The Foundrie

I went to the new location in West County mall. I’ve been wanting to go ever since I found an Etsy soap seller (A Breath of French Air) who said she sells some items at this store. After reading reviews and looking into it, this shop sounds right up my ally! The description on their website says it all: The Foundrie is the face of small business. We are locally owned and operated. We are handmade, curated, crafted, inspired, salvaged, vintage loving, eco-​minded, community driven, and fiercely independent.
Once I finally went yesterday, I was in heaven! I could shop in there forever and buy everything. They showcase local sellers I’ve seen at craft shows (like EAK Design) with lots of love for St. Louis and Midwest. Their items are unique, authentic, and adorable. I was also pleasantly surprised that many items were affordable (my one beef at craft shows usually). I got a cute onesie for a friend’s baby for only $ 10 along with some other great finds (including, of course, soap from A Breath of French Air :-))
Great place to find gifts. I just loved everything. An employee told me there’s lots of turn over with new items being added in regularly so I look forward to finding something new every time I’m there :-)
This will be one of my regular stops when I’m at West County and one that I will really look forward to! It’s a must stop!

It’s like Anthropologie but with all local and handmade stuff… and fewer clothes but more accessories. I love the variety of accessories and that fact that it’s not all the same stuff all the other chain stores have. Very cool place for gifts for everyone you can think of, but I always buy something for me too. They have vintage, bow ties, scarves, handbags, tees, all sorts of jewelry, baby stuff, art & photography, sleeves for iPads, laptops and phones. Everything.

I was surprised to see this kind of store in a mall. Upon immediately walking into this store and away from all the surrounding chain stores around it on the indoor strip, I immediately got a Cherokee Street antique store vibe. I was strangely perplexed. I remember joking with my friends about it by walking out and hesitantly walking back in, thinking my mind was playing tricks with me in thinking I was 30 minutes east.
This little shoppe is full of hand-​crafted goodies by local artists and is owned by Shelah McClymont and Elizabeth Hahn-​Lawrence, who also create some of the pieces in the store. I love the idea of a «communal» selling space in the heart of an area full of chain stores which lack the real DIY aspect, including the shopping local fun of finding unique objects made specifically for YOU.
The shoppe has tons of goodies that are fun. Some are rustic antique suitcases and some are fully-​designed women’s skirts. I suggest you go see what they have, because all their pieces are one-​of-​a-​kind and unique, so once they’re gone they’re gone and may not be there. Their prices are relatively reasonable, at least predictable to me knowing what other store also in that area. Also, they sell the suitcases they nail their jewelry on with enthusiasm. My friend got one near the register to which the clerk removed all the nails and necklaces with a large smile, which is ossum possum!
Despite it’s odd location, the place is a great idea!