Destination: St. Louis Hills
Shopper: Charlotte Sumtimes, Burlesque Goddess and Mom
Shopping can be challenge when you're a burlesque-performing mommy of two. Between stitching over-the-top costumes and finding clothes to meet my daughters' elusive approval, I'm always on the lookout for shops that won't murder my budget. Lately, I've fallen in love with a few stores in St. Louis Hills.
With my eleven-year-old daughter in tow, I made my first stop at the Green Goose Resale & Consignment (5611 Hampton Avenue, 314-352-5000). I pounced on a $12 blue crystal to hang over my doorway, where it will join a collection of other crystals and various baubles I've collected. I'm pretty much a bling hoarder, to be honest.
Thankfully, my daughter takes after my love of shiny, pretty things; we decided to buy "mother-daughter rings," one in pink for her and one in sterling for me. Our moment of mutual ring appreciation set me back just $22.
Before taking our leave of the Green Goose, I picked up a scented candle that makes my entire house smell like a coffee shop. At $10, it was only a little pricier than buying a Frappuccino at Starbucks.
Next, we moved north on Hampton Avenue. After a five-minute drive, we came to Panache Plus Consignment (3504 Hampton Avenue, 314-352-3838). The folks who run this place are clearly picky about what goes on their shelves, and they've got a good eye for fashionable clothes fitted for body types you don't usually see on a Victoria's Secret catwalk.
My daughter wasn't finished bling hunting, so while I eyed a $15 black-and-leopard-print sweater, she dove into the jewelry displays, emerging with six (!) pairs of rhinestone earrings priced at $2 apiece. Along with the sweater, I left the store with a $12 sequined handbag.
We ended our shopping escapade the right way — with the wickedly tasty delights at Pint Size Bakery & Coffee (3825 Watson Road, 314-645-7142). I made the executive mom decision to spend the remaining balance of my budget (about $20) on cupcakes, quiche and cookies that are basically soft-baked chocolate chip cookies circumscribed by brownie edges. I kid you not: If those brownie/cookies were a burlesque number, it would leave the audience howling in their seats. Highly recommended. -- As told to Danny Wicentowski
