If you've ever wanted a more relaxing, unique, and travel-inspired shopping experience, look no further than West Monroe's clothing and accessories boutique, The Nude Nomad.

The Nude Nomad is a darling and exotic boutique right in the heart of Antique Alley that opened up earlier this fall. I may be a little biased as my boss's daughter is an owner of the shop, but from a consumer perspective, I think The Nude Nomad stands out among the rest because it's not your average boutique.

Ran by mother-daughter duo Elizabeth and Madison Guerriero, the pair work as a team to bring the Twin Cities a stress-free shopping environment. When I usually think of boutiques, thoughts that come to my mind are, "over priced," "nothing in this store will fit someone who's a size 14," "the ladies in this store are 'fake-nice' and act like it's a burden when I ask for assistance," and "everything in here looks the same and it's just like other items I've spotted in other local boutiques."

The Nude Nomad defies everything I've ever associated with boutiques.

My first shopping trip to the boutique was almost dream-like; I've never really gone into a store and immediately been asked about what styles I like, had outfits and accessories picked out for me to try on, and had comfort, acceptance, and understanding that since I have a curvier figure, I can't wear just any top or any dress. The ladies at this establishment truly seek to please the customers and let you act as their barbie doll.

I sat down with 24-year-old, Monroe native Madison Guerriero, to ask her a few questions about the store, her outlook on fashion and the shopping experience in general, and about her inspirations:

Q1: What inspired you to open up the shop?

MG (Madison Guerriero): I've always been interested in fashion and travel. After living in Los Angeles and moving back home to Monroe, I immediately missed all of the hole in the wall boutiques with unique finds. I wanted to bring a piece of that back to my hometown area.

Q2: Has this always been a dream of yours?

MG: Yes, I always knew I'd end up in fashion, I just was not sure what avenue I would pursue, whether it was becoming a personal stylist, fashion designer or boutique owner. As a little girl, I was always sketching my own fashion designs and noticed that they were ahead of the trends, because similar designs would come in style a few seasons later. I've always had a knack for finding the diamond in the rough and bargain shopping. When I was 13 years old, I was shopping in a high-end thrift store in Los Angeles (I know - who would have thought that even existed) and a model stopped me and asked if she could try on what I picked out. She fell in love with everything and asked my mom if she could fly us out to New York where she lived to be her fashion stylist. After that random encounter, I knew I wanted to pursue fashion. I finished high school, graduated in Digital Advertising from LSU, moved off to Los Angeles, and eventually moved back home to Monroe. Now, I have merged my passion for marketing, fashion and travel into one career and I could not be any happier.

Q3: What are some customer favorites?

MG: Everyone has gravitated toward our most unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. I found a designer in Los Angeles that takes vintage flannels and hand dyes them. No two are the same. They have been extremely popular, because they are so comfortable and unique. Another customer favorite is our handmade jewelry from Haiti, Indonesia, Chicago, Texas, Louisiana, and other places around the world, which start as low as $16.

Q4: Who are your personal fashion icons and have you drawn influence from them when picking out what goes into the stores?

MG: If I had to pick one, it'd be Gigi Hadid. I've always believed that confidence is the best accessory, and she radiates confidence and is such a positive role model. Whether she is out shopping or on the red carpet, she never fails to look on point with her chic, effortless style.

As far as a businessperson I look up to in the fashion industry, Nasty Gal's Sophia Amoruso (author of best-selling book and accompanying website, Girl Boss) has always inspired me. Who doesn't love a woman that supports other women?! She isn't afraid to be herself and has branded her company with an edgy name, inventory and marketing. She truly encapsulates everything that it means to be a Girl Boss.

Another big inspiration for me was my friends. I have a diverse group of friends, each with very different styles. So, I made sure that The Nude Nomad caters to all of those styles, including the boho babe, the working woman, the girly gal, and the casual chick.

Q5: What's a goal you have for the store for the next 5 years? What's something you wanna see happen?

MG: Expansion. Depending on where I am in five years, I hope to expand the sections we offer or open a second location. If everything goes as planned, I'd ideally like to have true plus size section and a men's section.

Pieces that friends, my family, myself, and other customers rave about:

Vintage Jewelry!

High fashion shoes for great prices!

My personal picks...

Maroon and other great choices for ULM game days!

I'm telling you, this is THE one-stop shop for all things fashion and variety while actually enjoying yourself as you browse around. And speaking of browsing, it's definitely not too late to come in for last-minute Christmas gifts, an outfit for any Christmas festivities going on this week, or a New Year's Eve look. You'll be sure to easily find something for most all ages and sizes alike, as soon as you walk through the door!

Here's my absolute FAVORITE Christmas piece they have on the floor now:

" We are a clothing and accessories boutique that believes that confidence is the best accessory. The Nude Nomad is a phrase we have created to describe a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and likes to be adventurous with her style by staying on top of trends with looks from around the world. "

(cited via the Nude Nomad Facebook page)

I encourage you all to begin your fashion adventure and check out the Nude Nomad soon in Downtown West Monroe Antique Alley (222 Trenton St.) from 10 am - 6 pm, and even follow them on their various social media platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenudenomad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNudeNomad/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thenudenomad

and on Snapchat "thenudenomad"!