It’s been a rough winter in St. Louis, but surf’s up at Crescent Coast. The minute you step inside this new shop, you’ll be reaching for your sunscreen.
Opening this weekend in Carondelet Plaza, the store offers coastal-inspired clothing and accessories for the entire family. “I’ve always loved traveling to sunny locations,” says owner Terry Warner. “Places like Palm Beach and Los Angeles always have the best shops, with great clothes, fun accessories and that beachy vibe. There’s nothing like it in St. Louis—until now.”
By ‘beachy,’ Warner doesn’t mean ratty old board shorts and flipflops. “The best way to describe the spirit of the place is ‘sophisticated surf,’” explains the former accountant and custom home builder. “I wanted to capture the casual ease of coastal living. The clothes are comfortable but polished, with soft fabrics that travel well. They float on your skin—it feels like you’re wearing pajamas!”
Lines carried at the boutique include Sperry, Southern Tide, johnnie-O, Salt Life, Castaway Clothing, Jack Rogers, Escapada and Calypso St. Barth. “Calypso makes amazing, tropical-weight cashmere tees and other items in the most heavenly colors, and silk tunic dresses that move with the body,” Warner explains. The johnnie-O line, popular with pro athletes and Hollywood celebs like Drew Brees and Adrian Grenier, features a golf- and surf-inspired California preppy look. Jack Rogers sandals and shoes are known for their comfort and craftsmanship. Southern Tide, famous for its blissfully comfortable SkipJack polo shirt, is touted for exceptional quality and clean lines. “These are classic, often seasonless designs with a contemporary twist.”
Along with clothes, shoes and other accessories, the shop features unique gift items and an exclusive line of fragrances and bath products from Positano, Italy. “There’s something for everyone, from middle school through middle age,” Warner says. “The beach lifestyle isn’t limited to any particular time of life. It’s a state of mind.”
The beachy ambiance is echoed by Crescent Coast’s decor. The airy, open space, done in earthy shades of chocolate brown and aquamarine blue, features rustic barnwood and driftwood accents and state-of-the-art lighting sourced by Warner’s husband, Paul Warner Lighting Associates. Authentic surfboards and paddle boards hang from the walls and lean against counters. Sun-and-surf videos play on a huge flatscreen TV and two smaller units. Drinks and snacks are available in the bar and kitchen area.
The shop’s grand opening, Feb. 14 and 15, features refreshments, door prizes and complimentary valet parking. “I want everyone to feel welcome here,” Warner says. “We’re all family in St. Louis. Everyone knows everyone else. Come in, look around, have a glass of wine and a snack.” There’s more to the shop than effortlessly elegant swimsuits, seersucker and sunglasses, she adds. “It’s really about the art of living graciously and well,” she says. “We’re trying to capture the ease, simplicity and freedom of an endless summer—all year ’round.”
By Tony Di Martino
Photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured: Owner Terry Warner and store mascot Pearl
[Crescent Coast, a new shop featuring clothing and accessories with a beachy vibe, is located at 169 Carondelet Plaza, near The Ritz-Carlton. The store’s grand opening takes place Feb. 14 and 15. For more information, call 314.726.7979]