Can you believe – after all these weeks – we are still wandering down East Hampton Village’s Main Street? Admiring our reflections in the shop windows and opening doors to new worlds of ideas, objects, things to covet and things to gift. And, of course, things to take home, wear, and enjoy!
Turpan
55 Main Street, East Hampton NY 631-324-2444
It’s that ‘go-to shop’ – especially for moments when you are visiting a friend’s new Hamptons beach house, missed shopping for a special birthday dinner party, or – could it be that you just need a bit of personal shopping therapy? You will find the solution to your shopping dilemma at Turpan. Apothecary products, leather goods, kitchen wares, dining and serving goods. Some stuff wearable, some functional and a smattering of items that are just simply wonders of design. With a small store, items in inventory have to earn the privilege of making the cut and becoming a featured part of your shopping experience. One example might be: a set of precision Japanese drawing pencils that cut a corner almost as well as a Porsche 911!
The Hamptons is a bastion of celebratory openings, and closing acts so swift and clandestine that David Copperfield would applaud. Turpan has a 20-year history in East Hampton, thus surpassing the Hamptons test of time. This is an un-retail experience where everything is touchable – making the act of shopping just about as good as that of taking it all home!
The Interior
55 Main Street, East Hampton NY 631-808-3707
Stephanie Michaan describes the East End and the homes that define living there in one sentence that is as beautiful as her designs: “To me, Hamptons style is all about ease and lightness. The Hamptons are full of so much natural beauty; my favorite spaces are those that embrace the natural elements so you truly feel like you have escaped the city.” The Interior is Stephanie’s curated vision of what defines a home, furniture, art and accessories. The words minimalism and serenity describe what you will find here. Additionally, a cascade of designers from around the world and their products keep everything fresh and original.
Stephanie says, “everyone should have a space of their own that they love.” There is a commitment to design at The Interior, one that is built with a special passion that says you can live in this space all day, every day!
Just a few of the wonderful people that help define ‘The Interior:”
TRACY DIXON CERAMICS
“Classic, simple shapes are timeless and I want each piece I make to be cherished for years to come.”
MINÉ MEDITERRANEAN
“At the heart of Miné is the basic idea of a good life through the appreciation of honest, well-crafted pieces designed to reflect the relaxed yet refined lifestyle of the Mediterranean and its vast, everlasting beauty.“
AUSTIN AUSTIN
“Every bottle is of exquisite quality, a canvas for artwork on the bathroom shelf and priced in a way that our products don’t become too precious to be properly enjoyed every day.”
Vineyard Vines
63 Main Street, East Hampton NY 631-324-7100
Shep and Ian have a story to tell: the short of it all is that they are brothers, co-founders and CEOs of Vineyard Vines. They grew up spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard – with family, friends, fishing and a business that allowed them to buy the best old boat they could find. They were hooked on being on the water and we are all lucky that they swallowed the hook. In 1998 the time spent on the water and love of the good life convinced them to ditch their desk jobs and launch Vineyard Vines. That was just the beginning of the story. The best part is told by sharing the stories of their best friends, family and customers. Honestly, have a look at what the brothers call ‘Real Good People‘ – they are the sincere stories of the fisherman, athletes and beachcombers who love their clothing!
If you’re spending the summer at the beach, Shep & Ian have everything you need in casual beachwear. From the stern of your 60′ Buddy Davis fishing off Montauk, to lunch at the Clam Bar, the brothers have you covered. Just read the stories from their friends ‘Real Good People’ and you may find a fly fishing guide for your next trip. How about a Vineyard Whale Bow Tie, just the thing for dinner at the Palm!
Blue Mercury
67 Main Street, East Hampton NY 631-324-0330
In 1999, the husband and wife team of Marla and Barry Beck decided it was time to disrupt the cosmetic and spa industry. ‘Before Beck’, if we call it that, cosmetics and associated services were not a one-stop shopping experience. Major department stores sold cosmetics, spas did what spas do and there was no one truly interested in what worked best for the client.
Enter Bluemercury and their dedication to the ‘Main Street’ location that made it easy for their clients to shop. Add sales associates, imbued with a philosophy that encourages you to learn from them what works best for you and how to use the products – how your specific skin type should be nurtured. Next, they added top-notch spa services at those convenient Main Street – close to home – locations. Something for everyone was also an objective, and a full line of men’s skincare and shaving essentials were added to the roster.
Then you make a commitment to your clients that you will carry only the very best brands. And you will develop your own brand when you find a need that is not being addressed. You will be advised on the Bluemercury line of M-91 Natural cosmetics, asked to take samples home and decide what works best for you – what makes you smile when you apply it!
Lexington Clothing Co.
73 Main Street, East Hampton NY 631-527-7100
What an appropriate brand for East Hampton Village! Both EH Village and Lexington Clothing trace their roots and style to New England. Lexington designs clothing and home goods to complement the look and quality values of New England. Many of the home designs maintain the style of previous generations, allowing for ease in redecorating a home that already enjoys a touch of Lexington. From your bedroom chamber on a chilly winter night to a summer supper, the home collection at Lexington has you covered.
Men’s and Women’s clothing lines benefit from several refreshes yearly, yet they always say Americana and tell a story befitting their design. Before shopping at a Lexington store please do have a look at the Stories Pages, they represent a most pleasant way to shop. Everything has a tale to tell, just have a seat and listen to the story of Lexington.
So I hope you are enjoying these stories of shopping in East Hampton. Next week I should be able to wrap up the Village and then move a bit farther afield – so much exploring to do!
Who says there is nothing to do in the Hamptons when it rains? You should come check it out for yourself.
Gary