We’re excited to announce our new “Shop In Series,” your guide to shopping on Aquidneck Island, Jamestown, Bristol, Barrington and Warren. From seasonal pop-up shops to perennial favorites, this part of Rhode Island is peppered with retail treasures. We’ll be featuring one city or town a week to create a comprehensive guide to shopping these treasured locales of the Ocean State.
Today we start in historic Bristol. Known across the country for their famed Fourth of July Celebration (founded in 1785 and marking its 225th anniversary this July), Bristol is a historic port town with classic New England charm. For more than three centuries, this bustling coastal community has enjoyed a thriving economic climate, albeit in varying facets of industry. Today, shops are found throughout the town, some on busy Thames Street Landing, others on Hope and State streets and still others on the charming side streets throughout the village. Here’s just a snapshot of what you’ll find ….
A Jour Jewelry, 267 Thames Street: Contemporary gold, diamond and platinum designer jewelry (second location in Providence).
A Novel Idea Booksellers, 450 Hope Street: Practically a Hope Street institution with new and used books, book rentals, 15% off book club books, complimentary coffee and snacks plus old-fashioned customer services like complimentary gift wrapping (they buy used books as well).
Alayne White, 259 Thames Street: A boutique-style spa inside the charming Bristol Harbor Inn (a second location is located near Wayland Square in Providence) featuring Dermalogica, Peter Thomas Roth, in-house created makeup and more.
Alfred’s Gifts & Antiques, 331 Hop
e Street: Antiques, small furniture, rugs, giftware and great finds.
Ardor, 458 Hope Street: Hip clothing boutique with women’s fashion, accessories, handbags and shoes.
Bargains Unlimited, 437 Hope Street: On Hope Street for more than 35 years, this shop is chock full of inexpensive jewelry, scarves, sunglasses, handbags and tons of red, white and blue-hued tchotchke for Bristol’s big day.
Bristol Looms, 49 Bradford Street #2: A mixed use space with a retail store selling a variety of recycled, eco-friendly products; a gallery space; and weaving studio featuring the use of environmentally-friendly fibers including organic cotton, bamboo, and wool from local farms.
Coggeshall Jewelers, 473 Hope Street: A diverse collection of estate jewelry, nautical motif pieces and fun jewelry at a range of price points.
Dantiques, 676 Hope Street: A little bit of everything…furniture, glassware, china, estate pieces; part of Bristol’s retail landscape for more than 30 years.
Flags at the Landing, 251 Thames Street: Flags, flag poles, lawn games, outdoor gear, all just steps from the harbor.
Green River Silver Company, 297 Hope Street: Importer and retailer of unique, handcrafted fine sterling jewelry from artisans around the world.
Harbor Bath & Body, 251 Thames Street: Here you’ll find locally-made, well-researched, natural goodness with brands like Portsmouth-made but nationally 
praised Farmesthetics, Rhode Island Soapworks, Farmhouse (a New Hampshire-based line of all natural soaps and herbal products), and earth-friendly soaps and lotions from Mangiacotti.
Jackie’s Loft, 448 Thames Street: From casual to cocktail, the pieces here fit every taste and budget. Fashionable, hard-to-find dresses from and Basix Black Label, and Yoana Baraschi are ideal for those summer cocktail parties or weddings by the sea, while beach-cover ups and light sweaters are perfect for the summer season. Accessories are the real gem here, with a huge variety of trendy and classic pieces, most all under $50.
Jesse James Antiques, 44 State Street: A large shop brimming with antique china, glass, period furniture, accessories, tableware; many of great worth and highly sought after.
Kate & Company, 301 Hope Street: Beautiful gifts, home accents including pillows, candles, glassware; jewelry, tote bags; a must-visit.
Olde China Trader, 259 Thames Street (Thames Street Landing): Fine and vernacular Chinese furniture, antiques and porcelains, some that date back to Bristol’s 19th Century China Trade.
Paper, Packaging & Panache, 418 Hope Street: Unique and beautiful greeting cards, invitations, stationery and gifts appropriate for all of life’s celebrations and special occasions are here as are great sentimental gifts.
Striper Moon, 11 State Street: Find The North Face, Patagonia, Lacoste, Blundestone and the venerable Crocs and Uggs here.
Revival, 227 Thames Street: Serving pieces, place settings, tableware and dishes, jewelry, handbags, music, bath and body products, gifts…simply pretty things.
Robin Jenkins Antiques, 278 Hope Street: Antique furniture, decorations, oriental rugs, and picks for pets are found at this charming Hope Street spot.
Roxie’s Consignment Boutique, 217 High Street: The perfect place to get the look for less with casual finds from popular retails including Banana Republic,J Crew, The Gap and more.
Studio Six, 259 Thames Street: Fun, unique gifts like theme martini-glasses, pottery, silly books, candles, table dressings, pillows, children’s toys, funky frames, prints, some clothing, shoes and more.
Sue Casa, 39 State Street: A lifestyle shop that when you walk in, you simply want to send for your things. With fine furnishings, interesting accessories, accents, art and artifacts with a coastal flair, its easy to wish Sue Casa was mi casa.
The Knotty Dog, 31 Bradford Street: Brand-new home accents and gift shop with handcrafted furniture, artwork, pottery, glass, ironwork, textiles
and more.
The Toy Shop, 450 Hope Street: A classic toy store filled with quality toys loved by families across Rhode Island with fun finds for kids of all ages (again, complementary gift wrap).
Time & Thyme Again, 13 State Street: a cozy shop filled with antique and vintage furniture, home décor and accessories, beautiful things.
(Please note: this is just a sampling Bristol’s retail landscape. If your favorite shop was overlooked, let us know at newportstylephile@yahoo.com)
Absolutely- in fact, I’ve had Vintage to Vogue on my list for a featured post…will stop in soon:)