“I like to throw a sweater on with jeans and be on my way,” says Stacie Swederska, the owner of Paisley Boutique, a new outpost in Webster Groves (233 W. Lockwood, 314-475-3443, xopaisley.com). The store reflects her casually elegant style. The Webster Groves native picked up homey accents like dark wood–framed mirrors from Salt of the Earth, where she used to be a store manager. Friends and family helped her build the shelving, and her old futon is now an inviting leather bench. And the personal touches don’t end there: Swederska often brings in her gray Shih-poo, Andrew.
How do you describe your boutique?
I want my customers to feel like they can run in and get something quick, or they can come in, kick their shoes off, throw their purse on the sofa, have some wine or water, and hang out and chitchat.
What kind of lines do you look for?
I like to find easy outfits for my customers, so it doesn’t take them two hours to get ready in the morning. I also don’t like going to the dry cleaner, so most of my items are wash-and-dry—unless it’s cashmere. That’s one thing I’m willing to get dry-cleaned.
Yet everything looks classic.
I have very timeless pieces in the store, but every so often, you’ll find that kind of funky, trendy piece. Right now, I have painted gold denim by 7 For All Mankind. It’s so fun and trendy.
What are your most popular lines?
Lilla P—I do a trunk show of hers twice a year. I also carry Karina dresses; you can literally roll them up in a ball, and they won’t wrinkle.
Where do you get your style inspiration?
My mom. She’s supercute and always dresses put-together, but she’s still comfortable.
