For nearly two years many of us found ourselves peering through the windows at 4732 McPherson, wondering why it was taking so long for Enchanting Embellishments to open. During the latter part of those 24 months it was possible to get an occasional sneak peek, if the door was ajar and one of the construction crew would invite you in. While those "work in progress" sightings hinted at what was to come, no one could have imagined what CEO and CWEnder Karen Halper envisioned, until the shop finally opened two weeks ago. As the expression goes, "there was no stone left unturned," and then some! Plan on taking some time when you visit, as there is so much to see.
A few years ago Karen operated a shop by the same name in Des Peres that featured fashion, interior design services and home decor. However, she fell in love with the CWE and decided to move here. While wandering around her new neighborhood she discovered the vacant space on McPherson which she described as "a diamond in the rough." It had been shuttered for a few years following the tragic death of Mary Ann Allison (Kovac), who operated an urban antiques mall in the space. Mary Ann's son sold the building to Karen, and because they got along so famously, the new owner decided to name the tearoom after his late mother.
A large selection of special occasion dresses, casual attire and accessories, ranging in price from $20 up to $1000, fill the main room of Enchanting Embellishments. Home furnishings are sprinkled among the offerings throughout the space. On the second floor two newly-renovated apartments feature home goods in actual room settings. The apartments are not for lease, instead everything in them is for sale. (I will get back to take photos of the apartments and add them to this post soon).
It was difficult to select a sampling of items for this post, as there is a lot of wonderful merchandise to choose from. Nevertheless, the following photos showcase a few things that caught my eye:
Keep cozy this fall in a selection of 100% baby alpaca sweaters in assorted colors, $175, above.
There are many jackets and coats available at Enchanting Embellishments, including a striking lightweight black and white design by Joseph Ribcoff, $325.
A pretty special occasion dress is shown on the display above, $375.
Another dress that drew my attention is this lovely striped one, $345.
Spats, left, to dress up everyday shoes or short boots range from $36 to $54. There is also a great selection of tights (not shown) including a "magazine print," $22.95, and black and grey leopard print, $12.95.
An elegant camel-colored wrap coat with belt and shawl collar by Cartise is $485.
Mary Ann's Tearoom is situated in the completely renovated greenhouse at the back of the shop that was originally constructed for Witek's Florist. The glass roof has been replaced and a handicap accessible ramp has been added, far left. Everyone I've talked to who has tried the tearoom has raved about it, including yours truly.
Mary Ann's Tearoom is open for lunch and tea service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, (314) 361-5303. The tearoom can be reserved for private functions as well.
Enchanting Embellishments, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week, 4732 McPherson, (314) 361-5300.