and can feel a bit claustrophobic during sales. Alegre is located on the corner of Post Road and Bay Street—the same plaza as Steven Mancini Salon—and has a beautiful, open space that's easy for shopping, not to mention...

There's parking on Bay Street and behind the building

No need to circle the Starbucks or library parking lots for ages.

After moving from Newport last fall and job hunting in New York City this winter, I'm happy to say that I've joined Alegre as an assistant manager. I wasn't sure if moving back to Connecticut from Rhode Island was the right decision, but since the store has opened, this is probably the most stable I've felt career-wise since last summer. 

... Having bartaco down the road doesn't hurt the situation, either.

Be sure to follow Alegre's Instagram and Facebook to get the latest on new arrivals and updates!