Boutique Overview: Outpost 30a

Three simple words perfectly describe Outpost’s offerings to locals and visitors alike: ‘Sip – Shop – Sea;’ this beach boutique further describes itself as a “beach-centric concept store featuring a globally sourced mix of home goods, textiles, lighting, clothing, accessories and apothecary with a focus on exclusive brands and handmade details.”

Sarah in a Sarah J. Curtis, custom made wide brim Panama Hat from Ecuador

In order to properly review this 30a boutique – and, honestly after hearing so much buzz about it, I had to see it for myself. My business partner Rachel Marie hopped in the car along with her daughter Olivia, a four year old bundle of joy and boundless energy that is now referring to herself as ‘Olive Olivia,’ taking on the moniker of the double-name,  a very southern tradition.

Aunt Sherry rounded out the group as we headed to go sip, shop and sea at Outpost. Sherry, with an interior decorating background, is quite the style-enthusiast and a complete God-send – without her ideas, support or love both this business and it’s blog you are reading now would not exist.

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Sherry, you can join a cast of 30a characters who simply know her as “Aunt Sherry,” unsure of exactly whose aunt she is but just going with it. She has an infectious personality and an enormous amount of energy that somehow exists in her petite frame. From local Destin and 30a photographers to models, makeup artists and designers alike, she is known as ‘Aunt Sherry’ – no questions asked.

We arrived to a fabulous and increasingly popular shopping area named 30Avenue in Inlet Beach. “Serving as the gateway to 30A, 30Avenue is easy walking distance to Rosemary, Seacrest and Alys Beach. A distinctive setting for professional offices, outstanding restaurants and boutique retail, this coveted address is at the intersection of Highway 98 and Scenic Highway 30A in Inlet Beach, Florida.” 30Avenue is the premier lifestyle venue along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Outpost is in good company alongside restaurants such as Cuvee 30A as well as a handful of beautiful boutiques.

The moment I walked into Outpost I was immediately struck with which I can only explain as a visual-overdose; this carefully curated boutique featured way more than just a few of my favorite things and my brain could not catch up with my senses as I took a few steps towards the bar, then immediately to home goods, all the while being distracted by beautiful clothing, swimsuits and resortwear.

To my left there was a trendy wine+coffee bar with a brilliant selection of tea leaves in addition to the other offerings listed in its name. Olivia enjoyed picking out the loose tea leaves lined up in front of her.

Olivia entranced by the loose leaf tea selections

Surrounding me were beautiful home furnishings, from coffee table books to furniture – it was all there – perfectly placed throughout the store as if it had always been; an organic entity allowing fashion to translate into home decor. With this fusion, in both fashion and furniture alike, you and your surroundings can perfectly reflect a specific style that is unique to you and ultimately creates how you present yourself to the world.

The clothing in this beach-centric boutique is beautifully well-made and seems to be creatively sourced from around the world. Much detail is taken by Outpost while crafting the selection of clothing and high-end designers for their clientele – which interestingly enough contains a broad range of ages, which was perfect for our group.

Olivia immediately ran to the children’s section, where there was room for sitting and playing all sorts of games. Surrounding this special nook made only for the little ones is a beautiful assortment of children’s clothing, of which Olivia proudly modeled her outfit – styled by Sherry- as Rachel took her photographs for this post.

Olivia in Nellystella chambray dress; Hat by Indigo Moon

We spent hours in Outpost and I only saw my very energetic sidekick once or twice; apparently the children’s room was alluring enough to keep even the most active little girl I know well-occupied.

Towards the end of the shopping day, as we grew weary we noticed the selection of hats and sunglasses – something you absolutely cannot miss out on when you go to Outpost.

As far as hats go, Sarah J. Curtis is a creative goddess in my mind; her custom-made wide brim Panama hats from Ecuador are now my go-to addition to my hat collection. Outpost is the only store that I am aware of that carries the Sarah J. Curtis collection. My birthday is coming up, so I will need one of each hat, thank you very much. It is the big 3-0, not my second or third 29th birthday, so I will celebrate in style with hats, preferably by Sarah J. Curtis. Perhaps I can talk my husband into purchasing one for me when we go to 30a this weekend.

Rachel featured in a Sarah J Curtis designs hat and Nellystella Beach dress

Near the register at Outpost you will find that the sunglasses, from Steven Alan Optical, are also pretty fabulous with very fair, affordable pricing compared to most lines. Look how amazing Sherry looks in her ‘Halsey’ glasses in topaz. There was a pair that were the same shape and size but in a light, neutral pink with rose-gold. I bought a pair of blue sunglasses and absolutely love them!

I have always wanted to pull off that cool, off duty model look with that shape of eyewear but the fit seems to only flatter models’ faces. The ‘Halsey’ shape is a bit reformed (and more flattering) and looks amazing on Sherry and most face shapes.

Sherry rocking here Steve Alan Optical sunnies

After a strenuous day of playing dress-up in your favorite Lisa Marie Fernandez dress or purchasing that coffee table book about polo that you absolutely must have, Outpost invites you to “complete your shopping experience with a Lineage coffee, Sucre macaron or crisp glass of rosé from our in store wine+coffee bar.” Who can resist?!?

Outpost Review:

I give Outpost a rating of 5 Stars – this is my new fave place to shop!

Scroll down to see more beautiful pictures from our outing at Outpost –

Apothecary section

A sampling of Outpost’s home decor

Rachel in Lisa Marie dress while enjoying her Outpost Wine+Bar coffee

YASMIN RED PUCKER SWIMSUIT featuring seersucker fabric and rope belted waist

Sarah J Curtis hat

Rachel and Olive waring Lisa Marie and Nellystella

Sarah tips her (Sarah J Curtis Designs) hat to the breathtaking long pink kaftan by Talulah & Hope

Photo Credit for pictures taken of Rachel: Sherry Finnell
Photography by: Rachel Marie