Photograph by Ashley Heifner

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With the dog days of summer behind us and winter a distant three months away, it’s time to head to one of the city’s incredible shopping districts—places where you can walk outdoors, sun on your face and fall’s crisp air ruffling your hair, discovering one tiny, original boutique or funky old-fashioned shop after another. This guide is written for the adventurous—those who believe that shopping is a treasure hunt, a sport, a pleasure to be savored. Everyone else, head to the local mall, which is probably having “the biggest sale of the year.”

Eurostyle - Central West End

Known for its galleries, antique shops and chic boutiques, the Central West End has always been a destination for those who want to shop outside the box. Park on Euclid and head first to Kuhlman Company [1], with its European fashions and extensive collection of Italian shirts—perfect for a night out at Drunken Fish [2]. Then walk down Maryland until a sign for Girl [3] appears. Fun and flirty, Girl carries designer clothing for everyday wear. Pay special attention to Girl’s denim collection, including Live Life & Love, and the handbags to match. If you make spoiling your pet an art form, head next door to Couture de Pooch [4]—a blingless leash and house in the backyard are so last season

Turn the corner and find yourself in Austin Powers’ swinging bachelor pad, Design Within Reach [5], inspired by midcentury modernism. Your new shagadelic Le Corbusier leather couch or Eames lounge chair will be delivered promptly.  Farther down Maryland, stop in front of Coles Lamar’s [6] gorgeous window display, then walk inside to check out the high-end Italian furniture or the art gallery downstairs. Back on Euclid, stop in at Silica Glass Art Gallery [7] which puts oldstyle stained-glass to shame.

For lunch, drop by the “food court” at Euclid and Maryland:, with everything from Coffee Cartel [8] to Culpeppers [9] to Liluma [10]. Shopping alone? Stop by Big Sleep Books [11] for a little murderous intrigue to read while you eat.

Ease back into shopping with a trip to Level 1 [12], St. Louis’ first all-male boutique, and browse Modern Amusement, Trovata and James Perse. The aesthetic here appeals to college grads, loft-dwellers and businessmen who don’t believe that the day should begin and end in a suit. Next, head to Level 1’s female counterpart, Mezzanine [13], which caters to the young professional age range (25–45), providing classic upscale pieces trendy enough to snap up—but not so trendy that you’ll discard them next season. You’ll find L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Nanette Lepore, Joe’s Jeans and jewelry by Alexis Bittar. Continue to Left Bank Books [14], the last independently owned, full-service bookstore in St. Louis. Turn the corner onto McPherson and keep your eyes peeled for Finery [15], an out-of-the-way, elegant accessories boutique. Didn’t eat before? Got an aggressively fast metabolism? Grab a pub lunch at Dressel’s [16] or something savory at Zoë Pan-Asian Café [17].

Ready to outfit your house? Go north on Euclid, to Fellenz Antiques [18], for salvaged art glass, fireplace mantels and iron gates. Go south to Rothschild’s Antiques [19], which guarantees surprises, then east to Centro Modern Furnishings [20], the only place to buy the Cassina collection; Arlene Lilie Design/West End Gallery [21] for sleek classics (don’t miss clothing boutique Sohaila [22], inside), Sambeau’s Ltd. [23] (eclectic and artful), Charles Houska [24] (original artwork by Houska, vivid and intense) and the Antique Center of St. Louis [25]. Reward yourself with chocolate from Bissinger’s [26]—the recipes began in 17th–century Paris.

On the way back to the car, stop at Cassie’s [27] and create a custom scent, and Pick Flower Gallery [28] for a bouquet of Stargazer lilies. Now grab the car and head to Sage Paper Store [29] for handmade stationery to write a letter to that long-lost friend. Forget e-mail.