Ribbon Cutting For New Southampton Boutique Wednesday

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A new boutique is opening its doors in Southampton, just in time for the July 4 holiday weekend, and it's a space meant to resemble a woman's dream closet.

Jacqueline DiDonato and Jennifer Nill Condos will unveil the second location of their shop Pandemonium at 9 Windmill Lane in Southampton on Wednesday, said DiDonato.

A ribbon cutting will be held Wednesday, with a start time of between 5:30 and 6 p.m.

DiDonatio is also president of the Bablyon Chamber of Commerce, where the boutique's first location is sited, as well as the sister of Paula DiDonato, who owns The Giving Room in Southold.

She and her business partner Jennifer Condos have been lifelong friends and opened the Babylon location 12 years ago, she said.

"One of many characteristics that sets us apart from other boutiques in the area is our beautiful collection of artisan and designer jewelry," DiDonato said. "We have traveled and connected with designers from all over the United States and mostly right here on Long Island. We love giving others the opportunity to feature the work in our boutique."

And, she said, a trip to Pandemonium is sure to delight women with a passion for clothing and fashion.

"We are a beautiful boutique designed to resemble a dream closet," she said. "Pandemonium Boutique carries the latest in women's clothing, jewelry and accessories."

Describing her vision for Pandemonium, DiDonato said her hope is to offer a boutique destination where women and their loved ones can come for personal styling in a professional, yet friendly environment.

"For over 12 years now, our flagship store in Babylon has served as an extension of our personal values. We are all about family and community. When you enter our boutiques you have an immediate feeling of belonging. We offer affordable luxury that makes every one of our customers feel connected and cared for," DiDonato said, adding that her youngest clients have grown up in front of their eyes. "We are there for their special occasions, as well as their vacations and relaxed times. We are truly one big family."

DiDonato, 50, of Huntington is an active advocate for animal rescue and the proud mom to two beautiful rescue shihtzus; she treasures her ties with her parents and four siblings. DiDonato, along with serving as the president of the Babylon Village Chamber, has been involved in her community for more than 10 years and hopes to cultivate the same roots in Southampton.

Condos, 41, is married to her husband Christopher; the couple has three children.

"Jenny has always had a passion for fashion," DiDonato said. "She is one of 9 children in a very close family. Her friends are an extension of her family and are always there to help look after her children while we launch Southampton."

Southampton was always on the pair's list of dream locations," DiDonato said, adding that Condos has family in the community and Jenny Condos once sold real estate in Southampton.

"As with Babylon, we love the small village feel. When this location became available, we knew the timing was right," DiDonato said.

Pandemonium Southampton is a "family-built" dream, DiDonato said, with Condos' husband Chris toiling late nights after his own workday to build the entire boutique.

One of the most striking elements in the store is a custom built counter that features beautiful and complementary types of wood; in addition to creating that hand designed piece, Condos built interesting and functional iron clothing fixtures, DiDonato said.

DiDonato said she has been an early advocate for the "Shop Small" movement and through her work with the Chamber, she "cherishes the opportunity to support the small business economy."

The town of Southampton, like Babylon, cares about small business and she looks forward to contributing to the local economy in both communities, she said.

From the start, the goal was always to open a number of locations. But expansion came in a different form when Condos had her first daughter Emma the first year the owners were in business. Next, came another daughter Olivia and son Damon, she said.

"So we put our plans on hold while we flourished in Babylon. The children are now at the perfect age for us to begin our expansion," DiDonato said.

The East End and Southampton were always on the duo's list of next locations, DiDonato said.

"They represent a beautiful destination opportunity for our expansion. The natural beauty coupled with the discerning clientele presents an opportunity to flourish in one of the nation’s most admired communities. Truly a dream come true," she said.

The East End and Pandemonium couldn't be a better match, DiDonato said. Both, she added, require a very specific flair, one with elegant, fine, taste.

"We offer that," she said. "At Pandemonium we have created an environment as if you were walking into the perfect closet. It is our closet and we are sharing it with all of our new friends. We travel often and meet local and international designers, so our merchandise is unique. We cater to all women with exquisite taste. Our offering is not only beautiful but affordable. Unique yet comfortable."

Pandemonium is also known for its beautiful, hand-painted gift bags created by DiDonato's father. "Once a year we celebrate Earth Day by having clients return the bags for special promotions," she said.

Reflecting on the ribbon cutting Wednesday, DiDonato said, "Pandemonium is unique. Southampton is a dream come true. We look forward to marking our 12th year in this new and exciting location."

Pandemonium is located at 9 Windmill Lane in Southampton. Check its Facebook page for more info here.

Photos courtesy of Jacqueline DiDonato.