For female students living in Champaign, it can be difficult to get new, cute clothes — especially if they don’t have a car readily available. If they can’t leave campus and are itching for a new top to wear out to The Red Lion this upcoming weekend, Urban Outfitters is one of their only options. But Champaign resident Anna Anderson is changing the shopping game at the University with her traveling boutique, Fira.

After dreaming of opening a storefront of her own, Anderson created Fira in January 2012. Fira is based out of Champaign, and specializes in home and sorority events. Although Anderson wants to open a store on campus within the next year, the traveling aspect of the boutique, which was cost-effective, allowed her to start the business. She has hosted events ever since.

As a former sorority girl herself, Anderson knew that bringing clothing to the living rooms of sororities on campus would make her business blossom.

“I remember in college participating in sorority sisterhood events,” Anderson said. “I thought this would be a fun event that girls would enjoy while hanging out with their sorority sisters at the same time.”

Thus far, Fira has made stops at Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Kappa, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Epsilon Phi and Pi Beta Phi. Anderson also does sorority events at Eastern Illinois University.

She explained that the business has been a success overall and, specifically, Moms Weekend was a busy time for Fira.

In terms of inspiration, Anderson is constantly searching for new trends. By following fashion blogs online, she is able to keep herself up-to-date on what’s popular and on what will sell when hosting the events. Anderson references blogs such as “Cupcakes and Cashmere,” “Kendi Everyday” and “Bows & Sequins.”

Anderson explained the style of Fira clothing as “pretty trendy,” but some classic pieces and basics, such as plaid flannel shirts and solid-color blazers, are still offered.

“Bohemian style is represented, and then there’s more sophisticated stuff,” Anderson said. “It caters to everyone, and girls are able to at least find a piece that they love.”

According to Eleni Murphy, sophomore in LAS, Fira has come to her sorority multiple times. Murphy, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, explained that bringing Fira to her chapter was a good opportunity to promote a sisterhood event.

“Girls from every pledge class came, which was cool because sometimes only girls living-in will participate in events,” Murphy said. “A ton of people went and a ton of people bought stuff.”

Murphy also explained that the prices are manageable, ranging from around $30-$50, and because the clothing is unique, there’s a slim chance someone else on campus will be wearing the same thing.

Anna Whelan, freshman in Engineering, said Fira visited her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, for the first time on Monday. Whelan said the chapter wanted to try something new, and members also saw the Fira visit as an opportunity to spark some ideas for formal recruitment outfits for the fall.

In the future, Whelan thinks Pi Beta Phi will continue business with Fira, especially because of how convenient it is to shop with the boutique because it travels to its customers.

“It’s just so nice to have it brought to you instead of having to go search through a bunch of different stores,” Whelan said. “It’s an easier way to shop.”

Taylor can be reached at [email protected].