Shop 'til You Drop: Spring Cleaning (and Shopping) on the East End
“Out with the old and in with the new” is the motto come spring as we ready our homes for all the fun that summer entertaining in the Hamptons brings. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from speaking with countless home experts, it’s that the first thing people notice when they step into a living space is the scent.
We’re loving Hamptons Handpoured (Therapy Life & Style, 38 Main Street, Southampton; $28). Created by a Hamptons native, the locally made candles are poured by hand, they have unique scents, and are named after East End places, including Southampton, Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, and East Hampton.
Despite all the fresh scents you’re pumping in the air you might, however, be worried that you’re still left smelling like those glazed ribs simmering on the grill you’ve been slaving over (we’ve all been there). Luckily the Good Home Co. has you covered with their line of sheet and clothing sprays (goodhomestore.com; $23). Available in a handful of scents including Beach Days, Pure Grass and Lavender, once you get a whiff of these freshly scented sprays you’ll never go back to Febreze.
For those expecting guests who will be spending the night checkout elizabethW’s offerings (elizabethw.com), which include everything from scented tissue box covers to scented hanger covers and drawer inserts. It’s all about posh little touches to make your guests’ stay unforgettable.
If, on the flip side, you find yourself invited to a Hamptons fête, impress your hostess with Palais des Thés’s Miniatures Set of 4 Earl Grey Teas (palaisdesthes.com; $27); beautifully packaged the set includes four miniature canisters of one ounce teas. They work just as well hot as they do cold, making them a classic, versatile year-round gift.
For the more daring hostess Jean Paul Gaultier recently collaborated with Kusmi Tea (kusmitea.com). The designer outfitted the packaging for two flavorful teas, both of which are available in loose and tea bag form, with his signature sailor stripes, seaside-blue and rebel tattoos. They’re sure to be collector’s items.
Just like the Palais des Thés set, Kusmi’s teas work well cold so, for a little extra something, add a SpinChill (spinchill.com; $29.99) to your hostess gift. The unique gadget gets warm drinks cold in five minutes or less. Simply pour the tea in a secure container, clip it on to the SpinChill, stick it in the ice, and spin it.
More? Checkout the Novogratz Dinnerware Collection (macys.com). Brightly colored, durable and affordable (plenty of finds for $20 or less), the selection is perfect for East End entertaining. Plus they’ve got basics (plates, bowls, mugs, etc.), along with fun finds like a color-blocked, scallop-edged popcorn bucket.
Come fall, you can add to your tabletop collection when Hamptonite Elie Tahari (1 Main Street, East Hampton) releases his Hampton-inspired tableware and glassware motifs. Pieces are named for specific locations—like Montauk’s Navy Beach. Four-piece place settings will range in price from $80 and $220.
More and more Hamptonites are wellness obsessed. Whether you’re heading to Montauk’s new SoulCycle location (15 South Edgemere Street) or out for a solo run, Gaiam’s Curve Legging (gaiam.com; $70) will fit the bill. In fact, while they were designed with yogis in mind they are—as the name suggests—curve-hugging without constricting your movements so they work for just about any sport. Plus they’re made from breathable, quick-drying stretch fabric so you can sweat your heart out.
Continue your spring fitness makeover with Athleta’s Double Dare Bra (athleta.gap.com; $49). Just like Gaim’s bottoms, it’s designed with fashion and function in mind. Available in a stellar color selection (everything from black to orange), its sweat-wicking fabric and back cutouts give the style plenty of ventilation.
Tie everything together with Adidas Ultra Boost sneakers (adidas.com; $180), now available in flash pink for women. They’re so stylish we’d venture to bet that even those averse to sneakers will have a hard time resisting the style, which was designed with running in mind. The lightweight sneakers can also be used for light crosstraining; though we have a feeling once you slip these on you’ll be keeping them on far beyond your workout setting.