Photo courtesy of Rachel's Grove Dress Boutique.
Rachel's Grove Dress Boutique in Chesterfield.
On a sunny yet crisp fall day I decided to jump into my car and drive west on highway 40 to spend the day visiting a selection of fine boutiques for the home and the closet. With the help of BoutiqueNAV.com, a free app launched by two St. Louisans that will locate boutiques in a desired area, I prepared for a sartorial adventure. My travels took me from Town and Country and Ellisville, to Chesterfield Valley, Ballwin and Wildwood.
My first stop was La Ville in Ellisville (15848 Fountain Plaza Drive, 636-220-1222), which opens tomorrow. La Ville is located in an upscale shopping area between the newly opened Lucky's market and Veritas, the wine shop and bar. Owner Jacqueline Madey describes her boutique as a "dream walk-in closet, where a woman can find casual and work separates, chic pieces for going out and event and formal wear dressing." Indeed, shoppers will love pieces from LA Made, sweaters from Wildfox and dresses from Shoshanna and BCBGeneration. La Ville is a one-stop shopping destination, with accessories and jewelry from One38 and Ted Baker London.
Next on my route was a mall off of Long Road in Chesterfield where two boutiques -- Mia Grace (108 Chesterfield Towne Center, 636-778-3433) and Rachel's Grove -- have recently opened. Mia Grace is a bridal salon with a light and airy space ideal for trying on the shop's array of ornate gowns. Designers represented include David Tutera, Allure, Kittychen and Casablanca. On the day I visited a selection of bridesmaids dresses had just arrived, each one festooned in colored sequins: aqua blue, champagne and mauve.
At Rachel's Grove (129 Chesterfield Towne Centre, 636-536-5140), colorful prints and bright colors welcome shoppers. This is a "girly-girl" spot and the perfect place to pick up a dress, whether it's for a fun night on the town, for casual daytime dressing or a more elegant and dressy event. Rachel's Grove also sells separates. I, for one, made a bee-line to a bright orange, plaid-lined vest perfect for fall by Dizzy Lizzie. Rachel Forst, the shop's owner, is constantly on the hunt for the newest looks, whether that be dresses from Sail to Sable -- which would look great paired with a fall boot -- or resort wear from St. Louis' own Rungolee. Other lines to keep an eye on are Alice and Trixie, Spartina, and Pamella Roland's gorgeous evening wear.
Two St. Louis favorites, Laurie Solet (1176 Town and Country Crossing Dr., 636-527-4139) and Paperdolls Boutique (14418 Clayton Rd. 314-965-3655) have outposts in Town and Country and Ballwin respectively. Together these shops offer the stylish St. Louis shopper exactly what she wants: hip fashionable wear, accessories, jewlery, lingerie and shoes. At Laurie Solet, look for the owner's private clothing label as well as tees from Michael Stars, separates from Sen and Greylin plus She + Lo handbags. Paperdolls always features fun casual wear for girls-on-the-go and is a great place to pick up everything from Cardinals wear to cowboy boots. For the home, I stopped into Amelia's Fine Linens (17041 Baxter Rd., 636-728-0455) and its sister boutique, Mary Tuttles (17021 Baxter Rd., 636-728-0480). I went gaga for the linens at Amelia’s, which sells custom European lines such as Lulu DeK, Sfera, Schlossberg, Dea, and Bella Notte. In addition, the store carries a beautiful array of pajamas in various styles and gifts for the home or a bride-to-be. Next door, at Mary Tuttle’s, peruse everything from table top to glassware, crystal, candles, soaps and Atomizers from Trapp and Nest. Without a doubt, the floral decor is breathtaking!
Lastly, in Wildwood, I couldn't resist a stop in the land of Milk and Honey. Milk and Honey (101 Plaza Dr., 636-579-0915) is a new boutique specializing in home and kitchen goods, gifts and accessories. Whether you're searching for a rolling pin, a box grater or children's toys, Milk and Honey is not only a great shop to just spend time in, but it also doubles as a bar. Like so many of you, I appreciate a store that makes it convenient to enjoy a glass of wine while shopping, and Milk and Honey offers an excellent selection of wines and beers.
These shops are, of course, in addition to the outlet malls, which call for another day of shopping all together. So make time to head west, scope out the boutiques, and finish your day with a beverage of your choice. You've earned it!!
