Starting off my Hamptons features today, and I couldn’t help but share one of my favorite new shops, Cabana, in Southampton. Julie Heller started off selling her vintage finds, and we all know how I love a good oldie. She has great taste, and always curated the best pieces, all in great condition. She’s opened up a shop where you can buy your elevated basics alongside her racks of vintage for all summer occasions. I love that I can go to her for my favorite white t-shirt, jeans or casual shirt dress, and then also find something vintage to add to the mix, and make an outfit unique and personalized. She will be having a lot of fun events throughout summer, so swing by anytime.
How many years have you been in business in The Hamptons?
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been five years since we first opened!
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
Before I opened Cabana, I had an appointment-only private vintage showroom in SOHO where I sold designer vintage. My style is very mix and match - old and new, so I thought it would be fun to offer that blend to my clients as well - and what better place than in the Hamptons!
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I try to give people an unexpected experience in Southampton. Aside from clothing, we carry in-room apothecary goods from some of my favorites hotels around the world. Also, since I live part of the year in Los Angeles, I’m drawn to pieces with a west coast sensibility, so the store definitely has an LA feel to it.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
We work really hard at finding up and coming talent so that we can offer brands to our shoppers before they become widely known. I think our clients have recognized this and they keep coming back to see what’s new!
How do you positively impact your clientele?
Everyone feels a little better when they’re looking their best. We have pieces for every personality and every body type. We want people to leave the store feeling their most confident!
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love chatting with everyone who comes in - some of my best friends started out as clients!
What is your favorite secret Hamptons spot?
It’s not such a secret, but I hit Duryea’s Lobster Deck in Montauk weekly, which coming from Southampton really says a lot! I am obsessed with their Cobb Salad, and you can’t beat the ambience - you feel like you’re in Europe! For a more low-key meal, La Parmigiana in Southampton is my favorite.
How do you benefit mamas?
As a new mom, I know how hard it is to get back to feeling like your old self again. I hope to style everyone in a way that makes that process move a little bit faster.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
In the beginning, I was very concerned with getting more established lines which was tough, so I think the most memorable feedback I’ve gotten from clients is how much they appreciate finding new designers and new pieces at the store. This really changed the entire way I went about buying and gave me more assurance in my role as a curator.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
I really admire Laure Hériard Dubreuil, the owner of The Webster. I think she has one of the best stores in the world with some of the best selection. The Webster started out in a small space on Collins Ave in Miami and has grown like crazy all over the country!
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else - you’re only in competition with yourself.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
It’s not exactly time-saving, but for new moms just getting back into the working groove, the best trick I have found is to duck out while my baby is napping. Otherwise, it’s just too hard to leave her!