Shop 'til You Drop: Fashions, Favors for the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is upon us. As any experienced shopper knows, it pays to get a jump start on your to-do list so that by the time the weekend rolls around, you’re ready to kick back and enjoy yourself.

Hosting overnight guests? Give them the treat of luxury and relaxation by placing Rituals “Laughing Buddha Collection” Good Luck Scrub and Fortune Oil in the shower. The Fortune Oil is a shower oil with the natural ingredients of sweet orange and cedar that turn into a silky foam (rather than a soapy foam) and leave your skin hydrated and smelling divine. The Good Luck Scrub is a wonderful exfoliant made with organic sugar. Try it before shaving for extra smooth legs. Inspired by the laughing Buddha story, the collection is infused with uplifting citrus fruits. It certainly brightens my day when used in the morning. Rituals can be found at Barney’s and, for those of us on the East End, online at barneys.com.

Another treat for guests—and hosts, too—are Dillon’s Farm organic sheep milk lotions, creams and soaps. I sampled some at the Mattituck Strawberry Festival a couple of weekends ago and have been hooked ever since. Dillon makes all of his own products using sheep milk, which is added at the last minute to preserve its high-nutrient value. The avocado soap is perfect for frequent hand-washers because, unlike most soaps, it’s not drying. Gardeners’ hands will love Dream Cream. For more organic items, including lip gloss, candles and more, visit dillonsfarm.com or call 631-744-8576.

Surprise your friends and family in the morning with some awesome granola. NoFo Crunch is made on the North Fork in small batches with all natural, wholesome ingredients that are as locally sourced and organic as possible. I snagged a bag of “plain-no fruit,” since I like to add my own fruit, and have been enjoying it with hemp milk for a great-tasting and energizing breakfast. Glass jar granola makes a nice little gift, plus it’s eco-friendly since you can use the jar for just about anything afterward. For more info, call 516-361-9208 or visit nofocrunch.com.

Whether you’re a beach-goer or a boater, be sure to stock up on sunscreen. You don’t want to be running to CVS on Sunday night buying aloe in bulk. And don’t count on last year’s supply to provide the protection you need. If you have sensitive skin like me, you’ll benefit from using naturally derived sunscreen filters: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They sooth rather than irritate and offer lifeguard-strong protection from the sun. There are plenty to choose from at your local health food store, but one of my new favorites is Mustela. Formulated for babies’ thin and delicate skin, Mustela is hypoallergenic and free of parabens and fragrances—minimizing toxic exposure. Best of all, it’s lightweight and feels good on your skin. I use Mustela Broad Spectrum SPF 50-plus Mineral Sunscreen Lotion on my face and body and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good go-to sunblock. Pick up the Sunscreen Stick to toss in your beach bag, too. It’s small, mess-free and perfect for kids who act like putting sunscreen on is torture. I found mine at White’s Apothecary, 81 Main Street in East Hampton. Call 631-324-0082.

On July 11th & 12th, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., stop by Rose Jewelers at 57 Main Street in Southampton to meet designer Fern Freeman and view her unique collection. Call 631-475-1497 or visit rosejewelersny.com.

C. Wonder is having a big Wonder Sale. Through July 13, enjoy 30% off bags, 50% off summer collection and 60% off sale styles. Stop in from July 4–6 and take part in scratch off cards, a wheel of wonder, and receive a free chevron tote with purchase of $100 or more. But the best part of all is the complimentary lemonade and cupcakes. C. Wonder is located at 5 Main Street, Southampton (call 631-287-2645) and now also at 48 Main Street in East Hampton (call 631-324-8513).

Send all of your shopping news, sales and stock announcements to shoptil@danspapers.com.