Signs of life are slowly emerging from the historic building ravaged by fire in June 2022 at the corner of Euclid and McPherson. While it will be Spring 2024 before the majority of businesses are back in operation, Occasions Boutique—formerly Enchanting Embellishments—located at 4732 McPherson, is hosting a Grand Opening this Saturday, November 18, from 10 to 6. The boutique features women’s wear for everyday, business professional, and dressier—and hopefully, more fun— occasions.
Taylor Strange, above, the charming manager of Occasions Boutique recently moved to St. Louis from her hometown of Cape Girardeau. She was working in a boutique there and learned about the Central West End job opening through a colleague. “I have been working in small business retail for over 6 years, and love it,” she said. “And I’ve always wanted to live in a big city.” Strange also said she’s delighted to be working for proprietor Karen Halper, in what she describes as a comfortable family environment.
Strange earned a degree from Southeast Missouri State in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Fashion Entrepreneurship. She also studied marketing and event planning. “Styling has always been my passion and favorite part of fashion,” she said. That’s evident thoughout the boutique.
What I noticed is that some of the lines Occasion’s Boutique carries can be described as “after” a famous brand. For instance, note the Dolce Cabo “Chanel” tweed jacket, $108, and skort, $102.
There is also a glittery OOLALA “Balmain-style” top priced at $196.95, paired with black Joseph Ribkoff pant, $147.
An array of eye-catching accessories includes Ascend’s jeans-style jackets with vintage designer scarf panels on back, $1485. A beaded Ricki Designs “OMG” clutch is priced at $128, a blue INZI “Kelly” bag (second shelf right) with fabric-wrapped handle is $145, and below right, INZI faux leather woven bags, after Bottega Veneta, are $125.
You’ll find a beautiful selection of formal attire including a white-silver Frank Lyman gown, $377.
Ricki Designs lip clutches, $124, are sure to start a conversation. There is a selection of fabric and bejeweled headbands in the shop, example top row right, which start at $50. Occasion’s Boutique also stocks a large assortment of jewelry, $12 to $300.
Saturday’s Grand Opening at Occasion’s Boutique is scheduled from 10 to 6, and will be catered by Patty Long. A Joseph Ribkoff scarf or glass case with be gifted with purchase.
Proprietor Karen Halper recently opened Bella Bridesmaids St. Louis in an adjoining space. The shop is managed by another Taylor, Taylor O’Conner, and is open the same hours as Occasions Boutique. (More on Bella Bridesmaids will be posted at a later date.)
During my visit last week, I learned that the Tea Room located in the former greenhouse at the back of the building will reopen sometime next spring. That popular destination closed during the pandemic.
Occasions Boutique, 4732 McPherson, open Tuesday through Sunday 10 to 6 starting Saturday, (314) 925-8001.
Other retail news in that row is that the former Bissinger’s space at 4742 McPherson is being divided in half and Rushmore Boutique, a women’s clothier located in Alton, will be opening there in the spring. Happily the other bay will see the return of Erica and Eugene Tsimerman’s Pass the Past, with their thoughtfully selected collection of clothing, accessories, and housewares. For progress reports on their return, follow Pass the Past on Instagram or Facebook.
Great news! Have really missed the retail/fashion energy of that side of the street.