Kristina Richards Studio is one of Rhode Island's best, splurge-worthy shopping destinations. I've found some spectacular pieces at her Newport location. While it's true that you need to have more than a few shekels saved in order to shop here, the beauty and quality of the items in store are well worth the occasional treat.
A couple of times a year--leading into the start of the city's off-season doldrums and again, in the dead of winter--the Newport store has a blowout sale that is not to be missed. At the most recent sale, I scored a breathtaking, embellished Milly sheath dress for 90% off retail. Had I found this stunner used at a consignment store, I would have paid more for it than I did brand new at Kristina Richards. The store is stocked with a laundry list of fantastic designers, including Parker, J Brand, Pour La Victoire, Sam Edelman, Alice + Olivia and Rebecca Minkoff.
The owner, Kristina, is very nice and easy to talk to, which is so refreshing given that owners of this type of store can often be cold, dismissive or just plain rude. Instead, she's professional, down to earth and likeable. She's got a highly visible social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, which makes it fun and easy to see when new inventory arrives. I am excited to check out the East Greenwich store sometime soon, as Kristina has just launched her own namesake clothing line that is now available at both of her store locations.
What's more, Kristina has in the past offered to ship items that catch my attention to her East Greenwich store for greater convenience, as EG is half the drive time than it is from my home to Newport (the two locations stock different inventory, and so often the pieces I gravitate toward are based in her Newport location). It's this kind of service coupled with an on-trend, feminine-yet-sophisticated aesthetic that keep me coming back for a retail experience that is as exciting as it is indulgent. read more