Whether or not you’re into Christmas, most likely you’re a fan of the four famous singers from Sun Records, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Dubbed the ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ the quadrumvirate made an indelible mark on the music industry. And so will the Rep’s, Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, co-produced by STAGES St. Louis. With only a few performances left through Sunday, December 22nd, it’s time to grab your tickets and journey simultaneously to the Rep and go down memory lane with the fellas. If you go, get ready to party. Folks are literally dancing in their seats, clapping to the beats, standing up to boogie for the FOUR, count ‘em, FOUR encores. Read more.

Nestled into a horseshoe bend of the Tennessee River near Tellico Lake in Loudon sits Windy Hill Farm & Preserve. The near-constant breeze that rustles the treetops of a hill crowned by a water tower makes for a rustic, yet beautiful serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a trip with us and experience the all-inclusive destination in rural East Tennessee that is an ideal place to explore and unwind.

For ten years, Susan Sherman has led the charge to resurrect the glorious past of the St. Louis fashion industry and take it back to its former glory. She is on a crusade to reclaim a significant stake that the Gateway City once had in America’s multi-billion-dollar industry. Earlier this month at St. Louis’ most exclusive fashion mall in the Saks Fifth Avenue gallery, Susan and the Saint Louis Fashion fund culminated the 12-months-long campaign to commemorate the achievements of the fund. Read more here about the finale to the 10 for the 10th anniversary celebration.

Local socialite Kelly Bagwe held a charity benefit a day ahead of the world-wide ‘Wicked’ premiere. Dubbed, “Are YOU A GOOD WITCH OR A BAD WITCH?”, guests arrived dressed to the nines, decked out in stunning pink or black and green. Fans thronged to St. Louis’ Chase Park Plaza Theater as either Galinda, as Glinda The Good Witch is called in much of the film, or as Elphaba, the soon-to-be Wicked Witch of the West. Pink taffeta flowed, green make-up and billowing black capes filled the theater. Learn more here about how Kelly’s efforts turned “Wicked” to good for a local women and children’s charity.

It’s Christmastime at the Missouri History Museum and time to spread the joy of the season. Join the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association for a festive concert and community sing-along on Thursday, December 12th, 6:30-8pm. Learn more here.

Hearth & Soul continues its annual holiday tradition this year. An unforgettable holiday window is on display for passers by to marvel at and shoppers to see as they discover holiday treasures. Coupled with month-long festivities and daily advent calendar giveaways through December, Hearth & Soul is your home away from home for the best time of the year. Learn more.

It's that wonderful time of year when Houska Gallery in St. Louis’ Central West End hosts their annual Winter Group Show. The show includes a much-anticipated grouping of new and previously represented artists with an all-new body of work to exhibit. Join them for an Opening Reception on Friday, December 6th from 5-8 pm. Learn more here.

‘Tis the season for… GIVING.  Today is Giving Tuesday 2024, time to open your pocketbooks and give back to those less fortunate. Join millions in the global generosity movement. Annually, Sophisticated Living does the same through Sophisticated Giving, which has raised more than 3 million dollars for charities right here in St. Louis. Learn more here and please donate today.

Amidst a vast estate of more than 250 acres in the vineyards in the Saint-Julien appellation in the Médoc region, where soils comprised of gravel, marl, and pebbles have produced wines of grace and elegances from before the Napoleonic classification of 1855, sits the jewel of the Ducru-Beaucaillou estate: an impressive building in the Directoire style. Learn more.

The New Jewish Theatre is pleased to announce its 27th season of producing professional plays and musicals at the J, beginning in March of 2025. The new season brings beloved shows by celebrated Jewish authors, as well as new work that presents unique perspectives on the Jewish experience. Explore the upcoming season here.

The Repertory Theater of St. Louis presents an enchanting holiday benefit with celebrity guest Sean Gunn, Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm. Celebrity guest Sean Gunn and legendary Jazz performer Denise Thimes lend their star power to the festive evening held at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Campus of Webster University in Webster Groves, MO. Learn more here.

This holiday season, Sold On St. Louis at the Missouri History Museum is a one stop shopping destination for unique, locally-crafted gifts at all price points. With nearly 150 local vendors in one shop, supporting St. Louis' vibrant creative community is easier than ever. Learn more here.

Saint Louis Fashion Fund Board Chair Susan Sherman visited Katherine Bernhardt at one of her three studio/gallery spaces in St. Louis a year ago, where she discovered that several paintings in storage featured fashion content, and “something clicked.” Fast forward to holiday season 2024 and Katherine and Susan’s collaboration will make available to collectors and fans of fashion/art in St Louis and around the world a limited-edition box of three t-shirts featuring images from the Katherine Bernhard’s Supermodel paintings. Read on to find how you can get your hands on these exclusive gems and help raise money for fashion.

No matter which holiday you celebrate this season, it’s time to come together for endless parties this December as we catapult toward New Year’s Day with the dawn of 2025. It’s holiday time in the city. To get this party started, the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis invites you to join them for good times, good spirits and good company for their first 10 for TENN events held December 2, 2024 through 2025.

The “Oscars” of the architectural, building, and interior design industries took place on November 6th, and what a night it was. As they say in movie parlance, “That’s a Wrap!” The dazzling event crystallized at the posh and historic 21c Museum hotel, and was the result of months of scrupulous planning to showcase the best and brightest stars of St. Louis. First, on the street, cars lined up for the valet, attendees then climbed the colorful “Fallen Fruit” staircase up to the 21c museum areas. Servers passed delicious hors d’oeuvres. Guests supped craft cocktails, top-shelf bourbons, fine wines, and all manner of libations while mingling with the tony crowd. A tingle was in the air as the time was approaching to find out who would walk away with a coveted SOPHI. Wait no more… Read on to see who won and the work that earned their trophies.

Did you know that since 1900, the first night of Hanukkah has fallen on Christmas Day five times: 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and 2024? The next time it will happen is in 2035 and then again in 2054. This means that ‘tis the season for holiday shopping and holiday activities for the vast majority. Here we have compiled a big list of things to make your holidays merry and bright, no matter your affiliation. Time to get out and celebrate St. Louis the sophisticated way. Learn more.

Take a holiday along with us to sister properties 45 Park Lane and The Dorchester in London's posh Mayfair district bordering Hyde Park. They provide guests with distinct interpretations of the royal treatment. In 2011, 45 Park Lane was given an extreme makeover inside and out to become a suitable sibling to its sister, The Dorchester, one of London's most iconic hotels since it opened in 1931. See and learn more here.

The St. Louis real estate market is strong. Of course, there are many distractions that cause one to worry if they are making the right real estate decision for their future. No one has a crystal ball. But, selling right now in most instances is a sound choice.  Purchasing your next home is a sound choice. Make sure you consult a professional Realtor to help guide you through the minutia of contracts, negotiations, municipal and legal aspects of every deal. Realtor Julie Lane gives advice on why you might consider selling now.

Gobble Gobble season is upon us. With less than a week left until feast day, many are making plans for Thanksgiving, which takes place this year on Thursday, November 28th. Some choose traditional sit down meals at home, while others choose to dine out, order in, or carry out. According to a November 2023 Popmenu survey, about half of Americans plan to eat out on Thanksgiving, with 17% dining in and 32% ordering takeout or delivery. Whichever way you choose, we’ve got some ways to make the crescendo of your fall season sing.

The Repertory of St. Louis embarks on a new era with star-studded leadership. Artistic Director Kate Bergstrom, and Managing Director Danny Williams comprise the new dynamite duo heading up the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. The pair has only worked together for a few months, yet have accomplished much. In addition to the 900-seat Main Stage Emerson Studio Theater, a new black box space seating 125 beneath the Main Stage, opened in October. Under their leadership, the 2024/25 season is sure to fill those seats. Read more here.

Since 2011, Goebel & Co. has been producing the finest forms of luxury furniture with wood from all over the world, including Missouri. His chairs and tables, credenzas and coffee tables can be found in all corners of the globe. You can pick up one of  his cutting boards at a handful of boutiques in Ladue, but somewhere in northern Zambia is a black walnut throne which he happened to make for Her High Chieftainess, Melambeka of the Lamba tribe, back in 2020. Learn more here about his craftsmanship and unique pieces.

The Gateway Outdoor Summit returns in November with nationally recognized speakers and a new grant program designed to jumpstart community-focused outdoor recreation projects. The summit is a part of an expanded 2024 Gateway Outdoor Expo weekend. The expo, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24 at the St. Charles Convention Center, is an annual consumer show that features more than 200 exhibit booths from outdoor retailers and service providers, fun kids’ activities, product demos, show specials, food and drinks, and other attractions. Learn more.

St. Louisans are invited to honor Veterans and military service members at the 41st Annual St. Louis Regional Veterans Day Observance in Downtown St. Louis on Saturday, November 9. This special parade and ceremony celebrates the bravery and dedication of those who have served the nation, and all are welcome to join the festivities and express their gratitude. Learn more.

On November 23, Gateway Arch Park Foundation opens the ninth annual Winterfest to guests, transforming Kiener Plaza into an enchanting winter spectacle against the backdrop of the iconic Gateway Arch. This beloved holiday season celebration promises a magical experience for visitors of all ages in the heart of Downtown St. Louis. Learn more.

On Saturday, October 26th, Lococo Art Publisher’s Matt Mercer had the privilege of attending the Annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala. The fundraising dinner’s goal was to help fuel the work for LGBTQ+ equality, and to gather together in solidarity. In addition to his table of ten, hundreds of supporters filled the ballroom of downtown’s tony Hyatt Regency Hotel. The gathering was there to celebrate this year’s mission, PEOPLE, PURPOSE, PROGRESS. The event raised thousands of dollars in support of HRC’s mission – to support, protect and defend every member of the community. Read more.

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a beloved Latinx cultural tradition celebrated this year in St. Louis on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd. During this time, Mexicans build ‘ofrendas,’ altars adorned with marigold flowers, candles, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods and drinks of their deceased loved ones. The purpose is to welcome back the spirits of the departed, bridging the gap between the living and the dead. This year the Missouri History Museum and Delmar Loop are recognizing Día de los Muertos with two separate celebrations that bring the recognition of the Day of the Dead to life. Learn more here.

Front steps fill with pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns glow with flickering light, and kids — just like Halloween enthusiasts everywhere — eagerly prepare for the festivities. For many of us, Halloween is a cherished tradition filled with costumes, candy and laughter. Yet for neurodivergent children, Halloween can be challenging. Since the whole world is celebrating, it is important that sensory-challenged children feel included in the holiday. Pathways.org, a resource for parents and healthcare professionals that offers free tools for child development, can help. Learn more.

Autumn is the perfect time to slow down, build a fire, grab some apple cider and sit down for a good read. Here are some Sophisticated Living recommendations. And since your stoves and ovens will soon be heating up for the holidays, we’ve got some books you may want to pick up to make sure you put your best foot forward during this coming season of mirth. Perhaps you are a bibliotaph yourself. If so, sample of our selections.

Fall is peak wedding season and for many the most romantic time of year — after all, it’s the day when couples “tie their eternal knot” of love. Everything must be perfect. The dress. The tux. The flowers. The venue. The reception. And the food. Yes, the food. The food at the reception says it all. Discover a stylish wedding venue many of St. Louis’ elite are talking about and recommending.  Discover Vicia, a place that reflects sophisticated taste levels. Read more.

It’s autumn in St. Louis. As the days of Fall 2024 dwindle down to the precious few, the leaves are finally transforming. They are unmasking. The cooler nights we are having are changing the fall foliage into vivid reds, yellows, and oranges — the signatures of the season. Seize the season. Wrap yourself in it and savor each luxurious drop of it. Celebrate the season — the time of year where humid-free warm days give way to chilly nights. Wrap yourself in sophisticated splendor this year. Here are a few decadently autumnal ways in which you can.