'Tis the season to showcase your style. Are you a sophisticated Foxy Lady, or a sandy-toed Gidget? Perhaps your tastes run toward Provence chic – ethereal, feminine, and timeless. On the Key, you can express all three, depending on your mood and the event at hand. No need to feel pigeon-holed in your fashion selections. Spread your wings! Rise to the occasion, whether dressing for a day in the Village, a sunset drum circle, or dinner at The Summer House.
Foxy Lady
When you're feeling fancy, head over to Foxy Lady, where you will find the latest in trend-setting international fashion, from head-turning casual to show-stopping formal, and everything in between. According to Foxy Lady partner and Siesta store manager, Lori Ann Steiner, their mission is "… to make high fashion accessible by importing the latest designs from the world's couture capitals."
Indeed, the boutique is a nexus of world fashion. From New York and Los Angeles to London, Paris, and Milan, items from every globe-trotting designer have made their way into the store. You'll discover original creations from such notables as Johnny Was, Canadian designer Joseph Ribkoff (Foxy Lady’s boasts one of the largest collections in the U.S.), and Hale Bobb. If your budget doesn't allow for your champagne tastes, take advantage of Foxy Lady's simply outrageous discounts. There's always something sensational on sale, including shoes and accessories.
Foxy Lady has been a staple on Siesta Key since 1972 when founder Lorry Eible recognized there was a local market for more than beachwear. High fashion, coupled with personalized service, turned out to be the "key." Foxy Lady has a second location on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota.
Foxy Lady Siesta Key is located at 209 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242. Call 941-349-6644 or visit FoxyLadySarasota.com. Follow them at Facebook.com/FoxyLadySarasotaFL.
Gidget's Coastal Provisions
The moment you step into this little haven, you'll feel like you're in quirky Key West. With an aqueous theme and a Moon Doggie vibe, Gidget's Coastal Provisions lives up to its name. Residents and visitors alike shop here for beachy home décor and whimsical gifts, from ukuleles, flamingos, and mermaid-themed gifts to fun and inspiring signs for your beach digs. And if you are looking to dress the part, you've come to the right place.
In addition to a small selection of quality men's wear, the store maintains a cheerful collection of casual clothing for your inner (or outer) Gidget. Sundresses, long dresses, bold scarves, hats, and jewelry, these stylish pieces can take you from daytime to dinner. There is also a small but diverse assortment of cover-ups. Most of the items are lightweight with a breezy feel, the exception being the sturdy and stylish sweatshirts bearing Siesta Key branding.
Owner Barb Lancer invites you to stop by with your pup! Gidget's is super pet-friendly and will happily greet your fur baby with tasty organic treats.
Gidget's Coastal Provisions is located at 5242 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242. Call 941-373-7646 or visit gidgetssiestakey.com. Follow them at Facebook.com/GidgetsCoastalProvisions.
Casa Smeralda
After 13 successful years on St. Armands Circle, Casa Smeralda began a new chapter at Siesta Key Village in March of this year. This eclectic boutique is an art-inspired, trendy yet timeless treasure trove of wearable art in cottons, linens, silks, and other high-quality natural fibers. Not surprisingly, owner Marie Louise Leuenberger is a nature-lover and a caretaker of the environment. Born in Switzerland, she and her husband lived in Africa for 20 years before settling in Sarasota. These world citizens instantly felt drawn to our little Key and have owned a quaint resort in the Village for 30 years.
According to Marie Louise, relocating from the Circle to the Key has been a positive experience, as the close-knit community of Siesta has been welcoming and supportive. "Everyone here is so nice," she says. The store offers casual and unique sundresses, tops and bottoms, and artful pieces put together for comfort and style along with unique gifts and treasures from the Himalayas, USA, India, Guatemala, and Morocco. The sign at the entrance hints at the ambiance that awaits: "Hello, Hola, Gruezi, Bonjour, Ciao! We sell lifestyle, beauty, and self-expression. Only if it's right and feels good!"
Casa Smeralda is located at 5121 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242. Call 941-388-1305 or visit casasmeralda.com. Follow them at Facebook.com/CasaSmeraldaSRQ. To learn more about their beach bungalows, visit beachpalms.com
Check them out
The cooler breezes of autumn are ushering in ideal weather for strolling the shops on the Key. Go, see for yourself what fresh fashion lies in store.
These businesses are all independently owned and operated by caring Siesta Key residents, in a charming community blessed with natural beauty, a vibrant village, and friendly neighbors. Get out there, have fun, and stay safe.
Reprinted from the October 2020 issues of Siesta Sand newspaper and The Eagle Landings, publications by 27th Street Media, LLC.