Fairfield Style

Photographs by Courtney Ann Photography

1  JUST ADD SALT
CHILDREN’S SHOP SALTWATER IN FAIRFIELD

How has there not been a shop called SALTWATER in Fairfield? We’re amazed, as much by that revelation as by the adorable new store in downtown Fairfield that will be a siren song to new parents. It was founded by JESSICA SOKOL and SARAH MCBRAIR, both moms of young kids, who source stylish and unique finds with coastal influence. Choose from coo-worthy apparel, accessories, jewelry, home decor and gifts for moms and children.

“We understand what it’s like to be busy moms of young kids while still wanting to maintain a sense of effortless classic style, says Jessica. “We don’t put a single item in the store that we don’t absolutely love for ourselves or our kids!”

These moms are like your stylish best friends—with design chops. Jessica has degrees in art history and art business and work experience at the Smithsonian, Sotheby’s and Farrow & Ball. Sarah, nurtured in childhood summers in Nantucket, is head designer of Love of Pretty jewelry. That history shows in their new venture. “At the heart of Saltwater,” says Jessica, “is our love for the coast and the carefree lifestyle that it brings.”

To pamper new parents, the shop offers monogramming, framing, gift wrapping and local delivery—and, soon, birthday parties. 45 Unquowa Rd., 203-254-1432; saltwaterct.com


2  PULL IT TOGETHER

GELLS BELTS FOR STYLE AND CHARITY

ASHLEY AND RICHARD PERKIN appreciate well-made, tasteful apparel. One day, they decided they could bring something new and better to the market: a belt with a mission. And so GELLS BELTS was launched with the pledge that 5 percent of the proceeds goes to charity. “We saw a need in the market for an affordable, versatile belt,” says Ashley. “The ultimate goal was to start a conversation and raise awareness about causes we support, so we chose bright, fun colors to draw attention to the belt.” They are available at gells.org and Saltwater in Fairfield, among other area boutiques.


3  LUCKY NUMBER

HOME DECOR SCORES AT NO. 299 STORE

For home décor and gifts that have that personal touch, you might want to check out NO. 299. The store started as a pop-up in JACKIE FUCIGNA’s two-car garage in Fairfield four times a year (oh, those lucky enough to be in the know!). “No. 299” came from her address—plus, it’s catchy. When Jackie spotted an empty storefront on Villa Avenue, she envisioned the possibilities and opened up her own store. Two successful years later, she’s moved to Unquowa Road, downtown. Pop in to explore furniture, candle holders, mirrors, lamps, wall hangings, pillows, bookends and accessories with vintage appeal that add personality to a home—plus, a store owner on hand to help pull together looks. 203-916-7370; 11 Unquowa Rd.; no299.com


Sarah McBrair and Jessica Sokol

MOMS FOR MOMS
RAISING A FAMILY AND BUILDING A SMALL BUSINESS —JUST ANOTHER SUPER DAY IN FAIRFIELD

“We met on Instagram and realized that we lived just minutes from each other,” says Jessica Sokol of Saltwater. She lives in Black Rock, Sarah by the beach.

“We then got to talking about the lack of unique retail options for moms and kids in Fairfield and decided to take a leap of faith and open a brick-and-mortar location together.

We feel so strongly about supporting fellow moms and other local women-owned businesses, which Fairfield has such a wonderful community of.

We want Saltwater to be a destination for moms.”

Aside from gifts, look for fun events and trunk shows on the horizon.

 

 

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