SHOPPING

We shopped till we dropped across the state (or at least until our gas tank went empty several times; wallet = ouch!) in search of the latest boutiques, baubles and foodie finds.

 

Local Chocolates

Aura’s Chocolate Bar

Cacao queen Aura Fajardo Quintero combines forces with many Rhode Island-based food and drink businesses to take chocolate to the next level. Her Sommelier Series collaborates with local winemakers and spirits companies including Anchor and Hope and Sons of Liberty and she also sources from Newport Sea Salt, Leafy Green Tea, Ocean State Pepper Company, Borealis Coffee and more to create palate-pleasing chocolate combinations. 250 East St., Cranston, 312-3381, auraschocolatebar.com

 

Record Store

In Your Ear

The vinyl revival is still surging, but it’s always been a draw at In Your Ear, which has been rocking for forty years. Its new location in Warren (the “legacy” store on Main Street is still open) is a mecca for all record (and CD) enthusiasts, whether you’re hunting for rarities or starting a fresh collection of new and canonical titles. And it’s next door to the Guild beer hall, so you can double your living-the-good-life pleasure — perusing your new treasures while sipping on the banks of the Palmer River. 99 Water St., Warren, 245-9840, iye.com

 

Old Favorite, New Look

Nava

Nava’s cheery new look — think: warm refinished floors, bright paint, open layout, roomy fitting areas — is the just-right backdrop for the shop’s signature bohemian dresses, vintage denim and troves of jewelry by regional designers. For nearly fifteen years, we’ve tapped the Nava gals, our aesthetic gurus, for fashion advice; now, we’re asking for reno tips, too. 197 Wickenden St., Providence, 453-6282, shopnava.com

 

Pre-Loved Clothing

The Nest

Co-founders Charlotte von Meister and Danielle Sturm are always on a mission to break the toxic cycle of wastefulness and overconsumption. Enter the Nest, where the secondhand showroom serves as a gathering space for people looking for unique and upcycled styles as well as an inclusive community. The secondhand store gives people access to previously loved clothing that still has life to give, all while protecting the environment. 1155 Westminster St., Unit 220, Providence, thenestpvd.com

 

Gift Shop That Gives Back

A Gracious Soul

Husband-and-wife team Brian Hennessey and Bethany DiPetrillo opened their storefront in September 2021 with one goal in mind: to help others and give back through gifting. They fill their shop full of clothing, accessories, home decor, books and other small trinkets with brands and artists who have the community and greater good in mind, with a portion of the proceeds satisfying a need in the world. With the support of East Greenwich, the couple has expanded their selection to include a men’s section with clothing, personal care items and even funky gadgets. 110 Main St., East Greenwich, 471-7642, agracioussoul.com

 

Consignment Shop with a Vintage Soul

Urban Thread

Sure, you’ll find reams of gently loved Anthro, Eileen Fisher and Banana Republic here. But the magic happens in the side room. Tall racks are packed with vintage togs for both women and men, and items are automatically marked down the longer they wait to be claimed. On recent trips, we’ve scored a vintage mohair coat, slacks with panache — they’re purple, if you must know — and a silky kimono that’s only slightly more alluring than its price point. 117 Brook St., Providence, 654-6935, urbanthreadpvd.com

 

Old Favorite, New Look

Cerulean

Owner Kate Simpson probably holds Warren’s town record for the sheer number of small businesses she supports within one small space. She recently moved her shop down to the rapidly expanding retail destination of Water Street, where she stocks handmade gifts, jewelry and vintage items from more than seventy local makers, and she’ll even gift wrap for free. 141 Water St., Warren, 508-274-7189, ceruleanri.com

 

Casual Menswear Shop

Man Overboard

Featuring casual men’s apparel for all ages, Man Overboard is the City by the Sea’s newest retail shop by the long-time clothing gurus behind Newport’s Groovy Gator, Groove Newport and XandO Boutique. Owners Jake and Leslie Cathers have partnered with their college-age son Merritt to offer footwear and denim, T-shirts, hoodies, accessories and more, from brands like Ben Sherman, 7 For All Mankind and Diadora. 18 Franklin St., Newport, 324-5018, instagram.com/manoverboardnpt

 

Gourmet Provisions

Hawes Fine Foods

Oh, how did we ever survive without Hawes? The picture-perfect shop, in the heart of Fox Point, brims with specialty dry goods, fresh bread, local ice cream, meats and produce worthy of religious devotion: Japanese plums! Chanterelles! Heirloom tomatoes! There’s something here for everyone, from adventurous eaters who welcome taste-tests of tinned fish with kindly proprietor, Kevin Hawes, to the demure who decline but never forget, eventually finding their way to the glory that is Matiz sardines. 107 Hope St., Providence, 302-5623, hawesfinefoods.com

 

Fashion for All

Tall Tumbleweed

Amelia Olson’s earthy boutique welcomes all shapes and sizes in a space where women can feel comfortable in their own skin. She offers vintage and new styles and makes the extra effort to stock a wide range of fits, while turning her shop into a destination for hanging out, listening to music and trying on clothes just for fun. ​279 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside, 903-2869, talltumbleweed.com

 

Heirloom-Worthy Jewelry

Muse

Mosey into Muse for one-of-a-kind engagement rings and meaningful necklaces, rings and earrings that can be passed down for generations. The shop also repurposes vintage jewelry to give it a more modern twist and offers both custom creations and exclusives that can only be found there. 65 Water St., Warren, 289-2150, musehandcrafted.com

 

Family Fashion

Coco and Lala

Procure the perfect coastal grandmother aesthetic with gauzy women’s dresses and flowy maxis while also nabbing children’s clothing worthy of a page in the Official Preppy Handbook. Even teen girls will obsess over smock sets and cutout cocktail dresses. You might even encounter the owner and mom hack TikTok influencer Shannon Doherty, who offers everything from fashion advice to helpful parenting tips while you shop. 103 and 119 Bay St., Westerly, 203-202-7051, cocoandlala.com

 

Botanical Art and Design 

The Lilac Thief

The combined magic from the Lilac Thief girls turns ordinary floral arrangements into sculptural masterpieces. What started as simple foraging of lilacs from an abandoned lot and decorating their mantel turned into crafting tablescapes for dinner parties, large-scale arrangements for event decor and wedding displays. They use flowers and other art forms to make lasting impressions with an air toward astrology and a nod to Mother Nature. thelilacthief.com

 

Fashion for a Cause

Nosolo

This is more than just a line of casual fashion. These hats, hoodies and T-shirts were created in 2019 by Aquidneck Islanders Sarah and John Toracinta, because they believe that nobody is alone, or nobody is solo, when suffering from mental illness. A portion of the proceeds, more than $16,000 so far, is donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Nosolo’s online marketplace includes resources about awareness. nosolobrand.com

 

Beachy Decor

Wald and Sea

For a store that opened right in the heat of the pandemic, Wald and Sea brings a cool breeze of relief. The calm surroundings instantly put guests in a state of Zen as they walk through the doors surrounded by earthy, organic wares including ceramics, tableware, bags, paintings, candles, pillows and throws. And the good news is, with every purchase, you can bring that same light and airy vibe into your own home. 107 Spring St., Newport, 847-5833, waldandsea.com

 

Special Occasion Jewelry

Loren Hope

Look, it’s something sparkly! All eyes are on the somewhat-new showroom occupied by local, made-in-the-USA jewelry designed by Loren Barham and team, who moved the business specifically to Rhode Island because of its renowned jewelry industry. The headquarters are in downtown Newport where shoppers can browse the collection of bright, shiny and vibrant jeweled chandelier earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more, plus a classic bridal section filled with heirloom-worthy baubles for the big day. 86 William St., Newport, 619-0330, lorenhope.com

 

Dog Bakery and Pet Supply

Jack’s Snacks, A Dog Bakery

A pie for your pup? It’s pawsible! Choose from a variety of customized cake templates and treats to reflect your pooch’s personality. For everyday rewards, pizza-flavored biscuits and the Barkcuterie Box make any dog drool. Order a pupcake for “Gotcha Day” or any occasion, as well as seasonal specials to reward your pet. The dog bakery and supply shop is named after Jack, a black Labrador retriever/pit bull mix who was rescued from California and crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2006, but lives on through his namesake’s beloved biscuits. 158 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, 633-5522, jackssnacks.com 

 

New Men’s and Women’s Boutique

Binnsy Boutique

Caitlin Gendreau grew up shopping the streets of Wickford Village and one day imagined having her own store. Now, her small business has blossomed into a boutique that has joined the lineup with the Book Garden, Different Drummer and Serendipity. With cute frills organized in rainbow order, a rack full of unique denim, graphic surfer-esque T-shirts and trendy tops, there’s something for everyone. The best part? You get boutique quality without the sky-high prices. 7 Main St., North Kingstown, 268-5153, binnsyboutique.com

 

Thoughtful Gift Shop

Nest 

When nothing but the most thoughtful gift will do, head to Nest on Water Street in Warren to find something that truly speaks to the recipient. There are hand-beaded bags crafted in America, beautiful earrings and necklaces made with pearls cultured in Wickford, luxurious bath bombs and salts, picnic baskets, intricate pottery and more home decor ideas that will be meaningful and treasured by the important people in your life, including yourself. 147 Water St., Warren, 300-4129, nestonwater.com

 

Rhody Wear 

Crosswynds Traders  

This family-owned-and-operated boutique offers trendy and boho-chic styles as well as cozy summer staples. On one side, peruse dresses, jeans, shoes, accessories — you name it — and on the other, check out shelves and shelves of cozy Gansett Gear (locally made and themed pieces like sweats and totes). Whether you’re in need of a date night ’fit, a beach day cover-up or a more casual lounge-by-the-bonfire look, Crosswynds has all your days and nights in the Ocean State covered. 1175 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett, 782-1110, crosswyndstraders.com

 

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