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Nantucket shopping
Other than the Ralph Lauren store on Main Street (don't even ask), Nantucketers have succeeded at keeping national chains from getting a foothold on the island. But that doesn't mean that all the shops are palaces to preppy menswear, or meant for women of a certain age (and income). An increasing number stock stylish designs, from island-made to high-end. Vis-a-Vis, for instance, sells an eclectic variety of sexy women's clothing, shoes, accessories, fragrances, housewares, and vintage and original (often locally made) jewelry (34 Main St.; 508-228-5527; visavisnantucket.com). Gypsy carries labels ranging from Stella McCartney to Matthew Williamson (20 Federal St.; 508-228-4404), while Nalu has largely jettisoned its previous surf motif—the name is Hawaiian for "crashing wave"—in favor of edgy, denim-driven contemporary men's and women's clothing (2 Candle St.; 508-325-6110). The much-anticipated outpost of Florida shoe store, Addison Craig, opened in summer 2008 with designer shoes from Marc Jacobs, Sergio Rossi, Miss Trish of Capri, Tory Burch, and Gryson, plus accessories like bags and earrings (Zero Washington St.; 508-228-1899). And Blue Beetle sells clothing and decorative items from needlepoint pillows to Nantucket baskets to sheets, duvets, and coverlets from such makers as Bellora (12 Main St.; 508-228-3227; bluebeetlenantucket.com). Like Blue Beetle, which moved from South Beach Street, a number of longtime Nantucket retailers have played musical chairs as commercial rents increase, so they might not be where you found them on your last visit.
The unique combination of wine (bottles start at a bargain $10) and vintage women's clothing and accessories has made Current Vintage the talk of the town since...more
Longtime Nantucketers might balk at the idea of Jimmy Choos and Piazza Sempione on Main Street (just a stone's throw from Murray's, no less!). But today's...more
The refined European clothing here (for men and women) manages to look breezy and casual: Swiss broadcloth shirts by Bruli come in crisp tattersall and awning...more
New York jewelry designers Pam Diem and Deborah Knox were actresses before becoming jewelry designers, and their bold, brassy line of jewelry evokes old...more
Like many other independent bookstores, Mitchell's was at risk of falling victim to Internet competition compounded by soaring rents. That was until Wendy...more
When owner Philip Murray introduced brick-red sailcloth clothes for men in 1945, he started a fashion trend that's become iconic on and off the island. Today,...more
Handwoven baskets have been made on Nantucket since the turn of the century. Sturdy but still delicate looking, the wooden-handled totes are known as "lightship...more
Established in 1968 as a weaving collective, Nantucket Looms still produces unique, handloomed blankets and throws in its second-floor studio. The shop on the...more
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