Photograph by Katherine Bish
Downtown
During the last four years, the downtown retail scene has grown from five to 27 shops. The new ones join old favorites, making for some of the best shopping around.
A Taste of Luxurie for Men, 1303 Washington, 314-621-1122. This boutique expanded its chic offerings beyond its female-focused store in the Central West End last September by opening a men’s store on burgeoning Washington Avenue. Guys can find the latest from lines like Smash, English Laundry and France’s Rivaldi (exclusive to this shop in St. Louis).
Atom, 513 Olive, 314-621-4141, atom-designs.com. In addition to collections of contemporary art and furniture, Atom offers shoppers who dare to enter its bright showroom a chance to set their sights on designer handbags and jewelry. Keep an eye out for Italian leather bowler handbags ($365), the store’s hottest item this season.
Beverly’s Hill, 1309 Washington, 314-621-1633, 123underwear.com. Besides its clever name, what we love about the sister store to Boxers is its lingerie and loungewear selection. All of the bright pink boutique’s merchandise is fabulously feminine. The store’s selection of everyday undergarments includes Calvin Klein and Honeydew.
Boxers, 1305 Washington, 314-454-0209, mensunderwearstore.com. Is David Beckham’s new ad campaign for Emporio Armani the driving force behind a sudden surge in men’s skivvies? There’s no way to know for sure, but Boxers continues to do what it’s always done—make men look good with underwear that goes beyond tighty-whities. What makes Boxers different from the nearest department store’s underwear section is its huge selection—including loungewear—with specialty labels like Diesel, D&G, Hugo Boss and 2(x)ist. The only thing you won’t find is Becks himself.
Lee J., 1000 Washington, 314-241-0440, leejfashions.com. With 25 years of retail experience, owner Lee Johnson knows a thing or two about contemporary fashion. The New York native’s spacious downtown store carries men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, with brands that range from French Connection to 7Diamonds.
Luxurie Footwear, 1301 Washington, 314-621-2353. From the same people who brought you A Taste of Luxurie for Men (and right next door), Luxurie Footwear offers shoes from BCBG, Jessica Simpson and Enzo Angiolini. The styles are runway-inspired but affordable, and the selection’s strong.
PaperDolls, 1021 Washington, 314-621-9696, paperdolls-stl.com. This vintage-inspired, eclectic store on Washington—a Kirkwood store opened in early August at 110 E. Jefferson (314-965-3655)—is for grown-up tastes that range far from those old playthings torn from the pages of McCall’s. Every item is carefully selected; you can find Doube, vfish and B.B. Dakota, as well as special items that you won’t find anywhere else. With handmade clothing from Argentine artist Macu and designer jeans like those worn by Eva Longoria, Paperdolls is the perfect place to play dress-up like a grown-up.
Perchelle, 1209 Washington, 314-241-0355. Perchelle O’Boyle had high fashion in mind when she opened her downtown boutique earlier this year. After running a successful shop in Beverly Hills, the 24-year-old St. Louis native wanted to introduce her own hometown to designs from Yana K, Just Cavalli—and, of course, her own men’s line.
Retro 101 & Cherry Bomb Vintage, 2303 Cherokee, 314-762-9722. Retro 101 & Cherry Bomb Vintage is crammed with three floors of all things nostalgic, including retro duds, posh furniture and kitschy kitchenware. Perusing the store’s vast and sometimes strange collection is like taking a trip to yesteryear.
The Time Boutique, 922 Washington, 314-974-8463. The Time has rejected the temptation to fill its racks with supertrendy, just-off-the runway styles, instead favoring high-quality “investment pieces” from emerging New York, Chicago and San Francisco designers. The selection ranges from designers like Orlando Espinoza to Verrieres & Sako and includes classic pieces that will last for years. Besides finding imported dresses, you can order custom jeans cut specifically to fit
your derrière.
Central West End
This much-beloved neighborhood includes an eclectic mix of trendy shops and restaurants, stately homes and great sidewalks for a lazy afternoon … and now there’s a host of new boutiques to explore.
AG Jeans, 36 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-6161, agjeans.com. At the center of AG Jeans’ sleek store in the Central West End stands a hollow glass table with jeans piled inside. It’s appropriate, considering the A-List winner’s entire theme revolves around luxury denim. Boot cut or straight leg? Dark or light wash? AG Jeans has a pair for every body type, along with shirts and jackets to match.
A Taste of Luxurie, 364 N. Boyle, 314-534-3800. The owners of A Taste of Luxurie and its downtown counterparts base their boutiques’ mission on a single motto: “Don’t spend a fortune—just look like you did.” Women can find trendy, urban-inspired designs at reasonable prices, with lines such as Aggie. Shoppers looking for clothes with attitude—or shoppers with attitude looking for clothes—will love it.
Mary Jane’s, 387 N. Euclid, 314-367-8867, maryjanesshoes.com. After contemplating whether to sell wine or heels, Lori Harris took the advice of handbag designer Maya Moon: “This town needs a shoe store, not a wine bar.” Besides shoes, Mary Jane’s offers clothing with its own unique twist. The boutique carries designers like Corey Lynn Calter and Bizz, along with handbags and jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else.
Mezzanine, 389 N. Euclid, 314-361-3777, shopmezzanine.com. Customer service is a mantra at Mezzanine. The store frequently buys items with specific customers in mind, keeping them outfitted in the fashion world’s most current trends. Reflected in the store’s gleaming wood floors are racks of luxury casual-wear from labels such as Mike & Chris, Rachel Pally and Joe’s Jeans, as well as jewelry from designers like Alexis Bittar and
Marcia Moran.
Moris Fashions, 34 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-6800, morisfashions.com. Moris Fashions carries men’s clothing for the fashion-conscious professional. The store offers a large selection of contemporary, high-style sportswear from designers like Ted Baker, Hugo Boss and Robert Graham. With choices of everything from jeans and T’s to blazers and custom-made suits, shoppers can come out dressed for a day at the office or a night on the town.
The Department Stores
By catering to everybody, department stores can’t offer the charm of a local boutique. But these shopping Goliaths are tough to beat when it comes to convenience and range.
Dillard’s, 1105 Saint Louis Galleria, 314-725-8363, dillards.com. (Go online for alternate St. Louis locations.) Dillard’s carries specialty brands you might not expect—brands like DKNY, Alberta Makali and Isda & Co. You’ll also find one of the largest collections of Eileen Fisher in St. Louis, petites included. The store’s mix of contemporary styles, affordability and huge selection makes for easy shopping.
Macy’s, 2 West County Center, 314-966-0017, macys.com. (Go online for alternate St. Louis locations.) Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Macy’s is the quintessential department store. Besides personality-driven brands from Jessica Simpson, Carlos Santana and Martha Stewart, Macy’s offers its own label, I.N.C. International Concepts, which translates runway looks into affordable styles.
Neiman Marcus, 100 Plaza Frontenac, 314-567-9811, neimanmarcus.com. This year’s A-List winner for best designer women’s shoes, Neiman Marcus offers a vast array of clothing, cosmetics, home accessories and more. Take a break from shopping with a stop at The Zodiac, Neiman’s elegant eatery with an umbrella-shaded patio, and enjoy the delectable popovers from chef Dan Stark.
Nordstrom, 47 West County Center, 314-255-2000, nordstrom.com. Nordstrom is a department store that focuses on service, as well as great fashion and fabulous shoes. Gals can find everything from sportswear to high-end designer clothes from labels like Missoni and Marc Jacobs, while guys can shop everything from designer jeans to Hugo Boss and Ben Sherman suits.
Saks Fifth Avenue, One Plaza Frontenac, 314-567-9200, saksfifthavenue.com. Shopping at Saks requires time—and some patience. The store carries the latest fashions from the hottest brands, but you’ll need to hit all three floors so you don’t miss anything. Management tends to revamp and revise on a regular basis. Your best bet is to find a sales associate who will work the floors for you.
University City
U. City reigns as the go-to place for vintage shopping. Home to jazz joints, indie bars and staples like Blueberry Hill, the Loop is lined with eclectic boutiques, as well—and the number continues to grow.
Basik Boutique, 6370 Delmar, 314-727-3647. This trendy boutique sells the latest fashions, handbags and accessories for the hard-partying night owl.
Blues, 6301 Delmar, 314-863-2121. With a sports team by the same name, Blues is a fitting moniker for a St. Louis–based boutique. But this shop offers not soulful music or hockey gear, but—what else?—jeans. With brand-name denim, customers can find the perfect style and fit—and leave with anything but the blues.
City Sprouts, 6354 Delmar, 314-726-9611, citysprouts.com. City Sprouts offers trendy kids’ clothes, furniture and toys. The store even has camo-covered Diaper Dude diaper bags ($62), designed specifically for dads. In this bright showroom, helped by friendly staff, shoppers might just feel like a kid again.
Melrose to Manhattan, 6161 Delmar, 314-863-5959, melrosetomanhattan.com. After growing up in Laguna Beach, Calif., owner Patti Brown has the Melrose part down. Melrose to Manhattan, located beneath the glow of The Pageant’s neon lights, offers fashions by everyone from Free People to Lucky, as well as designer handbags and eyewear, at surprisingly affordable prices.
Pitaya, 6632 Delmar, 314-725-2233, pitayaonline.com. Pitaya likes to mix it up, boasting a selection of new items every week. From comfortably casual to high-fashion dressy, the store showcases the latest trends in clothing for work, everyday wear and eveningwear.
Rag-O-Rama, 6388 Delmar, 314-725-2760, ragorama.com. Assembling the perfect hipster look doesn’t require tons of cashola. You can find current, classic and vintage styles—plus costumes, wigs and accessories—at this new-and-used clothing store. Because Rag-O-Rama customers are continually swapping clothes, there are new treasures
every day.
Rina Wear, 6104 Delmar, 314-863-7462, rinawear.com. You know those attention-grabbing T’s worn by passersby with clever lines that make you stop and chuckle? If it’s a St. Louisan wearing one, there’s a good chance the T came from Rina Wear. In true St. Louis style, the store sells T-shirts with localized messages like “Shannonism” (a tribute to Mike Shannon) and “Edmonds Drinks Wine Coolers.” Rina Wear also encourages aspiring shirt designers to send in their ideas to win prizes.
Tantrum, 6635 Delmar, 314-783-0527, tantrumstl.com. Don’t throw a fit about your wardrobe; instead, hit Tantrum, which houses the latest fashions from L.A., with new shipments each week. Many of the looks (skinny jeans, ankle boots, jackets, leggings, dresses) translate to almost any situation, whether on a shopping spree during the day or sipping a drink with friends at night.
Ziezo, 6394 Delmar, 314-725-9602, myspace.com/ziezo. Ziezo is where you might shop before that hot date with a hipster on a Thursday night. (Hipsters don’t do weekend dates.) The corner store located on the Loop has a mix of the most interesting clothing and shoe designers, from Betsey Johnson and Miss Sixty to Free People and Fornarina.
How Did They Find That?
Inside a typical buying trip with one St. Louis boutique owner
Any successful boutique owner knows it’s essential to keep a finger on the fashion scene’s pulse. But what exactly does this entail? We asked Todd Weinhaus, the owner of—where else?—Pulse, the Chesterfield women’s boutique. He regularly makes ventures to L.A., Vegas and Dallas to keep the store’s racks lined with hip threads. He walked us through a typical visit to the City of Angels, one of the largest fashion markets in the country:
Any buying trip starts long before Weinhaus boards the plane. “You do your homework,” he explains. “I’ll know who I want to buy ahead of time, but I’m always looking for something new, something different.” Once he lands in L.A., he spends three long days hitting showrooms and the 13-story, 3-million-square-foot California Market Center. There’s no formula for sifting through the array of fashions; for Weinhaus, it comes down to instinct. “If it doesn’t give me a gut feeling of ‘This is unique, this is different,’ then I won’t order it,” he says. It’s no easy feat. Buyers must consider price, anticipate future trends and predict what will be popular among the St. Louis crowd. Does all of this make for a stressful venture? Not for Weinhaus. “I like the atmosphere,” he says. “I like the hunt.” But don’t be misled: This is no vacation. The success of Weinhaus’ business—and that of any other boutique owner—rests on these buying trips. “You always have to keep looking forward because things will pass you up so quickly in this industry.”
Clayton
Clayton has it all—peaceful residential neighborhoods, a bustling downtown, and some of St. Louis’ best restaurants. Between the Clayton Art Fair, Taste of Clayton, Parties in the Park and, of course, all the eating, what else is there to do here? Oh, right. Shop.
Byrd, 8117 Maryland, 314-721-0766, shopbyrd.com. Margo Kopman, the brains behind Byrd, promises “the atmosphere of your best friend’s closet.” If only we all had a friend with a closet like this. The store carries women’s clothing from lines like Paige Premium Denim, M Missoni and Rachel Pally. While Byrd doesn’t quite resemble a closet (unless you’re Carrie Bradshaw), it’s always fun to pretend.
Elements of Denim, 173 Carondelet Plaza, 314-721-9022, elementsofdenim.com. Elements of Denim takes that “long, tall drink” saying seriously. The store claims its place as the city’s first and only “jean bar,” with a menu of denim rather than drinks. You can take a seat at the bar and browse more than 20 styles of jeans to find the pair that best fits you. And don’t miss “Happy Hour,” every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., when you can get special offers and a complimentary glass of wine.
Laurie Solet, 8228 Forsyth, 314-727-7467, lauriesolet.com. Since this store opened in 2003, it has been a St. Louis favorite. Owner Laurie Solet spent 10 years living in Los Angeles before returning to her hometown. She’s used her West Coast experience to create a space that stocks some of the most unusual, well-chosen merchandise in town. Customers can find labels such as Foley + Corinna, Tracy Reese, Milly and Gorjana jewelry.
Lusso, 165 Carondelet Plaza, 314-725-7205, lussohome.com. Lusso is Italian for “luxury,” and customers will find just that at this lifestyle store. The boutique, which moved to its current location last October, is filled with distinctive gifts like super-decadent candles from D.L. & Co., one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing from Nanette Lepore, Odd Molly
and more.
Margaret’s Lingerie & Swimwear, 8103 Maryland, 314-725-4033. Family-owned for three generations, Margaret’s has a wide lingerie selection from lines like Natori, Priamo and Faire Frou Frou. The store also carries an array of swimsuits—brands like Ralph Lauren, Gideon Oberson and Sunflair—throughout the year, so you can plan for that midwinter cruise.
Petunia, 169 Carondelet Plaza, 314-721-3133, babypetunia.com. At one time you had to make the trek to St. Charles or O’Fallon to visit Sweet Petunia, Ellen Proffit’s too-cute kids’ clothing store. No more. Located in The Shoppes at The Crescent, Petunia sells clothes for newborns to tweens. Along with lines like Fable & Lore and ZAZA Couture, the boutique carries its own line of retro-style clothing. Note to moms and little girls: Check out Sweet Petunia’s line of “twirl skirts.” Nothing beats the swirl of a twirl.
Play, 8109 Maryland, 314-498-0921, shopplaynow.com. Founded on the idea that shopping is supposed to be fun, Play offers styles from fashion shows around the world. The store stocks trendy, eclectic clothing for almost any occasion. Customers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces will find brands such as dVb by Victoria Beckham and local brand Nodbod.
Queen Bee, 14A N. Meramec, 314-727-8484, queenbeematernity.com. Expecting a child is often equated with a drastic decline in chic clothing options. Fortunately, that’s far from the case at Queen Bee. Co-owner Jennifer Dunaway opened the maternity clothes store after she was unable to find mod garb during her own pregnancy. Co-owner Nicole Moore Wohlford later joined her, and together they’ve expanded the business to include maternity wear (with brands like Chaiken and Paige Premium Denim), baby clothing and crib bedding.
Su-Ellen, 8115A Maryland, 314-862-5050. For more than 20 years, Su-Ellen Serkes has dressed St. Louis women who might not look like the models you see on billboards (who does?). Most of Serkes’ customers are 40 or older, and they keep coming back to her shop because of her superior service, which includes in-store alterations and custom ordering.
Valerie Mills Fine Apparel, 139 Carondelet Plaza, 314-727-4545, valeriemills.com. As of press time, St. Louis native Valerie Mills planned to open Valerie Mills Fine Apparel, an elegant boutique offering hip brands such as White + Warren, Anna Sui and Thread Social.
Finding the Perfect Gift
Lusso co-owner Drea Ranek loves gifts for their most innate purpose: to make people happy. Her job at the Clayton lifestyle store is stocking the shelves with unique, thoughtful gifts. So what exactly makes the perfect present? “A great gift is something that has a little thought put into it,” she says. “It’s important for the giver and the receiver to both love a gift; it has to have a personal edge to it.” We decided to test Ranek’s gift-giving prowess by offering her a few scenarios and asking her to suggest the perfect gift.
Baby Shower: A soft, beautiful blanket ($30–$76). Wrap a toy or book inside the blanket, then tie a rattle or hat to the outside of the gift as a finishing touch.
Housewarming: Candles. Lusso sells signature Archipelago candles ($9–$44), such as the lemon verbena-scented Luna.
Groomsmen: Red Monkey leather watches ($145–$250). “Hefty leather watches are very cool and rock ’n’ roll,”
Ranek says.
Dinner Party Host: John Derian plates ($38–$200) are great gifts for both men and women. Decorated with decoupaged, pre-1900 prints, each is hand-signed.
Ladue/Frontenac
A Ladue lifestyle means a certain ease, exquisite quality, timeless luxury. And the shopping here reflects that lifestyle—from custom-made suits to dresses that will stay perfect for decades.
Alixandra Collections, 9814 Clayton, 314-997-2360. Alixandra Collections is truly a one-stop shop. The store carries clothing (brands like Urge, Yoana Baraschi and Cecilia de Bucourt), accessories and, of course, its famous initialed charm necklaces.
Bessini, 9666 Clayton, 314-991-6800, bessini.com. Bessini boasts European style in everything from suits to classy blouses. Most of the clothing comes from Bessini’s own line, a modern look with a sexy twist. True to its name, the Turkish brand emphasizes detailing and a tailored fit.
J. McLaughlin, 1508 S. Lindbergh, 314-872-1818. The J. McLaughlin look might be described as preppy vacation wear. The store’s stocked with everything from coral shorts embroidered with palm trees to sea-turtle bow ties. Most of the clothes are dressy casual, but you’ll also find the occasional party dress, especially come holiday time.
Jillybean Children’s Boutique, 9208 Clayton, 314-872-2988, jillybeanboutique.com. You can outfit your little one in style at Jillybean, where tots can get Burberry jackets or duds from Lili Gaufrette, a Parisian line exclusive to the store. Jillybean carries clothes for newborns through 14-year-olds, as well as diaper bags, bedding and even candles.
Jule Lingerie & Loungewear, 9757 Clayton, 314-983-9282, juleonline.com. Brides-to-be will love Jule, which carries everything from lacy gowns to playful boyshorts and Le Mystère’s seductive bustiers. Owner Jenny Hannis opened the store in 2003 and stocked the racks with designer lingerie—lines such as Cosabella, Eberjey and Aubade. Since then, she’s added stylish loungewear and swimwear.
Just Chic, 9220 Clayton, 314-993-8875. Longtime shoppers at Just Chic keep coming back for the service. Owner Nancy Rose is known for her honesty and isn’t afraid to tell her customers when something just isn’t working. She describes her buying method as very “item-driven,” so chances are you won’t spot Just Chic’s selections all over town.
Kim Kuehner Men’s Sportswear, 9811 Clayton, 314-567-0778, kimkuehnersportswear.com. First off, Kim is a man—in fact, the man when it comes to decking out other St. Louis males. For 21 years, the former Famous-Barr employee and his business partner (and 2008 Best Dressed inductee), Virgil Carter, have offered traditional menswear with a contemporary twist. Kim Kuehner isn’t just a place for a great suit from labels like Robert Graham and Ted Baker; customers can also choose from a wide array of sportswear and accessories.
MACS Designs, 9672 Clayton, 314-991-3337, macsmonograms.com. No, it’s not Apple’s latest marketing-savvy rollout. It’s the owner’s initials—Margaret Ann Cribbin Spooner. She describes her personal style as “be your own brand” and “wear your own monogram.” Monograms are certainly the theme here, where all monogramming is quickly done in-house. You can bring in your own clothing for Spooner to add a monogram, or you can choose from a variety of handmade kids’ clothing, party dresses, pajamas and more.
Mister Guy Men’s Store, 9831 Clayton, 314-692-2003, misterguyclothiers.com. The name might be redundant; the classic selection is far from it. Since 1976, owners Terry and Carla Felumb have outfitted men in sharp clothing that rarely goes out of style. The selection ranges from casual sportswear to suits, with labels like David Chu, Polo Corneliani and Luciano Barbera. Many of the clothes are Italian, but customers can also choose from brands such as Vineyard Vines and the less manly sounding Lilly Pulitzer.
Mister Guy Women’s Store, 9817 Clayton, 314-991-5262, misterguyclothiers.com. The female counterpart to the Mister Guy Men’s Store caters mostly to women looking for fashionable, grown-up looks. Customers can find outfits for nearly every occasion from designers like Nanette Lepore, Twisted Heart, Barry Bricken and Christopher Blue.
Pink Magnolia, 9810 Clayton, 314-997-6161, pinkmagnoliashop.com. Where St. Louis style is concerned, Lilly Pulitzer is nearly as iconic as the Cards. The look is “Palm Beach resort-wear,” and the place to get it is Ladue’s Pink Magnolia. The store stocks Lilly Pulitzer (along with a few other brands) in styles ranging from swimwear to cocktail attire for all seasons.
Sam Cavato Mens Wear, 265 Plaza Frontenac, 314-997-1100. This perennial A-List winner for men’s suits—which has also received props from Esquire—is a legendary destination for men’s shopping. Customers can buy suits from ultra high-end labels like Brioni, Canali and Ermenegildo Zegna. There’s also a wide selection of sportswear, shoes and accessories. While the clothes are anything but cheap, the unparalleled customer service and attention to detail keep Sam Cavato’s customers shopping there for life.
Savile Row Custom Clothiers, 9727 Clayton, 314-567-8500. For the most part, gone are the days when businessmen could drop into their tailor’s for a glass of Scotch, hearty conversation and a custom-made suit. At Savile Row, however, custom clothing remains the store’s specialty. The store’s experts offer free wardrobe consultations and measure for suits, sport coats and dress shirts. Proprietor David Shockley and his well-trained staff maintain close ties to their clients and keep detailed records of their wardrobe needs.
Shoe Ladue, 9807 Clayton, 314-569-1330, shoeladue.com. Shoe Ladue sells classy shoes that don’t compromise comfort. With more than 25 years in the shoe biz, owner Ed Curran almost has the expertise of a podiatrist and can help customers find shoes for every occasion from lines such as Mephisto, Taryn Rose and Cole Haan.
The Little Black Dress, 9793 Clayton, 314-993-6060. The mother-daughter team of Cynthia Carmody and Meghan Fort opened The Little Black Dress in February. The boutique carries chic, sophisticated dresses, many of which are neither little nor black. The emphasis is on dresses you won’t find anywhere else, with exclusive lines like Mina Mann and Flora King, but you can also find Kentucky Derby–style hats and resort-wear.
Vie Ladies Clothing, 9660 Clayton, 314-997-0124. Vie keeps its clothes contemporary and trendy, with crossover sophistication for shoppers of all ages. Customers can find the latest styles from Alice + Olivia, Diane von Furstenberg, Robert Rodriguez and many more.
Wish Shoes & Accessories, 9765 Clayton, 314-432-0800, wishshoes.com. Laura Pollnow Bryan went looking for the perfect pair of wedding-day shoes in March 2005, but found nothing. So to solve her dilemma and that of every other St. Louis shoe lover, she started Wish, a high-end shoe boutique. Wish carries brands like Bettye Muller, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani and more, as well as jewelry and handbags.
Woody’s Men’s Clothiers, 10411 Clayton #104, 314-569-3272, woodyseclub.com. Woody’s has been a landmark of St. Louis shopping since 1952. What makes it unique is the highly personal attention of its staff. This doesn’t just translate to customer service—Woody’s prides itself on the relationships it’s created with its labels, nearly all of which are individual- or family-owned. Men can find clothes ranging in style from conservative to contemporary from brands like Robert Talbott, Coppley and Robert Graham, to name a few.
Fall Trends for Men
This fall, men will discover everything old is new again. We sat down with Brian Smith, co-owner of Moris Fashions, to get the scoop on this season’s looks for men. It seems locals are responding to runway trends from both coasts. “The St. Louis man is definitely trying to step out a little bit and be more fashion-forward,” says Smith. In his expert eyes, this season’s fall wardrobe consists of:
Cardigans: Mr. Rogers would be proud. The classic sweater/jumper is back as the perfect piece for layering.
Tuxedo-style blazers: Get that classic 007 look without the formality—and dress it up even more with satin trim.
Vests: Sure, it seems a little … Robin of Loxley. Or 1992. But the vest ups the ante on any look and can be worn with nearly anything: a T-shirt, a woven shirt, a driving cap or a newsboy cap.
Preppy wear: This season invites men to discover their inner prepster. The look includes the button-down collar, traditional stripes, plaid and checks.
Color: “Last fall, we saw a very neutral color palette,” says Smith. “This fall is all about bold colors: oxblood, vibrant purples, greens and some bold blues.” Two items that will sport more color than you’d expect: underwear and socks.
Maplewood/Brentwood/Richmond Heights
Shopping central, with sidewalk shops, a European courtyard and a major shopping mall coexisting happily.
Baby It’s You & Kids Too, 13470 Clayton, 314-434-9777. This kid’s clothing store has it all—embroidered dresses, small suits, cute swimsuits, even christening outfits. While you shop, the kiddos can amuse themselves in the store’s
“play corner.”
The Clothes Tree, 2538 S. Brentwood, 314-961-0128. Fashionable clothes don’t just grow on trees, but you might think so at this Brentwood shop, which carries designer brands at 30 to 60 percent less than you’d spend elsewhere. We found an $800 evening gown for just $300 and a pair of designer jeans for a mere $40.
Kangaroo Kids, 10090 Manchester, 314-835-9200, kangarookidsonline.com. Kangaroo Kids goes beyond new and resale kid’s clothing and maternity wear, with used jogging strollers, car seats and slings. The store also prides itself on serving as a resource for new moms, with lactation counselors on staff and nursing mothers’ groups.
Maven, 7268 Manchester, 314-645-1155, mavenstl.com. After opening in Brentwood last September, Maven has made a niche for itself. The store carries a small amount of selectively chosen apparel as well as an assortment of goodies—from Circular Accessories shirts and dresses to home décor. The store’s soy candles are one popular seller, handmade by Maven employees.
ScholarShop, 8211 Clayton, 314-725-3456; 7930 Big Bend, 314-961-2525; scholarshopstl.org. This upscale resale store has a wide selection of vintage and modern clothing and accessories. Labels range from Chanel, St. John and Lilly to Lands’ End and more. Thanks to a pipeline from Talbot’s and a cadre of loyal donors with exquisite taste, ScholarShop also hosts impressive sales on an almost weekly basis. The best part? Every purchase benefits The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis.
Soft Surroundings, #33 The Boulevard St. Louis, 314-262-4949, softsurroundingsoutlet.com. With a swanky spot across the street from The Galleria, Soft Surroundings is filled with comfortable women’s clothing, jewelry, home décor, makeup and gifts.
Splash Galleria, 2404 Saint Louis Galleria, 314-721-6442; 9856 Manchester, 314-962-4327. When Splash first opened as a surf shop, teenagers poured into the store. The problem? There are seasons other than summer. So the young brother-sister owners adjusted to demand by stocking the shelves with new clothing lines and funky accessories. Today, you can find high-end brands like G-Star (exclusive to Splash in Missouri), Michael Kors, Trina Turk and more.
Tigerlily Gifts and Monograms, 2739 Sutton, 314-646-0061, mytigerlilystl.com. From the moment you walk in the door, Tigerlily has that at-home feel. Mother-daughter owners Helen, Hillary and Brooke Stewart run the store with the help of their friendly greeter, a chocolate Lab named Chloe. The store carries women’s and children’s clothing, handmade jewelry and tabletop pieces, as well as offering a monogram service.
Wombats Resale, 10090 Manchester, 314-835-9202, wombatsresale.com. This resale store sells “gently used” fashions that range from bestsellers like Abercrombie & Fitch and Banana Republic to designer clothing from Citizens of Humanity and Juicy Couture. You can also ask the staff to keep an eye out for certain items.
Kirkwood/Webster Groves/Rock Hill
For those who want to feel a more small-town vibe while shopping, these three areas have you covered.
Blush Boutique, 151 W. Jefferson, 314-965-4411, shopblushboutique.com. Sarah King opened Blush in 2006 with contemporary, fashion-savvy selections at a range of prices. Her goal was to create an inviting atmosphere for women of all ages to shop, share stories and enjoy a glass of wine. You can do just that as she pops a cork in the late evenings while shoppers peruse designer lines such as Jenny Han and Yumi Kim.
Boutique Chartreuse, 8135 S. Big Bend, 314-458-2410, boutiquechartreuse.com. The name says it all—the walls are green, the store’s Web host is solar-powered and the clothes are eco-friendly. Chartreuse offers threads with organic and sustainable fibers for the contemporary, socially conscious woman. The store’s eco-brands even have fitting names, such as Of the Earth, Sweetgrass Fibers and Ecoist.
Daisy Clover, 8146 Big Bend, 314-962-4477, daisy-clover.com. Nestled in the heart of Webster, Daisy Clover has made its name by dressing girls of all shapes and sizes. You can find jeans by William Rast and Joe’s Jeans, as well as blouses and T’s from harder-to-
find labels.
First Impressions Studio, 217 S. Kirkwood, 314-965-9979, fisbb.com. This adorable baby boutique teaches toddlers the importance of first impressions years before they’ll face the pressures of the power lunch. Besides Zutano dresses and pediped shoes, you can find a variety of sweet creations—soft blankets, huggable dolls and christening dresses.
Kirkwood Shoe Station, 112 E. Jefferson, 314-821-4223; 1640 Clarkson, 636-519-0928; kirkwoodshoe.com. Specializing in European comfort shoes, Kirkwood Shoe Station offers everything from sandals to boots to heels, with labels like Cole Haan, Papillio and UGG Australia. The family-owned store also regularly hosts trunk shows and sales.
Lass and Laddie, 161 W. Jefferson, 314-822-1886, lassandladdiehandmade.com. This quaint boutique sells clothing handmade from vintage fabrics combined with new textiles, as well as special selections from Scotland. The whimsically named Lass and Laddie houses 10 independent lines and designs from all over the world. Call ahead for
an appointment.
Lauries Shoes, 9916 Manchester, 314-961-1642, lauriesshoes.com. This enduring Rock Hill shop has been owned by three generations of the Laurie family. (We know parents shopping there now who were once in their kids’ shoes—literally.) Lauries has shoes for all ages, and its wide range of sizes and widths has proven a godsend for “special feet.”
Purple Cow, 11543 Gravois, 314-843-3888, purplecowkids.com. All of the accessories and brand-name clothing inside this children’s boutique are recycled, reused and resold—making your youngster’s hip look easier on your pocketbook and on the environment.
Women’s Closet Exchange, 11557 Gravois, 314-842-8405, womensclosetexchange.net. Recognized as the best designer resale shop in Missouri by the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops, the Women’s Closet Exchange sometimes receives 500 items per day from suppliers. Besides women’s attire, the store sells maternity-wear, children’s clothing and furniture.
West County & Beyond
Chesterfield, Wildwood, Clarkson Valley, Creve Coeur, Des Peres and Town & Country are just a handful of the communities that make up this shopping-friendly stretch.
Ann’s Bra Shop, 13471 Olive, 314-878-4144, brashop.com. (go online for two other st. louis locations.) After 40 years Ann’s Bra Shop is unrivaled when it comes to helping women find the right bra with the right fit. The store boasts a huge selection of merchandise for every body type and a team that specializes in precise measurements. Customers can buy bra sizes that span half the alphabet, along with nursing bras and bras for mastectomy patients.
Annex Two, 12623 Olive, 314-576-5557. Annex Two is a store for women who want clothes that are both hip and tasteful. With 23 years of experience, owner Donna LaMarca selects the best from lines such as Elliott Lauren, Louben and Randy Kemper. Frequent shoppers get monthly discounts on their purchases.
Chocolate Soup, 13456 Clayton, 314-576-1221. Chocolate Soup’s small store is so jam-packed with kids’ clothes that you might have trouble pushing a stroller through the narrow aisles. But if you leave the kids at home, you’ll have time to peruse the shop’s wares and find adorable clothing from brands like Baby LuLu and Bugaboo.
Distinctions in Fashion, 12354 Olive, 314-434-5445, distinctionsinfashion.com. Distinctions owners Nancy and Bruce Lehtman keep up with New York’s fashion scene. The couple has an office near the city’s garment district, so they can note all of the latest looks during buying trips and call a personal shopper to track down requested items. While their store carries a range of sportswear, it’s equally known for special-occasion dresses—whether for the mother of the bride, a cocktail party hostess or the queen of the prom.
Femme, 7270 Manchester, 314-781-6868. Femme lives up to its French moniker with highly feminine, flirty styles from brands like Voom and Free People. Femme also carries local labels, such as Lovebird Jewelry and Squasht by Les.
Ginger Pye, 161 Long Road #107, 636-532-9111, gingerpye.com. Petite princes and princesses will get their first taste of designer duds here. A treasure trove of trendy togs, Ginger Pye attracts kids with moms who are fashion-forward.
Heels Boutique, 170 Plaza Drive, 636-273-4000, heelsboutique.com. Heels Boutique is the ideal spot to find fancy kicks in Wildwood, with selections like Sam Edelman and BCBGirls. Best of all, the styles here are remarkably affordable.
Ju Ju B’s, No. 48 Four Seasons, 314-469-7096, jujubs.com. Owners Julie Cullinane and Beth Butchko aren’t kidding when they describe their business as a “one-stop shop.” Ju Ju B’s is a full-service salon and spa that also boasts a boutique. The store carries denim, dresses, accessories and more from lines like Level 99, Charlotte Tarantola
and LAmade.
Lori Coulter Swimwear, Macy’s, No. 49 Chesterfield Mall, 314-727-9879 x301, loricoulter.com. Swimsuit shopping has never been so painless—or so amenable to finding form-fitting apparel. Customers make an appointment at the Lori Coulter studio at Macy’s, where a 3-D body scanner measures body shape. Specialists then recommend swimwear and leave it to the customer to decide style and color. Women of all ages and sizes can find the perfect swimsuit, at no expense to their self-esteem.
Marta’s Boutique, 1352 Clarkson/Clayton Center, 636-227-8831, martasonline.com. Don’t let the shiny metallics overwhelm you. After all, the motto at Marta’s is “stand out in the crowd.” The store’s selection helps customers do just that, with bold styles from labels such as Joseph Ribkoff and Alberto Makali. And for the more conservative diva, you can still find something a bit more tame for a night on the town.
Ooh La La, 340 S. Main, 636-940-2020. Ooh La La brands itself as a “unique boutique.” What’s so different is the store’s variety of affordable women’s clothing. The brands aren’t what you’d find in Soho, but you can walk out with a cute blouse for about $25 or a jacket for around $50. You can also find jewelry, handbags, shoes and gifts, as well as children’s clothing.
Pulse, 1644 Clarkson, 636-519-4022, pulsestl.com. With a blog that’s updated every day and items seen on Sex and the City, Pulse diligently monitors the fashion beat and follows suit with an eclectic array of items. The store carries brands like Ed Hardy and Yoga Army. And if you’re looking for a killer handbag, Pulse is tough to top.
Pure by Jen, 16739 Main, 636-458-8588, purebyjen.com. Jen Rubenstein opened her boutique last August. While the name is PURE, the acronym actually stands for anything but—Princess Unique Rowdy Elegant. Hand-picked styles range from colorful cocktail dresses to golf wear, black slacks to T’s.
Susan Lynn’s, 130 Chesterfield Towne Center, 636-530-7337, susanlynns.com. Susan Lynn’s calls its style “decidedly feminine.” The store’s selection is a clear celebration of all things woman, with labels like Milly, Ella Moss and Susana Monaco. Girly, perhaps, but also decidedly grown-up. Susan Lynn’s also features jewelry by local designer Diane Katzman, as well as a selection of shoes and handbags.
Uzma Q, 13474 Clayton, 314-469-3000. At Uzma Q in Wildwood, shoppers can find casual loungewear and layering pieces, along with a selection of dresses and tops for a night out. The store also carries shoes, gifts and a small but impressive denim selection, including such au courant brands as Gypsy 05, Bizz and Antik Denim.
WOW, 13428 Clayton, 314-579-9696, wow-shopping.com. WOW’s small space is stocked with a number of great gift ideas—everything from jewelry to pajamas to make-your-own bath bubbles. We wouldn’t recommend the store as a place to find a gift for your boss (unless you’re really close), but your friend/sister/niece will love the fun and girly gifts.
By Nikole Brown and Sarah Salky
