Shop 'til You Drop: Retail Therapy in Riverhead

With back to school and back to work there’s no better time for a trip to Riverhead. This time of year is great for going through your closet and getting a real idea of what you have plenty of and what’s missing. After a thorough inventory, I narrowed it down to a few fall essentials: low boots (for stopping around the pumpkin farms, of course), new bedding (since it’s getting colder and since I’m sick of the old stuff), and new pajamas.

First stop: DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The DSW in Riverhead is one of my favorites. It didn’t take long to find a pair of boots at an unbeatable price. The White Mountain Frontier bootie will be perfect with black opaque tights and skirts, an easy fall-to-winter uniform. Are your running shoes on their last thread? DSW also carries women’s and men’s Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Asics. You won’t believe the range of hot designer shoes, too, from Bally to Giuseppe Zanotti, from killer heels to pretty flats. DSW is located at 1500 Old Country Road, Riverhead. Call 631-830-4568 or go online to dsw.com.

Next stop: Tanger Outlets! I almost lost track of time in Pottery Barn, oohing and ahhing over all those cups, saucers, picture frames and furniture, but managed to somehow get myself back on track and make it over to the bedding section where I found a beautiful set of soft, natural cotton sheets and an extra comfy comforter. If you like Pottery Barn, be sure to check out their store in Southampton, too, at the corner of Main Street and Hampton Road. Visit potterybarn.com.

Now for the PJ’s! Anyone who’s spent a winter on the East End would know that slinky shorts and lacey tops don’t cut it for evening movie/TV-watching loungewear. Read: it’s cold, damp and all the hot tea in the world won’t warm you up as well as the right clothes. Luckily, there’s Victoria’s Secret pajamas, so you don’t have to sacrifice cuteness. I love my Fireside Long Janes in grey and white leopard print! Take a peek at victoriasecret.com.

Don’t forget to check out Saks Fifth OFF 5th, H&M and J.Crew Factory for all your back to work/back to school needs. Tanger is located at 200 Tanger Mall Drive in Riverhead. For hours, store directory and coupons, visit tangeroutlets.com.

With everything checked off my list, I’m going to need some R&R. Downtown Riverhead’s newest establishment, Vines & Hops Cafe and Tavern will host a Grand Opening on Sunday, September 22. The cafe, which will serve wine, beer, coffee, small plate food and desserts—with an emphasis on “local.” of course—oozes comfort. The perfect place for some serious girl talk after a marathon shopping day. The cafe is located at 127 East Main Street, Riverhead.

Special Event:

ChickenKidz, the Children’s Consignment Event of the East End will take place September 21, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and September 22 (50% off day) 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Volunteers and consignors will be able to attend a special presale on the September 20. This is a place where savvy parents can sell their outgrown, new and gently used quality children’s items, from clothes and toys to strollers and nursery furniture. Stop by on your way back from the outlets! Riverhead Polish Hall, 214 Marcy Avenue, Riverhead. For details and info on how to be a volunteer, visit chickenkidz.com.

Flying Point Surf & Sport is offering $200 off any paddle board plus a free paddle, 50% off all men’s, women’s and children’s shorts, major knockdowns on all women’s swimwear, sandals, 15% off all Skullcandy headphones, $75 off surfboards, 15 to 30% off all sunglasses and so much more! Flying Point Surf & Sport, 79 Main Street Southampton, 631-353-3168; Flying Point Premium Surf, 2400 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631-237-1350; FP in the Harbor, 36 Main Street, Sag Harbor, 631-899-4511. flyingpointsurf.com.