The results are in! Thirty-seven boutiques, specialty shops and high-end retailers have been named in ALIVE Magazine’s We Heart STL Best of the City Awards. From “Best Place to Shop The Runway” to “Best Vintage,” there was so much love to be spread for all of the incredible people and businesses in this spectacular city. Read our rundown of the winners below and snag your tickets to celebrate with each and every one of them (in all categories) this Friday, May 29 at the We Heart STL Best of the City Celebration Presented by Bud Select from 7-11pm at the Old Post Office Plaza Downtown.
photo by ALIVE Magazine
Best New Store: LINDBERGH | Chesterfield
What they carry: An in-house store brand with an impressive selection of men’s merchandise, this newly opened shop has three lines—the Blue, White and Black collections—that bring something completely different to the STL men’s market.
Best LA Shopping in STL: SPLASH | Ladue
What they carry: Even after 30 years of business, this top spot is still one of the most-stylish in St. Louis. Known for its West Coast vibe, shoppers can find brands like For Love & Lemons, Indah Clothing and Vitamin A, as well as a swimwear selection unlike any other.
Best Denim: SOLE & BLUES | The Loop
What they carry: With brands like AG, G-Star, RAW, Naked & Famous and Nudie Jeans Co., it’s no wonder Sole & Blues has been STL’s go-to for denim for the last 15 years. Let’s not forget they are also well equipped with the extras: Shoes by Camper, Diba and Fly London, as well as a selection of stylish clothing by BB Dakota and Civil Society.
Best Place to Shop the Runway: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | Plaza Frontenac
What they carry: Not only has Saks always been a staple for your favorite splurge-worthy international designer brands such as Ralph Lauren, Akris and Rag & Bone, but their selection of emerging designer collections—from the likes of STLFW vets Yigal Azrouël and Tess Giberson—can’t be beat.
Best Handbags: NEIMAN MARCUS | Plaza Frontenac
What they carry: Among its selection of premier designer fashion, Neiman Marcus at Plaza Frontenac is also a haven for its selection of the newest “it” bags. That Prada backpack you spotted on the runway that keeps reappearing in your dreams—it’s waiting for you here!
Best Shoes: NORDSTROM | Saint Louis Galleria, West County Center
What they carry: For the perfect footwear to top off the trendy outfit you picked out in BP upstairs, drop by the shoe section for a comprehensive roundup of top names. With brands Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Chanel balanced with stylish contemporary lines like Sam Edelman, Tory Burch and Dolce Vita, there’s no denying the fact that Nordstrom’s shoe department is the reincarnation of Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe closet.
Best Jewelry to Treasure: ELLEARD HEFFERN FINE JEWELERS | Clayton
What they carry: St. Louis family-owned jeweler Elleard Heffern has been providing treasures to STL since 1913, with a roster of special services including custom design, restoration and expert appraisals, along with an American Gem Society-certified crew of experts that ensures their customers receive the best service in town.
Best STL-Made Designer Collection: SKIF INTERNATIONAL | The Hill
What they carry: A derivative of the Italian word “schifo,” meaning “imperfect,” designer Nina Ganci and her team of knitwear experts have handcrafted each piece without rules or restrictions, boasting products that shy as far away from the norm as possible. SKIF is now a nationally known name, but its roots were planted here first, making it our favorite STL-made designer collection.
Best Micro-Fashion: CITY SPROUTS | Ladue
What they carry: The tiniest fashionistas will emerge from the many “mini” styles available at City Sprouts, St. Louis’ most charming place to shop for kids and babies. Owner Molly Curlee has stocked the store with some of the trendiest children’s clothes brands, like Tea Collection, Oeuf and Vans,and the cutest accessories, toys, and bedding.
Best Place to Get a Deal on Dior: BYRD DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE | Ladue
What they carry: From handbags and jewelry to dresses and shoes, Byrd is a surefire bet when you’re searching for designer deals. With each item handpicked by owner Emily Elbert, featuring luxury brands like Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel, this consignor’s dream is bound to house your newest treasure.
Best Women’s Boutique: VIE | Ladue
What they carry: Vie is our favorite one-stop shop for sophisticated fashionistas searching for “paint the town” pieces. From chic work-wear looks by Alice + Olivia and sassy cocktail dresses by Nicole Miller, every stylish lady who enters this boutique will find themselves leaving with a bag full of fabulousness.
Best Men’s Shop: EAST + WEST | Kirkwood
What they carry: With brands ranging from Baldwin Denim to Vans, East + West has a vibe all of its own: easygoing, pulled-together and practical. With a variety of items for men ranging from clothes, shoes, accessories, books and men’s grooming products, stylish guys will undoubtedly agree that East + West is STL’s premier spot for menswear.
Best Celebrity Style-Stalking: IVY HILL BOUTIQUE | Ladue
What they carry: Ivy Hill’s official move from the Central West End to Colonial Marketplace in Ladue hasn’t changed the store’s affinity for standout celeb style. In fact, the relocation has only upped the ante, now carrying even more of the paparazzi-worthy brands you love, including House of Harlow, Trina Turk and Plenty by Tracy Reese.
Best Shopping in the City: 10DENZA | Central West End
What they carry: Since its opening in 2011, STL’s stylish set has been flocking to 10denza for its roster of off-the-chart brands for both men and women from Moods of Norway to LNA. The shop is also known for its offering of pop culture extras like techie accessories and books.
Best Free People Finds: BLUSH BOUTIQUE | Kirkwood
What they carry: BLUSH is stocked to the brim with fun, bohemian looks that include brands like Wildfox and Gentle Fawn, but it’s their selection of Free People that has us coming back for more. From jackets and jeans to tribal tops and hug-me knits, you’ll find top picks from this carefree brand that inspire the on-point style of this flower loving, tree-hugging favorite.
Best Designer Showroom: MICHAEL DRUMMOND | The Hill
What they carry: Fashion’s fiercest have been turning to St. Louis-based designer and artist Michael Drummond for his one-of-a-kind, made-to-order pieces that have made numerous appearances at Saint Louis Fashion Week and have been exhibited by notable local arts organizations like RAC and World Chess Hall of Fame. Customers are now able to snag items from the designer’s stock on the regular, thanks to the launch of his showroom inside SKIF International.
Best Designer Resale: THE VAULT BY WCE | Brentwood
What they carry: The Vault has become a beacon of light for those craving new and gently used designer looks at a fraction of the price. Stars of reality show “Resale Royalty,” Sue McCarthy, Laura Maurice and Diana Ford have the knack for spotting quality resale potential, and their newest venture, The Vault, is a name worthy of the treasures it holds.
Best Fashion Auction: LESLIE HINDMAN ACTIONEERS | Clayton
What they carry: The “Luxury Accessories and Vintage Fashion” department, carefully curated by the Leslie Hindman Auctioneers experts, specializes in important 19th- and 20th-century designer fashion. Each item is painstakingly researched, and types of pieces extend all the way up to museum-quality finds from designers including Chanel, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent.
Best-Kept Secret: UNION STUDIO | Botanical Heights
What they carry: This hidden gem brings an entirely new personality to the local makers scene, featuring works from artist Mary Beth Bussen as well as additional items from local artisans like Portenzo, Metro Weaving and Jenny Walker Jewelry.
Best Streetwear: SWEDLIFE | The Loop
What they carry: Not just your average snapback, that’s for sure. The Loop’s favorite streetwear shop stays true to its mission by providing exclusive brands, quality merchandise and a wide selection of gear featuring choice brands, like Raised by Wolves, Publish Brand, HUF and Acapulco Gold.
Best Reason Not To Skip Your Workout: DIMVALOO | Ladue
What they carry: As the exclusive local retailer of Australia’s fashion-conscious fitness label Lorna Jane, each piece is a collaborative balance of fashion-meets-function: breathable, lightweight, UV protective, shrink and fade-resistant—and undeniably stylish. Join the crew for their “Wine Down Wednesday” series for a fitness class taught by local experts, followed by a wine-filled happy hour.
Best Specs: ERKER’S FINE EYEWEAR | Multiple Locations
What they carry: A St. Louis staple for more than 135 years, Erker’s leads the local eyewear industry with decades of expertise behind brands like Barton Perreira and Cartier. Although it’s their in-house line, NW77th, that’s reason enough to drop by for a fitting of the boldest, most colorful eyewear designs in STL.
Best Place to Shop Handmade: THE FOUNDRIE | West County Center
What they carry: Artisans from all over the country showcase their work at The Foundrie in a curated setting that is merchandised to highlight the maker. Since their move into the West County Center, owner Shela McClymont promised an even wider selection of independently crafted wares and so far, she’s delivered with handmade party supplies, trinkets, bath products, kids clothing and Missouri-loving tees.
Best Of The West: TAUBMAN PRESTIGE OUTLETS | Chesterfield
What they carry: Just off Boone’s Crossing in Chesterfield Valley, Taubman Presige Outlets sit in the heart of the western shopping district, housing nearly 60 crave-worthy retailers including Restoration Hardware, Wacoal, J.Crew Factory Outlet and H&M. The pet-friendly atmosphere and constant sales make this coveted shopping destination a trip out west that’s definitely not to miss.
Best 9-to-5 Fashion: MISTER GUY WOMEN’S STORE | Ladue
What they carry: Stocked with timeless wardrobe options from Michael Stars and Elliott Lauren, Mister Guy Women’s is primetime shopping for the ladies who work hard for the money and have a serious love for fashion. Trunk shows are regular events and feature the hottest and most current collections from contemporary luxury brands like ALGO, Lafayette 148 New York and Gigi New York.
Best Gifts for Him: DAPPER GENTS | Downtown
What they carry: Dapper Gents Grooming Lounge offers up classic grooming services alongside an impressive selection of leather goods for even the pickiest of shoppers. Shop Dapper Gents’ selection of quality, made-in-the-USA brands like Oak Street Bootmakers, Richard Tao, Moore & Giles, as well as grooming products and gifts from Uppercut Deluxe and Brooklyn Grooming.
Best Gifts for Her: LUSSO | Clayton
What they carry: Charming kitchenware, dishes and home decor items sit just steps away from an impressive selection of trendy jewels by Alex Bittar and Michelle Pressler, shoes by Rachel Zoe and clothing from Yoana Baraschi and Rungolee.
Best Vintage: PARSIMONIA | South Grand
What they carry: As one of the hottest places to find stylish artifacts from times past, owner Beth Styles has taken her passion for secondhand to the next level, offering up an impressive selection of men’s and women’s vintage clothing, shoes, accessories and home goods.
Best “Favorite Room” Furniture: WEST ELM | Saint Louis Galleria
What they carry: West Elm’s moderately priced line spans from succulents, frames and bookends, to tables, couches and bedroom sets. A creative haven for the most stylish of home decor fanatics, the store has inspired the city’s avid redecorators to step up their game.
Best Local Furniture Maker: GOEBEL AND CO. FURNITURE | Midtown
What they carry: St. Louisan Martin Goebel uses the finest pieces of timber sourced as close to home as possible, crafting each piece with care and precision.
Best Home Accessories: FRILL HOME | Ladue
What they carry: An eclectic mix of all things decor, Frill offers floor lamps, sconces, furniture, pillows, and extravagant extras—in styles that are a bit off-the-cuff—from brands including Oly Studio, Bungalow 5, Noir and Worlds Away.
Best Vintage Decor: MOMODERNE | Webster Groves
What they carry: Customers can take a spin through the well-stocked retail space or hit up their monthly estate sales located at homes across the metro area—either way, they’re bound to stumble across the perfect high-quality, mid-century piece of furniture to fill the void in any room.
Best Gifts for the Home: K. HALL DESIGNS | Plaza Frontenac, Brentwood
What they carry: K. Hall is a top source for all things “wicks,” carrying carefully crafted candles, as well as bath products from Barr-Co., U.S. Apothecary and Simpatico Home. Its flagship store also offers a selection of decor items to complete your space.
Best Antiquing: HEIRLOOM ROOM | Cherokee Street
What they carry: Heirloom Room is the place for an eclectic selection of antiques and locally crafted or fair-trade wares to keep your personal oasis looking chic, while treating customers to a rustic and natural atmosphere all of its own. It even has a rentable, fully decorated space for your next small gathering.
Best Bookstore: LEFT BANK BOOKS | Central West End
What they carry: Left Bank Books provides St. Louisans with a culturally diverse selection of books and programs, a calendar of current events (including book clubs and discussion forums) and nights featuring top literary talent in STL.
Map your route accordingly and snag tickets to Friday’s celebration event!
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