Springtime in The Grove
On Saturday I met my friend Madi at RISE Coffeehouse for lunch and wandering around the The Grove to be self-indulgent and take photos. :) Haha, we both enjoy cute coffee places, neighborhoods with murals, and always trying to get the best instagram photo so we’re pretty much the perfect match. It’s a special relationship when the other person not only doesn’t judge when you ask them to take a photo of you in front of a pretty colored wall, but gets excited and asks to get a shot of your shoes next to the bag that matches.
The Grove is a fun little business and entertainment district along Manchester between Kingshighway and Vandeventer in St. Louis City. There’s lots of great independently owned businesses, retail shops, bars, and restaurants–Sweetie Pie’s is located there if you’ve ever seen their show on Oprah’s OWN network! It’s a vibrant LGBT neighborhood and is also home to the best gay bars and drag shows in town.
In spite of all its progress, The Grove is unfortunately still home to a lot of vacant storefronts. St. Louis City has lots of areas like this, but there are enough passionate people around who are dedicating to making progress. I’m super optimistic about its future! Urban Chestnut just opened a stunning, gigantic brewery and beer hall there and the shiny new IKEA store is opening just around the corner.
Dress: ASOS | Tennis Shoes: Keds | Watch ℅ JORD | Backpack: F21 | Buttons: Button Booty
In true Michelle fashion, I spilled coffee all over myself while raising my camera to take a picture. I ran to the closest bathroom and I guess dunking myself into the sink worked because you can’t even tell. Great job!
All irritating self-deprecation aside, it was so nice to get outside and soak up some valuable spring sunshine. It was still a little chilly, but that’s what coffee’s for, right?
I love how quintessentially spring this casual little ASOS dress is. It’s like a big, comfy baseball tee and I love the freckled texture of the cream-colored fabric. Here’s hoping I can ditch those tights ASAP! xo
