With only a week to go, the final countdown to Christmas has begun. Rather than panic, my advice is to take a deep breath and ignore the ticking of the clock. Instead, with your shopping list in hand, take a leisurely stroll around the CWE where you can find an eclectic assortment of gift ideas to choose from in neighborhood shops. Even more importantly, you'll be able to visit with a friendly, helpful group of shopowners who have knocked their Christmas socks off to make this season merry and bright. Besides, shopping local is so the right way to go.
The flurry of postings I'm starting today will pair shops that have entered the 2012 Window Walk Contest with a sampling of the gifts you'll find inside. The contest winners will be chosen on December 22, so there is still time for you to vote for Best Window in the People's Choice Category. You also could win one of ten $50 gift certificates redeemable in neighborhood shops just for voting (find the ballot box in each shop). CWEScene, which administers the contest, recently announced the local celebrities who are participating as judges in the Best Window category:
Kevin Demoff, COO, St. Louis Rams
Laura Kathleen Planck, Project Runway Contestant
Carol Daniel, Host of KMOV's Great Day St. Louis & KMOX Radio News Anchor
Paul Schankman, Fox2 News Reporter & CWE Resident
Lyda Krewson, 28th Ward Alderman
Peek into Shelton Davis Antiques window, 4724 McPherson—something's terribly wrong!
Inside, however, everything's in order, including silver-plated wine/beverage holders, $40, and fancy bottle stoppers, $22 to $24.
There are scads of $5 and under ornaments at Shelton Davis, an inexpensive way to decorate your holiday table, or fill in the ornament collection you already have. Open every day but Monday, (314) 265-3390.
Across the street, Centro Modern Furnishings has covered its windows in stylish sheets of paper snowflakes, above.
You may not ordinarily think of Centro for gift ideas but there have always been plenty within. This holiday season the furnishings store is carrying British designer Tom Dixon's gift line, "Eclectic." "Bash" brass vessels, at top of the photo, are $235, and $395 for the larger vessel. A nest of 5 assorted brass dishes is $90, the solid oak Chop "LONG" block is $110, and candles with "marlid" tops are $80 each.
Who isn't drawn to Alessi's sleek designs? Centro has an assortment of stocking stuffer-sized gifts including Teo, the coolest tea bag holder ever, $26.
And, for the pasta lover on your list, a measuring ring, right, to take the guesswork out of how much pasta to cook—a perpetual problem around here, $27.
Centro Modern Furnishings, 4727 McPherson, (314) 454-0111.
I love the pot of greens filled with ornaments and ribbon trailing up the front of Libby's at 4742 McPherson, above.
Libby's carries a festive red poly and spandex jacket with flower trim that can be worn as a top over pants or tights, $214. The pin on the coat is sold separately.
Everything seems to be on sale at Libby's, so there are lots of surprising bargains throughout the shop.
Silver and white envelope purses are on sale for $17.50 and Helen's Heart shoes are half-price, 27.50 (not all sizes are available). Tucked in between is a great black cinch belt with a flower crystal and feather trim, marked at $8.
Libby's, 4742 McPherson, (314) 454-3003. Closed Monday.
Marshmallows on threads and powdery snow celebrate the season at Mary Jane's, 387 N. Euclid.
Inside the shop you'll find "touch" gloves from Echo, $39, just what you need to use your electronic devices while keeping your fingers toasty. Blue and green "waffle" ipad pouches are $25, and a lovely Kersh sweater in a blend of soft yarns is $95.
Mary Jane's, 387 N. Euclid, (314) 367-8867.
Brewington's Art & Interiors, on the second floor at 4814 Washington (just east of Euclid), doesn't have ground-floor windows to decorate. Nevermind a small detail like that however, as A. J. Brewington has great stuff for the holidays in her loft-style and, as she says, "big city" location. Examples include the vintage silver-leaf console, $1300 for the pair (only one shown), a pair of modern silver-plate candlesticks, $145, vintage French console bowl, $145, and Jim Pegg abstract painting, $900.
Brewington Art & Antiques, 4814 Washington, Suite 230, Tues.-Sat. 10:30 to 6, (314) 361-5373.
More shops and gift ideas later today….tomorrow!