Florist
If you didn't already know about Barb Wehking's gem of a floral shop, Bloomin Buckets, you'd never find it. How could you? It's tucked away on a side street off Manchester, in the back of Bella's, a wedding shop. But punch it into your GPS; you'll never regret it. First of all, there is the owner herself — down-to-earth, always pleasant, willing to please. Then there are the flowers — always the freshest. And finally, the arrangements — always spot on. The prices? Fair, very fair. 9844 Manchester, South Door, 314-961-4040, bloominbuckets.com
Furniture for Heirs
The New York–based interior designer sipped his sauvignon blanc and blithely announced, "This city could really use another Jules Pass." No doubt. Just consider the number of times the antique store is practically bereft of merchandise. Collectors know to zoom over the minute shipments arrive from abroad. The flawless furniture primarily dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, travels from England and continental Europe — and is well worthy of passing on to favored heirs. 9916 Clayton, 314-991-1522
Softest Sheets
Forget motivational speakers: It's fine sheets that make dreams possible. And forget thread count: What gives the fabric a beautiful hand is using long fibers in the weave; get the right stuff, and you only need a 350-thread count to reach heaven. Proof's in the superlong-staple cotton from Kafir S'Ad that's used in the Italian sheeting by Sferra Brothers — and in fine jacquard from Peacock Alley — and in Yves Delorme's batiste-soft, romantic prints, all at Sallie Home. 9821 Clayton, 314-567-7883, salliehome.com
Farmers' Market
A mere three years old, the Tower Grove Farmers' Market & Bazaar has blossomed into the best in the area. The selection of vendors — including Four Seasons baked goods, Sunflower Savannah, Norris Farms, Hinkebein Hills, Prairie Grass Farm, Three Rivers Farm and Kinker Hill Farm — is stellar. But the setting, in Tower Grove Park, constitutes a lovely step back in time that borders on serene. To further enhance your state of serenity, take a free Saturday morning yoga class. Tower Grove Park, west of the Pool Pavilion, 314-772-3899, tgmarket.org
Place to Buy Original Crafts
Slick-smooth glazed ceramics, hammered gold, frosted glass — wandering around the Gallery Shop at Craft Alliance is like browsing a museum, except you can buy your treasure. Walk out wearing those whimsical film-strip earrings; wrap up satiny wooden spoons for a housewarming; give your lover a clever, poetic vase. Craft Alliance showcases select local and national artists and uses the proceeds to craft a future for underserved youth. 6640 Delmar, 314-725-1177, craftalliance.org
Furniture for First-Time Home Buyers
Two schools of thought exist on this: Go for the cheapest couch, chair and table out there knowing it will be pitched for better later, or watch for sales and save every extra dollar to buy a piece that will last longer than a couple of baseball seasons. We opt for the latter, and we suggest Intaglia. Founded locally, the shop's prices are reasonable, albeit not cheap, the quality great, the styles classic enough to survive several evolutions in taste — and if you're flummoxed by the choices, design services are available. 1201 Strassner, 314-645-8008, intagliahome.com
Bookstore
The French have recently been up in arms, arguing that Camembert can't be made in an industrial setting — Big Cheese will never capture the aroma of "God's feet" in a factory. There's a time and a place for Velveeta, likewise paperbacks destined for yard-sale boxes. Readers who seek the Camembert of bookstores (small, community-driven, with a staff that harbors an irrational love of the written word) head to Left Bank Books. There are new books upstairs, used ones in the basement and a crazy selection of periodicals. They also host reading groups and author events (locals as well as biggies like David Sedaris) nearly every night of the week. 399 N. Euclid, 314-367-6731, left-bank.com
Place to Be Fitted for a Bra
Most women are wearing the wrong size bra. Even the almighty Oprah has chimed in on the epidemic by devoting an entire show ("Bra Intervention") to helping the 85 percent of American women who don bad brassieres. No need to stalk O. for undergarment tips — just head to Ann's Bra & Lingerie Shop for a thorough fitting. This is not a fancy boutique, but rather a no-nonsense shop with a helpful staff and huge inventory (including options for nursing moms, mastectomy patients and plus-size women). 13471 Olive, 314-878-4144, brashop.com
Pharmacy
Williams Pharmacy is the quintessential local drugstore: part wacky dime mart (will they ever sell out of those message-emblazoned mini traffic cones?), part full-service pharmacy, part post office (in the case of the Ladue location) and even part liquor store — and one of the few places in town you can still buy a single can of Coke. The guys at Williams treat regular customers like family and pretty much define classy: They're the Cary Grant of apothecaries. 7010 Pershing, 314-727-4854, williamspharmacy.com; three additional locations
Easiest Way to Shop Green
Buying sustainably is fun when you're talking hemp T-shirts or natural cotton duvets, less fun when you're pondering floors of bamboo, cork or the melodic Marmoleum (flax + linseed oil + pine rosin); solar lights (that may or may not shine); zero-VOC paint (that may or may not cover). Home Eco's Terry Winkelmann and Phil Judd, founders of St. Louis' first eco-sensitive store, do the research for you, because getting bamboozled wastes your resources. 4611 Macklind, 314-351-2000, home-eco.com
Women's Hats
Millinery's not entirely a lost art: Bessie Hicks and Ann Dillon of Ann's Hat Boutique can beribbon a boater or wrap velvet around a cloche as deftly as Parisian hat-makers did a century ago. Want a brim that slants across your cheek like Ingrid Bergman's in Casablanca? A violet Mad Hatter worthy of the Queen of England? Hicks and Dillon will measure you, follow your sketch and let you pick shape, color and trimmings — even a veil, for mystery. 625 N. Euclid, Ste. 212, 314-367-6137
Lingerie
Repeat winner Jule is the go-to spot for beautiful lingerie. The boutique carries undergarment staples like seamless camis, bra/panty sets and chemises from Cosabella, Hanky Panky and Commando. Soon-to-be brides can pick up unique wedding lingerie by Leigh Bantivoglio and novelty boyshorts from 2 Belles. Also find Wendy Glez pajamas, a new favorite that caters to women of all sizes. 9757 Clayton, 314-983-9282, juleonline.com
Designer Jeans
No, you can't choose from multiple brands of denim at Adriano Goldschmied's sole St. Louis outpost in the CWE, but honestly, once you get a load of the shop's selection of cuts, washes and sizes, you'll forget you ever wanted anything else. Skinny, wide-leg or cigarette (for the chicks), boot, classic or lounge (for the dudes), among other fits, and all in premium, lived-in denim that looks and feels like you've been wearing it for years, these are the jeans your butt has been telling you about. 314-361-6161, 36 Maryland Plaza, agjeans.com
Designer Women's Jeans at a Discount
Not keen on forking over $200 for a pair of jeans? Problem solved: TJ Maxx has a great selection of denim at unreal prices. Be sure to browse the designer department for brands like Chip & Pepper, Paper Denim & Cloth, 7 for All Mankind and True Religion. Keep an eye on the clearance rack, and take home the aforementioned brands for around $50. The merchandise turns over quickly, so a few trips to the store may be required in the search for the perfect fit. 12129 Manchester, 314-965-4010, tjmaxx.com; three additional locations
Men's Clothes
What keeps us coming back to Mark Shale, at the northern edge of the Galleria, is its commitment to high fashion and to dressing the whole man. With custom-tailored suits and tuxes, beyond-sharp dress shirts (including Ike Behar, donned by today's Ocean's 11 crew), high-end jeans like 7 for All Mankind and more casual items like sandals and golf shirts, Mark Shale makes for a fine one-stop shop for the man who likes to live stylishly all week long. Saint Louis Galleria, 314-725-4888, markshale.com
Dresses
Hmmmm ... What to wear? Whether you're in a panic searching for the perfect dress for this weekend's cocktail party or just need to add a little punch to your wardrobe, The Little Black Dress has it covered. Owners Meghan Fort and Cynthia Carmody thoughtfully fill their boutique with great finds in a range of prices (starting below $100) and make sure to sell only a few in each style so you won't be seeing your perfect dress all over town. 9793 Clayton, 314-993-6060
Designer Women's Shoes
Heel heaven is here on earth in the form of the divinely stocked shoe department at Neiman Marcus — a land of well-made soles by the names of Louboutin, Manolo, Choo, Gucci, Prada ... The list goes on. The always-charming staff is bound to send you on your way with a smile on your face and a chic spring in your step. 100 Plaza Frontenac, 314-567-9811, neimanmarcus.com
Perennial A-Listers
Sam Cavato: Men's Suits
