Dan's Papers - May 29, 2009 - Givin You The Business

A stroll up and down Sag Harbor is a walk through American history. Many storefronts still look just as they did when they survived the pre Civil War fires 150 years ago. However each year some new businesses come to Main Street to give it a go in places where perhaps whaling goods or confectionaries were once located back in the day. This year with so many uncertainties clouding optimism, some bold entrepreneurs are striking out to give it their all in the quest of the American dream: owning your own business, being your own boss and making it all happen.

One prime example is the young Nikki Eve Aarons, the owner of "Nikki Eve," a vintage clothing store that has just opened at 17 Madison Street. Nikki Eve is a vintage clothing store with jewelry and healing stones. The vintage clothing is from all eras with a focus on famous British designers form the 1960s-1970s rock and roll generation, such as Cossie Clark, Zandra Rhodes, Celia Birtwell and Mary Quant. The 20-something Nikki Eve says she is, "Offering a new perspective on vintage clothing in Sag Harbor!" The shop was full of positive energy and tidy enthusiasm.

Another shop owner launching her first full season is Lisa Perry, whose shop, Lisa Perry, is located on 45 Main Street, next to the American Hotel. (There is also a Lisa Perry in Soho.) The cheerful, bold yet tasteful clothing and accessories invite the eye to celebrate life in the moment and colors of enjoyment. Also new, at 29 Main Street, is PHAO Thai Kitchen. This new venue offers some new delicious options for both lunch and dinner in Sag Harbor. When I peeked in, the aromas and smells drove me wild with enthusiasm to come back and experience the fine cuisine.

The new business that intrigued me the most was a small new shop, Pailetts, (which is French for "sequence") with the official address of 78 Main Street #14. It's downstairs from the Java Nation coffee shop in that courtyard by the movie theater. Not easy to find, but worth it since the designs of Swiss born Danielle Tisiger were amazing. Using subtle fabrics, the dresses are made by Tisiger, and thus are all originals. Duscha, an attendant at the store (who is also Swiss), explained that the pottery for sale is by local artists. I consider this shop a must see!

In terms of development in Sag Harbor, the concierge condo complex, 21 Water, is steaming ahead. A group of Prudential Douglas Elliman real estate agents toured the construction site last week, and said it is looking impressive.

After speaking with a town councilman, I was led to believe that the Bulova condo development is now dead in the water although the official line is "seeking financing." Although the developers overcame all the obstacles the approval process threw in their way, the turning economy has weighted the momentum down to a halt. Hopefully somehow things will heat up again, but at the moment it seems it will remain as it is - an unfortunate eyesore looming over the north entrance to the village.

The beauty of Sag Harbor is that it's not dominated by international chain designer stores like Ralph Lauren and J. Crew. Instead it has a distinctive historical, artistic, home-spun edge that personifies small town America at its best. Walking up and down its historic streets is a summer treat for all who take the time to stroll through history while enjoying the same view Indians did when Sag Harbor was founded in 1707. Hopefully all the new businesses will thrive and survive and add new life to the village while not affecting its unique charm. The sun sets slower for some reason in Sag Harbor. Go there and experience it.