THE FASHION DISH

There isn’t a better way to end a week of Memorial Day themed posts then with an exclusive interview with owners of New York and East Hampton hotspot Blue&Cream. I first heard of Blue&Cream through the grapevine, but when I visited the East Hampton location I new I was in for a treat.

Jeff, the owner, and his sweet wife, Sam, were just starting to update the store with the new summer pieces, so I got a first hand look on what’s trending this season. What I immediately noticed where their famous Lamptons Hoody, which numerous celebrities like Nicky Hilton love, but I also noted the enthusiastic environment, as Jeff ran around the store finding the perfect looks and Sam chatted with me on her summer must haves. I couldn’t wait to find out more, from their East End favorites, to the summer’s trends check out our interview below!

HS: How would you describe your style?

SG: Eclectic mix of downtown cool with Urban Zen.

HS: What are your must have items for summer?

SG: Rag&Bone bleach out skinny denim, Ikat Soludos, Tkees Sandals, R13 T-Shirts, Retrosuperfuture Shades, Helmut Lang White Holey Sweater, 3.1 Phillip Lim Printed Sundress, Jerome Dreyfuss Twee Mini Bag in Bright Blue.

HS: Your husband, Jeff, is the owner of Blue&Cream. What’s the story behind the store?

SG: In 2002 when Jeff opened B&C there was no place cool to shop in The Hamptons. P Diddy was having his annual white party and the only place in town to buy white pants was the tennis shop. There was definitely a need in the market for a cool boutique where our friends could go and buy stuff to wear to the club that night or to the beach that day. The concept behind Blue&Cream was a fun environment where girls & guys could hang out and shop together.

HS: How does the New York store differ from the East Hampton store?

SG: We try to tailor the client experience to the market that we are in. So the Easthampton store is very beach chic with a casual boutique feel. The NYC Bowery store is more of an edgy downtown cool vibe.

HS: Some people don’t like to mix home and work, but you work with your husband everyday. What’s that like?

SG: Everybody thinks were crazy, but somehow for us it’s natural and it works. We balance each other out and everything just seems to click.

HS: A bunch of celebrities have been spotted wearing such items from Blue & Cream as ‘The Lamptons’ sweatshirt. Did you ever think it would be such a success?

SG: “Lamptons” was a word all of our friends used growing up in NYC. Instead of The Hamptons we all would just say “We’re going to The Lamptons, or The Lamps” meaning we were going to chill out, relax or “lamp” in The Hamptons. Jay Z even says “Lampin in The Hamptons” in the lyrics for his song “Jigga that Nigga”. We decided to put the phrase on a sweatshirt for fun about 5 years ago and it just took off. It is our #1 best selling item. Many of our clients collect all the different colors and each season we come out with different colors and designs.

HS: Let’s talk summer. What are the hottest trends this season?

SG: Sorbet Pastels are really on trend right now – Mint green, pale blue, peach, lavender and pale pink create the perfect color palette for this summer.
Sport Couture is my favorite trend currently as I am a tomboy at heart. I love how many of the designers are playing with the Varsity Collegiate style but dressing it up in unexpected ways. And then you have the resurgence of 1920′s Gatsby style with the wide leg pajama pants and paisley prints which will continue into the fall.

HS: What are some favorite items you have in the store right now?

SG: ACNE Pistol Boot in Pale Blue Suede, 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel in White, IRO Baly Navy Sequin Dress, Retrosuperfuture Lucia Sunglasses in pastel colors, 3.1 Phillip Lim Slim Fit Jean in Pink

HS: When I heard about the customized Havaiana idea I loved it. Can you talk a bit about it?

SG: We are doing a customization program with Havaianas this summer called “Make your own Havaianas”. Shoppers can choose any color flip-flop base, then choose any color straps and add decorations with all sorts of fun charms and jewels. We did the program last summer for 2 weeks and it was a huge success so we decided to bring it back again for this summer.

HS: Let’s transition to the Hamptons for a second. Where are your favorite places to visit in the Hamptons over the summer?

SG: I love going out to Montauk, you really feel like you are in a quaint little beach town, but you’ve got great restaurants everywhere and fun late night spots like Surf Lodge and Ruschmeyer’s. I also adore Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. I usually only make it out once a summer but it is always a good time.

HS: Shoes are the hardest part of my summer wardrobe. What are a few shoe options that will last me all summer long?

SG: Platform Wedge Sandals are something comfortable that you can run around in all day but still look feminine and tall. Light Colored Booties like the Rag&Bone Newbury Boot in Taupe are always a great option to wear with little dresses and printed skirts. 3.1 Philip Lim Sandals are chic with an urban edge but still flat and comfy. And if you must resort to flip-flips go with a pair of TKEES, they are stylish yet understated and can be dressed up or down.

HS: Jeff, you styled my brothers a few weekends ago and I got a glimpse into the hot ticket items for men in the coming months. Can you talk about the trends we are seeing for boys this summer?

JG: Guys are much easier than girls. They want clothing that they can wear for the next 10 years and most importantly they want to be comfortable. Every Guy wants cool sweatshorts and sweaters. Once they find a fit they like they usually end up buying it in every color. So with that in mind I try to push the envelope with fun pop colors in easy basic styles.

HS: Sam and Jeff what are you looking forward to this summer?

SG & JG: Seeing old friends and making new ones, Lamping in the Hamptons at BBQ’s and Beaches and getting a tan!