Aubergine, a women’s boutique located at Hartfield Village Center in Middlesex County, held its grand opening this past Saturday.

Owner Sandy D’Antonio of Wake, who has worked in retail for many years but has never owned a store before, said she is excited to have "loved fashion for years" and now can order and stock products not often seen in this region.

Aubergine is the French word for eggplant, D’Antonio said, and seemed like a fitting name for her store since purple, eggplant’s exterior color, is her favorite color. The shop stocks clothing and accessories from American designers.

D’Antonio said she has filled her store with casual wear as well as dresses to wear for a night out. There are piles of jeans, lots of trendy tops, sweaters, accessories and jewelry.

Previously, D’Antonio worked in the retail field for more than 15 years, having worked both in large stores and boutiques. Later, she returned to school for a teaching ...