I've admired the work of Berkeley-based Cari Borja for a while now - the signature ruffles, the dramatic gowns, the Victorian charm - I love all of it. But I never got the chance to speak with her - until last Saturday when she had the grand opening of her studio in west Berkeley.

I thought I was running late for the event, but when I got to the gated studio, I was either extremely late or I had the date wrong because no one was there. When I walked towards Studio B of 2117 4th Street, a lady asked, "Can I help you?"

"I'm here for the Cari Borja opening," I said.

"Oh that's me!" she smiled.

Cari (pronounced CAH-REE) said that when she slates a time like 7 p.m., she expects all her guests to be there at 8 p.m. to prevent people from coming TOO late.

I felt weird because like the deadline oriented journalist I am, I was there on time - but this was good. I got to chat with her and take a look at her space without a crowd.

As I looked around, it resembled more of a workspace rather than a boutique, but this is what made her new shop unique. It felt as if I was in the house of a friend who sews really well. It was very down-to-earth and relatable. It wasn't like some snooty store. It was like a "made-to-order" boutique. I liked it.

While she hastily tried to set things up, we chatted a bit about how her new spring collection will be shown on Nov. 3, her children's clothing line "Baby Royal" and a bit about SF Fashion Week.

"I have to hide the pieces from my Spring 2008 collection," she said as she took a handful of garments and stowed them away. "I can't have anyone seeing that yet!"

She stepped out to get changed for the evening and I admired her mood boards and the wall of ruffled beanies. I tried one of them on and even though it was a little too big, I would definitely rock one of them:

I really liked how everything is out in the open. It's like knowing exactly where the product came from - it brings a sort of personal pizazz to the whole shopping experience:

As I continued to take pictures, the patrons started trickling in and browsing the racks upon racks of collections from seasons past:

And I loved the little dressing room area:

When Cari came out, I asked, "Can't I just have a small sneak peek of your Spring collection."

"This is a part of my new collection," she says as she posed for me:

She was referring to the coat - which I loved. But I also loved that necklace and those fierce boots!

So now that the doors of her new studio is open, I would suggest poppin' your head in to see what she has to offer!