By Danielle Gomes
Did someone say sweater weather? Get ready to cozy up in style, because this fall it’s all about mixing textures. For the inside scoop on this season’s biggest trends, New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine headed to one of South Jersey’s hottest boutiques—Briana Central Square.
“For this fall we will be seeing a lot of leather, silk, sherpa, and cashmere. Bright jewel tone colors and also a lot of neutrals such as tans and winter whites. Denim will also be big this fall, it’s a staple and it’s not going anywhere,” says Briana Giannone, Co-Owner at Briana Central Square.
CASHMERE
“In cashmere, we will be seeing a lot of cardigans, color blocking, and contrast stitching. Also, bright colors and neutrals. Our favorite brands for cashmere include 27 Miles Malibu, 525 America, John + Jenn, and Velvet by Graham & Spencer. We’re also very excited to introduce a new brand this year—Crush Cashmere,” Giannone says.
LEATHER - SILK - SATIN
Contrast is king this fall, from warm and soft to sleek and smooth. “In Fall 2022, we will be seeing a lot of leather, silk, and satin. Including vegan leather and real leather. Leather in deep reds, browns, and of course black. Leather pants, skirts, shorts, and jackets. In silk, we will see blouses, pants, and complete outfits. Our favorite brands for silks and satins are Nation LTD and Cami NYC. For leathers we love Cami NYC, Enza Costa, LNA, and Mother Denim,” Giannone says.
JACKETS
The texture trend extends to jackets. If you really want to up the cozy fall mood, grab a Sherpa jacket. Or better yet, choose a reversible jacket and get two styles in one. However, when it comes to jackets the bottom line is to have fun, because just about anything goes. “This fall we will be seeing sherpa, puffers, vegan leather, and real leather. Soft, warm sherpas and light-colored puffers will be big. Leather jackets in deep reds, browns, and embroidered will be very popular. Our favorite leather jackets are Jakett NY, which is 100% real, machine washable leather. Other brands we carry include; Paige Denim, Mother Denim, Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Cami NYC & Z Supply,” Giannone says.
DENIM
Denim is a wardrobe staple and it’s not going anywhere this fall… thank goodness! Even better, just about anything goes in denim styles. “Denim is our store’s best-selling item. For fall there will be dark and light color denim. In cuts, we will see wide-leg denim, straight-leg denim, coated denim, cropped flares, and long flares. Black denim will be making a comeback for fall as well,” Giannone says.
BRIANA
Briana in Central Square opened its doors in 2018. It’s owned by the mother/daughter duo, Kim Merlino and Briana Giannone. “We have both always had a love of fashion,” Giannone says. Merlino opened the children’s boutique, Kidrageous, in Margate but sold the business when Giannone was born. “Growing up, I wore the best outfits. As I got older, my mom and I loved to shop together,” Giannone says. There was one particular small boutique in Linwood that was their favorite. When those store owners decided to retire, Giannone and Merlino jumped at the opportunity to open their own store. “It was the perfect location. I had always dreamt of opening my own store and there was no one better to do it with than my mom. It was simply meant to be!” Giannone says. Four years later and going strong, Merlino and Giannone love every bit of it!
Located at 199 New Road, Suite 26 in Linwood. For more information call 609-788-0575 or go to ShopBrianaOnline.com
