Charleston’s colorfully hued homes are almost as distinctive as its seersucker and sun dress-wearing citizens. No matter your tastes, there’s a special memento or wearable treasure that captures both the style and charm of the Holy City and surrounding Lowcountry.
Barbara Beach Designs
Children’s designer Barbara Beach of Barbara Beach Designs started out working in a Montessori classroom, where she was inspired to create a line of fun, functional clothing for babies through elementary-age kids. From crisp, well-tailored onesies in soothing patterns to bright jackets and rompers for older tykes, Barbara Beach Designs’ attire is as playful—and play-ready—as it is timeless.
Where to shop: online at www.barbarabeachdesigns.com
Sammy Speare
Sammy Speare began in 2014 as a whimsical line of notch-back and knot-back cufflinks. Festooned with embroidered anchors, sailboats and Labrador retrievers, these are dapper enough to turn even the shaggiest gentleman dashing, and they add instant preppy panache to any outfit. The recently expanded line now includes colorful seersucker neckties and bowties embroidered with contrasting lobsters, ship wheels and other nautically-themed elements.
Where to shop: online at www.sammy-speare.myshopify.com
Sea + Stone Jewelry
Megan Proctor of Sea + Stone Jewelry envisions and crafts all of her one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired pieces. The limited-edition jewelry collection includes necklaces, rings and earrings made with precious and semiprecious stones along with shells, antlers and pearls. From chunky scallop-shell necklaces to elegant gemstone earrings, Sea + Stone’s products are delicate, yet rustic and meant to be cherished and worn.
Where to shop: Julep, 154 King St., 843.724.9144
Taxidermy
When designer Amy Driggers of Taxidermy realized she needed a new handbag, she decided to make it herself. Reactions to that piece—known as The Mackie Tote—inspired her to start her own line. Today, in addition to the Mackie, Taxidermy offers an array of upscale exotic skin handbags, shoes and varsity jackets. With python and alligator skin sourced from a family-run farm in Indonesia and often dyed in Technicolor hues, Drigger’s pieces range from structured “it” bags and clutches to snakeskin Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers that have been seen on everyone from Beyoncé to the Kardashians.
Where to shop: Maris DeHart, 32 Vendue Range, 843.693.6139
Suite 33
Suite 33 features cosmetic cases, cocktail napkins and fanciful pillows in fun yet functional colors and patterns that designer and owner Emily Papuga notes are “designed for people who love Charleston.” Handcrafted in Mount Pleasant and utilizing organic cotton and linen fabrics, pillows like ‘Ravenel Bridge’ or ‘Rainbow Row’ capture the look, feel and palette of Holy City.
Where to shop: Open Door, 78 Line St., 843.872.6469
