Bargain Hunting in Rockport MA

Every year, I try to remember to take advantage of the Winter Clearance Sale at Sand Castles, a cute clothing, accessories and gift boutique in scenic, oceanside Rockport MA.

It takes place after Christmas in January and February to make room for the summer merchandise that’s their bread and butter during the tourist season. In fact, the discount gets larger as the winter months go on. Right now, it’s 50% off! Unlike most of the stores in Rockport that close for the winter or at least close during the week in winter, Sand Castles stays open every day. I love shopping there during the winter because I’m always the only one in the shop!

As I mentioned, I went to Rockport on Monday to do an errand, and I remembered about the sale at Sand Castles. There was plenty of parking (during the summer, there’s almost none), so I stopped in. I’ve been shopping at Sand Castles for years, and only yesterday did it occur to me that they primarily sell tops and sweaters at Sand Castles with a few dresses and skirts. No pants. Odd. Also, they tend to carry only 5 or 6 brands, and mostly brands that I only see in boutiques rather than department stores or stores like TJs/Marshalls etc. Interesting. Actually, that’s what makes Sand Castles different.

I came away with a few very good deals: a sweater ($23), a cozy top ($19), a vegan handbag ($23), and an oilcloth tote bag ($12) that will be perfect for the beach. Four items for $77!

The sweater is made from a cozy but lightweight silky acrylic bouclé. I’m a fan of the raspberry color, and I like the black accent trim around the neck, bottom and the cute pocket.

I will pair the sweater with black pants or black jeans and my bright, fun silk and burnout velvet polka dot scarf that I got several years ago on sale at Sand Castles.

In fact, I may wear it for Valentine’s Day. Jeff and I are going out for a casual Indian dinner, so I don’t need to get dressed up which is good because it’s going to be about 30 degrees. I think the raspberry color of the sweater will be Valentine-y enough!

The navy blue cotton top is nice and cozy because it has a fleece-y interior. It feels like thin sweatshirt fabric! This top is perfect for the end of winter and early spring when it’s still cold around here. I love the scoop neck. The sleeves are just the right length for me (sleeves are often too long for me). Plus, it has a unique flared shape at the bottom that gives it a dressier look than it would have had if it had a traditional bottom. I’ll pair the top with either blue jeans or grey jeans. And I could wear lots of different scarves if I want to dress it up. I think the navy blue silk scarf with white polka dots that my friend Tata from NYC gave me decades ago will be just the thing.

The two tops are from essentially the same brand, WindRiver and River, both boutique brands.

I’ve been eyeing the vegan bags from Joy Susan for about a year. In addition to being sold at Sand Castles, I also saw them at the gift shop at the Peabody Essex Museum, and another small shop as well. Joy Susan makes a hobo style bag that comes in a huge selection of wonderful color combinations, but sadly, I am too small for it! There were also three cute mini backpacks including an adorable bright red one.

The crossbody that I still call a “shoulder bag” with a flap (Jane Medium Convertible Crossbody, regular price $68) was more my size.

It also comes in a large variety of colors and color combinations (12 in fact!), but at the Sand Castles sale, the choices were more limited: black with cedar strap, grey with a black strap, navy with cedar strap. I chose black with the cedar strap, thinking ahead to spring, when I can wear it with either my black or brown jackets.

The bag has a zippered closure under the flap. Inside is a zippered pocket and two other unzipped pockets.

On the back of the bag is a zippered interior pocket where I keep my phone. The Jane Medium Crossbody is significantly smaller than the purses I’ve been carrying lately, and thankfully, it is much lighter weight. Honestly, I have gotten sick of carrying such heavy leather bags (thus one of the reasons for my switch to faux leather), and I am trying to cut down on what I’m carrying inside. I may switch to my polka dot smaller wallet, and see if that will fit better in the new bag than my Kate Spade clutch wallet.

Joy Susan Jane Medium Convertible Crossbody

Last, I have been wanting a fun, retro oilcloth tote bag from Sand Castles for years.

And at half price, now was the time to buy one. I got the sole remaining large tote bag that will be the right size for me to use as a beach bag this summer. The sunny yellow fruit print is perfect for summer, and I love the blue gingham interior.

So that’s my winter splurge. I wish they had a website so you could shop for bargains online. But if you are ever in Rockport MA, it’s one of the shops that you should visit!

Today's Author

Allison Cohen

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