Whoop whoop! Like most of St. Louis, I am super excited about post season Cardinals baseball! The energy of the crowds, the excitement of the games, choosing just the right outfit to wear to the stadium… What? Is it just me? While I love baseball, I don’t love the boring, limited choices of team fan apparel. Say it with me friends: there is more to life than polyester jerseys. My motto has always been “Just because you’re cheering on the boys, doesn’t mean you have to dress like one.”
That’s why I was thrilled to discover The Bud Shop at Ballpark Village- 601 Clark Ave 63102. This is one sports apparel store unlike any other in St. Louis. For starters, it’s operated by the owners of Lusso (click here)– a longtime local favorite boutique. “This past spring, four weeks before the season, we were asked to take over the shop,” says part owner Drea Ranek, “We talked about it, then jumped in feet first!” To say these gals know their merchandising is an understatement! They have stocked The Bud Shop with fan apparel that is not only on trend, but also with pieces you won’t find anywhere else. They carry men’s & women’s, children’s, even accessories- many of which are locally made by companies like 108 Stitches and STL Style. The best part? Most things don’t scream a team name. One best seller is the Michael Stars scarf in team colors which can be paired with any outfit to add a little s-p-i-r-i-t!
Goods are displayed inside the store and on custom made carts, which are moved to outside locations on game days. “Our store is pretty small, so by making items more accessible, we are moving the mountain to Mohammed, so to speak,” explains Ranek. The enthusiasm the owners have for this shop shows. With The Bud Shop’s first post season run starting this weekend, now is the perfect time to pop in. Show your St. Louis spirit and show your style. “I suspect it’ll be nuts this weekend, but that’s what makes it fun!” laughs Ranek.
Here’s a peek at some of my favorites from The Bud Shop at Ballpark Village: