East Coast classics meet West Coast bohemian styles at this Duxbury clothing store.
Text and Photography by By Kate Rogan
Caroline Widman aspired to create a peaceful, happy escape for women—a luxury boutique where shoppers could find special pieces that made them feel beautiful. Her dream came to fruition in the fall 2020 with the launch of her Duxbury clothing store, Strand, The Boutique.
The word “Strand” means “beach” in German, and the boutique’s effortless fashions have a relaxed summertime vibe, from coastal blues to bright resort pinks. The boutique offers a curated collection of unique and versatile clothing (you can’t find these looks at any big-box store). Outfits can be dressed up or down, and are suitable for both relaxing barefoot at home and enjoying a night on the town.
Earlier in her career, Widman lived in New York City and worked for Hearst Magazines. The New England native found herself immersed in style, interior design and fashion, which helped influence her entrepreneurial path. After having her first child, Widman and her husband moved back to Massachusetts and set her sights on creating a woman’s clothing boutique in Duxbury, which she felt the town needed.
Widman spent a lot of time on Cape Cod growing up and was is inspired by classic coastal New England style, but equally drawn to West Coast boho vibes. She prides herself on sourcing amazing brands for her shop, such as Velvet, RAILS, and Faherty. She also loves supporting local makers, with products like The Oyster Bag, which is designed by a Kingston oyster farmer. Made from durable aquaculture materials, these bags are the perfect beach tote.
Helping woman feel beautiful and seeing them take time for themselves keeps Widman motivated every day and inspires her to search for the next unique piece. And for those who can’t make it into the store, Strand The Boutique has a robust website where customers can shop a vast collection of perfectly curated products.