Temperatures outside are slowly beginning to rise, and I have easy breezy summer dresses on my mind. This Shop Local column is your source for my favorite North and South Fork finds. As a resident of East Hampton, I am proud that many local businesses are giving back to charities; highlighting their contributions is something I am especially excited about. For now, enjoy these warm weather styles . . . and stay tuned for Father’s Day!
WYLD BLUE
About: At Wyld Blue you’ll find a little something for everyone. From home décor to vintage handbags, and even adorable children’s clothing.
Supporting Women: Ninety percent of the inventory at Wyld Blue comes from women-owned small businesses. Wyld Blue also makes an effort to feature local vendors in each of their boutiques.
Fun Fact: Owner Sasha Benz and her husband Oliver designed their Montauk and Aspen stores. The wooden doors, shelves, racks and tables are all made by Oliver. Sasha sources the driftwood used for these projects and Oliver sands each piece.
Day Off: When Sasha isn’t busy working, she enjoys hanging out at home with her husband and two young children.
Locations: 716 Montauk Highway, Level 2, Montauk; 210 S. Galena Street, Aspen
Website: wyldblue.store; Instagram: @wyldblue.store
BLUE ONE
About: Blue One is a contemporary men’s and women’s boutique known for their great customer service and strong local following. This Bridgehampton store is curated with the newest fashion designers from around the world.
Giving Back: Blue One works with many different charities throughout the year including Every Mother Counts. Owner Crystal Willis is a new mother, so this is a charity very close to her heart.
Fun Fact: Husband and wife duo Crystal and Jarret Willis opened their store together in 2007, just before they were engaged. They were married shortly after and have kept their business growing despite all that life has thrown their way.
Day Off: Jarret also works for Bespoke Real Estate, so finding a day off can be challenging. But even on a cold winter day, they cherish their walks on the beach with their 19-month-old son.
Location: 2397 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton
Website: shopblueone.com; Instagram: @shopblueone
MATRIARK
About: Matriark is a concept store featuring women-owned fashion and accessory brands. Matriark takes pride in their diverse mix of brands and their hand-picked unique items.
Giving Back: In the past year Matriark has given 5 percent of their net sales to women-focused charities such as i-tri, The Ms. Foundation, and The Retreat.
Fun Fact: Matriark is located at the beautiful Hedges House, a beloved Victorian house in the heart of Sag Harbor.
Day Off: When owner Patricia Assui Reed isn’t busy at the store, you can find her walking on the beach with her husband and children.
Location: 133 Main Street, Sag Harbor
Website: matriark.com; Instagram: @matriarkofficial
TENET SHOP
About: Tenet is a lifestyle boutique of thoughtfully curated collections, featuring pieces from both emerging and well-established fashion labels. Tenet also showcases art, apothecary items, home goods, and more.
Giving Back: Tenet partners with a number of Hamptons-based charities to give back to the community, including Maureen’s Haven, CMEE, and Hamptons United.
Fun Facts: Tenet opened in June 2010 as a men’s only lifestyle store. The Southampton location was formerly BookHampton, and still has the same wood floors and original ceiling from over a century ago.
Day Off: When owner Jesse Warren has a day off, he enjoys having lunch on Shelter Island and hiking in Mashomack Preserve.
Locations: 91 Main Street, Southampton; 21 Newtown Lane, East Hampton
Website: tenetshop.com; Instagram: @tenetshop
MINT
About: Mint is a multi-brand women’s store that mixes classic styles with the latest trends. Mint stocks their boutiques with great summer styles all season long, so that women on the East End are always prepared.
Giving Back: During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year, Mint is involved with raising money for Stony Brook University Cancer Center.
Fun Facts: Mint started over 16 years ago in Mattituck on the North Fork and they’ve kept growing ever since. Mint loves to highlight local designers and artisans.
Day Off: When owners Joanna and Stephan Mazzella aren’t busy at one of their four Mint locations, you can find them boating on Peconic Bay during the summer.
Locations: 260 Love Lane, Mattituck; 83B Main Street, Westhampton Beach; 89 Main Street, Southampton; 119 Main Street, Stony Brook
Website: shopmint.com; Instagram: @shopmint
