Perhaps Sitting Bull said it best: “Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love.”

You voted, we listened! Ladue News readers know what they like; and with this year's Platinum List, you've made your voices heard. This list compiles the best of St. Louis. 

Looking to add a little color and pattern to your abode? Consider geometrics. Few fabric patterns pack as much punch per square inch. Geometrics add instant graphic interest and style.

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

It’s a new year; and if you’re wanting a new look, consider the new concept in facial rejuvenation: pan-facial volume augmentation.

Sparkle and shine always are a must for the holidays, and this year is no exception. Black and gold is the ‘now’ combination. Paired with Art Deco accessories, you’ll be sure to dazzle all season long.

Make her day with one of these thoughtful hostess gifts.

Whether you want a subtle change that helps hide your age or a more dramatic transformation, there’s a cosmetic procedure for you. The menu at the body transformation buffet continues to expand, offering more choices to fit an array of desires.

Summer vacation has ended, the kids are back in school and trips to the beach are over. However, those hours spent outdoors under the brutal sun have wreaked havoc on your face, and your upcoming schedule is booked full of events where you want to look your very best. With a variety of skin resurfacing techniques, Dr. Gregory Branham of Washington University Facial Plastic Surgery Center can help you achieve that glow. “We’re ending the season where we’ve done the most damage to our skin, so it’s an ideal time to repair and correct before winter,” Branham says.

Had a little too much fun in the sun this summer? Unfortunately, extended sun exposure helps contribute to all those things we’d rather hide: dull skin, discoloration and wrinkles. So what’s a girl to do? First things first: Un-furrow your forehead and un-pout that pucker; then, read on. We may have just the solution for you.

When it comes to the aging face, wrinkles are among the first and most obvious features. And rather than embrace this badge of longevity, many women seek ways to erase these telltale signs.

The war on wrinkles really is a war on aging, says Dr. Joseph Muccini. Beyond just wrinkles, the enemies in the fight include skin damage, laxity, changes in tone, surface and color. With more than 20 years of experience in dermatology, Muccini is equipped to help his patients wage that war at MidAmerica Skin Health & Vitality Center. “Wrinkles don’t occur in isolation; you need to consider everything in context to find the best approach for the patient to achieve the desired results.”

Clayton has always been a dining destination; and now, even visitors to Shaw Park can have a first-class culinary experience in the heart of the city.

 From fine dining to quaint parks, posh hotels and designer boutiques, Clayton boasts extensive options for a relaxing and indulgent weekend.

So it’s almost swimsuit time, and you’re still trying to figure out how you’re going to get into some sort of decent shape before you have to ‘walk the gauntlet’ at the pool. With fitness centers around town open very early in the morning and staying open later, it’s getting harder than ever to get by with the same old excuses anymore. And even if you can’t make it to the gym, surely there is some space in your home where you can carve out a spot to work out. You just have to find a time that works best for you.

One of the most treasured gifts a busy mom can receive is the gift of time. Time to relax. Time to indulge. Time to herself. Just having a day— or even a morning—to recharge is a treat, and looking fantastic afterward is icing on the cake.

It’s only slightly less annoying than ‘muffin top’ or ‘belly bulge.’ Those rolls of fat that form on the back and overhang bra straps can be stubborn and unsightly. But when diet and exercise fail, there are options for eliminating back fat.

A nip and a tuck may not be for everyone, but we still want to maintain a youthful glow for as long as possible. Aging gracefully means different things for different people, and slowing the natural process may be ideal for some. That’s why there are so many over-the-counter (OTC) anti-aging products. But are they all they claim to be?

When it comes to your pets, change usually is a bad thing. A change in routine or work schedule can leave your pet pawing its head in confusion. A change in diet may result in you performing an unanticipated post-work clean-up of gastric proportions. Then, there are those changes that occur during a pet’s life that will lead to other changes that may alarm you, the pet owner. Our discussion this month will center on some of those changes that may or may not be anything to fret about.

From architecture to art, designers draw inspiration from many places and things. But whether it’s new construction or a complete redesign, local professionals agree that their clients’ lifestyles, tastes and favorite things are the chief considerations for any design project.

Traditionally a time for reflection and evaluation, January often means a fresh start. And if your mirror isn’t reflecting the glowing complexion you’d like to see, a laser or chemical peel could be just the thing to brighten your 2012. And winter, it turns out, is just the right time. “This is an ideal time of year to consider a skin rejuvenation procedure,” says Dr. Gregory Branham of Washington University Facial Plastic Surgery Center. “There’s less worry of sun damage to newly treated skin, and you can ‘hibernate’ for a week or so while any redness diminishes.”

You may not be ready or willing to go under the knife in order to look younger, yet you wouldn’t mind a fresher, more rested, youthful appearance. This year, you’ll have more options than ever when it comes to nonsurgical interventions with little or no downtime.