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Over the years I've found my excitement has faded for Black Friday and has grown exponentially for Small Business Saturday (and small businesses in general). Since coming back to St. Louis I've met so many incredible people and new friends that are small business owners. I love seeing them thrive in their passions. When supporting small it is easy to see the direct impact your dollar has on their business and the community around them. Plus it’s just so fun to know the people behind these small businesses that make St. Louis a truly special place to live.
Since I love me some STL small businesses I am sharing my favorite people and places to support - even if you don't live in STL or don't want to get out into the madness this weekend, many of these business sell online too, so you're covered! If I missed your favorite finds, let me know and I'll add them to the list. Here is your guide to shopping this season.
Red Lettered Goods - My sweet friend Megan creates hand lettered goods. From prints and cards to her new amazing mugs and tote bags, there are so many unique and beautiful gifts here for anyone on your list. Word on the street is that she will be running some sales this weekend, I've got my eye on the "Above all, Love" glass mug!
SoLayne Designs - Another amazing Meghan here, this boss mom creates handmade jewelry that will blow you away. I have a pair of her Kendra Earrings in Red and to say I'm obsessed is an understatement. If you guys know me you know I'm not a jewelry person in the slightest but SoLayne Designs is the exception to that rule, now I am longing for these Becca earrings!
La Ville Boutique - if you are a fashionista, you need to visit La Ville Boutique in Chesterfield. The owner, Jacqueline, has a style worth copying and at La Ville you get to. They're having an amazing Black Friday Sale - and you don't even have to leave your couch to shop it!
Leopard Boutique - My favorite sweater this fall is from Leopard Boutique. They now have 3 locations, Webster Groves, St. Charles and their newest store in Maplewood. There is something for everyone at Leopard!
Mix & Match - This boutique in the Shaw neighborhood is so cute, and I swear they have the softest clothes I've ever felt. Not sure if that’s their thing or if it’s just an added bonus but there isn't anything much better than looking cute, feeling confident and being comfortable all at the same time.
Bon Boni - This year, Bon Boni (also in the Shaw neighborhood) was named "The Most Beautiful Store in Missouri" by Architectural Digest and boy are they right. This store is where you will find unique pieces for your home or gifts for others. This store is tiny but there is so much to see; new, old, crafted and salvaged it is perfectly eclectic and beautiful.
Paisley Boutique - Located in the heart of Webster Groves, Paisley is such a beautiful store and such a fun shopping experience. If I could steal a boutique's aesthetic, it would be Paisley. Not only does it look like I could just move in but every time I'm there I have to show so much self restraint to not buy all their denim and sweaters.
Civil Alchemy - Describes as the Modern General store, Civil Alchemy is your one stop shop for outdoorsy apparel, gorgeous jewelry, home furnishings and the most impressive collection of unique foods and liquors - they even have their own brand of Gin. If you have someone on your list that "has everything" you'll still be able to find something for them here.
Lark Skin Company - They have a store front in Webster Groves but you can also shop all their goodies online. If you are a skincare connoisseur, like me, you will love Lark. They even have a face mask bar where you can concoct your own face mask for what your skin needs.
FR and Company - FR and Company is based in St. Charles, MO and has so many cute graphic tees, totes, stationary and candles. If you're a mom, they have the coolest mom gear and even some special stuff too for us cool aunts!
Kindred Shops - Kindred just opened a store at West County Mall so even if you're at the mall shopping, you can get your small business on too! Kindred is a collective boutique, this means they incorporate goodies from a ton of local boutiques, you can find SoLayne Designs, Brook & Sloane, Ashley Jayne Boutique and so many more here. Plus it’s just a gorgeous place to shop and honestly, the only reason I go to the mall these days.
Naked Boot and Shoe Company - Located in Webster Groves, Naked Boot and Shoe Company is a shoe lovers paradise. Their products are hand made and are such unique pieces. I am so impressed by the quality and beauty of their boots and their prices are incredible for what you get.
Kuva Coffee - Kuva Coffee is locally roasted in micro-batches. I am fully obsessed with them. Kuva is the perfect give for the coffee lover in your life or if you need a small gift for co-workers. You can find Kuva all over STL at Dierbergs, Schnucks and Whole Foods!
If you get hungry while you're shopping these are a few of my favorite quick stops
Whisk STL - Whisk is a sustainable bake shop in the Cherokee-Lemp Historic District of STL. Stop in for the best pastries you will ever eat and a perfect cup of Kuva Coffee.
Clover and The Bee - The Clover and The Bee is a Webster Groves Favorite, swing by for breakfast or lunch or just grab a coffee or a fresh juice from their counter and you will be in heaven. Plus, snap a couple pics of their iconic floral mural and gorgeous velvet booths.
Russell's Cafe & Bakery - With locations in Fenton, Chesterfield and on Mackland in St. Louis proper they are easy to get to. I cannot even explain how delicious their food is. Every time I eat at Russell's I am in awe of their creations. They also serve up delicious Kaldi's coffees and specialty drinks if you're feeling festive.
Hello Juice & Smoothie - If you're looking for something on the lighter side, to help you power through shopping, Hello Juice and Smoothie near the Central West End is a great stop to fuel up. They have incredible smoothie bowls that will have you thinking you're actually in California.