Store Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 30

economyofstyle July 9, 2019

How Vistaprint Helps Small Businesses Have Big Impact

This post is sponsored by Vistaprint.

I believe that when you look professional, you feel confident and ready to take on anything. So, I was immediately intrigued by Vistaprint’s Micro Main Street, a campaign that equips small businesses with critical tools to look and perform their best. During PrideFest in St. Louis, we got to witness how Vistaprint services can elevate a brand.

Vistaprint designers worked with 3 businesses–Bella Books, Carla Sue, and HelloPride–to develop cohesive, professional-looking marketing materials. These businesses got to flaunt the results of this partnership during PrideFest in St. Louis when they appeared in Vistaprint’s Micro Main Street pop-up storefront.

HelloPride, a company offering baby onesies that celebrate the love of all families, worked with Vistaprint designers on packaging. Who doesn’t love a fun unboxing? Megan Hines, the owner, says, “Being a part of Micro Main Street by Vistaprint at St. Louis PrideFest has meant so much to us and our small business. We received so many compliments on our products and we were so excited to meet past and future customers in person. It was truly amazing seeing HelloPride really resonate with the PrideFest participants. Working with Vistaprint to update our brand and create these awesome new marketing materials will positively impact our business for years to come.”

Carla Sue Greeting Cards and Gifts is a company specializing in handcrafted, witty greeting cards that celebrate positive representation. For this business owner, her cards serve as important connectors and sources of inspiration. Carla Sue worked with Vistaprint designers to create sharp-looking materials that matched her spirited brand. Her standout signage used during the pop-up event was a product of this partnership. It was a hit!

Bella Books, a publisher of stories about women who love women, also made a splash at the Vistaprint Micro Main Street storefront. Owner, Linda Hill, worked with Vistaprint to create an online loyalty program for their customers that includes custom-printed bookmarks. Hill’s business is 100% online, but after a successful weekend of sales at PrideFest, she is now exploring ways to incorporate traditional book sales into her business.

The Vistaprint Micro Main Street pop-up storefront put the spotlight on small businesses. The storefront was a clear demonstration that professional marketing assets are crucial to business success. From business cards to bookmarks to banners, Vistaprint offers an assortment of products to help small businesses have big impact.

economyofstyle May 23, 2019

6 Shopping Experiences Unique To West County Center

Over the past 8 months, I’ve enjoyed becoming more familiar with West County Center because of my partnership with Kindred. There are quite a few malls in the St. Louis and surrounding areas. But, on my frequent trips to West County, I’ve noted some important shopping experiences that you can actually only have if you shop this mall. I’m sharing those with you today.

6 Shopping Experiences Unique To West County Center

1. You can #ShopLocal in the convenience of a mall space

I know, when you think about a mall, you envision the usual big-box stores. What’s special about West County Center is it offers a pretty cool opportunity to shop and support several locally-owned boutiques all in one location.

Of course, I share often about Kindred (see all my favorite Kindred finds here), a collective of 7 local boutiques.

Yesterday, I was introduced to The Colette Collection, another locally-owned boutique offering an eclectic mix of clothing for all ages.

2. Shop the only Lolli & Pops in Missouri

Sweet tooth? Lolli & Pops, a premium purveyor of sweets, carries a selection of candies that’s sure to satisfy. From French macarons to gummy bears, Lolli & Pops boasts that they have the best confections from across the world.

Can you tell I’m a dark chocolate lover?

3. Get the best introduction to Lush Cosmetics

There are 2 Lush Cosmetics in St. Louis. But, until you experience the West County Center store and get baptized into the #LushLife by the manager there, you have not had a Lush experience. Seriously, the expertise of the entire staff at this location makes this the best way to explore the offerings at Lush.

4. Experience the H&M ST. Louis-Flagship store

The first time I walked into the newly renovated H&M St. Louis-Flagship store, I had to do a double take. It felt like I was walking into H&M in Times Square. The store is huge, which means you get the widest selection of H&M merchandise at this location. It’s the only H&M I shop in the Lou.

5. Dabble in Do-It-Yourself-Treats

Last November, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, Build-A-Bear opened its flagship bakeshop. Similar to the workshops, the bakeshop encourages guests to get creative, but this time, with the decoration of cupcakes. And, all of the cupcakes are supplied by a local baker.

6. End with a post-shopping happy hour at an upscale yet affordable restaurant

West County Center offers a good variety of dining options. One of those is Bravo! Cucina Italiana. Let’s just say, I’ve never had a cocktail there that I didn’t love. Salud!

If you haven’t visited West County Center (get more information here) in a minute, much has changed. So, it’s time to plan your next visit. If you’re visiting the St. Louis area, a stop at West County is a must. A unique experience is guaranteed!

Thanks so much to the West County Center marketing team for inviting me to experience the center the best way possible. All opinions are my own.

economyofstyle April 19, 2019

Your One Stop For Spring Style Essentials

This post is sponsored by Kindred. #KindredSTL

Happy Easter weekend! After a few weather surprises, I think it’s safe to declare that spring is really really here now. So, let’s get ready to style our way through the season with a few spring style basics. The looks in today’s post are perfect for all kinds of Easter Weekend activities too.

When I walked into Kindred boutique, a collective boutique, this week, I was blown away by all the perfect-for-spring styles. Bright colors. Striking prints. Jumpsuits. Dresses. There are all kinds of super stylish and affordable pieces waiting to hold down your style. Today, I’m sharing a few of my personal favorites.

What I’m wearing:

Abstract print high neck dress via Kindred | Sandals | Straw hat | Lip: Mac “Heroine”

Location: The Fountain Pond and Ruins, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis

What I’m wearing:

Neon pink sweater via Kindred | High rise wide leg jeans via Kindred | Mules

Straw hat Lip: Mac “Heroine”

What I’m wearing:

Neon orange sweater via Kindred | High rise wide leg jeans via Kindred | Sandals

Straw hat | Lip: Mac “Heroine”

If you’re in the St. Louis area, be sure to swing by Kindred in the West County Center to find your favorite spring style basics for less. Want to see more of my favorite Kindred finds, go here.

economyofstyle March 27, 2019

Spring Fashion Finds Are Now More In Reach

This post is sponsored by Specialty Retailers, INC.

I’ve been saying it for years, Gordmans has the most competitive prices of all off-price retailers I’ve ever shopped. And, the good news for us is that new Gordmans stores are popping up all over. This month alone, Gordmans is opening 38 new locations!

Not familiar with Gordmans? It’s a retailer that buys excess inventory from department and specialty stores, and then sells it at significantly reduced prices. I visit my local stores often, for everything from clothing to home decor to accessories for my puppy. Since I had a few new stores open in my area, I made sure to shop a new location. I live covered my shopping trip. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to catch cool behind-the-scenes snippets like my Gordmans shopping trip.

In today’s post, I’m styling my spring fashion finds from Gordmans. The prices were so good that I bought pieces for my entire family. So, we have a special style guest–my hubby–today.

What I’m wearing:

Blouse, Jeans, Sweater, Sandals, Lip gloss (all via Gordmans)

What he’s wearing:

Izod shirt via Gordmans

Spring color trends fascinate me most, so when I visited my newly opened Gordmans location, I shopped for color. And, y’all, I walked into a gold mine of colorful finds. My first treasure was the Walter Baker blouse I’m wearing. It retails for $150. In Gordmans? It’s only $19.99!

I’ve had my eye on a few pairs of purple jeans. I was actually prepared to pay about $65 for a pair I saw at another store. I’m so glad I waited because I found my orchid jeans for only $18.99 in Gordmans. Such a steal!

I’m just going to spill all the beans. My entire outfit, from my NYX Butter Gloss to the bright yellow sandals was under $75. How did I do that? I shopped every piece at Gordmans. Do yourself a favor and locate your nearest Gordmans by clicking here.

Feeling like a super star bargain shopper, I ventured into the men’s section to see if I saw anything for my hubby. He loves wearing vibrant colors as much as I do, and I found this stunning IZOD shirt for just $16.99. Of course, I hooked him up.

Now, thanks to Gordmans, we’re both ready for the warm season with our fresh spring fashion finds.

Click here to find your nearest Gordmans store.

economyofstyle March 15, 2019

Fresh, Colorful Finds For Spring Now at Kindred

This post is sponsored by Kindred, a collective boutique at West County Center.

We’re inching closer to spring, and I’m so excited. I’m especially thrilled because I noticed some colorful finds popping up at Kindred Boutique, my one stop for shopping 7 local boutiques in St. Louis. I’ve been drawn to soft, powdery hues lately because they pair so well with each other. Talk about wardrobe versatility! Kindred has a nice selection of these dreamy colors in stock.

Today, I’m sharing two sweaters in perfect springtime hues and how you could wear them right now.

What I’m wearing:

Pistachio striped sweater via Kindred | Snake print dangle earrings via Kindred

Pants | Shoes

This first sweater, a beautiful striped knit, is by featured boutique Adorn by Jewelry Girl. The shade of green reminds of pistachio ice-cream. I’m wearing it with yellow, but it’ll look equally fabulous with pastels like lilac and powder pink.

Every time I visit Kindred, I browse the extensive jewelry section. The earrings get me every time. Remember this fabulous feather pair? On my recent visit, I simply couldn’t resist this snake print, geometric style. It’s modern and artsy. It’s also the perfect “neutral” complement to all my colorful finds for spring.

Since Living Coral is the color of the year, I couldn’t leave Kindred without searching for something in the coral family. The color attracted me to this particular sweater, but the extra long sleeves and oversized silhouette ultimately won me over. By the way, this sweater is a selection by Rustic Twine, one of 7 featured boutiques at Kindred.

What I’m wearing:

Coral sweater via Kindred | Pants | Sandals

To experiment with what I believe about pastels, namely that they pair well with each other, I decided to try a new color combination. Coral and lilac? Yes! It turns out, they make a darling combination.

Want to see more of favorite finds at Kindred boutique, go here, here, and here.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram, I’ll be sharing my try-ons and more favorite sightings from the boutique.

Have a wonderful weekend!