When it comes to new stores, fashion is at the forefront in the Hamptons this season with fresh, new brands laying down roots and opening up trendy boutiques – these year-rounders rather than seasonal pop-ups – throughout the East End. According to realtor Hal Zwick, director of the Compass commercial real estate division, “It was a really aggressive retail year with actual bidding wars and an unusual number of openings.” Zwick calls the newcomers an “eclectic mix,” but, that said, style plays a starring role across the board.
There’s plenty more to come, but for now, have a look at a few new “shoppertunities”:
Veronica Beard
66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton
Veronica Beard opens its second Hamptons’ store in East Hampton this summer. Credit: Veronica Beard
Sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard (a Long Islander) have opened this swanky, year-round boutique (their second in the Hamptons; their Southampton store opened in 2021) stocked full of the brand’s wearable, versatile and elegant classics. This is power dressing without a whiff of cliché. In fact, the “Veronicas” say their collections are for “women who make it happen.” Find everything from the crisp tanks and tees (starting at $128) to charming straw “market totes” ($398) to the cult classic “Dickey Jacket” ($695). Along with these, discover outerwear, dresses, jeans, skirts and footwear within the fashionable assortment.
The 1,088-square-foot space is luxurious but not intimidating, boasting a country coastal vibe with its eclectic mix of vintage pieces and polished brass finishes, floral textiles, custom jute and rag rugs along with an antique farmhouse oak trestle table to anchor the front room.
More info: 631-463-0175, Veronicabeard.com
Sail to Sable Cabana
77 Main St., Unit D, Westhampton Beach
Noel Hopkins, of Westhampton Beach, owner of Sail to Sable Cabana in Westhampton Beach, helps customer Regina Keckeisen, 64, of Southampton. Credit: Rick Kopstein
At a mere 500-square-feet, this whimsical women’s lifestyle brand packs a fashionable wallop in its new location. “We are small but mighty,” says store operations manager Noel Hopkins, adding that the store sells, “classics with a twist.” Here find notable brands – Derek Lam, Shoshanna, Farm Rio, Hale Bob among them – along with the store’s “elevated coastal inspired” private label and an assortment that includes, “dresses you could wear to a wedding or clothes you can wear to the beach,” says Hopkins.
Rick Lerner, of Westhampton Beach, helps his wife, Debbie Lerner, with her shopping at Sail to Sable Cabana in Westhampton Beach. Credit: Rick Kopstein
The space is laden with color including a sky-blue striped ceiling that conjures a beach cabana along with the merchandise that is joyful and bright. In addition to dresses there are tunics and coverups, nautical sweaters and plenty of accessories including lovely jewelry by Jane Win and some great gifts such as custom tote bags, candles, frames and trinket trays. Prices go from $38 for a small cosmetic travel bag to $478 for a very intricately embroidered dress. Private personal styling appointments are offered here and there are plans to partner with local charities for “sip and shop” in-store events. More info: 631-998-0356, sailtosable.com
Southern Tide
127 Main St., Sag Harbor
It’s a win for the guys at Southern Tide in Sag Harbor where the inventory is 70% menswear. Credit: Southern Tide
It’s a win for the guys at this 1500-square-foot boutique where the inventory is 70% menswear, 30% women along with a smattering of stuff for boys. Owned by Oxford Industries (subsidiaries include Tommy Bahama and Lily Pulitzer) this lifestyle brand is preppy-meets-performance boasting “classic comfort for life by the coast.”
For men, find the Charleston blazer, a perfect, packable summer jacket that can go to work (sans wrinkles) or a dressy Hamptons bash ($295), eco-friendly polos in some vibrant colors ($88) and the brand’s “brrr-die”shorts, ($108) — a fan favorite with built-in trademarked cooling technology that includes natural cooling minerals and moisture wicking for quick drying.
In the women’s mix: versatile dresses (most under $200); swimwear and coverups ($58-$148) and other sporty looks such as shorts, tops and jackets. The brand has its own line of fragrances (Blue for men, Coral for women) full-sized $80, travel $20 and beach totes and hats. The brand brings a bit of “southern values and love of the coast” to Sag Harbor, says Southern Tide CEO, Carey Ann Campbell.
More info: 631-296-6002, Southerntide.com
ME + EM
7 Newtown Lane, East Hampton
Me + Em has opened in East Hampton. Credit: ME+EM
Me + Em, the fashion label from across the pond finds a new home near Georgica Pond this summer. The stylish London-based women’s brand already has a loyal fan base including members of the British Royal Family, Margot Robbie, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren, to name a few.
Locals will soon get hands on the merchandise – chic, feminine and often easy-to-wear–at the 600-square-foot space punctuated by a bespoke English oak table which may be used for soirees throughout the season. The brand’s dresses are known for their interesting fabrications and silhouettes, some in luscious hues and graphic patterns.
On the flip side, find crisp linen suiting in soft neutrals, along with coverups, shoes, bags and hats. And, this month, the brand will debut its first swimwear collection. Prices go from about $125 for a top to dresses in the $325 range to $1,020 for a linen blazer and pant set.
Added bonus to all the fashion fun? Dogs are welcome at the store and provided with water served in bespoke ceramic dishes and encouraged to relax in dog beds from Mungo and Maud, London-based dog outfitters.
More info: 631-574-3893, Meandem.com