DINING AND SHOPPING IN THE HAMPTONS

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THE HAMPTONS GOSSIP
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Indulging in a Little Retail Therapy – And cocktails - in Southampton

Story By: Edward Callaghan

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Little Lucy's

Patricia Hurley

Stepping into the tiny boutique, we found out exactly where celebs like Paris Hilton, Beth Stern and Rachael Ray get the designer duds for their pampered pooches. Little Lucy has everything from Swarovski studded collars to “Badass” biker jackets for your canine companion. Lucy's was started 10 years ago after owner Patricia Hurley adopted Little Lucy from ARF Animal Rescue in Wainscott, NY. Patricia promotes adoption rather than "buying" a dog from a pet store. She has a corner of the store that is dedicated to promoting local adoption and rescue.

Betsey McCaughey

Betsey McCaughey



Right across the street just outside of Little Lucy’s Canine Couture Boutique on Job’s Lane, we ran into our former Lieutenant Governor Betsey McCaughey, laden with shopping bags. Betsey delightedly told us, “I’m doing my bit to keep the economy going – I’m shopping! Echoing our feelings, she said, ”It’s way to hot for the beach – but not for shopping”.

Peter Hanuel

Peter Hanuel

Returning for his second season is Brooklynite Peter Hanuel with his hip shirts, tees and shoes with a Billy-burg meets country twist. Located in the courtyard on Jobs Lane, his shop Edition 002 is a welcome sight for the guys who aren’t into the Polo or pastel looks. Definitely a perfect place for the club scenesters.

H. Groome Fine Furnishings

H. Groome Fine Furnishings

My longtime friend Barbara Warner who is something of a legend in the world of fashion and retailing opened H. Groome Fine Furnishings for the Home on Main Street some 11 years ago and has not looked back; she scours the globe for unique one of a kind items to fill her shop. Many of the items in her every tasteful emporium are exclusive to her and not available anywhere on the East End. Searching for the perfect hostess or wedding gift, then check out H. Groome.

STITCH

Ana Dios

Just a few doors down is the new couture shop STITCH. Founded by the Dios Family, sisters Ana and Gloria and their mom Rose of Southampton, Stitch Custom Fashion Design & Expert Tailoring is the kind of store where the client collaborates in the design. For the summer season, Stitch has focused on unusual silks, silk chiffons, batik, classic cottons and a new line of sun protection cover-ups. With two full time seamstresses, industrial sewing machines and yardage of many and varied prints and solids, they have the ability to fit almost any size or age woman such as mother/daughter dresses, maternity, plus size, or wedding party dresses. Sophisticated or trendy, the staff will make every woman feel welcome and beautiful and will also offer the services of professional stylists at no additional charge. Also available as a free service, is custom tailoring for women who've had breast cancer and anyone in a weight loss program, and a free adjustment on new purchases.

Herbert & Rist

John Rist

Besides being one of the most well stocked purveyors of fine wines & spirits on the East End, Herbert & Rist, a family business for three generations, also doubles as an art gallery of sorts where John Rist and John Ross Rist often display their unique art. John Rist focuses on immense hand carved and painted fish that have found their way into many of the areas homes. In addition to being accomplished artists, the family is known throughout the Hamptons for their generous philanthropy. Rare is the local event that does not have the Rist family as sponsors.

Besim’s Fine Cigars & Tobacco

Besim Cukaj

Besim Cukaj runs the Hamptons most exclusive emporium for fine cigars and tobacco products. Until recently, gents – and some ladies, too – could often be found puffing their stogies in his club-like lounge but the rules have changed and Besim’s band of followers have to hit the streets or the back courtyard to enjoy their smokes.

The Fudge Company

John Johner

It wouldn’t be a stroll through the village without a visit to John Johner’s The Fudge Company. For 38 summers, John has been scooping the homemade ice cream for the cones for the kiddies – and the grown-ups too! The tiny confectionary shop is famed for their handmade chocolates, homemade fudge in a dizzying array of flavors from Cookies & crème to Pecan Caramel. It’s a chocoholic’s paradise.

Bookhampton

Bookhampton

One of three outposts – the others are in East Hampton and Sag Harbor – Bookhampton is the quintessential old style book shop with the kind of staff that knows the tastes of most of the regulars and often can be heard giving their picks – and pans – to customers who have come to rely and respect their opinions. Whether you are looking for the best assortment of children’s literature to keep the tykes busy or a hot beach read like Southampton author Danielle Ganek’s “The Summer We Read Gatsby”. Or “The Recessionistas” by my uber money management gal pal Alexandra Lebenthal – the socially prominent President and CEO of Lebenthal & Co, and its wealth management division, Alexandra & James Inc. Her father is Jim Lebenthal, who made his name in municipal bonds. Alexandra is totally plugged in. - she also serves as a board member of the School of American Ballet and is involved with several other leading New York cultural institutions including The Business Council of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Capital Campaign for the Museum of the City of New York, the American Museum of Natural History, and the New York Botanical Garden


Like I said.Bookhampton’s got you covered.

Fellingham’s

Millie And Joe Fellingham

Now that Fellingham’s, located in and old carriage house, has been anointed by none other than Esquire Magazine as “one of the 20 best bars in America” in their June issue, the secret is out that Joe & Millie Fellingham’s place is the best bar in The Hamptons – and the best buy especially for their burgers and popular Sunday Brunch. Where in the Hamptons can you get sausage & cheese omelet with home fries and toast + a damn good Bloody Mary for only $8.95? Nowhere, that’s where! And Joe – I am not divulging his last name – makes the meanest Vodka fueled bloody Mary in the world! I am ending here because I want my regular Sunday table!

Photos By: James Edstrom