Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
If you’re looking for something a little different for your home or a gift, The Spotted Pig (9218 Clayton Road, 314-274-7768) may be just what you’re looking for. Kristin Mayer’s darling shop opened on November 3 and will celebrate its grand opening this Thursday. The Spotted Pig sells home accents and accessories, and Mayer lets her own aesthetic be her guide.
“My style is me,” she explains.
Mayer, 33, takes life inspiration from Dr. Seuss, who wrote, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
“If it makes you happy, then put it together, because the more you believe in what you like, [the more] it tends to work and people understand it,” she says. Mayer likes to drive down country roads and stop at dilapidated farmhouses, asking the owners if the contents are for sale. If she scores, she’ll fashion her finds into something unique and beautiful.
A selection of the wares:
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
She works hard to bring in items that aren’t available anywhere else in St. Louis, and unless something gets strong customer response, she says she’ll try not to repeat items or brands much.
The shop currently features Canoe Bags, a specialty line of Mexican leather that uses hides from cows that died naturally. Mayer is proud of the shop’s apothecary line, too.
Another major asset is the furniture. She works with a master carpenter who uses old-school techniques, so The Spotted Pig can custom build farm tables and other room-making furniture to specific sizes, then stain them to match your decor.
Photo courtesy of Kristin Mayer
A table from the Custom Spotted Pig Furniture collection.
The name reflects Mayer’s longtime love of curly-tailed piggies. (She even has a pig tattoo.) She says she knew if she ever opened her own place, pigs would figure in prominently.
“I have worked in small shops in St. Louis my whole life. It’s been a dream of mine since forever,” Mayer says. “I decided to pull the trigger and do what makes me the happiest.”
At Thursday's grand opening, it may be Mayer’s birthday, but she promises that customers get the loot. If you make a purchase between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., you can “pick your piggy” from a lineup of pig figurines; under the oinker will be written the percentage off your most expensive item. An artist and clothing pop-up will keep things festive.
