Dozens of fans lined up alongNew York Avenue in Huntington Sunday for the grand opening of Envy, a fashion boutique owned by “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Melissa Gorga. Many dressed up in sequins and pink sparkles, and greeted Gorga with lively applause and cheers.
Among the first in linewere fans who set out in the early morning hours, while some traveled all the way from Albany to meet Gorga.
“I’m a huge 'Housewives' fan,” says Jackie Walsh, 41, of Ronkonkoma, who arrived at 7:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. opening. She made a shirt for the event, shouting out Gorga's husband by using sparkly pink letters to spell out, “I Love Joe Gorga.” She once traveled to New Jersey to see his comedy show, and also attended BravoCon at the Javits Center — so the half-hour drive wasn't so bad.
Kathy Steiger, 48, brought her 17-year-old daughter, Tara, to the grand opening, leaving their Oceanside home at 4:30 a.m. to secure a good spot in line. They brought a beach chair and blanket to stay comfortable in the chilly weather, as they settled in for several hours before the store opened.
Gorga was all smiles arriving to her boutique, which featured racks of both bright, summery clothing and neutrals for colder weather. Fans were let inside after Gorga gave a pep talk to her employees.
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“I’m so excited,” Gorga,44, says before the doors open. “I've always said I wanted a store on Long Island. Always, always, always, So I'm so grateful right now and the energy outside is awesome.” She hugged, took photos and chatted with fans while they shopped, as the line outside only grew.
The boutique opening was rescheduled from Saturdaydue to heavy rain. The sun was shining on Sunday, despite being a bit chilly. “I felt bad that it's cold outside, but they're waiting with blankets at 6 in the morning,” Gorga says. “I feel like crying, but I'm not going to! I'm very happy.”
FINDING FASHIONS
Gorga describes hernew 1,200-square-foot digsas, “Very chic, white and fresh,” with merchandise that’s “classy with a pinch of sexy.”
That description is a good match for Gorga’s own style icons, which run the gamut from Blake Lively to Jennifer Lopez. “They both dress impeccably,” she says.
The easy-on-the-wallet inventory includes trendy women's accessories, dresses and swimwear.
Amanda Friet, 25, who traveled from Albany for the opening, purchased a cropped sweatshirt. Getting a chance to chat with Gorga was “amazing,” she says: “I'm like shaking right now.” Jennifer Pititto, 45, of Deer Park, bought some T-shirts for her daughters. She says Gorga is “so sweet.”
Still, the reality star predicts that jeans she’s stocked will be swoon-worthy. “There are so many amazing jeans. Everyone will be able to find a great pair of jeans to bring home with them. We have beautiful spring dresses and the Envy gear.” Her Envy-branded line of casual hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants and more,“is a fan favorite.”
What drew Gorga into the fashion business? “I’ve always loved fashion,” she explains. “I’ve always had an eye for it, and it’s fun for me. So, when I first got on 'Housewives,'people would ask me all the time where I got my dress, where I got my outfit, so I thought I should open my own store rather than sending people to other boutiques. That’s the mantra behind it all.”
And while Gorga appears to make looking stylish effortless, she’s looking forward to helping her customers get into the act as well. “It gives me such happiness when someone’s in here and they put something on and they feel so good and looks so good in the outfit they leave here in. That’s my happy place.”
As for her fellow New Jerseyite Snookirecently opening a shop in Huntington as well, Gorga is supportive. “Good for her,” she says. “I think it’s funny that we both picked the same town. Obviously our style's a little different and it might be a different shopper. But I’m happy for her and I think she’s great and I know she’s going to kill it here too. The Jersey girls are coming to Huntington!”
Envy by Melissa Gorga, 389A New York Ave., Huntington;631-602-7133
By Anne Bratskeir and Rachel Weiss
