This holiday season, I wanted to highlight how important it is to shop local.
Wherever you are located, supporting local business is so key. Supporting & creating a sense of community is what we need more of nowadays. Big box retailers are moving in & changing the game- making it harder and harder for small brick & mortar stores to stay open. Competition with the internet is extremely hard. That is why local business rely on their community for support (and sales!) I’ve highlighted a few stores here in CT that have great gifts for this time of year.
Not a CT resident? Most of these stores have online shops as well & will ship to you. Or just pick up your phone & call to order! These business are all women owned by the way & are all just the nicest people! So very proud & honored to have gotten a chance to work with these women!
She La La
Need something monogrammed? She La La is your go to spot for that here in CT. Sheila owns 3 stores (Greenwich, Westport & New Canaan) all jam packed with gifts, home decor, women’s clothing & kid’s clothing! There are tons of headbands, hats, jewelry, bags and cute Christmas decor- literally any gift item you can think of. I think Sheila’s monogramming capabilities set her apart from the rest. I would suggest one of her super soft throws or hats & get it monogrammed with initials (so many color & font options to choose from).
Lucy’s Looks
Lucy’s is a combination of brick & mortar store and styling service. You can go online & fill out a style questionnaire to have looks delivered right to your front door. You can also text or call to order anything you see on their social media (203-428-0078). Lucy’s is perfect for the fashionista in your life. They have so many great, trendy options available. I suggest one of their faux fur jackets (I’m wearing their black faux fur bomber jacket above).
The Perfect Pair
The Perfect Pair is the cutest shoe store located in Fairfield, CT. Owned by Carrie, a badass mom & business woman, has created a little haven where you will literally be able to find the perfect pair for you (or someone on your holiday list). Carrie also sells a bit of jewelry & handbags as well!
Winged Monkey
For the trendy fashionista on your list, definitely visit Winged Monkey in Westport, CT. Cathy & Jenny have assorted the store with everyday basics, trendy pieces (think camo & sparkly dresses) as well as some affordable jewelry & headbands. I’m wearing head to toe Winged Monkey in the image above! I love how they offer investment pieces that you will be able to wear multiple different ways.
TRVL Design
Although TRVL Design is not a traditional brick & mortar store, the company is still based out of New Canaan, CT. TRVL Design offers the cutest cosmetic bags & cases to make packing and travel much easier. Most of the bags can be monogrammed (perfect for gifting). Most of the bags were designed to coordinate well together plus most of them nest inside each other when not in use. I use mine as an every day bag to hold my lipgloss & other purse essentials. You can shop online or local peeps- these bags are available at She La La.
Eleven 11
Again, not a brick & mortar store- however Eleven 11 is a female owned business based here in CT. Anne has a fantastic eye for trendy yet classic jewelry & handbags. She offers everything on her online shop OR you can sign up for a quarterly subscription box! I have several pieces (the Kelly bag with contrasting black & white strap is my fav) & I can honestly say I couldn’t be more impressed with the quality! So many great pieces to choose from! Look how fun the earrings are that I’m wearing above. If you’re looking to gift a statement piece without breaking the bank- hop over to Eleven 11.
Gioiella Jewelry
I love all the sparkly jewelry offered by Gioiella Jewelry (a female owned business based out of Westport, CT for 18 years). From diamonds to fashion pieces, you will be able to shop for everyone on your list! You can shop their jewels on their site or local peeps can purchase their pieces at Lillian August.
