Cortland Park, 23 B Main Street

Ready to get all dolled up for the season? There’s no place like Cortland Park for sparkly holiday dresses, fur, and endless cashmere. Be sure to try on their latest line of stylish outerwear by M.Miller. These beauties are machine washable and made domestically (with detachable Austrian fur hoods).

Pough Interiors, 1 Main Street
We covet everything in this impeccably curated design and home store. Find oversized baluster lamps, masses of throw pillows, exquisite furniture, candles and gifts, all in a tasteful, transitional style. Also one of our favorite spots to pore over stacks of design books for a little interior inspiration. In house design services, too.

Red Balloon, 77 Main Street
Head straight out of the wine bar and run, don’t walk, across the street to this Essex institution for children’s finery and accessories. Choose from traditional imports like Petit Bateau or fashion-forward designs by Catimini and Eliane et Lena. The place is packed with the sweetest styles of tiny designer shoes, wellies, formalwear and a perfect collection of thoughtful kid’s books.

Cooper + Smith, 10 Main Street
The 5,000 square foot gallery space next to French Hen is currently in very good hands. It’s owned and operated by a local painter/poet team and brand new this season. A new exhibition in the front of the gallery’s space opens each month, while a series of artists show work throughout the remainder of the spacious showroom. inspired paintings of various genres. Have a look for yourself!

Pocketful of Posies, 12 North Main Street
Thirteen years strong in downtown Essex and it’s easy to see why Pocketful of Posies has staying power. Filled with home decor, elegant lounge wear, garden accents and more, this is a shop you will need to spend a little time in, slowly circling to catch all of its magic. A hand-made wreath for your holiday door? A book for the passionate pet-rescuer in your life? Truffles for the chocolate lover? Dottie’s got it all in this neat little shop.

Essex Olive Oil Company, 19A Main Street
Fresh-faced new arrival this summer, Essex Olive Oil Company is a perfectly executed tasting room/shop, with wall to wall bottles of olive oil and vinegar from Northern California, Spain, Italy and Australia. But they don’t stop there. In addition to these beautifully branded bottles, they offer teas, fancy pasta and loads of other gourmet gifts. Save your tastebuds for a sampling.

Griswold Inn Goods and Curiosities, 47 Main Street
You’ll find something for everyone on your list in this charming shop. Their curated mix is rooted in the historical character of the Griswold Inn, but surprisingly lively and current. Always fun to browse the rainy day selection of books about shipwrecks, art and New England folklore. A rarity on the Shoreline, you’l find plenty of gifts for guys, plus tabletop decor, jewelry and ceramics with an emphasis on the handmade and local.

Aegean Treasures, 381 Main Street
Stock up for the impending season with style at the contemporary boutique for women known as Aegean Treasures. Choose a new fall piece from outstanding collections by the likes of Eileen Fisher, Jude Connally and Julie Brown. Wrap yourself up in cashmere capes and stoles, and toss on a HOBO bag. Find comfy footwear and jewelry, too.

Visit the Essex Girls Night Out page for more details on the November 4, 2015 event.