Street Style: Let's hear it again for Cape's finest in fashion

I am a little late in doing this, but better late than never. Two years ago, I found myself back in my hometown of Cape Girardeau. The little place I grew up seemed much more grown-up than I remembered. There were definitely fewer trees, more buildings and a budding art and fashion district I did not know existed. As I ventured into the unknown of my familiar stomping grounds, I found treasures upon treasures of interesting thrift stores, antique shops and new boutiques owned by some of the most friendly, ambitious and truly stylish people in the area. Here are some highlights of what I found and whom I met along my journey to "Buy the River:"

__Somewhere in Time Antiques:__ Paula Haas owns this treasure trove of everything from astounding estate jewels to jaw-dropping chandeliers. The first day I went inside, I bought a big pearl necklace with matching earrings that had to be one of my smartest purchases ever. Paula knows a lot about a lot, so you come out a bit smarter and wiser than when you came in, especially if you pick up a trinket or two or three.

__Stash:__ Owned by Emily Hoehne, this boutique has what's in fashion right now in almost every region of the United States. Emily and her mother scour fashion markets all over to find one-of-a-kind items to offer the budding fashionistas and trendsetters in our area. The shop also has brick walls and wood floors that add to the downtown coolness of the establishment.

Jewelry from Sweet Designs Boutique. (Submitted photo)

__Sweet Designs Boutique:__ Candi Siebert-Winkler operates this one-stop shop for all the things you want and want to give others. It is the perfect place to find the right picture for your living room or nursery. Candi goes the extra mile to find items from independent artists who make bracelets, statues, postcards and more.

__Pastimes Antiques:__ Deb Maevers owns one of the larger antique shops in Cape Girardeau. Deb is a dynamic woman with a warm personality who comes across as the homecoming queen of Cape Girardeau. She is ready for anything, and her shop is truly special. I've found furs to die for, gowns to live in and chairs to rock the day away. She has an eye for art and style and houses some unique vendors who trust her knowledge of the business.

We do not have room for all, but check out my past columns at semissourian.com to find the best Cape Girardeau has to offer. Visit these shops and let them know you read about them in Buy the River. Thank you to all who have made this column possible. You truly are top of the line. Take a bow.

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Sheila McKinley is an independent fashion consultant working exclusively with luxury women's golf wear line Ladyb New York. After living in New York City for the better end of 10 years, she has come back home to Missouri to do one of the things she does best: Talk fashion. Check out her Buy the River blog at semissourian.com/flourish.