Style Watch
White Birch Studio has it all—from unique gifts to furnishings for the whole house. Incorporating a mixture of vintage, one-of-a-kind, and refurbished items, the showroom strikes a fine balance between modern and vintage, formal and casual.
Hillary Fritz, the buying consultant to owner and head designer Susan Anderson, and designer Sara Gardner, says that their offerings feel “fresh, but fresh for a long time”—especially important since pieces that come with a heftier price tag need to have a lasting appeal.
You won’t have to look far to find something you’ll love among the studio’s eclectic selection. The huge reclaimed wood table by the entrance is striking and versatile, perfect for a casual dinner with the kids or for a formal affair when decked out with fine china. Go ahead and try not to covet the Mad Men-esque leather writing table, perfectly staged with a bar set of shadow-gray glass.
Not exactly an interior designer yourself? White Birch also offers design services—everything from broad plans to the nitty-gritty details. The studio has a separate design space, a kind of cozy library, where you’ll dream up your next big project with the designers. —N.T.
3 Sconset Square, Westport, 203-557-9137; whitebirchstudio.com
Fashion in Sconset
Even those who don’t love surprises will like this one: AKRAM. This beautiful new store is filled with fashions for him and her. Don’t expect overly trendy items—these dresses, jeans, bags, and button-ups are sure to be favorites for seasons. Owners Seham and Akram Enany fill their boutique with well-made pieces that are unique and work well together, right down to the accessories. We love the Murano Jewelry on the shop’s wall display, the handsome jeans from Germany, and the chunky, statement-making leather belts. –D.T.S.
9 Sconset Sq., Westport, 203-557-4444; akramwestport.com.