Carrie Dunham’s Style Haven Lands in Summit
By Tanya Dev
Step inside Carrie Dunham’s newest downtown Summit boutique, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been whisked away to a chic seaside escape- without ever leaving town. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re enveloped in breezy, beach-house charm. Vibrant floral dresses and playful prints line the walls, while shimmering accessories and eye-catching handbags glisten from every shelf. Whether you’re off to brunch, strolling the boardwalk, or dressing for a black-tie affair, you’ll find pieces that bring personality to every occasion. And with stylish finds for the whole family, every corner of the shop holds its own little discovery.
Building on the beloved charm of her flagship shop in Bay Head, New Jersey, Dunham has brought her signature blend of effortless elegance and seaside sparkle to the heart of Summit- and it’s making waves.
The decision to bring the brand to Summit was no coincidence. It was fueled by growing demand from Bay Head fans eager to see her designs closer to home. “Summit is a great town,” Dunham explained. “I had a lot of customers in Bay Head that live in Summit that wanted me to open a store in Summit.”
Dunham’s journey began in college, sparked by a simple frustration. “I was in business school and I could not find a stylish, functional laptop bag,” she recalled. She wanted something polished and practical- something she would be proud to carry into any room. But time and again, the options she found came up flat.
Rather than settle, Dunham chose to chart her own course. Fueled by equal parts creativity and determination, she took matters into her own hands, sewing her first samples by hand to bring her vision to life.
Along the way, she drew inspiration from the classic Bermuda bag: a wooden-handled style with fabric covers that could be swapped out. Clever, yes- but hardly the statement piece she had in mind. Dunham saw an opportunity to reimagine it for the modern woman, blending timeless charm with a fresh, fashion-forward edge. The result? Her signature Interchangeable Bags: modern, eye-catching, and designed for anyone who values both style and versatility.
With more than 20 base styles, the Interchangeable Bags collection turns everyday accessorizing into an art of endless possibilities. Each bag invites creativity- ready to be dressed up, down, or completely transformed with a stunning range of covers for the base.
“I use all different materials for the covers,” Dunham explains. Think buttery Italian leather, shimmering sequins, genuine cork flecked with silver and gold leaf, rich silks, and textured raffias from Spain. “It’s the same luxurious material that top designers use- just without the price point.”
The beauty of these bags runs deeper than what meets the eye. Designed for life in motion, they feature removable straps that adapt effortlessly to your style and your schedule. “You can carry the bags as a clutch, a crossbody, a wristlet or a short strap,” Dunham explains.
And in a bold evolution of the original Bermuda bag that first inspired her, Dunham’s creations are designed to shine- cover or no cover. “Unlike the original, these bags are gorgeous on their own. With the Bermuda bag, you had to put a cover on it,” she says. “Mine stand beautifully without it.”
What began as a clever solution to a personal need has since blossomed into a lifestyle brand. Step inside one of Dunham’s stores and you’re stepping into her world of style and discovery. Alongside her signature bags, you’ll find thoughtfully curated women’s apparel, fashion-forward pieces for children and babies, and even standout finds for men. The shelves sparkle with unique home décor, one-of-a-kind gifts and jewelry that catches the light just right- transforming every visit into a joyful treasure hunt.
And for those unable to visit in person, Dunham’s online shop brings the experience to your doorstep, making it easy to browse and buy from anywhere.
Behind the gleaming storefronts and glittering shelves lies a story of grit. When the market didn’t offer the kind of bag she envisioned, Dunham didn’t wait- she created her own. Armed with an idea and unwavering determination, she stitched her first samples by hand and brought her vision to life. Today, that same entrepreneurial spirit runs through every corner of her stores, where customers discover not just beautiful products, but the passion and perseverance that brought them to life.
In just a short time, Dunham’s Summit boutique has become a vibrant part of the community- filled with customers who walk in curious and walk out with something they love. And for Dunham, this is just the start of the journey. “I would like to grow our online business as well as our wholesale business,” she says, “and continue growing the number of boutiques we have around the country.”.