If you know me, you know I’m down for some good shopping. On the Vineyard, you can find one-of-a-kind items. Most of the stores sell items that are what I call “Island Chic.” They also have a lot of Martha’s Vineyard shirts, sweats, etc. There were several shops I didn’t have an opportunity to visit. One of them was the Cousen Rose Gallery. When we stopped by, they were closed. I will be sure to visit there when I return. I also have several other shops on my list for the next visit. These are some of my favorites on the island that felt welcoming and not commercial.

ISLAND – LIFE STUDIO

Imagine island chic clothing and art that moves the soul. The two meet at this beautiful boutique owned by island born Nya Clarke. They carry custom jewelry created by local Martha’s Vineyard Wampanoag tribal members. They also carry a collaboration of women artisans featuring BIPOC designers and artists.

The clothing is chic, airy and beautiful — perfect for the island. The Vineyard usually gets really warm mid-July. The weather was perfect while we were threre. The air was not humid, and at night, there was a cool breeze.

Art adorns the walls of the studio.

You have to stop by and check out their store when you are on the Vineyard. They are located on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs and are surrounded by other small shops and galleries that are sure to peak your interest.

C’EST LA VIE

Another Circuit Avenue favorite is C’est La Vie, owned by Robert Schilling. His store is one of the hottest on the Circuit, even for those living on the mainland.

I purchased an Inkwell sweatshirt (cream sweatshirt with green Inkwell embroidery in the picture above), and the kids collect key chains, so they both found key chains they liked.

Robert is always in the store and is so friendly and pleasant. Stop by and give him a visit. I’m sure you will find something you love.

PANDORA’S BOX

On our way to watch the sun selt in Menemsha, I walked past this clothing boutique and was pleasantly surprised at all of the great pieces inside. The owner was such a doll. She closed at 6, but she stayed open to let me shop. See, this is what I mean when I talk about the hospitality of the people on the Vineyard. My daughter and I tried on some things, and I ended up purchasing a couple of pairs of pants. I love the items showcased in her boutique.

I felt like my presence was wanted everywhere I went on the Island. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I have met some beautiful people from all walks of life and from all over the globe, but this place and its people were so refreshing.

BRO DENIM

My girls loved this store in Edgartown and walked out with a couple of custom sweatshirts. BroDenim was founded by Lauren Brodigan (hence the “Bro” in the name of the store). Customers choose a sweatshirt, tee, or bag and several patches to customize their items. The sales associates then iron the patches onto the sweatshirt, tee, or bag.

I loved this one. They had this one hanging in the window with Martha’s Vineyard patches all over.

They have hundreds of patches to choose from.

You can also purchase and customize a bag.

My daughter’s custom sweatshirt.

They use a heat press to attach the patches onto the clothing.

Patches were placed on the front and down both sleeves.

Cropped sweatshirt in blue similar to my daughters

I love the quality of the sweatshirts. I have washed my oldest daughter’s sweatshirt. Due to the patches, you cannot dry them on high heat. They request that you don’t put them in the dryer at all. I put my daughter’s sweatshirt in the dryer, but I set it to low heat, and it came out fine. The sweatshirts are soft and some of them have a worn look. You will pay for the sweatshirt, and every patch is an additional $5.I think this is a fun momento from the Vineyard.