By Christy Marshall
Photograph by Frank Di Piazza
One of the top 10 pleasures in life is a day out with friends, shopping, spa-ing and sipping a goblet of wine over lunch. Where to go? Plaza Frontenac immediately comes to mind. But a second choice to be seriously considered is the Lamp & Lantern Village. Pull in off the Clayton Road side and start at Midwest Floor if you need great carpet or flooring or, for more recreational shopping, at MKS Designs and F.O.B. Saint Louis. Although connected by an open door, the two stores operate independently.
MKS Designs is packed to the rafters with silk flowers and greenery, which the staff will arrange for you (in the container of your choice—either from your home or the store). One entire lime-green wall is covered in stunning framed shots of flowers. Owner Mary Katherine Stieven and crew will also come to your home and offer suggestions on finishing touches, writing up a list of what you could use where. Then, as you want or are fiscally able, they will make up the arrangements and come back to install.
Next door, F.O.B. is chock-a-block full of witty, whimsical, wonderful home accessories. Take the pillow that reads, “When life gives you lemons, forget the lemonade. Go shoe shopping” ($20) or the china frog prince perched atop a stack of books for $13.50. Not only are the prices really reasonable, the 5,000-square-foot store is luxuriously large. From pillows to paintings, bookends to baskets, cabinets to caches, no home accessory is overlooked. In this location for nearly two years, owner Kay Wallace says, “My concept had always been to find things that do have a great look but are always affordable. That way the merchandise will turn over quickly, and the customer will always come in and find new things.” Although not trained as a decorator, Wallace will assist when asked. “It’s by demand,” she says. “I love interior decorating, and customers started asking us if we will come into their home. They say, ‘We want the F.O.B. look.’”
Moving on, if there’s a young mom in your coterie, turn into Treasure Rooms with its over-the-top bassinets, cribs and furniture for cute-as-a-button children’s rooms. Or if a bride walks in your midst, meander on to the Town and Country Bridal Boutique, owned by former wedding planner extraordinaire Katie Fechter. Onward, you will find Bespoke Apparel, a perfectly posh men’s clothier.
Time for lunch? Slip into the Veranda Café and dive into soups, salads and sandwiches—all tearoom fare created by a chef formerly with the Junior League. “It’s more like going to somebody’s home,” says Wallace, who did the décor.
Then back to business and more shopping at the new Sallie Home. Feel like living as the rich do? You’re in the right spot—especially if you actually are well-heeled. Linens by Peacock Alley, Nancy Koltes, Yves Delorme. The prices? Well, as the saying goes: “If you have to ask …” But if towels for $56 or sheets at $216 per aren’t your fancy, don’t let that stop you from strolling in. Plenty of other, less cher indulgences await. Room scents, candles, soaps and sprays from the University City-based K. Hall Designs are stocked here, along with china, crystal, silver flatware and more.
Time for break number two: pedicures and manicures at Voilà Salon & Spa. Then a bit of serious jewelry shopping at Novak Jewelers. (Need an excuse? You just got a manicure. What better way to show it off than with a new ring.) And if the fancy should seize you to stay on to eat more, the restaurant offerings include the Country Club and, for fondue fanciers, The Melting Pot. A ladies’ lunch can stretch into a ladies’ day—truly one of life’s loveliest pleasures.
where is it?
Lamp & Lantern Village
Clayton and Woods Mill
Chesterfield, Mo.
