BEST WORKOUT FOR NEW MOMS
Materra Method
When Abby Erker launched Materra Method in 2019, she did so with the goal of helping moms stay fit. The studio, which opened its first brick-and-mortar location in University City last year, offers classes that mix principles of Pilates and barre with exercises designed to boost strength in areas of the body where pregnancy takes a toll. Classes are divided into levels that correspond to each trimester and early postpartum, ensuring there’s a carefully designed workout for moms at all stages of pregnancy and beyond.
BEST SOAP SEQUEL
KIND Soap
After a decade at its former location, KIND recently moved about a block away, to a new, larger storefront in the heart of Webster Groves. Now, owner Jean Scholtes offers more than naturally scented, handmade soaps, including more skin, bath, and beauty products, in additon to hosting events and classes.
BEST CREATIVE USE OF LEATHER
Ansgar Leather
Owner Svein Staaby makes all of the leather products that you might anticipate: belts, wallets, and journals… But it’s the more adventurous wares—chess boards, mason-jar-mug koozies, coasters, and custom-designed items with topographical maps—that make this family-owned business a standout.
BEST FOLLOW-THROUGH
Topgolf
The success of Topgolf is found in its simplicity: gather a group of friends, order some food and drinks, and smack golf balls at a bunch of fixed, glowing targets. You don’t have to be anything close to a seasoned golfer to have a good time. Maybe you’ve already taken some swings at Topgolf’s location in Chesterfield, which opened five years ago. Later this fall, the company will open a new location in Midtown, featuring three levels and 102 hitting bays, as well as an on-site bar, restaurant, and private event space.
BEST NEW ANTIQUE MALL
Get Your Picks on 66
Vintage shopping is as popular as ever. At Randi and Josh Benedick’s antique mall in Webster Groves, you can find anything from furniture (from any decade) to retro records, toys, and clothes. There are also booths that offer antique materials and finishing products to help bring your latest restoration project to completion.
THE BEST OF INSTAGRAM
@Mindfulcloset: Dacy Gillespie is a St. Louis–based personal stylist who helps women ditch the clothes they think they are supposed to wear in favor of outfits that are authentically them.
@Lauraksawyier: Offering tips for both men and women, Laura Sawyier shares wardrobe insights for any occasion, from casual summer hangs to formal dinners.
@Economyofstyle: Psyche Southwell shows followers how to stock their closets with clothes that are both trendy and affordable.
@Wellnessinthelou: Highlighting some of the best places to eat healthy, work out, and enjoy nature, this account is a helpful guide for active St. Louisans.
@Stl_tour_guide_lady: Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong resident of the region, you’ll find ideas about what to do and experience in St. Louis on this wide-ranging, hip feed.
BEST NEW MULTI-MODALITY FITNESS STUDIO
TruFusion at City Foundry STL
The locally owned gym opened its newest location in March. The 13,000-square-foot studio features a variety of group fitness classes tailored to all fitness levels. TruFusion specializes in exercises that prioritize high-intensity interval training. So whether bootcamp workouts, Pilates classes, or boxing is your jam, there’s a class to suit the kind of sweat you’re looking for.
BEST NEW COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PHARMACY
GreaterHealth Pharmacy
Upon obtaining his Ph.D. in human development at North Carolina State University, Dr. Marcus Howard returned to his hometown to open a pharmacy that could help underserved communities. At GreaterHealth Pharmacy, which opened last year at the Delmar Divine, Howard has created a business that offers wide-ranging health and wellness services, including point-of-care testing, counseling, immunization, and prescription fulfillment.
FRESH FOODS
A mix of new grocery stores focusing on fresh foods and health-focused products have recently opened in the region. Schnucks’ Eatwell Market in Chesterfield carries a vast selection of natural and organic items, and it specializes in products made without antibiotics or growth hormones. The Fresh Thyme at City Foundry STL provides shoppers with an assortment of healthy options in the heart of the city, and Aldi’s new location in Rock Hill is full of fresh produce and essential items.
BEST WATERWAY CONCEPT
Dardenne Creek Blueway
Rent a kayak and spend a day exploring one of the region’s newest outdoor attractions. The blueway opened last summer in St. Charles County with a 3.5-mile water trail that stretches from Riverside Landing Park to 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters. When the waterway is completely cleared in the coming years, it will cover a 19-mile track. For now, anyone can hop in a watercraft and enjoy a paddle trip, while admiring the native wildlife in a relaxing setting.
BEST CREATIVE USE OF ANTIQUE ENDPAPERS
Papillon Press
Vernon and Madeleine Wiering comprise the father-daughter duo behind this decorative printing business, which expanded from its home base in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to St. Louis in 2020. To create its catalog of stationery, linens, greeting cards, and notebooks, Papillon Press uses designs inspired by the antique endpapers traditionally found on the front and back covers of books. The result is a collection of intricately patterned paper products that make perfect gifts or treats for yourself.
PRESENT PERFECT
1. Ostrich embroidered tea towel, $20. Women’s Exchange. 2. Brakish bowtie handmade in Charleston South Carolina, $228. Hearth and Soul. 3. Bodrum woven placemats, $29. Marketplace at the Abbey. 4. Thorny rose medium tray, $18. Golden Gems. 5. Stonewall kitchen pink grapefruit magarita mixer, 13.99. RF Home Co. 6. Glass with wine cork, 23.99. RF Home Co. 7. Decorative books, $40. Donnelly Decor. 8. Slice of Agate Stone set book ends, $131.67. Donnelly Decor. 9. 4-inch dish, $60. Holliday. 10. Earrings, $88. Story Seven. 11. 4.5-by-6-inch tray, $85. Holliday. 12. Rebel Eau de Parfum, $58. Golden Gems. 13. Sneaker cleaning kit, $32. Sweet Boutique. 14. Swims waterproof slide loafers, $148. Hearth and Soul.
BEST WAY TO ENTERTAIN KIDS ON THE MOVE
Keke Kids
Any parent of a small child knows that one of the biggest challenges of leaving the house is keeping little ones busy. That’s where Jenn Mariani wants to help. Mariani’s line of small bags is designed to provide hours of entertainment for kiddos on the go. Geared toward kids ages 3–6, the bags feature four custom pouches full of items that grow developmental skills, such as social/emotional, fine motor, pre-academic, and creative.
BEST CUSTOM CANDLES
Urban Candle Company
Now located in a larger South City storefront following a move last October, Urban Candle sells smells fit for all seasons and moods. The sweet-scented, all-natural, soy candles come in a variety of sizes. Commission a custom flavor, or take advantage of one of the make-your-own events to create a scent that’s just right for you.
BEST NEW MENSWEAR STORE
Webster Dry Goods
This new menswear boutique in Webster Groves serves the stylish man, offering a variety of pants, shirts, and footwear from designer brands. The store’s clothing catalog reflects the latest trends of the season, helping guys look sharp and effortlessly cool.
BEST CULTURE-MEETS-CLOTHING INITIATIVE
The Collective Thread
With the goal of helping local refugee and immigrant women in need, this St. Louis–based nonprofit provides small-batch manufacturing, product development, and other design services. In May, a fashion show at The Sheldon featured design inspirations from countries such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Mexico, and Mongolia. It helped raise money to fund the organization’s free sewing classes and training workshops.
Good Dog Enrichment & Training
Not only does this dog training service in Tower Grove South offer everything from obedience lessons to tricks and agility training, but it also maintains an Instagram account (@thegooddogsofstl) that’s sure to make you smile. Check the daily Instagram stories to meet all of the good boys and girls enrolled in the onsite programs.
BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL
When it comes to brightening your home, local floral design companies have just what you need to make any space feel warmer and lighter. Consider Bloomin’ Buckets, which recently moved into a new space in Rock Hill. In Shaw, 39th Street Floral makes some of the most ornate custom floral arrangements you’ll find in the region.
BEST ART-MEETS-UPHOLSTERY
Art by Gomez
Bold shapes and vibrant colors are hallmarks of Jose Gomez’s work, which include his conceptual paintings and extraordinary approaches to furniture design and upholstery. A native of Honduras, Gomez learned how to upholster from his father. He now plies his trade at his South City studio, where customers can find everything from hand-painted wall art to luxury pillows to some of the most uniquely designed sofas and chairs you’ll find in St. Louis.
BEST NEW BRICK-AND-MORTAR BOUTIQUE EXPANSION
Polished Prints
Leah Longueville’s brick-and-mortar store at City Foundry STL is the latest sign of growth for Polished Prints, a darling clothing company for women and kids. The in-store selection ranges from graphic T-shirts to accessories, gifts for teachers, and much more.
BEST NEW SUPERFOOD BOWLS
J&B Wellness
Owners Brittany and Jacob McDermott recently opened this café in Cottleville, which offers healthy sandwiches, smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and more. They endeavor to help on-the-go customers find food and beverages that are both nutritious and convenient while spreading knowledge about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
BEST HEALTHY RESPONSE TO A COMMUNITY NEED
Fit and Food Connection
The nonprofit provides those living in food and fitness deserts with healthy meals, exercise workshops, and other services geared toward helping everyone live their best lives. A seasonal wellness series features free fitness classes designed for people of all activity levels; the classes help participants get active and build a healthy foundation that will guide them for years to come.
BEST COZY VINTAGE SHOP
Your Friend’s Apartment
When she opened the vintage boutique on Cherokee Street, Megan McCalla wanted to create a warm, inviting space that would make customers feel like they’re visiting a best friend’s home. The result: a cozy shop that features clothing and accessories in a wide selection of colors and trends.
THE A-LISTERS’ A-LIST
Mary & Jeff Clarke
Jeff and Mary Clarke know all about top talent. For more than a decade, the husband-and-wife duo have been boosting the careers of local models through their agency, Mother Model Management, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in November. The Clarkes dished on some of their favorite places and people in St. Louis. Restaurant: Louie “The food is always amazing, the service is unmatched, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.” Guilty Pleasure: Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery “We’ve actually shipped it to friends in New York for special occasions.” Special Gift: Provisions in the Central West End, Urban Matter on South Grand, and Sojourn by Joya at City Foundry STL Specialty Food, Coffee, and Market Items: AO&Co. in Tower Grove Art: Cbabi Bayoc “We are big fans.” Neighborhood: Midtown “It’s a vibrant community of art, commerce, and creativity.”
