Native American Beauty in Connecticut ► Ann Nyberg's Network Connecticut

Native American Beauty in Connecticut

Published June 28, 2010

Lu and Les Lupovich, married for thirty-two years and originally from Michigan, have carved out a unique niche in Connecticut.

They have put the Southwest into New England in their shop in Old Saybrook, Connecticut called Southern Exposure.

I was out and about the other day when some cowboy boots caught my eye. They were in their shop window I was thinking to myself, what’s in there?

I must tell you, a lot of my husband’s family is from Fort Worth, Texas, and cowboy boots are in everybody’s closet. Having been to Texas and Arizona, that’s where I thought I was. Oh, and by the way I was born in San Angelo, Texas, so there you go.

Lu and Les have done an amazing job of figuring out how to put it all together. From the Native American music which plays in the background, and yes you can buy the CD’s there to the cowboy hats and boots, belts accessories. They have dream catchers in every size and shape and beautiful clothing too.

Turquoise jewelery, check, they have it. They even carry “green” turquoise which is beautiful. There is clothing for men and women to make you a hit at your next square dance. Which incidentally, somebody needs to bring that back, those are a lot of fun. I know they must exist in Connecticut, but I’m not hearing a lot about them.

How did this whole southwestern idea come together? This is what they told me. As I was snapping pictures I listed and observed how they dealt with customers and friend who came thru the door. First they make you feel like family because there are so helpful . Listen to this. Lu told me they even take their customer’s “wish lists” when they travel and go on buying trips so they can find that one thing they may be looking for. When is the last time you heard about a retailer doing that? To make a business go in this day and age we have to get back to that. Lu told me they’ve always done that, what a difference it makes.

Late Note: Lu and Les are now located in Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, CT and in their new place in Old Saybrook, CT at:

264 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475-2303
(860) 399-4445

This couple also focuses on items that are handmade, that also makes them unique. When you go in, give them a “howdy partner” and see the reaction you get. This is one friendly couple, and yes they are adorable.