The warm Caribbean air is the ideal backdrop to indulge in one-of-a-kind island shopping. On my own tropical escape, I found myself fully immersed in local handicrafts, designer jewelry and unique clothing found in small boutiques. Using their environment as inspiration, these high-end boutique brands are exclusive to their native island – and, thankfully, online – offering an exotic shopping experience. Here are the top collections to give you a taste of island living:
1b Designs, St. Croix
Ib Designs, based out of St. Croix, is an accessory-lovers paradise with over two dozen lines to choose from. All the pieces are handmade, in sterling silver or 14K gold, with all the island charm you’d expect from a locally made label. My favorite collections are the Om and Fan Coral, which are completely on-trend with nautical themed bracelets and pendants. The anchor bracelet and fan coral earrings will work with everything, from jeans and a tee to an evening maxi dress.
The Pink House, Mustique
When you think beach getaway, you think fab bikini and that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Pink House on the elite island of Mustique. Indulge in luxury basic bikinis and cover-ups, along with some extravagant pieces like a gold Mustique pendant and silk maxi dress. They also have adorable ruffled bikinis for girls, printed trunks for boys and for your guy – everyone can look as fab as you do.
Sea Sage, Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is home to Sea Sage – a line of exclusive silk scarves that can work as a bikini wrap, hair accessory or accent piece. By focusing on scarves alone, the brand has gained a reputation for high quality and unique designs. The collection’s Sea Fan scarf will be my signature accessory and a reminder of my beach getaway!
Calypso St. Barth
Calypso St. Barth is a well-known brand with its roots firmly in Caribbean style. The brand boasts everything from clothing to accessories and even housewares (bring the beach home!). My current obsession is their line of maxi dresses, which are equal parts bohemian chic and evening glam. Add a straw clutch and you’ll be St. Barth styled wherever you go.
Everett Designs, Dominican Republic
For genuine local gems Dominican Republic’s Everett Designs features designer Larimar and Amber jewelry – Dominican Republic has some of the largest natural resources of these stones. The sea blue Larimar stone is a personal favorite, brighter than turquoise but equally enchanting with silver accents. For a real treasure piece, the Shipwreck Coins collection is made with rare 17th and 18th century silver coins, actually recovered from shipwrecks – you can’t get any more authentic than that!
Let these boutique brands give your style a boost with bold colors, textures and shapes – a piece of paradise for your closet!
These are really nice jewelries but they’re not exactly nice souvenirs. I would rather get ref magnets… They’re cheaper too.
Are these really worth it? I usually buy t-shirts that have the names of the places I went to. But I rarely buy accessories. It’s not like it can actually remind me of the trip because it doesn’t say anything about the place.
Handmade jewelries are the best. It’s also nice to wear something that people work hard on and you’re buying from them.
My favorite here would be the 1b Designs. If you like accessories that would look good even as soon as you get home from your vacay, this is the perfect to-buy. I’m not exactly a fan of the rest, because it looks a little too ethnic and I don’t have clothes that will look good paired with those accessories. Not much of a bad idea if you just want a souvenir and if you want to use it for your next beach trip. I don’t do boho on a daily basis so for me, it’s something I would splurge on.
Jewelry pieces like this are very unique. Not everyone knows about it and that’s good because you won’t have a bunch of people using the same jewelry at work.
Calypso is something that I really should buy. I save up on clothes like these for my next vacation. My only problem is that I shouldn’t gain weight.?
I love how these products are of high quality. I’ve seen numerous island boutique products like this and it all looks plain and the quality isn’t good for the price. I definitely don’t mind buying something like this because not only will I be contributing to their economy, it would also help promote their tourism. It’s fun that they also have online shops now so when you spread the word, your friends don’t need to go to that island just so they can buy the same clutch as yours.
I’m really loving these island collections. I’m impressed. I also bet that most of this is hand made. ?
My mom likes accessories similar to Everett Designs. She would definitely love that as a gift.
I rarely shop when I’m on a vacation. I just usually buy souvenirs and that’s it.