Martha’s Vineyard Shopping

Edgartown in Martha’s Vineyard is a preppy shopper’s paradise. You can find everything from basics (Lacoste shirts) to frills (Milly dresses). Unlike in East Hampton, where your only choice is to go the designer route at pricey boutiques like Catherine Malandrino or stick to plain old J. Crew, in Martha’s Vineyard, you can find cute, chic clothing and accessories at a reasonable price point. There was so much we couldn’t hit it all, but here’s a round up of some of the best stores for clothing and gifts.

Nell

Their motto is “clothing and accessories for fabulous living,” and indeed, we did live fabulously in these clothes while on the island. The owners of Nell, an offshoot of 20 Main, have a great eye. While you may end up with something too pink-and-green to wear in Manhattan, the Mystique sandals, Julie Brown dresses, recycled Sea Bags, LA Made tops, and Citizens of Humanity white jeans will make you the toast of Edgartown. Nell, 22 Main Street, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, 508-627-9172.

20 Main

We did some damage at 20 Main, which stocks key things like Lacoste, Hadley Pollet belts, and Stephen Bonanno sandals. Though Stephen Bonanno sandals may look a lot like the more widespread Jack Rogers ones, Stephen Bonanno claims to be the original designer, first crafting them in Palm Beach for clients like Jackie Kennedy and Lilly Pulitzer. 20 Main, 20 Main Street, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, 508-627-9172.

Rags

The best thing in Rags was their collection of colorful Gretchen Scott tunics ($88) in floral patterns. As noted in WWD the other day, caftans and tunics usually reserved for daywear are the nighttime outfit of choice this summer as many people forgo formal parties and cocktail attire in favor of home entertaining. These versatile tops should take you just about anywhere. 4 Dock Street, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, 508-627-8160.

Portobello Road

Chock full of knick knacks from retro Martha’s Vineyard signs and posters to John Derian trays to toys to glossy coffee table books, Portobello Road has something for everyone and therefore is a great place for gifts. If you’re looking for beach reading or a pretty memento from the island, come here for one-stop shopping. Portobello Road, 8 Dock Street, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, 508-627-4276.

Island Outfitters

This store replaces Nantucket stalwart Murray’s and carries similar merch. There’s an entire madras section (including madras tennis racquet covers), Ray Bans, caftans by Pink, and colorful cotton cable-knit sweaters. Our favorite find here was the faux diamond jewelry. We picked up some pave CZ starfish earrings for $45 that fooled at least one admirer into thinking that they were from upscale MV jeweler CB Stark. Alas, they were CZ, not CB, but paired with a pretty dress, it’s hard to tell the difference. Island Outfitters, 27 N. Water Street, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, 508-627-7201‎.