There are some stores you go to in order to fill specific needs. And then there’s Kessie.
Located at 25 Front St. in Greenport, Linda Kessler’s eclectic shop is a women’s boutique with compliment-garnering clothing, purses and jewelry; a place to find unique housewares and host gifts; hand-beaded keychains and eye-catching accoutrements. There are antiques, gorgeous kids’ sweaters, bar gear and family-friendly board games for rainy weekends. It’s the kind of store where the well-chosen stock pleasantly haunts you afterward, beckoning you back for just one more visit.
“I’ve always enjoyed clothing and interesting objects and jewelry,” says Kessler, who opened her first store in Manhattan back in the ’80s, eventually moving her retail talents to the North Fork. “I love to shop!” More than that, though, Kessler has a gimlet eye for items that both stand the test of time and don’t break the bank. And she also knows that a well-curated selection takes a village — or at least, a healthy mix of opinions.
“I have a perspective from a senior point of view. When I go to trade shows, I bring my manager, James Settler, who just turned 30, as well as my daughter, Emily Kessler, who’s a few years older than James. They play off each other,” Kessler says of the secret to her store’s stellar stock. “I’m actually breaking in my grandson, Jackson, too — he has a very good eye for jewelry for a 9 1/2-year-old.”
BC Company Woven orange tote and clutch, $88
The buttery texture of this vegan leather bag feels luxurious, but the sturdy straps, magnetic closure and generous size (18” long by 13” deep by 6 ½” wide) will make it your workhorse office or weekend bag for fall.
Aratta bomber jacket, $168
The red and gunmetal collar gives this sheer bomber jacket a sporty feel, but the intricate embroidery will garner compliments wherever you wear it.
Repurposed lightbulb necklace, $64
“I carry a lot of handmade jewelry that I buy from artisans in Arizona,” Kessler says. Here, lightbulbs find new life fastened to an oxidized metal ring with copper wire, brass and glass bead accents.
Godinger Skull Decanter with matching double old-fashioned glasses, decanter, $62; glasses, two for $24
Put the “boo!” in booze when you fill this vessel with your favorite spirit (the sipping kind) and toast to Halloween hijinks with its matching spooky skull glasses.
Peterson Housewares fox salt or pepper mill, $42
Made in Toronto, Canada, from acacia wood, this handcrafted fox will spice up your dining room table or kitchen countertop.
Kids zip-up hoodie sweater, $32
Each of these acrylic kids’ sweaters are handmade in Peru and tell a story of the natural world. Slash pockets are waiting to be filled with shells and pebbles from beach walks, or keep little hands warm on your next trip to a corn maze.
Mahjong set, $160
The centuries-old Chinese game of tiles and tenacity is having a (new) moment. Get in on the trend with this smart set with suede tile holders, acrylic and brass racks and stylish blue leather case.
