Categories: Shopping

St. Louis Boutiques

Author: Erin Callier, Judy Kupsky, Jennifer R. Rolf, & Stefene Russell

Shopping is one of the spices of life. When you find that perfect little dress, you suddenly have extra pep in your step. If you want to indulge in a one-of-a-kind find that makes your heart go aflutter, then smaller boutiques are definitely the way to go.

It makes sense to begin a day of shopping in either Clayton or Ladue, two of St. Louis's most polished neighborhoods. Situated in the high-rent Ladue Marketplace, Vie (314-997-0124, 9660 Clayton Road ) is the kind of shop that has something for everyone and every occasion. High quality denim that makes your bum look its very best? You got it. Elegantly bejeweled formal wear for a fancy night out? Take your pick. A present for your best friend? Well then, happy birthday to her. This sophisticated shop doesn't have an ounce of the pretension that you so often encounter at upscale boutiques, and if you leave here without a purchase, months later you'll still be dreaming of that beautiful necklace you wish you had bought.

Modern and quirky Testimo Boutique (314-432-5775, 9216 Clayton Road ) has a vibe akin to the boutiques you might find along the trendy streets of SoHo. The industrial, barebones interior allows the eclectic clothing to speak for itself. Tough, Ed Hardy tees with their usual skull & crossbones and sexy rock & roll purple ankle boots juxtaposed with pretty, floaty dresses create a hodge-podge of style that immediately sucks you in. Quirky accessories like the T-Rex necklace and matching studs make it hard to walk away empty-handed. Website: www.testimoboutique.com

The moment you step inside Daisy Clover (314-962-4477, 8146 Big Bend Blvd. ) in Webster Groves, you can tell that it is a labor of love for shop owner Natalie Wood. The impeccable charm and feminine spirit of the clothing and décor provide for the perfect boutique experience. A collage of celebrities sporting the very same wear found on the racks demonstrates the shop's allegiance to the style du jour. But fret not, this store also has an allegiance to the every-woman with a sense of style. Unlike so many boutiques, Daisy Clover offers a range of sizes, ensuring your chances of finding a precious Rebecca Taylor top or eclectic jacket that is just right for you. Website: www.daisy-clover.com

There is nothing better than a store that truly cares about its patrons, and in the heart of oh-so-sophisticated Clayton stands Laurie Solet (314-727-7467, 8228 N. Forsyth Blvd ), where the service is inviting and the fashions up-to-the-minute. Enough cannot be said about this great boutique. Just go. Go and be surprised at how much time you will spend in this small space. There aren't too many places where you can find a floaty Free People dress, awesome denim, a sweet smelling foot scrub, original onesies for future fashionistas, and bra inserts for those who need a little boost in the bosom all in one place. Even if you don't find anything for yourself, you must buy a gift for someone you know, because you simply can't afford not to buy something in this pitch-perfect shop. Website: www.lauriesolet.com

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 store recently carried designs by Mina, Doorman Silks, and Joseph Ribkoff. 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, CA. Think of this store as a vacation destination; don't you like souvenirs to be useful and fun? Come by the store and let your inner artist create a one-of-a-kind look.

As the name suggests, Femme (314-781-6868. 7270 Manchester Rd.)is pretty in pink, but with a fresh and bold style. Women's apparel and accessories are the 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 them. And lastly, fringed handbags by St. Louis designer Stacy Lynn are ready for your proclamation of “cool!” These modern day bohemian bags are made of the finest quality suede or leather. The summer line includes metallic leathers touched with just a bit of fringe.

Good things come in little spaces, and that is certainly the case when you visit Blings and Things (314-420-5568, 124 W. Jefferson ). 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. Many purses and jewelry can be monogrammed or personalized, and shipping is available. For the younger set, there are Ponchies which are pom pom inspired hair scrunchies, perfect for showing your school colors. Colorful watches and jewelry designed for teens are also on display.

If you weren't already visiting St. Louis, you'd have to go far to find another J. McLaughlin (314-872-1818, 1508 South Lindbergh Blvd. ), which houses the rest of its shops along the Eastern Seaboard. Sportswear is the name of the game at this store, which creates and carries its own designs, but you can also find that cute dress for the big date or the perfect tropical attire for the much-anticipated winter cruise.

Recently at Mister Guy (314-991-5262, 9817 Clayton Rd.), a haven of chic women's clothing and jewelry, the staff was showing bohemian but luxurious fur capelets and baby-soft cashmere sweaters in multiple hues, along with the latest in tweed bags.

Resort Classics (314-997-6161, 9810 Clayton Rd ) is a Lilly Pulitzer signature store that carries the brightly colored, summery prints that made the Pulitzer line famous. In addition to women's resort wear, it features a children's section with cuddly blankets, towels and special pillows.

With sweaters found in specialty boutiques across the country, Skif International (5146 Daggett, 314-773-4401) is known for attention to detail and clever, dangling metal tags. They use natural silk, linen, cotton and rayon yarns imported from Europe and each sweater is made by hand. Many can be worn in a number of ways (including upside down or backwards). Colors are unusual, including Sock Monkey (a weave of black and white) and 3-D Blue (deep blue with red accents). In addition, Skif offers cut-and-sew separates made from Bemberg rayon, cotton and fine linen. The store is located on The Hill, St. Louis's Italian district, with several excellent restaurants within walking distance, including Lorenzo's, Modesto, and Rigazzi's. Website: www.skifo.com

The airy, well-lit retail space – as well as the carefully-chosen inventory – guarantees that Mezzanine Wearables (389 N. Euclid, 314-361-3777) will be around for a long while. Even in the busy shopping district of the Central West End, their strikingly dressed windows stand out, and a trip inside does not disappoint. Racks are filled with just the right amount of clothing for easy browsing, with pieces arranged intuitively by color and texture. Styles range from formal (cocktail dresses with cake-frosting details) to relaxed (brightly-colored t-shirts printed with the store's logo). Mezzanine carries local designers such as Skif and Made in Missouri, as well as Nanette Lepore, Karen Walker, Blue Cult, Ocelot, Grey Ant, Prudence, Rebecca Turbow and jewelry by Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Alexis Bitton. Website: www.mezzaninewearables.com

Charlot's (415 South Main St., St. Charles, 636-940-9450) is located on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, certainly one of the most charming places in the metro area. They carry a vast selection of scarves (many of them handmade), purses, silver charms and footwear by Just The Right Shoe. They are one of only a handful of local retailers who carry Timmy Woods collectible art handbags, which are constructed from acacia wood with bengaline linings. These handbags come in a variety of whimsical shapes, and have been seen dangling from the elegant wrists of movie stars such as Lisa Kudrow and Vivica A. Fox. Charlot's is located in the heart of the St. Charles shopping district, and is within walking distance from shops such as Deeply Founded Beauty (luxurious bath and body items) and Morgie's (jewelry, clothing and gifts).

Looking for that last detail to jazz up and complete your ensemble? Whether it's a unique pair of shoes or a novelty handbag you're seeking, Susan Lynn's (636-530-7337, 130 Chesterfield Towne Centre) offers an eye-catching selection at this fun boutique. The store also carries hats, gloves, scarves, and accessories by many designers, including My Flat in London.

For the stylish man with a little more height and width, head west to Dean's Clothiers (636-532-1771, 1677 Clarkson Road ), where the specialty is upscale big & tall clothing. Oftentimes, the big & tall man sacrifices style for comfort, but this shop ensures each shopper both, and will tailor anything to fit your needs. The store clerks are warm and eager to help you find anything from a three-piece suit to attractive sportswear. Don't be surprised if you go in to buy a jacket and leave with much more.

Sam Cavato (314-997-1100, Plaza Frontenac) is all about making the man's shopping experience worthwhile in the timeliest fashion possible. The staff will personalize your visit and go above and beyond to help you dress for success. Suits, shirts, ties and shoes are the key elements, and designers include Magnanni, Salvatore Ferragamo and Ermenegildo Zegna.

Mister Guy (314-692-2003, 9831 Clayton Road ) can outfit the fashionable man for work, a fancy soiree or a casual night on the town with its assortment of famous-designer shirts, sweaters, suits and much more.

Whether it's attire for work or play you're after, it's easy to dress the part at Mark Shale (314-725-4888, 1147 Saint Louis Galleria), where you'll find the latest trends in sportswear, dress and casual knits, shoes, shirts and ties, blazers, and even items for tall men. Website: www.markshale.com

Check out places of interest near St. Louis Boutiques:

Sapphire
4753 McPherson, St. Louis, MO 63108

Sapphire offers Pan-Asian dining at a minimal cost.

 

Byrd
8117 Maryland Ave., Clayton, MO 63105

A contemporary women's apparel boutique, with hand-picked pieces and designer names from a St. Louis native.

 

City Sprouts
6354 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

City Sprouts specializes in everything for your tot, offering baby and baby-related accessories, including skin-care products and toys, to fashionable diaper bags for dads and moms.

Daisy Clover Boutique
8146 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Fabulous boutique in St Louis that also features online shopping. Featuring clothing from Rebecca Taylor, Joe's Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, LaROK, Amber Babzoe, Seychelles, Ben Sherman, Trunk Ltd and many many more! The store also features a great selection of clothing in all sizes 2-12.

Dean's Clothiers
1677 Clarkson Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017

Carries casual and dress clothing, including custom-tailored suits, for men and women.

Elements of Denim
173 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105

A jeans bar with designer names for both sexes.

 

Kerry Cottage
2119 S. Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63117

Kerry Cottage is a charming St. Louis shop that celebrates the spirit of Ireland and has the perfect gifts for your Irish (or Irish-at-heart) friends and family.

Knitty Couture
6148 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112

A store not just dedicated to, but obsessed with the art of knitting, offering supplies, clinics, and books on the subject. Pick up your needles and give it a go.

 

Laurie Solet
8228 Forsyth, St. Louis, MO 63105

Voted St. Louis’s Best Ladies Clothing Boutique by St. Louis Magazine. Features up-and-coming designers from New York, Los Angeles, and Europe with clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.

Melrose to Manhattan
6161 Delmar Blvd., Ste 101, St. Louis, MO 63130

Melrose to Manhattan offers contemporary female clothing with a dual-coast philosophy to fashion, fusing the best of New York and L.A. together.

 

Mezzanine
389 N. Euclid,, St. Louis, MO 63108

Fashion, jewelry, and accessories.

Millea Furnishings
4728 McPherson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108

3-D design studio that creates works of art in furniture, concentrating on bright colors and irregular shapes.

 

Mister Guy
9817 Clayton Rd, Ladue, MO 63124

Upscale specialty store featuring women’s clothing, jewelry, belts, and funky t-shirts.

Parker's Table Wines and Foods
8317 Maryland Ave., Clayton, MO 63105

A fine wine and specialty food store that prides itself on being knowledgable and friendly.

 

Resort Classics
9707 Clayton Rd, Ladue, MO 63124

Carries the Lily Pulitzer line of clothes and accessories.

Rothschilds Antiques and Home Furnishings
398 N. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63108

Featuring classic furniture and antiques, as well as interior design services.

 

Sam Cavato
Plaza Frontenac, St. Louis, MO 63131

One of St. Louis’s most exclusive clothing stores for men.

Skif International
5146 Daggett, St. Louis, MO 63110

Unique hand made sweaters in unusual colors, fashioned from natural silk, linen, cotton and rayon.

Susan Lynn's
130 Chesterfield Towne Centre, St. Louis, MO 63005

A ladies' boutique featuring hard-to-find shoes, hats, hand bags, jewelry and gifts.

tag apparel
6314 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

tag--an acronym for "timeless authentic garments" is a St. Louis boutique that specializes in vintage clothing and accessories for both men and women, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces and designer labels from bygone days.

 

The Wine & Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105

A store specializing in, you guessed it, various wines and gourmet cheeses.

 

The Wine Merchant Ltd.
20 South Hanley, Clayton, MO 63105

A store celebrated for its knowledge of all things wine, but also cigars, beer, and liquor.

 

Vie
9660 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124

A chic boutique for women who like to keep up with the classier trends.

Ziezo Boutique
6394 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

Ziezo is a fashion-forward boutique specializing in women's apparel and accessories, from casual to wear-to-work.