lovely life.: beach haven

little lovelies

11:02 AM

1:46 PM

Apologies for the silence lately! It has been busy to say the least.

After a super fun, successful and semi-chaotic first season on LBI, I was left feeling absolutely grateful, exhausted and satisfied. Let's be honest, Jersey women really understand what we're trying to do here at ALU! I guess it's in my blood as a Jersey girl myself - we love to shop. Especially on vacation. Who doesn't? I set out to bring a little something different to Long Beach Island and I am so elated that it was well received. I feel a true connection to my home state and fall in love every day with running a business here.

The season in Beach Haven felt like a true blessing (i kind of hate that word now-a-days, don't you? #sickofit) because opening there was still somewhat a shot in the dark. I had been living and working in Brooklyn for a while and wasn't sure if what the store set out to do was going to even work on the island. Taking the leap and starting anything new is always a risk and comes accessorized with it's own set of scary (but worth it) anxieties. And to be honest? Moving the shop directly from the Brooklyn space right into the Beach Haven space left little time to really ponder any real what-ifs or overly negative thoughts. It was go time and I am so happy ALU has an LBI home.

The busy season ended later than expected (atleast for me..I know a few other stores open longer into the off season) and even with the cancellation of the official last hurrah, Chowderfest, we still ended strong into October. I met so many fantastic faces, had fabulous help that made me feel confident that the store would run smoothly every single day even when I was endlessly driving up & down the GSP 3 times a week back to Brooklyn and living out of a suitcase. In some cases, we weren't even prepared for the mad rush of shoppers that basically left the store looking totally empty at the end of each day. If I could have told myself that that would have been impossible 2 years ago while sitting in my teensy tiny Brooklyn space with sometimes 1 customer a day and a gigantic overhead draining me $$$$ each month, I think I would have ..well, I would have listened. In fact, I did listen. Which is why the store moved. Even when everyone asked me 10948 questions about why i would ever do that, it just made sense to me and I knew it would just work out. Always trust ya gut.

Living part time and working on the island all summer felt magical. With my family just a few steps away and new faces that turned into familiar ones coming in each day made the drive, stresses and sometimes chaos of traveling back and forth a total no brainer. Once September hit, I wanted to take a big ol' nap and now I'm here counting down the months so I can do it all over again. And do it even better.

To anyone who stopped in this summer or lent your support - thank you, thank you, thank YOU! I can't wait to give you even more for our second season. We are back open in April!

beach haven

Who's Who @ ALU:

9:16 AM

Now that Summer is officially here and our high season hours are now in operation, our doors will be open 7 days a week from 10-8pm. It's super exciting to be able to take full advantage of this beautiful busy season. Since there are quite a few different faces in the shop each day, we are going to explore a little bit more about each shop girl to learn tidbits about their life & specific personal style. After all, it takes a village and nothing good can be done all by yourself and everyone working at A Lovely Universe keeps this shop growing in the right direction ♥

Name: Sarah Cunningham

Position: Shop Owner / Buyer

Hometown: Born & raised in Middletown, NJ, spent my summers in Beach Haven & currently split my time between the island & Brooklyn, NY.

Describe Your Sense of Style: A balance of classic feminine and comfy casual. Since I'm always on the go, I live for jeans and a good top. I'm consistently drawn to easy silhouettes, granny floral prints and also a healthy dose of denim and plaids/flannel.

Earliest Style Memory: Aside from always dressing my American Girl dolls as if they were my children, I remember studying how certain cartoon characters like Judy Funny from Doug or Rugrats characters dressed and/or decorated their houses and then trying to copy it in my own life.

My Mom always made it a point to dress me up and let me be apart of the process of picking out what I wore and learning about different types of clothing/styling behavior. I was also taught that you can still play and run around but remain neat and take care of your clothes. I definitely grew up in a shopping family and loved observing the way my female family members shopped which is something I still do everyday with my job. The psychology of retail is always fascinating to me.

Favorite Items in the Shop: At the moment, I love the embroidered Mexican vacation inspired tunic dresses like this one and all of our minimal gold charm necklaces and chunky stone cuff bracelets. (Words of advice: these go FAST so if you see one you like in the shop, snag it right then & there.) I'm also super into our selection of fragrances by Soap & Paper Factory that I just have to spray before I start any day.

Signature Go-To Styling Tips?: #1 is be comfortable. I'll never encourage a sale if a customer is not 100%. The other main tip is to think outside the season we're in and think of ways you can utilize a particular top or dress in the fall or winter. Most (not all) of the pieces in here are multifunctional - so style it up with a denim jacket, tights and short boots in the fall or with a chunky cardigan over jeans in the winter.

Favorite Thing About Summer on LBI: The magical feel that overcomes the island as soon as the weather starts getting warmer. There's just a buzz that swarms over and it's pretty special. Everything is open, the sun is out and people are just excited to be alive and enjoying themselves here.

How would you describe ALU to any future shoppers?: I like to describe it as a little treasure chest of a store. You never know what you'll find. Inventory changes quick and we try to stock items that are not easily found. It's more than just a clothing store and I hope the space brightens up your day and makes you feel as if you've escaped regular life for just a little bit.

Other Favorite Must-See Spots on LBI?: Here's an example of an ideal LBI day..

Driving down to the opposite end of the island to explore near Barnegat Light, grabbing a fresh juice at the new Market LBI in Surf City or taking a bike ride throughout the historic district of Beach Haven to stare at all of the beautiful homes & drool worthy landscaping. For a quick bite, grab take out lunch at Pearl Street Market & enjoy it outside somewhere before heading to the beach around 4pm for the later-in-the-day-calm or walking to The Shell for a true vacation feel with their tiki bar, coconuty mixed drinks and poolside seating. Finish the night by playing pool and/or other various bar games with a craft beer in hand at the Hudson House or by sitting under the stars in your backyard or deck with some great company.

Last but not least, you can never go wrong taking walks up and down the boulevard to explore what's happening at any hour of the day. There are so many great shops (ahem..), cafes, art galleries, and other attractions that will totally ensure that your LBI experience is a memorable one.

Name: Jessica Anuw

Position: Sales Associate / Merchandising Stylist

Hometown: Literally- Glassboro, NJ... Theoretically- Beach Haven, NJ

Describe Your Sense of Style: One of my favorite quotes is, "dressing well is a form of good manners." For as long as I can remember, I have never been the girl to leave the house looking like I just rolled out of bed. To say my style is ever- evolving would be an understatement but there is one aspect that always remains constant- I have always loved the challenge of shopping on a dime yet putting together outfits that look classic, polished, and luxe!

Earliest Style Memory: My grandma has always been my style icon. My earliest style memories revolve around playing dress-up at her house. I would immediately be transported to a world of elegance and glamour in her 1950's cocktail dresses, intricate lace tops, opulent furs, and sparkling baubles.

Favorite Items in the Shop: How can I choose! All of the items in the shop compliment each other so perfectly. Every time I walk through the door, though, I am always immediately drawn to the jewelry... it is like Christmas, coming in and seeing what new pieces have arrived! All of the inventory is so delicate, unique, and lovely.

Signature Go-To Styling Tips?: I find that I am never completely satisfied with an outfit until I have done a little something with my crazy mane and also, at least, thrown on some mascara or even a bold lip (if the outfit allows). I think that styling goes beyond a good outfit- it begins at the top of your head and ends at your toes so it's all about the entire package. It is easy to get carried away with this, though, which is why I also live by the old "remove one accessory before walking out of the door" adage. A little can go a long way, especially when it comes to fashion. But none of this beats the striking beauty of some good old confidence!

Favorite Thing About Summer on LBI: Would everything be an appropriate response? I have been spending summers on LBI for my entire life and have always felt more at home here than at my actual home. There is so much to love about my little piece of paradise! The fact that life seems to slow down and all of your worries seem to dissipate once you cross the bridge, the smell of the salt and the sand, being able to walk or ride my bike anywhere I need to go, the safety and comfort of a small town feel, the Chegg. I could go on forever! But mostly, I guess, is the culmination of all of my favorite memories I have built over the past 23 years here and continue to build each year.

How would you describe ALU to any future shoppers?: I like to describe ALU best as somewhere so much more than a clothing boutique, it is a destination. One of my favorite things is to see customers eyes light up when they walk through the door- amazed by all of the many treasures compiled in the most clean, welcoming, and calming environment. All of the inventory is clearly selected with such care and consideration, and everything within the shop is like a small piece to the loveliest of puzzles.

Other Favorite Must-See Spots on LBI?: Aside from ALU, it would be too easy to answer this question with some typical tourist spots so I'll spare everyone from that! In my opinion, there are 3 must-see spots that are worth more than money:

1. An LBI sunrise on the beach (for obvious reasons)

2. Dusk/night at the furthest most point on the Island in Holgate (the view of Atlantic City and all of it's lights are breath-taking)

3. The gorgeous view of the Island from the top of our beloved lighthouse, Old Barney, in Barnegat Light

Name: Alyjah Decker

Position: Sales Associate

Hometown: Waretown

Describe Your Sense of Style: Very feminine! Super 50's & 60's inspired. Girly dresses are my favorite.

Earliest Style Memory: My mom always dressed me up in super stylish outfits, always with a matching hat!

Favorite Items in the Shop: I love any of the floral dresses that come through! I also love the white sweater with the gingham detail; it's the softest sweater I've ever felt.

Signature Go-To Styling Tips?: A simple dress can go a long way with the perfect shoes, hair, and makeup.

Favorite Thing About Summer on LBI: The smell of the water!

How would you describe ALU to any future shoppers?: Dainty, fresh, and uplifting!