Retailer Spotlight ~ Islands The Shop

Apr 15, 2021 / Post by

Our Spring collection has just landed at one of our favorite stores ~ Islands The Shop.

Islands The Shop can be found in one of America's hidden jewels of a destination ~ The Outer Banks, North Carolina. We spoke to owner Ara Tillet and her photographer Steph Olejniczak after their recent trip to Puerto Rico where they captured a seasonal lookbook for Islands' curated offerings for Spring.

Together they imagined a dreamy destination photo shoot with two of Puerto Rico's finest beauties. The outcome is alluring & lust worthy and we're here for it.

Here's what Ara & Steph have to say...

Can you tell us what makes your store's location so special?

Ara ~ The Outer Banks is a beautiful barrier island on the East Coast of the U.S. It used to feel more like a secret, but it's becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations of the States. You have to visit to know the magic. :)

Tell us a little bit about your store and who your customer is.

Ara ~ Our shop is turning 2 and it's my heart and soul! It's very focused on effortless pieces and swim but with some fun and unique pieces mixed in. We try to focus on sustainability when choosing which brands to carry, our packaging, etc. Being located in a resort town gives us a wide customer base of all ages.

What was the inspiration for your Spring Lookbook Isla Del Sol?

Ara ~ Our girl Steph was living in Puerto Rico for a bit for the winter and was really inspired by her surroundings. I think she was also trying to find an excuse to get me down there! Hehehe. We wanted it to embody a holiday in the sun with girlfriends just enjoying their time together.

Can you tell us some of your favorite styles or prints from the Aila Blue Spring Collection?

Ara ~ My personal favorite swim pieces are the Soleil Top and Sicily Bottom in Flamenco and the Olivia top and Rosita bottom in Hermosa Floral. I'm also loving the Coco Top and Emily Skirt set in La Flor for an easy daytime look.

Can you tell us a little bit about what made this shoot so special?

Steph ~ This shoot was special because it was the first big on location shoot for Islands. We really wanted to put 100% into it and show what we can do.

You recently spent the last few months living in Puerto Rico creating amazing content. How has your stay inspired you and your photography?

Steph ~ I’ve always loved photography but mostly have always loved coming up with the concepts. It’s more of the idea and the story of the shoot. Growing up I would always be writing up ideas and I wanted to do the hair, makeup, photography, and styling. I just love coming up with a whole vision and seeing it come to life from beginning to end and having full creative control. I’ve been doing the same thing but with my personal ig for years, I was just in front of the lens instead. Getting behind the lens has been the missing piece. Although Puerto Rico is beautiful and my happy place, things have been kind of evolving before I got here and it just more so fell into place here. :)

Introducing Isla Del Sol lookbook ~ featuring Aila Blue's Spring collection.
Now available online & in store at Islands.

Models ~ Natalia Garcia + Tatiana Mercado
Photographer & HMU ~ Steph Olejniczak
Stylist ~ Ara Tillet of Islands The Shop
Shot on location in Puerto Rico