By: Mia Lupo
Fashion and Lifestyles Editor;
When students say they are going “downtown” for the day—to shop, to eat, or to just walk around—most of them stay within the Brick Marketplace or Bowen’s Wharf. There’s nothing wrong with staying in the familiar places, but it’s also nice to explore new territory.
Last weekend, I walked past the post office, past Red Parrot, and headed for Lower Thames Street. Here are four different shops to check out on your next weekend excursion:
Chez Shell
408 Thames Street
(203)-892-9308
I can’t express how happy I was to find this boutique. Chez Shell, with another location on Christie’s Landing, opened their Thames Street location during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Like a lot of boutiques in Newport, Chez Shell sticks to the nautical look, but the layout of the store is probably one of the best on Thames Street. The space has an open layout, which is perfect for browsing all of Chez Shell’s fashionable inventory of light knit sweaters, the structured handbags, maxi-dresses, and much, much more.
If you’re looking build upon your summer wardrobe, I would recommend stopping by.
Chez Shell is currently open only on weekends until May, when it will be open seven days a week.
Media Credit: Mia Lupo
476-a Thames Street
(401)-619-1530
One of the things that makes Newport special is the diversity of its small business: a Middle-eastern coffeehouse on lower Thames adds to the city’s eclectic mix of cultures.
According to Mokka’s Facebook page, great Fair Trade artisan coffee and coffee drinks, fresh pastries, light lunch, and decadent desserts. They also have special organic dog treats for your pet to enjoy in the outdoor courtyard! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stop in and grab a coffee—or sit down for clam chowder—but this looks like a great addition to the local coffeehouse community in Newport.
Mokka Coffeehouse is open 8:00am-4:00pm seven days a week.
Media Credit: Mia Lupo
The Magic Studio
433 Thames Street
(401)-841-0735
When I first passed by The Magic Studio, I immediately stopped at the window for two reasons. First, I was amazed to find a prank shop on Thames after walking by so many boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants.
The second reason why I stopped was because I was quickly mesmerized by the magnetic ferrets tumbling around a glass case—the store owner knows how to attract attention of people walking by.
If you’re looking for a fun gag gift or want to indulge your inner prankster, you should stop by The Magic Studio.
Call The Magic Studio for business hours.
Media Credit: Mia Lupo
Friendly Harbor Gifts & Antiques
481 Thames Street
(401)-846-3200
An antiques shop may not be the type of store the average college student would go into, but it’s amazing some of the cool things you may find. At Friendly Harbor, there were some interesting, dorm-friendly pieces—nautical pillows, glassware, and other knickknacks.
There were also small cast-iron crabs that appear to just be paper weights…but they also serve as bottle openers.
Even if you’re not shopping for yourself, Friendly Harbor might be a good place to shop for family and relatives, especially if they are interested in interior décor.
Friendly Harbour is open Monday-Friday 1:00pm-5:30pm; Saturday at 1:00pm-6:00pm; and Sunday at 12:00pm-5:00pm.
Media Credit: Mia Lupo
