Shop ’Til You Drop: East End Shopping Adventures

After what has truly felt like six months of winter, East Enders were more than ready this past weekend to get out and hit the town. With sunny skies and temperatures nearing 60, I awoke Saturday morning ready to cruise around and scope out the scene. Southampton shoppers, and now East Hamptonites too, will be especially excited to hear that C. Wonder is back with a bang. Haven’t you been? C. Wonder is a prepster’s delight. Bright, bold colors, clean lines and classic styles make up the cheerful shop. Most wonderful of all are the prices; guaranteed to not burn a hole in your wallet! C. Wonder Southampton is at 5 Main Street; and 48 Main Street in East Hampton. cwonder.com.

Good shoppers know part of the strategy is to follow your grandfather’s advice, “don’t spend it all in one place.” You certainly get further; and since we are trekking from Southampton to Amagansett, today I’m all about finding some steals. My next stop is Sandcastle Kids to pick up a little birthday gift for a toddler. This friendly neighborhood kids’ clothing store has adorable outfits for a wide range of ages, sizes and styles. Since Hamptons kids are likely to be running around in the woods and on the beach, why dress them like Little Lord Fauntleroy? You’ll find some cool stuff from Roxy, Mudpie and Good Lad, to name a few. I was tempted to see if a large would fit me. These kids will be stylin’ and parents smiling. Conveniently close to Amazing Parties, Sandcastle Kids is located at 20 Hampton Road, Southampton.

No time for yoga today, as we’re onward to Sag Harbor. Sometimes we’re in such a hurry to find the perfect outfit for work or a party that we forget the fun, and necessity, of lingerie shopping. Which is why today I’m stopping at Dreaming of You Lingerie. Having recently heard through the grapevine that Polkadot, a beautiful line of loungewear and sleepwear, has now partnered with Dreaming of You, I was anxious to pay a visit. In soft cottony fabrics, the collection has perfect pieces for lazy Sunday mornings-–not too sexy to wear out on your deck while you sip coffee and read Dan’s Papers. In fact, mention you read this in Dan’s and enjoy 20% off any regular priced merchandise. Dreaming of You Lingerie. 150 Main St., Sag Harbor. 631-725-1464. Dreamingofyoulingerie.blogspot.com; polkadotusa.com.

Ok, last stop: Amagansett. After fueling up with an amazing cup of coffee at Jack’s Stir Brew, I simply HAD to check out what’s new at Ganeaux. Glad I didn’t spend it all in Southampton, because the Rabens Saloner tie-dye dress I’d be eyeing on Ganeaux’s Facebook page was still there and had my name written all over it. R13’s concert tees are fun too. (Oh my goodness, I could do some damage here.) For summer, they’ve brought in hyper-chouette teeny-bikinis from Eté and Super Sunglasses imported from Italia. Ganeaux, 167 Main Street, Amagansett. ganeaux.com 631-267-7717.

Heading back to the parking lot behind Amagansett Square, I stumbled upon a gem of a shop called Miankoma. The owner, a crafts artist, imports material and items and then makes a lot of her own stuff too. From beaded cuff bracelets, to bangles from India and Mali, to Italian cotton tops, you’re sure to find yourself something fun. With such pleasing prices, pick up a pair of handcrafted earrings for a friend and enjoy the artful wrapping. Miankoma, 8 Amagansett Square Drive. 631-267-3455.

That wraps up my afternoon! Heading home to kick my feet up and enjoy a nice glass of Crémant d’Alsace Rosé!  (P.S. Thank you Crémant d’Alsace Rosé for sending us here at Dan’s Papers two bottles of your delish wines. We found both the Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose and the Pierre Sparr very much to our liking—and a real steal at only $19 per bottle!)