Pools are closed, school ’s back in session and the nights are growing cooler. But that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the casual coastal style of summer. Local boutique Crescent Coast, which opened in February, is introducing plenty of new items to get fashionable St. Louisans through another Midwest winter. “My main lines, which are Southern Tide, johnnie-O, Calypso St. Barth and Velvet, all carry pieces that change with the seasons,” says store owner Terry Warner.
The store’s cold-season offerings include pants for men, women and children from Joe’s Jeans and DL1961; dress shirts and blazers from Stone Rose, which uses Italian fabrics; and a line of cashmere sweaters from Calypso St. Barth. “We’ll also be carrying fabulous faux and real fur vests, beautiful cashmere dusters and cardigans, soft sweaters, flowy blouses, leggings paired with comfortable dresses, and Lucky boots and booties,” Warner says.
Although sweaters, dresses and vests might not immediately evoke thoughts of the beach, Warner is quick to point out that there are plenty of oceanfront locales with varying climates. Many of the store’s brands hail from California, and some resort lines, such as Calypso St. Barth, offer seasonal clothing. “The colors, fabric weights and styles change with the seasons,” Warner says. “And a coastal/beachy vibe is more a frame of mind: casual and comfortable.”
Coats, predicted to be a hot item this year, will be available soon at the boutique. Shoppers can expect a big announcement from Crescent Coast in February 2015, Warner says. “We’ll be adding a popular and established outerwear and apparel brand that will include lightweight, insulated jackets and beautiful raincoats,” she notes.
For St. Louisans jetting off to warmer climates in the winter months, Crescent Coast will remain a shopping destination; it offers new lines of swimwear from Nanette Lepore, Gypsy and Strong Bolt. “I plan to keep a section of the boutique dedicated to men’s and women’s resort wear,” Warner says.
At less than a year old, Crescent Coast already has earned a loyal following, even winning St. Louis Magazine’s A-List Award for resort wear, Warner says. “If you’re truly passionate about what you do or offer, that enthusiasm becomes contagious,” she says.
The boutique will host a party Sept. 19 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in honor of johnnie-O, one of the store’s main brands, which was founded by native St. Louisan John O’Donnell. “Johnnie-O was the first brand to commit to the boutique, so the event is a thank you party to celebrate opening our doors,” Warner says. O’Donnell will be there to personally meet fans of the brand, and of Crescent Coast. “They invited us to come out for the party, and their customers appear to be a good match for johnnie-O,” O’Donnell says. “It sounds like our kind of people are hanging out at Crescent Coast!”
Photo courtesy of johnnie-O
Pictured: John O’Donnell, founder of johnnie-O, a popular clothing line at Crescent Coast
[Crescent Coast, located at 169 Carondelet Plaza, offers coastal-inspired casual apparel and accessories for all ages. For more information, call 314.726.7979 or visit crescentcoaststl.com]