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Style-Minded, Stunning Eyewear

Black Optical: A Place Where Design And Experience Converge, Shaping Identity In The Process Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson “Black Optical has never been about selling glasses,” says Madelein Black, marketing director. “It's a place where design and experience converge, shaping identity in the process.” Founded by Gary Black in 2007, the brand began with a single showroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a simple premise: eyewear is personal. Today, Black Optical operates six showrooms across...

Beauty

Destination Sanctuary For Lasting Vitality

Discover EXO: Where Cutting-Edge Science Meets Indulgent Self-Care And Longevity Article by Stacey Collins Bibb | Photography by John Lore What if there were a place where every stratum of beauty and wellness, from core vitality to surface radiance, could be thoughtfully elevated in one extraordinary setting? Infused with playful luxury and anchored in cutting-edge science, EXO offers precisely this kind of transformative experience. Located just a short drive from St. Louis in Edwardsville...

Arts + Culture

Jewelry That Threads Art, Creativity, Life

Artisan Randi Chervitz Is Inspired By Intertwining Fabric, Precious Metals And Gemstones Article by Julie Brown Patton Creating one-of-a-kind bijouterie: To reflect the evolution of Uncommon Threads Jewelry, the custom work of artisan and founder Randi Chervitz is metamorphing into the business name RC Studio Jewelry.  "Each piece of my handmade jewelry reflects a unique, independent spirit. I enjoy working with geometric structures, colorful stones and textures to produce jewelry with rustic...

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Home Design Fall Tips

Sarah Corrigan, Owner, The White Hare, Suggestions For Warmth, Coziness Article by Julie Brown Patton Add textured throws and pillows in warm autumn colors to sofas and chairs.  Place scented candles and lanterns on mantles and shelving for cozy glows.  Decorate outdoor entryways with faux pumpkins and a festive fall wreath.  Fill vases throughout the house with beautiful fall foliage.  Create a fall centerpiece in a dough bowl using pinecones, small pumpkins and...

Home + Design

From Creation To Calmness

Saint Louis Closet Co. Team Helps Clients Declutter To De-Stress Article by Mel Boban | Photography by St. Louis Closet Co. Lately, most people's days are chaotic, pulled in so many directions, and constantly plugged in digitally. We always seek calm, but finding moments of serenity can feel like a far-fetched luxury. For Jennifer Q. Williams, owner and founder of Saint Louis Closet Co., creating calm isn’t a luxury, it’s a mission. Jennifer is known as a trailblazer in the custom...

Professional Services

Premium Dog Training, Canine Care Facility

Cordial Canine: Where Good Dogs Become Great Companions Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Alex Stewart Helping dogs understand the "why" and "how" to boundaries and commands is key to well-rounded, confident and comfortable pets. Oftentimes, that takes patience, training and consistency.  Beverly "Bev" Patterson and Lexi Butler-Boyle share a love for dogs. The two also share a Creve Coeur-based business, Cordial Canine, that specializes in personalized training programs...

Arts + Culture

Giving Voice To Youths

Harmony STL Anchors World-Class A Cappella Singing Choruses Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Michael Martinez and Gea Rose Henry Among the three competitive choral groups directed under the internationally known Harmony STL umbrella is a mixed choral group for youths aged 11 to 25 years.  "Our organization is the Black Belt of all aspects of a cappella singing, and a hotbed for musical arts, based on our 62 years of history and musical excellence. We invite more young singers to...

Life + Culture

Reconnecting Youth, Nature

Advice Editorial: Why Scouting America Matters More Now Than Ever Article by Tracy Bono | Photography by Greater St. Louis Area Scouting In a world increasingly dominated by screens and sedentary lifestyles, the need for meaningful, active and character-building experiences for youth has never been greater. That's where the nonprofit organization of Scouting America steps in to offer solutions. According to the National Wildlife Federation sources, the average American child spends only 4 to...

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Inside-Out Pet Health

K9-Innovations: Luxury Wellness For Pets In A Daily Supplement Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson | Photography by Jennifer Hunn “When you think of your pets, you know they're part of your life,” says Kari Montgomery. “But for them, you are their whole life.” Scott and Kari Montgomery have worked in human health and wellness for decades. So, when the husband-and-wife team saw the need for addressing pet wellness, they did their homework. One of the things they discovered was that there are...

Health + Wellness

It's Adopting Cats And Dogs

Advice Editorial: Tips For Integrating New, Especially Rescued, Lifelong Furry Friends Article and Photography by Julie Brown Patton When embracing a furry family member within one's home, it's vital to understand what's become known as the 3-3-3 Rule . This phased adjustment approach reflects time-tested guidelines that it can take a dog or cat 3 days to decompress from its prior circumstances, particularly if coming out of noisy, unfamiliar shelter surroundings; 3 weeks to adapt to a...