Hamptons Shopping: Out With the Old, in With the New

I don’t know about you, but I’m still in revamping mode. It was a long winter for us on the East End, so it seems only natural that adjusting and preparing for warmer weather would take some time. Spring cleaning, once something I did over a couple weekends, has somehow extended from the beginning of March until now! I’m not just talking about mowing the lawn and taking out a bottle of Windex. I’m deleting emails, unsubscribing from The Bowery Presents (sorry guys) and Ticketmaster (not sorry) and ruthlessly tossing any less-than-perfect nail polish into the wastebasket (see ya, Sallie). I’m even sorting through that Netflix queue of movies I’ll never actually watch. Goodbye, Russia’s Toughest Prisons, and Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead—I’m pretty sure I get the point. It’s out with the old, in with the new in all areas.

Just this past Saturday, The Retreat, an amazing non-profit organization based in East Hampton that helps victims of domestic violence, opened a new thrift shop in Port Jefferson. Situated right in Chandler Square across from the ice cream parlor, the new boutique will be a lot like the Bridgehampton flagship location, with great finds in apparel, porcelain, jewelry and more. The Retreat Boutique will help The Retreat not only reach more victims in the Port Jefferson area, but will also bring in the additional funds needed to support their expanding services, like the crisis hotline, counseling, legal help and shelter. Right now they’re open from Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-–5 p.m., but will probably be staying open longer in summer. I plan to bring in some of my gently-worn dresses and pick up a set of porcelain tea cups on my way out. In Bridgehampton, they’re located at 352 Montauk Highway, 631-537-3834. Short on time? You can shop online at theretreatboutique.org.

More exciting news in online shopping— Hampton Sun has been asked by NET-A-PORTER to partner with their luxury online shopping site as part of their new beauty division.

Beginning April 17, you’ll be able to stock up on your favorite products and more. A year-round favorite is the SPF 15 Super Hydrating Daily Face Cream. It’s an oil-free, fragrance-free daily moisturizer with protective zinc oxide and loads of natural soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile and cucumber. It’s important to get new lotions and potions every now and then, even if there’s still more in the bottle, since they expire. hamptonsuncare.com; net-a-porter.com

Even accessories need a little refreshing this time of year. Nothing says Hamptons summer quite like Tamara Comolli jewelry. Her signature pendant, young and sporty, would make the perfect gift for some lucky recent college or high-school grad. My favorite is the Lace Ring with diamonds. Tear-shaped yellow gold and encircled diamonds make up the “lace” of this beautiful ring. It’s large enough to make a statement, but still soft and elegant. Definitely check out the Roulette bracelets, in yellow gold, Leather Loop bracelets with silver and gold charms, and the Ocean Jasper Nuggets, which are playful, colorful and would pair well with all your summer whites. Oh, and don’t forget the turquoise, which Comolli does a beautiful job with in bracelets and more. 27 Main Street, Southampton. 631-283-7600 tamaracomolli.com

New Kid on the Block:

360 East at Montauk Downs has opened as the East End’s newest wedding and catering establishment. Hosts may select a variety of elegant menu options created by Lessing’s Hospitality Group’s award-winning Chef Guy Reuge. The view at 360 East is breathtaking. Windows all around the reception room expose magnificent waterfront views of Montauk, while overlooking an 18-hole golf course. For pictures, pricing information and more, visit their website or go see it for yourself! 50 South Fairview Ave., Montauk. 631-483-5025
360eastmontaukdowns.com