The Business Break-Down

Chic Feet Opens Soon in Manchester

This new shoe boutique will offer the hottest shoes for young women.

Sarah Bohn wanted to start a business she could pass on to her daughters. Bohn loves crunching numbers, so she took a practical approach to finding her new business, looking for something she could enjoy and expand throughout the years, but something that would still be financially viable in an uncertain economy. She decided to go with shoes, and Chic Feet was born. Bohn is a single mom with three daughters who are 4, 8 and 14. She already has one business, a private day care in Kirkwood. She said she had been saving up money to either use for down payment on a bigger home or to start up a business. Stuck on the fence on how to best spend her money, she turned to her faith and prayed for an answer. “I put an offer on a house, and they did …

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The Business Break-Down

Chatfields Bridal Boutique for Modest Brides

This local dress shop is for the bride who wants to be covered perfectly.

The current trend in wedding fashion leans toward sexy strapless dresses, plunging necklines and backless gowns. Which are all great if you have the body of a supermodel or belong to a more liberal church. But what if you want a dress that’s lovely, demure and unrevealing for your wedding day? St. Louis brides shopping for a dress less skimpy than what the fashion industry is offering are in luck. They can shop at West County’s Chatfields bridal boutique. It claims to be the only dress shop in the Midwest that caters to a modest bride. Debbie Welcher said her shop fills an overlooked niche in the bridal market by catering only to women seeking modest dresses. She said some of her clients are looking for a gown that meets a religious dress …

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Patch Picks: Boutiques

Welcome the arrival of spring with hot new clothes from these trendy West County boutiques.

The arrival of spring means it’s time to re-examine your closet and banish heavy sweaters, long sleeves and winter colors to storage. While you’re sorting through your collection, you might be inspired to add a few new things to your wardrobe. West County is not only a great place to shop, but it is home to several unique fashion boutiques—one of kind, locally owned clothing stores with great customer service and hard-to-find items. Happy shopping! Klutch Ultra trendy Klutch has the latest causal fashions from the hottest designers. Who shops here: Trendsetters from ages 17 to 70 shop here. What brands they carry: Klutch carries brands including Wildfox, Dolce Vita and Tolani. Where: Klutch is located at 1126 Town and Country Crossing Dr…

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Boutiques Band Together for Blowout Sale

Town and Country boutiques joined with other shops from Chesterfield, Ladue and beyond to offer prices up to 80 percent off.

A group of local boutique shops joined forces this weekend to hold a blowout sale at Amini's in Chesterfield. The Cash & Carry Sale happens twice a year, at times when shops are clearing out inventory to prepare for the coming season. Town and Country stores including CODI, Susan Lynn's Boutique and Klutch were just some of the area retailers that participated in the event. "It's a time of year when we're switching to spring inventory, and need to get rid of winter and fall," said Tania Rakel, owner of Marta's Boutique in Ellisville and Ladue. Shops are required to offer at least 50 percent mark-downs to participate in the sale, and many offer discounts up to 80 percent off. Susan Luina, owner of Susan Lynn's Boutique in Town and Country, …

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The Business Break-Down

Handcrafted Bling: Locally Made Designer Jewelry in Town and Country

CODI Jewelry, with a boutique located in Town and Country Crossing, now has two stores in St. Louis.

Those looking for unique Valentine's bling can swing by CODI the Boutique, in Town and Country Crossing, for jewelry that won’t break the bank. Local designer Courtney Hopson, the creative genius behind CODI, calls her pieces “funky for day, fancy for night.”  Here you can order a hand-stamped name tag charm in sterling silver or gold from $90 to $285, with additional charms starting out at $15 to build a layered look. Tags can be stamped with initials, names or other words. “My line represents quality. It is affordable, unique and fun,” Hopson said. Hopson has been selling hand-beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings for more than 12 years. Hopson's jewelry started out as a hobby, but after receiving many compliments on her pieces, she …

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The Local Love Line

Dress to Impress

This week I shopped around and tried to the pick the perfect holiday outfit for every occasion.

You've finally made it to that crucial time, the holidays. You and your partner have picked where you will be going, what gifts you will be giving and even maybe who will take the first shift entertaining Aunt Ethel as she talks your ear off.  Unfortunately, you forgot to pick out that perfect holiday outfit. Whether you are off to a holiday party, out for a night of fun, or meeting the family I have a few tips to have you looking like the belle of the ball no matter what the occasion. For those last minute holiday outfits you won't have to look much further than right here in your backyard.  For a normal night out during the holidays or a casual date remember to not only dress to impress but also be functional! Looking at Christmas lights…

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