Best of New England: Rhode Island

Shopping

SHOPPING
Women’s Clothing : Casual
GALAPAGOS BOUTIQUE
An old South County farmhouse may seem like an unusual place to find of-the-moment styles, but owners Sandra and David Lanning have filled its two stories with fun fashions and created an energetic vibe. On display is apparel by Tibi, Trina Turk, True Religion, and Diane von Furstenberg. // 5193 Old Post Rd., Charlestown, 401-322-3000, shopgalapagos.com.

Home Accessories
HOMESTYLE
Somewhere between staid classical style and stark minimalism sits a sweet spot of modern, artful design. Interior decorator Lisa Newman-Paratore hits that target with a well-edited collection of home accents and gifts in her Providence shop. Check in for both new and vintage finds, which might range from whimsical wall art to a sleek sofa. // 229 Westminster St., Providence, 401-277-1159, homestyleri.com.

Beauty Shop
MIGNONETTE
Moulin Rouge has nothing on Mignonette, a Little Paris in the heart of Providence created by owner Tara Solon after a stint in Europe. The wine-colored door opens to reveal an irresistibly frilly apothecary/boutique stocked with designer lingerie, more than 300 fragrances from lines like Creed and Bond No. 9, Erickson Beamon necklaces, Diptyque candles, and Lipstick Queen makeup. Ooh la la! // 301 Wickenden St., Providence, 401-272-4422, mignonette.net.

Clothing Accessories
RAGS
It’s part of the laid-back attitude of Block Island that the highest-end clothing shop here passes itself off with such a self-deprecating name. But don’t be fooled: In addition to dresses and swimwear, Rags features accessories like preppy-perfect Eliza B. flip-flops and belts; supersoft Splendid coverups; and satin-flower-adorned handbags by Ella Moss, which look as breezily sophisticated in the city as they do at the beach. // Water Street, Block Island, 401-466-2932. 

Gifts
RISD WORKS
Didn’t know you needed a tearless plastic onion slicer or a stiletto-heel-shaped rubber doorstop? You will after entering this gallery, which proves that sometimes it only takes great design to make the ordinary extraordinary. The delightfully eclectic selection showcases gadgets, accessories, and fine-art prints by Rhode Island School of Design’s most renowned faculty and alumni, including glass master Dale Chihuly, and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. // 20 N. Main St., Providence, 401-277-4949, risdworks.com.