Mix ’n’ Match

Pastiche pushes the sensory envelope with plenty of color, texture and a combination of vintage and brand-new accents for your home.

THE SHOP: Pastiche, 400 E. Walnut St., Suite 100, Springfield, 417-831-1300. (Open Mon.–Thurs., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.)

ATMOSPHERE: Located in the former lobby of the Marquette Hotel at Jefferson Avenue and Walnut Street, the store still boasts the original hexagonal white tile floor and Art Deco iron stair rails of long ago. High ceilings and huge front windows provide the perfect backdrop to all the color found inside. The vibe is casual; don’t be surprised to find kids creating origami or owner Carla Stine playing cards with customers.

KEY PERSON: Carla’s artistic background gives her a keen eye for mixing and matching colors, styles and textures. Pastiche refers to art, music or literature that takes elements from other genres and mixes to create something new and exciting—exactly what you’ll find here.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: I began my journey in the back corner, where all the children’s items were artfully arranged around a small bed. I delighted in a bright turquoise pillow shaped like a bird and priced at a reasonable $38. Carla couldn’t resist sharing her favorite item, handmade finger puppets from Peru priced at $3 each. I chose a pig in a yellow vest for my niece.

I loved the Melamine dinner plates featuring vintage photographs, four for $34. True vintage snobs (myself included) will love the vintage tablecloths, dishtowels and aprons. Carla scours estate sales for linens and sells the best pieces she finds. All tablecloths, regardless of size, are only $35 and dishtowels are only $9. They make unique gifts and home accents.

Feeling a little European? Check out the stylish bags from Switzerland by Freitag made from recycled truck tarps, bicycle tires, and seatbelts. No two are alike. Small bags are $160 and larger ones are $185, but it’s a small price to pay for such a fashion-forward item.

Hip loft dwellers will want to check out the cool end tables created by Trippworx Studio. Using recycled metal road signs, these tables are held up by silver hairpin legs and are a very affordable $80 each.

Be sure to check out Pastiche during First Friday Art Walk each month, when it becomes a place for boldface-name locals. Recently, real estate developer and former state representative candidate Dan Scott could be seen creating origami in the window during the event.

417 VERDICT: With prices ranging from $1 for metal toy cars from India to $1,200 for an antique chair covered in fabric from Eastern Europe, Pastiche offers something for everyone at every price. This article wasn’t long enough to mention all of my cool finds, so you’ll just have to stop by and see for yourself why Pastiche should be on your “must-shop” list.

Savvy Shopper is a monthly opinion feature guiding readers to independent local stores. Have one to suggest? Please e-mail us vie editor@417mag.com.

Get 417 Magazine in your mailbox every month! Click here to subscribe now!