Downtown Maplewood has it all, including everything a woman could want. Femme, a classy, specialty clothing store offers the latest and greatest in modern and classic fashion and accessories. This boutique specializes in producing complete knockouts. Spare no expense; these pieces by top local, national, and international designers are rare and in vogue. The staff knows their stuff and can help even the most style-challenged woman find her inner fashion maven.

As the name suggests, the eccentric Jasper of Jasper's Antique Radio Museum & Tropical Fruit Gift Baskets followed both his dreams. Located on Cherokee Antique Row, one end of the shop specializes in buying, selling, trading, and repairing radios, cash registers, slot machines, and other odd items. On the other end, the shop offers one-of-a-kind, handmade fruit baskets, made fresh by several members of the staff. Whether in search of a WWII-era cash register or The Wizard of Ah's towering dried fruit, the amazing Jasper is excited to assist. - Cathryn D. Blue

Located on Cherokee Antique Row, Interior Accents and China Finder has an abundance of incredible China flatware as well as European, American, and Japanese brands of furniture, cookery, and upholstery. In addition to the elegant inventory, the fame of China Finder is that they can match or repair any china brought into the shop. A chipped plate can be restored. An antique tea cup can get a new handle without compromising the integrity of the original cup's design. If short a place setting, the shop can match what you already have. After a visit to this antique shop, you can get your China put back together again. - Cathryn D. Blue

For 15 years, this family-owned vintage museum has handled some of the most unique, rare, and pristine saxophones and mouth pieces ever seen. Located on the exquisite Cherokee Antique Row, Saxquest specializes in the buying, selling, and trading of new and vintage saxophones and saxophone equipment. The owners have an eye for beauty and an ear for magnificence; they are both professional saxophone players who aim to share all elements of their expertise with the community. Whether a novice saxophonist, seasoned musician, collector, or just interested, Saxquest is a definite must-see. - Cathryn D. Blue

Can't buy stock in it. Not a lot of corporate hodgepodge. Products are bought directly from the producers. It all translates into fresh, organic, pure foods for the consumers and fair, simple business tactics for the rest of the world. A week's worth of groceries comes out to about half the price of the same items at some well known organic food stores. Trader Joe's is always packed, but the patrons are eerily calm and happy. The staff members often know customers by name. At the register are some of the jolliest cashiers around. The shopping experience is lovely, yet the savings are impeccable. - Cathryn D. Blue

Scholar Shop is a true gem. It's upscale resale, specializing in apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. Sales, particularly the semi-annual sale, are stupendous for the famous brands and high-quality items. The best part about this store is that proceeds go to the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, an organization with a mission to support students who would not otherwise be able to pursue a post-secondary education. Snag those perfect pants and feel good about it!

R-Sole is the funkiest shoe store ever. The shoes are pricey, but it's practically guaranteed that none of them will be found elsewhere. The predominant style is a casual sneaker. Catering to the young, flashy, and hip-hop loving crowd, the detailed artistry that goes into each shoe is impressive: unconventional color combinations, metallic graphic designs, and extreme high tops are some of the qualities that make each design unique. The inventive lighting and layout of the store create the look of an art gallery where shoes are the main attraction. It's fun to just go in and look around, even if the idea of owning a pair of these flamboyant sneakers is a pipe dream. - Cathryn D. Blue

A sign of the times - many things that used to be luxuries have now become necessities. Ivy Hill is a boutique in the Central West End that specializes in the extras and essentials, like control top panty hose. Find the most charming seasonal fashions and jewelry; unique items that are certain not to be found elsewhere. There's a little bit for everyone, including a small collection of graphic and funny T-shirts.

Not just any ordinary jewelry store. The owners of this trinket depot made it a point to hand-pick designers from all over the nation who take pride in the artistry of every piece they craft. Many designers are local. The various ornaments found at Charm Boutique are one-of-a-kind: poppi rings, hammered necklaces, sterling silver work, gold, precious gem bracelets with multiple rings. The pieces look like those one would expect to find in a museum. Prices range from modest to extravagant, but something can be found to fit any budget. Turn your body into a masterpiece, or just have a look around.

Apop Records is unlike any other record store in St Louis. They specialize in Noise, Experimental and Avant-Garde recordings and have an extensive collection of CDs, tapes and vinyl. The store also features a wide variety of small print magazines and publications that cannot be found any where else. Used books and videos are available as well and run the gamut from classics to the obscure. The friendly staff is always willing to help you find something or make a recommendation and they all exhibit an infectious enthusiasm for art and music. If you are looking for something that you didn't even know existed, Apop probably has it.