DAN'S PAPERS, June 20, 2008 Page 48 www.danshamptons.com
HAMPTON TRADITION XLII: WHAT YOU FANCY Little of What You Fancy, meaning no other Hamptons shop east of the canal carries them. In addition to clothing and bags, A Little of What You Fancy offers John Derian decoupage plates, a large selection of stationery, Hampton Popcorn, and “Fancy” brand products, which currently include homemade, organic goodies, like chocolate sauces, jams and tapenades, and which will eventually expand to include bathing suits and fragrances. And if ever customers have a tough time choosing from the spectacular selection, local residents Mary Joyce Bochroch and Elizabeth Dankowski, who have been helping customers find that special something for over six years, and store manager Akio Akashi, are always nearby to offer input and lend a
Photo by T.J. Clemente
By T.J. Clemente Located in the heart of East Hampton, A Little of What You Fancy has been a very special place to shop for over 28 years. It has been locally owned the whole time, and is now under the stewardship of Kelly Ann Smith, who has slowly added her own touches since 2000, when she took over sole ownership. The store has always offered more than unique gifts and chocolates, like Kiehl’s skin creams, bee’s wax candles and scented soaps. It’s been a charm in a bracelet of shops that’s still uniquely “Hamptons,” and a far cry from national chains that merchandise to a set formula. Just in the last few weeks, Smith has introduced freshly made chocolates to replace a nationally known brand, because, “This move represents what we are all about — going back to basics. Handmade and allnatural, environmentally and trade-friendly, tradition with a modern twist.” Smith also makes it a point to add American textile designers to the mix. Designer Kerry Cassill of Laguna, California, makes Indian cotton prints in fabric that is, according to Smith, “cool and very comfortable, perfect for summer.” Other designers include Virginia Johnson, who does “bold,
vibrant colors on stark white cottons.” The shop has a healthy collection of Hable Construction printed bags made from heavy cotton canvas. These bags, along with totes, garden accessories and storage units, are very hot right now. There is also Orla Kiely, who is known for her graphic designs, and makes bags and matching clothing in her signature prints. Smith is getting her own feet wet in the fashion world by designing boat shoes, and soon she will showcase a line of boots. The clothing and bag designers are exclusive to A
hand. All of which makes A Little of What You Fancy a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience. “The Fancy does not follow trends but rather we set them,” said Smith. “Our corporate neighbors continually flatter the Fancy by copying our designs, but smart customers know to come to the Fancy for the real deal.” A Little of What You Fancy is located at 19 Newtown Road in East Hampton. Contact them at 631-324-3113, or visit alittleofwhatyoufancy.com.
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