Shop 'Til You Drop In The Hamptons: Taking It Slow During the Busy Season

In many fields of business, so I’m told, you have what’s known as a slow season. Ideally, this would be the time of year when things aren’t quite as busy and you can organize files and take leisurely lunches. In seven years in the frenzied NYC, this never happened. Each year, the fabled “summer Friday” seemed to fall by the wayside. Here on the East End, just at the moment when it seems natural to kick your shoes off and walk in the sand, it’s time to get cranking. Still, a girl’s gotta enjoy herself! These warm months go by all too fast, so try to indulge a little here and there. Step one: shop. Step two: drop (on a beach blanket)!

Ever been to The Beach Boutique and Spa in Montauk? Right next to Ben & Jerry’s, thank you very much, in Montauk Harbor, this boutique and spa offers facials, waxing and body treatments. From the mani-pedi chairs you have a beautiful view of the harbor. Best of all, the boutique carries Alison Lane’s new line of Beach skincare products. A Montauk resident, Alison whipped up an array of soothing and smoothing bath and body products deliciously scented essential oil combinations. My personal favorite is the Citrus Almond Whipped Body Butter. Light and airy but unbelievably moisturizing, it’s perfect for knees and elbows. The Bulgarian Rose and Lime Cream Cleanser, for normal to dry skin, is also delightfully light yet effective. I’m also a big fan of the Bulgarian Rose and Lime Anti-Aging Eye Cream. The rose and lime pair well together—uplifting and relaxing at the same time, just what these tired eyes need! If you’re interested in a specific or custom-made product, contact Alison Lane at alisonlane44@gmail.com. Beach Boutique and Spa, 478 Westlake Drive, Montauk. 631-668-8047
thebeachboutiqueandspa.com

Feeling beachy yet? You will after stopping at Neoteric Fine Art in Amagansett. On view through May 22, is an exhibition entitled #COLDWATERSURFERSERIES, an astonishing portfolio of images takes by surfer, photographer and lifelong native of Montauk, James Katsipis. In a range of sizes and prices, any one of these photographs would make for a visually stunning addition to your home. A giant, turquoise wave for the living room or an arrangement of four smaller black-and-white photographs for the office, and you’ll be dreaming of waves in no time.
208 Main Street, Amagansett. Can’t make it there before the 22nd? Call owner Scott Bluedorn or check online: 631-838-7518, Neotericfineart.com

Still needing a little pick up, or perhaps some POP? Check out the Roy Lichtenstein-inspired home collection at Barney’s New York. Under the director of Dorothy Lichtenstein and the Lichtenstein Foundation, the luxury retailer is now offering limited edition pieces that will benefit the Art Production Fund. Beach towels, bags, pool floats, paper cups and plates, place mats and china are all based on iconic images from Lichtenstein’s Baked Potato, Drawing for a Kiss, and Ice Cream Soda. This is a one-time only collection, so head over to Madison Avenue (or go online to barneys.com/Lichtenstein) for your Kiss IV, 1963 Beach Bag!

New Kid:

East Hampton artist/curator Karyn Mannix has a new home for her gallery this summer. With an emphasis on local artists, Karyn Mannix Contemporary will be located at the Hampton Hang Gallery.
688 Montauk Highway (behind Suki Zuki), Water Mill. 516-318-0000 karynmannixcontemporary.com