AN ODE TO THE LOU: THE BEST PLACES TO SHOP AND THRIFT IN THE 314
No matter how hard we try, we just can’t deny our roots.
And even though I’m moving to Chicago to start my adult life (help me), I plan to make frequent trips back to Saint Louis to visit my favorite boutiques and thrifts. Oh. And like, see my family and sh*t.
Saint Louis is often overlooked and underrated, in my humble opinion. It’s got great food, a sometimes great baseball team, and even greater people. (Not the ones I went to high school with, but everyone else is pretty cool.) That being said, the places I take my friends who visit are not the Arch or the City Museum. I much prefer to put their bank accounts in jeopardy, so they can be just as broke as I am. So here it is… in no particular order… my carefully, hand-picked, local-certified list of great shops in my hometown.
#1 - Byrd consignment
8825 Ladue Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 11 AM–5 PM
Starting off strong with, of course, a sustainable shopping option! Vintage and gently worn designer has my heart, and it also has Byrd’s. I just bought a Pucci maxi dress here a few days ago, and it may be the best thing I own now. Not only do they carry household name brands like Louis, Dolce, and Gucci, but also some of my personal favorites, such as Alice & Olivia, Retrofette, and Paige. I refer to them as the “Saks 5th brand family.” High quality, but not as bank-breaking as your household names. Speaking of bank-breaking, Byrd’s prices are extremely fair and thought-out. This, along with their all-knowing and kind sales associates, earns a 5-star rating from yours truly.
#2 - Reset stl (all-gender friendly)
2607 Bellevue Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143
Sunday: 12–5 PM
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 11 AM–6 PM
Those who know me well know I used to be a total hype-beast sneaker head (not my best phase, I’ll admit). Though it isn’t my style anymore, I would most definitely take my future boyfriend here for some cool vintage tees. Reset carries brands like Supreme (still one of my personal favorites), AntiSocialSocialClub, Bape, Off-White, etc. One of their largest brands that they cultivate is Air Jordan. They carry brand-new and lightly worn Jordans, Yeezys, and Dunks. The prices are fair and the staff are very knowledgeable. Street style, anyone?
#3 - The Vault LUXURY RESale
2325 S Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, MO 63144
Sunday: Closed
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat: 11 AM–5 PM
Another Consignment shop, because why not? The Vault showcases gorgeous designer bags and jewelry, which you’ll see on display the moment you walk in. After you’re finished browsing the entrance, already having picked out 10 pieces for your wishlist, you’ll find more second-hand Saks family brands on the second floor. Their shoe selection is to die for, dahhhling. Tori Burch as far as the eye can see, and the occasional Blahnik or Louboutin to make your shopping experience just that much more desperate. I have both sold and resold here, and had only fabulous experiences. You can consign for store credit, if you’re a fellow addict, like me, or cash, if you need some extra dough, like me. The Vault is a must!
#4 - LOAFER LEAGUE/TABACHNIK FURS
3147 North Lindbergh, St. Louis, Missouri, 63074
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Whether you’re looking to buy or repair a luxury pair of shoes or furs, Loafer League is the way to go. Their selection is wide and unique, and their staff is unbelievably kind, knowledgeable, and personable. You know that thrift smell you just can’t shake? They like, get rid of that. I came here a few weeks ago looking to sell a couple of vintage furs I didn’t wear and to ask about their fur repair process for a mink I found at an estate sale, and what I found was everything I wanted and more. Just by talking to anyone who works there, you can tell they a) know their sh*t (which is important when you’re dealing with leather and fur) and b) care about their customers. How we dress is a form of self-expression and art, and Loafer League not only understands that sentiment but also projects it into their products and customer service.
#5 - Found by the pound warehouse
6740 Romiss Ct, Berkeley, MO 63134
Open Thursday & Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
*Double check their Instagram to confirm
Don’t let FBTP’s scarce open days and hours put you off — because this place is a gold mine. Far better than the bins and much cheaper than a fully-curated shop, it will surprise you with a smile when you’ve dug for a while and suddenly find the perfect pair of Lucky Brand jeans that make your butt look like Kim K, pre crazy surgery. (Okay, fine. That was a personal experience that may or may not actually happen to you. But you’ll still find something amazing if you dig.) And yes, their clothes are literally $3 per pound. (They also have a dressing room, unlike Goodwill. Yeah, that’s a diss.) You know the thrift is going to be good when the people who work there are people you’d want to be friends with. Needless to say, you can’t and shouldn’t miss Found By The Pound’s warehouse location.
#6 - Found by the pound on grand
3232 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118
Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri: 12 PM–7 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
It may seem like I’m cheating by putting two of the same chain stores on this list… but I’m not. And here’s why: they’re two totally different vibes. Located on Sluh’s campus, FBTP on South Grand is curated to your vintage wet dreams. Ew. Sorry. But it is. I’ve found and bought many pieces from here over the years, one of my most memorable ones being a vintage pair of Levi's jean shorts that fit me perfectly. **And they’re size and all-gender friendly!! They don’t just carry the cute stuff in a size 2! Everything is cute, in all the sizes, which is really f*cking cool.
#7 - baked t’s
6368 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130
Sunday: 12–5 PM
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs: 12–7 PM
Fri: Closed
Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
Baked T’s is the best custom tee shop in the Lou, without a doubt. They’re incredibly quick (like, you’d think the flash worked there), friendly, and organized. I went to get “Protect the Dolls” printed on a tank for Pride, and they had it done within the same day! They have a wide variety of prints and fonts. What I like best about Baked T’s as a picky person is you can bring in a design you made yourself, inspo photos, or something custom, and they’ll print it for you. The staff are great, which is to be expected when STL is so full of cool business owners ;)
#8 - The Refind Room
2525 S Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, MO 63144
Sunday 12–4 PM
Monday: Closed
Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri: 11 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Looking to fabulously furnish your place, anyone? The Refind Room has it all: luxury consignment, pre-owned home furniture, decor, and original art — what more could you ask for? I’ll admit, I was put onto this place by none other than my mom and dad. They are actually pretty cool. My favorite part about Refind Room is all these super cool French-y type of art and posters that just make you feel like you’re in Europe when you’re actually stuck in Missouri, LOL. Annnnyway. My compliments to whoever curates this lovely store and space, because whenever I walk in, I feel like I’ve been teleported to a European summer country home. Not a bad place to be.
#9 - URBAN MATTER
3179 S. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63118
Monday: Closed
Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 11 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 11 AM - 4 PM
Located right on the same street as the Found By The Pound on Grand, Urban Matter is a little slice of boho, earthy heaven — with really f*cking cool jewelry. The owner puts out a ton of different items from tons of different local and national artists (from lots of female business owners, what’s even cooler)! The staff are lovely and will tell you all about what you’re buying and the artist you could be supporting, which personally, made my purchase feel really special.
#10 - Other recs (srry, i haven’t been everywhere)
@foundongrand on Instagram
Here are some other sustainable shops to try in the Lou! If you ever visit. You probably won’t. Lol. But, just in case ;)
So long, 314.
Though I’m moving on, physically and mentally (thank god) The Lou will always be home. I mean, it’s where my dog is. And I’ll never be a Cubs fan. I’d rather, like, shop fast fashion than be a Cubs fan.
