I love the excitement of the holidays, especially the decorative store fronts and wreath-lined streets. It gives our town a magical glow, along with the anticipation that something special is about to happen.

This holiday party dress from Stash should be paired with a metallic or suede pumps and overstated baubles, because more is more this time of year. (photo by Sheila McKinley)

For the owners of Stash boutique and Annie-Em's at Home, special happens as soon as you walk through their doors. I met the owners, Emily Hoehne and Emilie Stephens, last year when I was first getting to know business owners in Cape Girardeau so I could write about them in the Southeast Missourian and Flourish magazine. Both of these ladies have impeccable style and warm personalities, making them easy to like and listen to as they told me why and how they started their businesses.

Emily Hoehne stocks her Stash boutique with unique finds exclusive to her shop by traveling to markets as far as California and Georgia, "the Peach State," and my other hometown, Atlanta. She has an eye for what a woman wants to wear, especially when that woman wants to stand out from the crowd.

Emily says her favorite part about the holiday season is being an official drop-off point for the Happy Slapowitz Toy Bash that benefits the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

"Customers can bring in an unwrapped gift and get a percentage off their purchase," she says. Contact the store for more details.

Annie-Em's is a family business started by Emilie Stephens' mother, Karen Stephens. Emilie carries Towne & Reese, Spartina, Michael Design works and Aromatique, to name a few. (Photo by Sheila McKinley)

Emilie Stephens, owner of Annie-Em's, is a wonder in how she picks a perfect blend of beautifully classic and modern furnishings to showcase at her store. Not only does she have the latest in home decor, but she also carries luxury accessories, handbags and skin care products.

"One of our most popular items right now is our Thomas Frasier fir," she says. "It smells just like a real Christmas tree. We have it in candles, reed diffusers, potpourri, hand soap -- everyone loves it!"

Between these side-by-side phenoms on Main Street, you are sure to find the perfect gift for someone special, including yourself. Drop in to take a look, and don't forget to support our local businesses by "buying the river" this holiday season!

-----------

About Sheila

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 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 www.semissourian.com/flourish.