The way you choose to decorate your home is an extension of your personal style, which is why finding the right aesthetics takes creativity, patience,—and a perfectly curated home décor store. If you’re in need of some fresh inspiration, here are three of Westport’s home stores, all owned and operated by women who take great pride in curating unique and thoughtful selections.
THE POST
1799 Post Rd E, Westport, CT
Deb Placey, Owner
Deb, a former sportscaster for ESPN and Madison Square Garden Network, opened The Post three years ago. She has always loved interior design, and spent her days off decorating and styling. “In between games, I’d go look at fabrics or mirrors all day long,” says Deb. “So, when I hung up my microphone so to speak, opening The Post was a logical step—even though it sounds like a major pivot!”
The Inspiration: The store’s tagline is “City. Country. Coast.” It speaks to the relaxed atmosphere. “Shopping for sectionals and pillows, or hostess gifts and housewarming gifts should be fun!” she says.
The Favorites: Deb can’t choose just one favorite item, but emphasizes that it was always her goal to feature a range of price points. “You can come in if you just need a greeting card or a candle,” she says. “But feel equally comfortable making an investment in gorgeous custom swivel chairs or Baccarat glasses for a wedding gift.”
The Special Touch: Deb emphasizes that her team aims to please. “If you need something ordered or delivered, we want to go the extra mile,” she says.
BESPOKE DESIGNS
8 Sconset Square, Westport, CT 06880
Shari Lebowitz, Creative Director/Founder
Originally founded as a couture paper design atelier, Bespoke Designs has grown into a retail destination that includes a full-service design studio, a highly curated gift registry, and a shop filled with everything you might need to entertain at home. “We bring together the best artisans, makers, and brands with highly personalized customer service,” explains Shari Lebowitz, founder and creative director. From weddings to milestone celebrations to everyday entertaining, Bespoke’s motto is: “Let’s get your gathering started in style!”
The Inspiration: Shari opened Bespoke Designs after she planned her own wedding and searched high and low for gorgeous, swoon-worthy invitations. “I leaned into my love of paper design, parties and entertaining.” For invitations and stationery, Bespoke Designs offers three levels of customization and chic style options for every budget. For tabletop, homewares and gifts, Bespoke offers a unique array of products carefully sourced from around the world. “We love to create layered, beautiful looks for entertaining,” says Shari.
The Favorites: “Too many to name! The vibe of the shop is happy and upbeat. But if I had to choose, it would be our “Truly Bespoke” fully custom wedding and party invitations. I get a bit teary eyed when these lovelies go out in the mail and spread their joy,” she says.
The Special Touch: The vibe of the shop is bright, happy, upbeat, and stylish. “I’m constantly thinking in terms of color, shape, and pattern. I studied art history and have been fortunate to travel extensively,” says Shari. “As a lifelong knitter and devoted gardener, I’m attuned to texture, craftsmanship, and the beauty of nature all around us in every season. Plus, I’m a party person at heart. I love to set a beautiful table and whip up a signature cocktail.”
MILLIE RAE’S
1011 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880
Cheryl Sugel, Owner
Millie Rae’s is a “not so small” boutique that sells home furnishings and decor, gifts, jewelry, and women’s clothing. It offers interior design and wardrobe styling too. Cheryl named the store after her two grandmothers—Mildred and Rachel (“two smart, hard-working women”) and says the store reflects her personal style, running the gamut from casual, practical, frivolous, humorous, and beautiful. The brick-and-mortar store opened in 2009 but it began with Cheryl doing pop-up shops for charitable events around Fairfield County.
The Inspiration: Cheryl majored in fashion design and merchandising and started out as a buyer for a department store in Miami. Prior to moving to Westport, she had a store in Miami with a similar feel. “The vibe of Millie Rae’s is ‘comfortable elegance.’ Almost everything in the store is chosen by me so it all has my personal touch,” she says.
The Favorites: Cheryl wanted Millie Rae’s to have a lifestyle approach that could appeal to almost everyone by featuring a wide range of prices as well as design and gift options. Yet the assortment in Millie Rae’s is constantly changing, so her favorite items change as well. “I’m a big fan of neutral and pale colors. Layering texture is important to my personal design aesthetic,” she says. “I also believe in respecting the past, so I love incorporating vintage and family heirlooms.”
The Special Touch: Cheryl takes pride in the commitment Millie Rae’s has to the community. She loves that overall Westport is a compassionate and socially aware place, and is proud that Millie Rae’s sponsors local charitable organizations including Near and Far, Pink Aid, Rooms With A View, A Better Chance Westport, Mercy Learning Center, and many more. “So many of our customers have become friends,” she says. “The joy of learning about their families, new babies, grandbabies, weddings, holidays, and vacations is the best part of what we do.”
