The Scene
This shrine to good taste caters caters to the well-to-do as well as bargain shoppers. The seating areas have been designed and furnished by Mossa, St. Louis' classy contemporary furniture store. The public restrooms are havens of serenity, style and privacy. Restaurants include Cardwell's at the Plaza and Canyon Cafe. You'll find no roving gangs of teens clogging the walkways (and no toy stores). In fact, the stores are most often manageable. Crowds come in at Christmas, and that's about it.
The Stores
Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue are the hubs. Pricey, to be sure--but don't miss the after-season sales, when bargains abound. You'll also find Green Door Spa, one of the best in the city, plus a full complement of Talbot's stores (petite, women's sizes, lingerie and for kids). And check out Williams & Sonoma, Liz Claiborne, Pottery Barn, J. Jill, J. Crew, Oilily, Rodier Paris, Montblanc, Crane & Co., Paper Makers, Laura Ashley, Harolds and Johnston & Murphy.