Dan's Papers - April 17, 2009 - Shop 'til You Drop

The Easter holiday was here and is gone. Where are you, spring? Even though the day was sunny, it was chilly. Our next big holiday, which will be Memorial Day, is only six weeks down the road. Let's get ready for spring/summer, or maybe just summer. Let's shop!

The first annual 'Topper Popper' event is being held at J. McLaughlin's Southampton store, located at 2 Jobs Lane, on Friday, April 17. The store managers will be presenting J. McLaughlin's new summer collection while you are enjoying refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Look for the introduction of a variety of new prints, patterns and colors in their most popular, timeless 'Catalina Tee,' along with other signature tops. Vibrant colors, silhouettes and prints appearing in both men's and women's wear dominate the entire summer collection. Energize your wardrobe with vivid florals and bold geometrics. Ten percent of all proceeds will be going to The Retreat, an organization whose mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and to break the cycle of family violence.

The Retreat Boutique is on the move again! It has just landed in the Bridgehampton Commons, between Ann Taylor and Gap Kids and is scheduled to open on April 16. It is a light and airy space filled with clothing, jewelry, bric-a-brac, furniture, furnishings and accessories, all beautifully displayed. Today, thrift shops make so much sense. Along with saving plenty of money, you will be helping a great cause: The Retreat Shelter for victims of domestic violence, women and children. The shop will be open from Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Down Factory Store at the Elegant John, Montauk Highway, East Hampton, has it all going on with its annual "Spring Sale" that is now in progress. There are the power pillows in three sizes, the Windsor Rope Collection sheet sets and duvet covers, down blankets, and a large selection of framed paintings by a local artist ($49.99), acrylics and watercolors. Look for Rigaud candles, travel tins and diffuser sets, along with lamps that are 30% off. Go for it, spring is in the air.

HOT, HOT, HOT OFF THE PRESS: (I actually had to stop the press for this opening.) Tommy Hilfiger has just opened its first store at 69 Main Street in East Hampton. The store reflects the brand's aspirational yet affordable philosophy. Both women's and men's product, including vintage, will be offered. For summer 2009, the store will open with "Hamptons Bohemia," a selection of items inspired by the nautical character of the Hamptons, featuring lobster prints and cricket sweaters. Men's and women's clothing will include a mix of US and European sportswear, with men also having tailored options and women having the runway collection and swimwear. Accessories, including bags, hats, sunglasses, watches, intimates, scarves, jewelry and footwear, are also available. Hilfiger has designed and unveiled two limited-edition items: a women's silk scarf and a men's necktie at the 'Dress for Success' Worldwide Gala last week, where 100% of the sales proceeds benefited Dress for Success's global "Something to Share" program. Hilfiger's exclusive silk scarf and necktie have been designed in signature Tommy Hilfiger colors of vivid red, navy blue and white, and will both retail at $30. Both items are available at the East Hampton store location, beginning Wednesday, April 15, through fall 2009. In addition, there is currently 30% off woven tops and accessories, as well as a special promotion where all men's and women's polo are currently retailing for $35 (originally $49.50) and $55 for all men's and women's v-neck sweaters (originally $88).

If you are planning a party for any and every occasion, The Party Shoppe, 82 Park Place, East Hampton is ready to party with you by helping you plan and put together your personal event. Available are in store printing, balloons, costumes, make-up, candles, cards, wrapping paper, paper goods and custom cakes and cupcakes. They have it all! Call 631-324-9547 or go to thepartyshoppe.com for more information.

Get ready for the season opening of Urban Zen, 4 Bay Street in Sag Harbor, by marking your calendar on Friday, May 8. Urban Zen will be presenting men's and women's clothing collections (designed by my favorite designer, Donna Karan), children's clothing designed by Bonnie Young and accessories, books, furniture, decorative items for the home and artifacts from around the world. Portions of all sales are donated to the Urban Zen Foundation, a public charity dedicated to promoting well being by empowering children and preserving cultures. For more info call 631-725-6167 or go to urbanzen.org.

Until next week, ciao and happy spring shopping!

Having a sale, getting new inventory, are you a new kid on the block? Comments or questions? Please e-mail me at shoptil@danspapers.com or reach me via fax at 631-726-0189. My readers would love to know all about it.