Whimsy Meets the Shore at the Original Sand Dollar Boutique on Holmes Beach
Image: Nicole Moriarity
For 60 years, Holmes Beach’s Original Sand Dollar has been a sweet spot for Florida-inspired trinkets. But since Julia Duytschaver took ownership of the shop six years ago from her husband Shawn Duytschaver’s family, it’s become a premier destination for coastal chic décor and apparel. The 45-year-old Duytschaver has an eye for unique finds, the likes of which you might find at the store Anthropologie, but for a third of the cost. “I want everything to be beautiful, but I refuse to overprice things,” she says. “It’s less about selling things at a high price point for me, and more about getting them sold so I can bring new gorgeous things in.”
You’ll find high-ticket items at the Original Sand Dollar, like furniture and chandeliers, but $30 will grab you something equally conversation-starting, as will $300. Pink parrot candlesticks, for example, retail at $24 each and lean less kitsch than they do whimsical and wonderful. And if transforming your home isn’t the aim, Duytschaver stocks the shop with oodles of women’s clothing in a variety of styles, ranging from garden party-ready to classically nautical to boho beachy and everything in between. Is it worth the drive up busy Anna Maria Island in the middle of tourist season? Absolutely.
Image: Nicole Moriarity
Handmade Oyster Shell Mirror ($221)
Fulfill your childhood mermaid dreams when gazing into this mirror adorned with shellacked shells.
Image: Nicole Moriarity
Ceramic Sardines ($25)
At this price point, you can collect enough of these ceramic fishies to build your very own school of sardines and, with a small hole in the back, you can affix them right to your wall.
Image: Nicole Moriarity
Throw Pillows ($35-$55)
Whatever color scheme you’re looking for, the Original Sand Dollar has a few throw pillows that will fit right in. They’re scattered throughout the shop, so make sure to scour every corner.
Image: Nicole Moriarity
Pink Parrot Candlestick ($25)
We wish we’d scooped up these pretty pollies for ourselves, but the good news is they’re still waiting there for you.
ORIGINAL SAND DOLLAR | 5302 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, (941) 251-6464, originalsanddollar.com
