Photograph by Kevin A. Roberts
Charm
7312 Manchester, 314-588-8203, charm-boutique.com
At press time, this downtown transplant was slated to open in Maplewood in early June. It offers jewelry from both local and far-flung designers, including fair-trade items from Indonesia. The selection includes a wide range of accessories, from Jamaica-born Tasha Hussey’s Lucite rings to Michelle Caryn’s colorful costume jewelry and local designer Sara Patino’s gold and silver crystal earrings.
Crowd: Jewelry lovers, brides-to-be, and ladies prepping for special occasions
Steal: Koboldt Design’s O necklace ($48) that goes with anything
Splurge: Amy Draper’s hand-poured, white- and blue-sapphire cuff bracelet ($650) is envy-inducing bling.
Mezzanine
2741 Sutton, 314-645-2777, shopmezzanine.com
Mezzanine owners Anna and Paul Spector gave up their 2,000-square-foot store in the Central West End for a more manageable size that also happened to be closer to their home. The shop’s still ultrastylish, with deconstructed mannequins, trancey house music, and chic offerings like Amanda Uprichard dresses and Holy Harlot necklaces.
Crowd: Urban scenesters exploring the inner-ring suburbs
Steal: Each Virginia Johnson merino-wool shawl ($198) features an original illustration, making it a work of art to brighten up any woman’s wardrobe.
Splurge: Strapless, hand-painted silk dresses ($315) are perfect for all sorts of upscale summer soirées.
Maven
7290 Manchester, 314-645-1155, mavenstl.com
When you find a glycerin soap that smells exactly how you’d imagine Don Draper might smell, you know you’re in Maven. Not only does the store offer custom bath items like bubble biscotti, fizzing bath bombs, and solid body lotion, but also it has them in terrific scents like Don Draper, Mojito, and Little Black Dress. And beyond that, the store carries eclectic items ranging from St. Louis–themed novelty T’s to dog shampoo.
Crowd: Anyone who likes both to smell good and to look good, while being environmentally friendly
Steal: Maven’s “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick” lip balm ($7) is three times the size of a regular balm, and it comes in flavors like ginger ale and pistachio ice cream.
Splurge: Wrought-iron chandeliers ($700) with hand-blown glass orbs are a beautiful conversation starter.
While You’re There: Five Shopping Staples
1. Tigerlily Gifts & Monograms: Custom monogramming for Mom, baby, and the house. 7328 Manchester
2. Gisèle’s: Décor for the Francophile girly-girl. 7318 Manchester
3. Bouffant Daddy: Get cool duds and your do done at this shopper’s salon. 7276 Manchester
4. Femme: Girly, stylish clothes in a shop with charm to spare. 7270 Manchester
5. Kakao: Delectable chocolates induce plenty of “mmms.” 7272 Manchester
