TWIS asks: Big-city style with Elizabeth Murray

Elizabeth Murray is the buyer and co-owner of INfluence and INfluence Men. In 2009, she and her sister Samantha Beebe opened the doors to INfluence, a fashionable women's boutique on St. Armands Circle. A true fashionista, Liz has an easy, laid-back style with some serious edge. Customers trust her style instincts and look to her for outfit inspiration. I got to sit down with Liz after a recent women's buying trip to New York to discuss fashion, the stores and upcoming trends.

How did you get your start in the retail and fashion industry?

I’ve been in the retail industry for 10 years. I got a degree in fashion merchandising and took internships in Los Angeles with a stylist and a fashion PR firm. I’ve always been really into fashion and putting together outfits. I knew I wanted to open a boutique of my own someday.

How did INfluence come to fruition? 

I wanted to move to Sarasota when I was in LA. My sister and I did a lot of market research, and we felt that there was an open market here, compared to Michigan. Sam moved down, and we opened the women's boutique in 2009 and the mens' store in 2012.

Describe your personal style.

I love pairing classic styles with trendy items and mixing high-end pieces with more affordable ones. I’m wearing a Topshop shirt, JBrand chino pants with Rag and Bone moto boots now.

What three words would you use to best describe your style?

Trendy, edgy and sophisticated.

Tell me about your recent buying trip to New York.

Fashion buyers purchase clothing about five months in advance. This was the first buying trip of the year, which was for summer and will transition to fall. It’s always really exciting to see new designers and preview the upcoming clothing and accessory lines.

I usually see about four showrooms and average 10 designers a day. Now that we have a women’s and a men’s store, I go on about five buying trips a year to cities like New York, Las Vegas and Miami.

How do you decide what pieces to buy for the store?

When purchasing for the women's and men's stores, I look at what’s on trend and the buying patterns of previous seasons. For example, in the summer season, I tend to buy more for comfort because of the warm weather. We’re in our fifth year, so we have gotten to know what our customers like and the styles they’re attracted to. We want everyone to be comfortable in the clothing we have in our stores. If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it.

What trends can we expect to see this spring?

Fit-and-flare dresses and faux leather will still be popular. I also saw a lot of crop tops, silk shorts, girly skirts, pops of pink (all shades), lightweight jackets and stripes.

Show me your three favorite pieces in the store right now. 

Right now, I'm loving these JBrand skinny jeans, this Nightcap lace dress and these Gypsy 05 silk pants.

What are some of your favorite brands?

Torn by Ronny Kobo, Parker, Rag and Bone, Wildfox, LNA, T by Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant (last two brands not sold at INfluence).