It’s July and Newport is now in full swing — the clubs have had their “dry runs” in June, the young set and their children have rented every house available (or settled in with parents) and the shops have taken delivery of their summer offerings. Couple all this with weather that is incomparable (little to no humidity) and you have a perfect setting for checking out Newport’s delicious shops for that perfect “something” for your hostess. One place to start is the Bellevue Avenue boutiques on the historic “Casino” block.

Old standbys are showing off what they merchandise so well and new “pop-ups” are adding an infusion of complementary wares. We even have a “co-pop” (a pop-up that boasts a rotating set of designers) thanks to CK Bradley! We’re a small, close-knit town, so you’ll notice that many of the shops are named after their owners. Here we GO!!

Lou Lou’s

Sweet dreams! You can never have enough boudoir pillows; their practical size (12 x 16) and enchanting cases add a special touch to any bed, be it yours or a houseguests. ($70-$115)

When you’re really at a loss, these small glass plates with witty words of wisdom are a sure winner. And don’t you agree that we should “always be ready to have the time of our life”! ($65-$86)

Retro chic. Glassware resembling the divinely elegant 1950’s Milano cocktail glasses — in “plastique,” but who could ever tell? ($17-$20)

Kristina Richards

This gardener can never have enough vases — and ones with a stand are a rarity (lucky for me this was a hostess gift). ($48). Showcased against two of Kristina’s jeweled ($58) and tasseled ($78) pillows.

Sequin

What hostess wouldn’t love another bit of jewelry, especially in all these yummy shades and motifs. Faux enamel at it’s best. ($25-$40)

CK Bradley

How chic and summery-Newport is this “minaudiere?” ($250)

Flirty with a twist — love these tassel hoop earrings! ($88)

This just looks like a large denim tote, embroidered with a favorite summer word — but it’s that and more — a spacious cooler, lined with insulation and reflective foil. ($58)

Newport nights can get chilly — a puffer with bling will add zing to any outfit. ($525)

Now this is a hostess gift!! A generous euro sham (they’re all the same size everywhere, 26″ x 26″) monogrammed in the hostess’s initials. ($98) Lead time is one to two weeks.

Angela Moore

Sassy, fun and easy to shape hats for different looks. ($48-$70)

Michael Hayes

Pom-Poms are now the rage — added to a good sized straw tote, the summer must-have takes on a certain flair. ($115)

J. McLaughlin

Don’t forget the host… silk bow ties in summer colors and silk gingham pocket squares in 4 colors.  ($85 bow ties; $45 pocket squares ).

Wag Nation

And don’t forget their dog. A nod to nautical Newport…sturdy “dock lines” adapted as leashes with a hand sewn leather grip and sailor’s knot. In natural and marine blue. ($60)

Happy Shopping!

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Featured Image, Kristina Richards, Ceramic Plate with Saying ($36); Pink Sea Salts for Soaking in Bathtub ($18).