On Island Time

Amidst the ocean breeze and tropical climate of Key West, high schooler Selina had fallen in love with the Sunshine State and told herself, “I would never live in the cold again.” Originally from Michigan, Selina was introduced to her newfound fashion style of lightweight and breathable clothing while living the island life. Years later, her high school outfits would become the inspiration behind her brand’s identity. Today, she calls Winter Haven, Florida, home and is the owner of Island Dreaming, a boutique dedicated to natural, sustainable clothing inspired by the easygoing spirit of the Keys.

Founded in 2017, Island Dreaming began as Selina’s creative clothing line featuring naturally tie-dyed yoga wear and beach wraps. In partnership with a woman-owned yoga apparel company in California, Selina personally handdyed each piece, making every item one of a kind.

“I used bamboo fabrics and I did a whole collection,” she said. “It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work.”

Although she discontinued making handmade clothing, Selina kept her business name to open her own bohemian, chic, and classy-wear boutique. With the intention of selling thoughtfully made clothing, Selina fills her shop with items that will make her customers look and feel great.

With a wide range of styles, Island Dreaming offers effortless everyday outfits, chic date-night looks, and versatile athleisure that can be dressed up or down. From breezy dresses and fashionable tops to skirts, shoes, and statement pieces, the boutique adapts to your lifestyle.

“This is my happy place,” shared Selina. “With every price point, every style, and every age range of clothing, I want others to feel like it’s their happy place too.”

When customers step inside Island Dreaming, they’re greeted by natural light, vintage island-inspired décor, and a calming atmosphere that reflects Selina’s personality.

In addition to clothes, you’ll also find a variety of natural self-care products, from candles and perfumes to essential oils and botanical-driven fragrances—items Selina found to be her favorite and wanted to share with the community she calls home.

“Everything on the walls are fun little collectives that are almost all from my first house,” Selina said. “It’s my little vibe here. It’s islandy and easygoing, and I want people to walk in and not feel overwhelmed by colors or scents, just aesthetically calm.”

While Selina has made Island Dreaming her own style, she credits much of its foundation to her college boss turned lifelong friend, Gina Fox, owner of Down to Earth Boutique in Gainesville.

The two first met with an unforgettable first impression during Selina’s freshman year of college, where she was dressed head-to-toe as Cinderella at a Project Princess fundraiser. Laughing about their first interaction, Selina recalls telling Gina, “This isn’t what I look like on a regular day.”

Once Gina met Selina outside of the fundraiser, the two quickly connected. What followed was a decade-long mentorship that introduced Selina to natural living, sustainable fashion, and smallbusiness ownership.

“She is like my family, and it’s really funny to think about that first meeting,” said Selina. “We are so close now.”

More importantly, it showed her how clothing could help people feel confident.

“I watched her perspective, and then I grew my own,” said Selina. “I fell in love with helping people feel good about themselves, and I learned about the ways to help others dress with confidence.”

Even as a child, Selina loved fashion. She styled friends, made clothes for her Barbie dolls, and hand-sewed her own clothes. “The inspiration was there,” Selina said. “And my mom always told me, ‘You’re going to do something with fashion one day; I just know it.’”

Two decades later, Selina has created Island Dreaming with the hope that everyone who walks in leaves feeling beautiful and confident. Since opening the boutique, exceptional customer service has remained at the heart of it, with every customer receiving the care and attention they deserve.

“Whenever someone walks in, everything in the world stops, and what they need becomes my first priority,” Selina said.

Whether it’s someone’s first time in or they’re a regular, Selina strives to create an experience for all her customers to feel welcomed, valued, and never overwhelmed.

“I really try to focus on my customers, and although I love fashion, I love them even more,” said Selina. “We have a lot of fun, and it’s created a sense of community here.”

After years in the fashion industry, Selina’s developed what she calls her “superpower.” Her instinctive ability to remember every piece in the store, visualize how it fits on different body types, and quickly pull together outfits for any occasion. “When someone needs help matching pieces together, it becomes a fun puzzle for the day,” Selina said, “especially when people say, ‘Can you just pull me a room?’”

To Selina, fashion is more than just styling someone—it’s about helping them discover how to confidently dress themselves. Rather than simply picking out an outfit for her customers, she guides them through the process of discovering styles, colors, and sizing that complement both their personality and body type.

“One of my favorite things is when someone comes in and says, ‘I don’t know how to dress myself,’” Selina said. “And I’m like, ‘Okay, we’re going to learn because we’re going to do it together.”

She also believes brick-and-mortar boutiques will always have a place because of the personalized experience they offer—something online shopping can’t replicate.

“The white-glove service of walking in and having someone actually see you, help you find what you need, and encourage you along the way—that’s something you just can’t get online,” Selina said. “That’s why places like this are still important, especially in our little communities.”

For Selina, Island Dreaming is more than a boutique—it’s a welcoming space where women are encouraged to slow down, discover clothing that makes them feel confident, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.

ISLAND DREAMING BOUTIQUE

337 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

islanddreamingboutique.com

IG @islanddreamingboutique

FB: Island Dreaming Boutique by Selina Gaudette

Photos by Kamryn Tutiven