From Childhood Memories of Famous-Barr to a Spectacular Nutcracker-Inspired Wonderland, Susie Busch-Transou Brings the Joy of the Holidays to Ladue

By Grayling Holmes

SOME HOLIDAY TRADITIONS ARE SIMPLY TOO MAGICAL TO LET DISAPPEAR.

For four holiday seasons now, I've had the privilege of attending the annual holiday window reveal at Hearth & Soul in Ladue, a store that has become one of my absolute favorite places to shop. And believe me, that's saying something! I'm looking forward to her 2026 holiday window reveal next week.

Whether I'm searching for a fabulous piece of clothing, distinctive jewelry for men or women, an elegant tie, a beautiful scarf, a spectacular place setting, or that elusive gift for someone who seemingly has everything, Hearth & Soul rarely disappoints. And don't even get me started on the stocking stuffers!

But what truly sets this sophisticated lifestyle boutique apart isn't simply its extraordinary merchandise. It's the remarkable ability of founder and CEO Susie Busch-Transou to make shopping feel like an experience, a celebration, and, particularly during the holidays, a cherished family tradition.

And this year, Susie and her talented team are preparing to outdo themselves once again.

Hearth & Soul Founder and CEO Susie Busch-Transou greets a shopper.

On Monday, November 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., Hearth & Soul will unveil its fourth annual holiday window display, appropriately titled "Land of the Sweets."

Inspired by the timeless magic of The Nutcracker, the spectacular installation promises a whimsical wonderland of colorful lollipops, towering nutcrackers, accordion lanterns, and enough imaginary confectionery delights to make even the Sugar Plum Fairy jealous.

AND TRUST ME, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THE BIG REVEAL!

Almost time for the big reveal of the 2025 holiday window display at Hearth & Soul.

When Window Shopping Was an Event

Long before online shopping, overnight delivery, and smartphones, there was something positively magical about pressing your nose against the windows of a beautifully decorated department store during the holidays.

For those of us who grew up in St. Louis during the 1960s and 1970s, the elaborate Christmas windows at Famous-Barr in Downtown St. Louis were nothing short of spectacular.

Typical holiday window display at Famous Barr department store downtown St. Louis in the 60’s and 70’s.

I can still remember the excitement of seeing those magnificent displays, each one a miniature theatrical production filled with dazzling decorations, imaginative scenes, and merchandise that seemed almost too wonderful to be real.

Those windows weren't merely advertising. They were entertainment, inspiration, and a treasured part of the holiday season.

By the 1980s, I was carrying on that tradition with my own children, Amy, Jacob, and Megan, taking them window shopping at department stores throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

We didn't necessarily have to purchase anything. Sometimes the greatest pleasure came from simply admiring the displays, dreaming about the possibilities, and sharing the excitement of the season.

Those memories have stayed with me for decades.

And that's precisely why I have such an affection for what Susie and her team are doing at Hearth & Soul.

They're bringing back a little of that magic.

Susie Busch-Transou at 2025 holiday window reveal

Penguins, Presents and a Christmas Surprise

One of my most memorable Hearth & Soul experiences came in 2024, when Susie unveiled an extraordinary "Antarctic Wonderland" complete with life-sized penguins and a breathtaking icy landscape.

To say I was impressed would be an understatement.

IT BLEW MY MIND!

The imagination, attention to detail, and sheer artistry that went into creating that winter wonderland reminded me of those magnificent department store displays from my childhood.

Susie Busch-Transou at 2024 window reveal with replicas of life-sized penguins.

My bestie and frequent partner in philanthropic adventures, Mary Wimbley, accompanied me that evening.

As luck would have it, among the many shoppers who entered the door-prize drawing, Mary's name was selected!

Her prize? A gorgeous pewter wine decanter shaped like a penguin.

Now, here's where the story gets interesting.

Mary doesn't drink wine. But she certainly knows someone who does!

As a passionate wine enthusiast, I was absolutely delighted when that beautiful penguin decanter mysteriously appeared among my Christmas presents later that year.

Yes, Mary regifted it to me!

SHHH! DON'T TELL SUSIE!

I treasure that decanter, not simply because it's beautiful, but because it represents a wonderful memory of friendship, generosity, and the holiday spirit.

And isn't that what the season is really about?

Sophisticated Living’s Grayling Holmes and Rachel Sokolich enjoy the 2025 Hearth & Soul Holiday Window Reveal celebration.

The following year, Hearth & Soul took its inspiration from the sophisticated streets of New York City, creating a holiday display featuring a floral pergola and themes of community and togetherness.

Each year brings something different. Each year brings another reason to stop, admire, and smile.

The 2025 holiday display featuring a floral pergola and themes of community and togetherness.

Susie Has an Eye for the Extraordinary

Part of the magic of Hearth & Soul is Susie's remarkable talent for discovering merchandise that you simply don't see everywhere else.

She and selected members of her team regularly travel to the East Coast in search of distinctive products, emerging designers, and extraordinary finds they believe St. Louis shoppers will appreciate.

And let me tell you, Susie has an almost uncanny sixth sense about what people will fall in love with.

I discovered that firsthand during my first year with Sophisticated Living St. Louis.

While putting together our annual digital Sophisticated Guide to the Holidays, I came across what remains one of the most exquisite bow ties I've ever seen.

It was made of actual feathers!

Not printed feathers. Not a feather-inspired pattern.

REAL FEATHERS!

The craftsmanship was remarkable, the design utterly distinctive, and the finished piece exactly the sort of accessory that could elevate a gentleman's formal attire from ordinary to unforgettable.

Naturally, I included a photograph of it in our holiday guide.

And where could you find this magnificent creation?

Hearth & Soul, of course!

I've been admiring that bow tie ever since, imagining how fabulous it would look at one of the swanky galas, charitable celebrations, and sophisticated gatherings Mary and I routinely attend.

In fact, I've casually mentioned to Mary that it would make a rather splendid gift.

Mary, darling, if you're reading this...

HINT. HINT.

But that's the beauty of Hearth & Soul. You don't have to travel to New York, Paris, or some exotic shopping destination to discover exceptional merchandise.

Susie brings the discoveries right to us, through her stores in St. Louis and Florida.

Welcome to the Land of the Sweets!

This year's holiday window promises to be an especially enchanting creation.

Inspired by The Nutcracker, "Land of the Sweets" will transform the storefront at 9640 Clayton Road into a fantasy of rainbow-colored lollipops, playful lanterns, festive nutcrackers, and elegant glass canisters filled with candy.

Working with local creative partner Maura Pusateri, the Hearth & Soul team has designed and constructed an imaginative installation that combines the whimsy of childhood with the sophisticated artistry for which the boutique is known.

Inspired by *The Nutcracker*, **"Land of the Sweets"** will transform the Hearth & Soul’s window display into a fantasy of rainbow-colored lollipops, playful lanterns, festive nutcrackers.

Hidden throughout the display will be 25 unique Advent Calendar gifts, setting the stage for one of the store's most anticipated holiday traditions.

And the November 9 unveiling will feature something especially appropriate for a Nutcracker-inspired celebration: a ballet performance by Dimensions Dance Center.

What a delightful way to usher in the season!

I can practically picture the scene already: guests admiring the magnificent window, holiday music setting the mood, friends greeting friends, and shoppers stepping inside to discover the latest treasures.

Previous celebrations have featured carolers, wine, hors d'oeuvres, specialty cocktails, and desserts, transforming the boutique into a festive gathering place.

That's something Susie understands exceptionally well.

HEARTH & SOUL ISN'T JUST ABOUT SELLING BEAUTIFUL THINGS. IT'S ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

And the holidays offer the perfect opportunity to do just that.

A Holiday Shopping Destination for Everyone

What I especially appreciate about Hearth & Soul is the sheer variety of its merchandise.

Looking for a sophisticated hostess gift? You'll find plenty of possibilities.

Need a stunning piece of jewelry, a stylish accessory, or something distinctive for the gentleman in your life? You're in the right place.

Preparing to entertain for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, or another seasonal celebration? The store's beautiful tableware, decorative accents, entertaining essentials, and home accessories provide endless inspiration.

And with Thanksgiving approaching, now is the perfect time to refresh your holiday table.

After all, a beautifully appointed table can make even the simplest gathering feel extraordinary.

What I love most is that Hearth & Soul embraces the broader spirit of the season. Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Nicholas Day, Yule, the Winter Solstice, Bodhi Day, or simply the joy of gathering with loved ones, there's something universally appealing about sharing hospitality, beauty, and kindness.

Susie's store captures that spirit beautifully.

And while some shoppers may arrive searching for a particular item, I suspect many leave with something they never knew they needed.

That's the danger of shopping at Hearth & Soul!

A delightful danger, I might add.

Twenty-Five Days of Holiday Surprises

The excitement doesn't end when the window is unveiled.

From December 1 through Christmas Day, Hearth & Soul will present its popular 25 Days of Giveaways, featuring a different Advent Calendar surprise each day.

Prizes will range in value from $50 to $1,000, highlighting the exceptional variety of merchandise available at the store.

Shoppers can follow the festivities on Instagram at @shophearthandsoul.

And there are plenty of other reasons to visit throughout the season.

The holiday calendar includes a Folds of Honor Happy Hour on November 11, a Better Black Friday shopping event on November 27, and Sweets, Love, and Holiday Cheer: Couples & Cocktails on December 2.

A Guys Night Out is planned for December 17, followed by Cheers to the Procrastinators, running December 17 through Christmas Eve.

I must admit, I know a few gentlemen who could benefit from that last event!

Shopping with a Purpose

Beyond its extraordinary merchandise and imaginative celebrations, Hearth & Soul also demonstrates a meaningful commitment to philanthropy.

Through its ongoing Nonprofit Partner Program, the store selects charitable organizations to benefit from sales of its featured candle of the month.

For November, the beneficiary is Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

In December, the featured organization is Make-A-Wish, whose mission brings hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses.

Net profits from the featured candle's sales during each partnership month will support the respective organization.

It's a thoughtful reminder that holiday shopping can accomplish more than checking names off a gift list.

Sometimes, purchasing a beautiful candle can help brighten someone else's life.

And that is a gift worth giving.

Holiday carolers ring in the season at the 2025 window reveal celebration.

Keeping the Magic Alive

Susie Busch-Transou has described the annual holiday window as an important part of Hearth & Soul's commitment to being more than a store.

And after experiencing these celebrations firsthand, I couldn't agree more.

What she and her creative team have accomplished is something increasingly rare in today's retail world.

They've created a destination where shopping feels personal, hospitality is genuine, and traditions matter.

A place where friends gather, families make memories, and the simple pleasure of admiring a holiday window can transport us back to childhood.

For me, those windows will always evoke memories of Famous-Barr, bustling downtown sidewalks, and the wonder of discovering what treasures might be waiting behind the glass.

Now, decades later, I get to experience that same excitement in Ladue.

And I couldn't be happier about it.

TO MY SOPHISTICATED LIVING FRIENDS AND READERS: MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE NOVEMBER 9 REVEAL!

Bring your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your bestie, or anyone who could use a little extra holiday magic.

And if you can't attend the unveiling, please make a point of visiting Hearth & Soul during the holiday season.

Browse the beautiful merchandise. Discover something unexpected. Find that perfect gift for someone special.

And while you're there, take a moment to admire the window.

Because sometimes the greatest gift isn't what's inside the package.

IT'S THE MAGIC OF THE MEMORY WE CREATE ALONG THE WAY.

And Susie, if you're reading this, thank you for keeping one of my favorite childhood traditions alive.

Now, about that feather bow tie...

MARY, ARE YOU LISTENING?

Celebrate the Holidays at Hearth & Soul

Holiday Window Reveal: Land of the Sweets
Monday, November 9, 2026 | 5–7 p.m.
Featuring a special ballet performance by Dimensions Dance Center.

Hearth & Soul
9640 Clayton Road
Ladue, Missouri

Upcoming Holiday Events

November 11 | 5–7 p.m. — Folds of Honor Happy Hour
November 27 | 10 a.m.–7 p.m. — Better Black Friday
December 1–25 — Advent Calendar: 25 Days of Giveaways
December 2 | 5–7 p.m. — Sweets, Love, and Holiday Cheer: Couples & Cocktails
December 17 | 5–7 p.m. — Guys Night Out
December 17–24 — Cheers to the Procrastinators

Learn more: hearthandsoul.com

Instagram: @shophearthandsoul

SHOP LOCAL. CELEBRATE BEAUTIFULLY. KEEP THE HOLIDAY MAGIC ALIVE