Kevin A. Roberts
VINTAGE STYLE, MODERN FLAIR
Potion 23
With her debut collection, designer Victoria Cates takes a colorful, contemporary approach to classic pin-up styles. The garments are inspired by a time when clothes were made to be seen—and made to last. And after the past couple of years of wearing sweats and yoga pants, these dresses, blouses, and more are perfect for creating a unique, ultra-chic look. potion23.com.
HEALING THROUGH COMMUNITY
The Village PATH
Co-founded by Jermar Perry and Bryant Antoine, this coalition is determined to reduce the stigma that Black men face when they cope with mental health challenges, fulfilling a valuable service in the region. thevillagepath.org.
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
Kit Heffern
Since 1913, family-owned Elleard B. Heffern Fine Jewelers in Clayton has been helping St. Louisans celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones. This year, president Christopher “Kit” Heffern is commemorating one of his own: his 50th year with the company. Just think about how many weddings and anniversaries Heffern’s work has ornamented over those five decades. 101 S. Hanley, Suite 110.
STYLISH SPORTSWEAR
Lusso Style
The Clayton boutique is heading to the big leagues, launching a line of sports apparel for women that’s team-centric yet appropriately fashion-forward. Lusso Style has partnered with the PGA, MLS, NBA, and NHL for officially licensed gear, offering local hockey fans, in particular, a selection of bejeweled Blues merch. lussostyle.com.
CO-WORKING SPACES
Jennifer Silverberg
The pandemic illustrated the value of alternative workspaces. Two new locations are taking different approaches to coworking. At MPWR (2815 Locust), founder Betsy Blancett Nacrelli is spearheading an incubator for local women-owned businesses, helping women connect and collaborate with each other while providing resources that they might otherwise struggle to find, from professional photography to mentoring services. It’s a novel concept and one that is poised to accelerate woman-led entrepreneurship in the region. As its name implies, Spark (6 Cardinal Way) wants to ignite meaningful partnerships among its members. The recently opened coworking initiative, which operates out of the PwC Pennant Building at Ballpark Village, aims to connect entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators with one another while providing the tools needed to grow and expand their businesses. (Plus, it’s tough to beat the location beside Busch Stadium.)
Kevin A. Roberts
NEW GIFT SHOP
Provisions St. Louis
Four years ago, owners Ross and Debra Hunter visited St. Louis in search of a new adventure. The lifelong retailers from Northern California had spent decades working in the fashion industry but were ready to try something new. The result is Provisions St. Louis, a Central West End boutique carrying a variety of gifts and accoutrements, such as art books, barware, greeting cards, jewelry, and more. 228 N. Euclid.
JEWELRY LINE ON THE MOVE
Mahnal
Shayba Díaz Muhammad has been designing and producing stylish yet durable brass jewelry for her local brand, Mahnal, for nearly six years. Recently, she moved the business to a new studio in the former Garment District. In doing so, she also offered a prime example of good work-life balance, limiting the amount of hours that both her website and in-person store are open for business so that she can spend more time being a mother and wife. 1430 Washington.
NEW VISION
Green Goose
Ronnie Vinton, owner of local home goods emporium Cool Stuff Period, is branching out in the St. Louis retail scene. He recently purchased Green Goose Resale & Consignment in Webster Groves and plans to continue the shop’s decade-long tradition of selling a diverse, multi-genre assortment of furniture and home accessories. In the coming years, Vinton also hopes to expand Green Goose’s consignment footprint in the region. 1267 S. Laclede Station.
Kevin A. Roberts
BOUTIQUE ON THE MOVE
Golden Gems
It was a big year for the sassy, sister-owned shop, which moved from its former digs on Cherokee Street to a new location in Midtown, while staging pop-ups at City Foundry. Sisters Amanda Helman and Susan Logsdon offer locally made, in-your-face wares to inspire and empower. 3108 Locust.
NEW BOOKSTORES WITH PURPOSE (TIE)
Spine + Noir Bookshop
Two of the city’s newest places to buy books are trying to fulfill distinct objectives. At Spine (1976 Arsenal) in Benton Park, owner Mark Pannebecker—himself an indie author—has loaded his shop with must-haves from authors and publishers that are exclusively independent. Meanwhile, Noir Bookshop (2317 Cherokee) owner Ymani Wince is stocking the shelves with books from Black and brown authors at the southside’s only Black women-owned bookstore.
Kevin A. Roberts
INCLUSIVE ACTIVEWEAR
Krescant Marie
A few years ago, Krescant Sims-Wooten came to a realization about fitness fashion: Many athleisure brands aren’t designed with all women in mind. So she set out to do something about it, launching an inclusive line of clothing and gym gear. Her Krescant Marie brand offers body-conscious leggings, tops, and even accessories. The Sauna Wraps, which promote sweat reduction and stabilize the back, are among her most popular items. krescantmarie.com.
LOCAL WARES
Kevin A. Roberts
1. Phillip Finder bottle, $55. Urban Matter. 2. Red clay powder, $9. Forest + Meadow. 3. Candle, $16. Forest + Meadow. 4. Spanish moss, $12. Urban Matter. 5. Erin Keary earrings, $55. Union Studio. 6. Such & Such soap, $6. Forest + Meadow. 7. Ralph Cordova soap, $7. Union Studio. 8. Joangulsey ceramics, $48. Union Studio. 9. Mug and sauce by Caitlin Allen, $20. Union Studio. 10. Aaron Brookhart print, $30. Urban Matter. 11. Pearl necklace by Jacki Holland Studio, $245. Holland Studio. 12. STL herbs and aromatics incense, $12. Union Station. 13. BODA clay Ceramic envelope, $32. Urban Matter. 14. Soap4cure, $8. Union Market. 15. Mahnal necklace, $77. Descendant. 16. Jenny Walker earrings, $74. Union Studio, 17. Phillip Finder vase, $55. Urban Matter. 18. Velvet headband, $22. Union Studio. 19. BODA clay ceramic bowl, $38. Urban Matter. 20. Aurelia Rose hydrosol, $16. Forest + Meadow. 21. Jessica Hunt earrings, $32. Union Studio. 22. Crop top by Wear Color, $45. Union Studio. 23. Ornate Chaos small gold rings, $12. Descendant. 24. Victoria Keller incense holder, $20. Union Studio.
Kevin A. Roberts
PICKLEBALL PLACE
Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton
The region’s love of all things pock-pock has helped St. Louis County become home to the nation’s largest indoor pickleball facility. This 51,000-square-foot complex offers 18 game courts, five championship courts, a pro shop, and plenty more, including lessons for novices hoping to join the fun. 747 Gravois Bluffs.
EMPOWERING PILATES STUDIO
314 Pilates
Natalie Sutto’s University City studio offers more than a good workout: Sutto, who served in the Air Force and has worked as a functional space planner, is also a go-to trainer for people with chronic and neurological conditions, helping those with disabilities regain physical conditioning. 920 N. McKnight.
NEW HOME DECOR/FURNITURE BOUTIQUE
Forth and Home
One of Webster Groves’ newest shops has a mission to make your life beautiful. Owner Amy Kuntz searches near and far for trendy yet classic home goods. She stocks the boutique with vintage furniture and voguish décor, offering an assortment of art, textiles, and goods in styles to fit any home. 8137 Big Bend.
Kevin A. Roberts
EXPANSIVE WORKOUT
PLNK Fitness
Six years after owner Brooke Meek opened the first PLNK Fitness location in Ladue, the St. Louis–based workout studio is now a regional chain. PLNK has five locations, including shops in Tulsa and Omaha. In February, Meek opened her newest St. Louis area studio in Town & Country. That means more people have access to PLNK’s unique Lagree Method workouts, which combine cardio, strength training, core work, flexibility, and balance to build lean muscles, without harsh impact on joints. plnkfitness.com.
Kevin A. Roberts
RAISING THE BAR
Woodberry Co.
These soap bars don’t just clean your hands; their luxurious fragrances and artful, abstract designs deliver a sensory experience. Yet owners Ryan Jacob Wood and Bary Klevene don’t merely want customers to feel good physically after using their bars—they want customers to take heart knowing that each product is naturally sourced, making Woodberry an ethical and environmentally friendly local brand. woodberrysoap.com.
YOGA WITH A PURPOSE
The Collective STL
This inviting wellness studio in Old North aims to be a force for good in the lives of Black St. Louisans, offering donation-based yoga services that soothe the body and soul. Not only does the organization hold classes at its North City location, but The Collective STL also offers outdoor sessions during the summer at such landmarks as the Missouri History Museum and Gateway Arch. 1400 N. Market.
SHOPPING WITH A CAUSE
Social Goods Marketplace
Owner Morgan Noll has three core values that she hopes to share with shoppers at her cozy, year-old Shaw boutique: sustainability, social justice, and self-care. That means that all of the shop’s offerings, ranging from skincare products to sweet treats to home décor, are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. 4002 Shenandoah.
AN A-LISTER SHARES HER OWN A-LIST
courtesy of Summersalt
With its fresh styles and inclusive fits, Summersalt (summersalt.com) has become a favorite brand for women looking for flattering swimwear and affordable, easy-to-wear clothing. Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin, the St. Louis–based company’s co-founder and chief brand and digital officer, dishes on her favorite local hangouts. Forest Park: We love taking our two Lagottos for a late-afternoon walk. We also enjoy watching the birds and admiring the streams that flow through the park. Winslow’s Table: I love the Habanada Shrub. It’s my favorite refreshing drink in St. Louis. The chocolate chip cookies are great, too. Louie: It’s perfect for date night. The Charred Eggplant Dip is a must-have. Katie’s Pizza & Pasta: It’s hard to find good, fresh salads, but they do an amazing job with theirs. Saint Louis Art Museum: It is literally in our front yard, so we enjoy taking a peaceful stroll there when the weather gets toasty. You’ll find me in the contemporary wing, but we also enjoy taking in the work of a master artist like Monet.
Kevin A. Roberts
NEW OUTDOOR SHOPS (TIE)
Big Muddy Adventures Guide Shop + Field Theory
There are ample outdoor adventures located within a short drive of St. Louis, as well as plenty of local shops to help gear up for your next quest. Two new outfitters have recently joined the ranks. Big Muddy Adventures Guide Shop (4662 Washington) in the Central West End stocks everything you’ll need for paddling the Mississippi. At Field Theory (8153 Big Bend) in Webster Groves, adventurers can grab all of the essentials for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and more.
Kevin A. Roberts
FROM E-COMMERCE TO BRICK-AND-MORTAR
Rungolee
Designer Anjali Kamra’s clothing business didn’t merely survive the COVID-19 pandemic—it thrived. When in-person events shut down two years ago, Kamra went from hosting trunk shows to selling her designs online. Demand was so high that she opened her brand’s first shop in a space formerly occupied by antiques dealer Jules L. Pass in Ladue. 9807 Clayton.
