Edition: Great Outdoors

Accessorize This!

Author: Judy Kupsky

One of the first things you'll notice as you enter Brighton Collectibles is the detailed mosaic of the famous Brighton "B" on the entrance floor.  The gift for detail is what sets Brighton apart from other accessory lines.  Brighton accessories are sole as collections, so once you find a motif you absolutelyl love, the options are many.  And if you think of Brighton as that black, brown, and silver store, think again.  New for spring and summer are bright leather sandals and sunny straw purses.  FOr the tired, hungry shopper, there's nothing better than hearing "Can I get you a cup of coffee, water, or a homemade chocolate chip cookie?" which is exactly what you'll hear during your shopping visit.  Oh, and don't miss the restroom...it's a room only Brighton could design so well.  

Graphic Traffic is a beautiful little gem of a boutique nestled in Plaza Frontenac's upper level.  Artistic expression surrounds you in the form of women's accessories and clothes and a few well-selected hand-blown glass pieces for your home.  Just as color, texture, light, and form are terms used in the art profession, they can easily be used to describe the one of a kind scarves, jewelry, handbags and clothing in this store.  The hand made jewelry ranges from funky and fun to absolutely stunning.  The jewelry is made by local and Californian artists, and the only other Graphic Traffic can be found in Carmel, California.  Think of this store as a vacation destination; don't you like souvenirs to be useful and fun?

As the name suggests, Femme is pretty in pink, but with a fresh and bold style.  Women's apparel and accessories ar ethe name of the game, and you may recognize some vintage-inspired pieces.  Hats designed by St. Louis designer Lesley Timpe and wearing the brand name Squasht by Les are a hot item that the owner has a hard time keeping in stock.  The hats are hand made with vintage fabrics and are embellished with an understated pin.  If you're looking for something almost nobody else has (yet), you'll need to buy a piece of Ballyhoo jewelry.   Necklaces of crocheted metal in asymmetrical designs, and cuff bracelets made of rippled metal look more like art for a museum than something the average shopper has available to her.  

Just 25 minutes away in beautiful downtown Edwardsville, Illinois is La Boutique, a full service women's apparel and accessory store.  Fantastic service and very unique accessories make this store stand apart from the rest.  Displayed on the wall are carved wooden purses made by Timmy Woods, a company out of Beverly Hills.  These unique purses come in a variety of styles, but a favorite is the Dachshund purse.  La Boutique carries a full line of Brighton accessories as well.  The hard to find Pheromone perfume by Marilyn Miglin is countertop, too.  And for those of us who need a little "adjusting" under our clothes, this boutique carries Spanx and Sassybax body shapers.  The clothing is top notch and alterations are free of charge.  

Accessories for home and body are aplenty at The Designing Block.  New for spring and summer are distinctive "flower purses."  These beautiful purses sport a dinner plate size flower blossom.  Brightly colored daisy rose blossoms decorate these very affordable purses, which are made by a local disabled adults group.  One-of-a-kind jewelry designed and made by local artist Manfred Mueller is displayed beautifully, as are jewelry designs by Diane Malouf.  The Designing Block carries foldable straw hats, in a variety of shapes and colors that will protect your skin from the hot St. Louis sun.  Who says accessories can't improve your health?

We can't forget the guys in the search for great accessories.  Found in the University City Loop area are the sister stores, Blues and Soul.  Blues carries up to the minute designs in denim, and Soul carries the latest in European footwear.  Both men and women are catered to in this store, but the choices for men are classic and hip.  Leather belts, sunglasses, and shoes for men follow an urban chic theme.  Think James Bond meets Bono and you've got the look.  For those men who want the latest and hottest in denim, you'll find jeans from the Company of Tarveruti.  From casual to a bit dressy, men's shoes from the London-based brand of Fly are available to walk out the door with you.  For ladies, Hobo International handbags are the rave of anyone who buys one; high quality leather with clever space saving design makes these a favorite.  

Good things come in little spaces, and that is certainly the case when you visit Blings and Things.  Jazz up that summer dress or gauchos with a western style blingy belt which should have a designer price tag, but doesn't.  These affordable designer knock-offs come in a variety of spring colors.  And for the most feminine St. Louis Cardinal fan, you'll find a ball cap with the Cardinal logo in sparkling faux gems.  For the younger set, there are Ponchies, which are pompom inspired hair scrunchies, perfect for showing your school colors.  Colorful watches and stylish jewelry designed for teens are also on display.  

The Designing Block
7735 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63117