May 15th, 2010

Aqua Marine, Lewes, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, A Boutique, Clothing, Apparel, Accessories

That’s right, I think you guessed it.  This post is for women only, maybe….

Along the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland you will find so many shops.  Some of us have our favorites.  What makes us go back to that particular one?

I like shopping in smaller shops vs. a big department store.  That is just a matter of taste.  A boutique for me is perfect.  It is the French word for “shop”.  Boutiques usually specialize in fashionable items such as clothing and jewelry.

Aqua Marine is a boutique located in Lewes, Delaware.  The address is 114 Second St.  Tel. 302-644-4550.  The owner?  Maureen Botti. 

Second Street in Lewes is really the Main Street. It is the life of the town.  From that street, other side streets branch out.  Perfect shopping town since you can walk everywhere.

Maureen has been in business since 2006, but, a few months ago she moved to this location.  Actually, this building dates from the early 1900’s and originally used to be the Hardware store owned by the Vessel family.  How I know this?  Well, when I talk about Lewes, I always say that the residents of this town know their history and preservation is always on their mind.  After I left Aqua Marine, I saw one of those residents. During a cup of coffee he told me about the building.  Great coffee at Notting Hill, by the way. 

Aqua Marine is beautiful inside.  Hardwood floors and cabinetry.  Maureen was busy.  Clothes were arriving just in time for the season and all of us, customers, were coming at the same time. 

That did not matter because Maureen is the type of proprietor that is able to accommodate everyone with ease.  Customers are so fastidious.  I think more now than ever.  Maureen has been able, since she started her business, to make a good impression and customers keep coming back.

You know what is great about Maureen?  She remembers her customers’ names.  It is like she has built a relationship; the feel of trust and comfort.  There is an understanding between her and her customers.  I saw her in action, while I was there.  She listens to us and we get to know her personally.  I met her mother, who was helping in the store.  Maureen knows her designs well and encourages her customers to try new things.

Aqua Marine has stylish clothing, perfect for that casual atmosphere of the beaches.  Yes, definitely, this store has year-round clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories to kick back in our resort towns.

Maureen told me that her devoted fashionistas range in ages from, as young  as, 13 to 92.  Sizes range from the very small (oh, well) to larger sizes.  There is a wide range of prices, as well.

She has different lines that are well represented in the store, but two of them caught my attention:

Trina Turk –  She is from California and her line is inspired by a multicultural mix.  It combines the architecture and landscape of Los Angeles and California.  Her designs are full of the season’s most casually sophisticated and “must have” silhouttes.

Beija-Flor – Jeans from Brasil.  Always looking for that perfect bathing suit?  Well, the same goes for jeans.  This company says that the search for the perfect jeans is over. 

This is a mother and daughter team that is targetting the “modern woman” whether she’s 22 or 52.  The jeans are stylish, unique and fit great.  I tried them and it is true.  Maureen told me she cannot keep them in.  The jeans have curve friendly patterns, colors, stitching and details.

Even though this is really a women’s boutique, men should not be intimidated to come in and buy something for that significant other.  Trust me, Maureen will take care of you with ease.

I am sure I will be talking to you soon….It is really a gorgeous day in the Delmarva Peninsula…..Kick back and relax.

October 30th, 2009

At the Delaware Beaches…near Lewes…you will find…Coolspring Cottage…Gifts, Clothing…and Things…

I have mentioned before that by living for many years in the Delaware beaches, I have been a customer to plenty of stores. From the Delaware beaches to Ocean City, Maryland, is a very easy drive, so anyone that lives in this Peninsula drives all over the place with ease.

Shop owners have become friends.  One of these owners is Judy Demeno.  She used to own a very popular womens apparel shop in downtown Lewes; sold it, moved and opened another one in an area called Cool Spring.

I wish I could tell you more about Cool Spring, but I can’t.  I thought maybe there was a neat story with a spring around the area, but I don’t even know if there is one.  Apparently, Cool Spring is acually one of those unincorporated towns in the state of Delaware.

The name of Judy’s store is Coolspring Cottage, 28711 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Milton, DE 19968.  Tel. is 302-684-5140 and the fax is 302-684-5160.

Even though the address shows that it is in Milton, actually it is closer to Lewes.  To be exact it is off of Rt. 1 (Coastal Highway) and Rt. 9. (Lowes is on the corner).  About 2 miles from there.

Coolspring Cottage is a farm so it is bigger than you think.  The farm house is filled with accessories for the home with some clothing, as well, like the very popular Life is Good line.  The other popular line that has been around for many years is Brighton and Coolspring Cottage has many of their items available to you, including their add-on charms that are so popular now.

When I visited the shop they were getting ready to decorate for the holidays.  I can’t wait to see it since the whole farm has so much charm; wooden plank floors and fireplaces. Here are some pictures.

The back building houses an extensive variety of ladies ready to wear clothing; you know, sweaters, shoes, scarves and jewelry.  Judy is very personable and will help you pick the right outfit.  She will be honest in telling you if it looks good or not.  I say this because sometimes you go to stores and they might say that it looks great and you take it home and wonder what were they thinking. I am sure it has happen to you.

Anyway, Judy has great merchandise and you will not be disappointed.

I hope you have a great week-end.  Talk to you soon from Delray Beach, Florida…one of my beaches, as well.