Best of Texas: Dallas Shopping

Let the men have their Cowboys games this fall. When it comes to the super bowl of shopping, no city in Texas can compete with Dallas’s all-star lineup of stores and boutiques.

by Kristie Ramirez

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Ambitious fashionistas flock here for flashy European labels that the owner, former runway model Carla Martinengo, handpicks each season. The shop may be small, but it packs a punch with head-turning Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Chloé, all of whom are known for their energetic patterns. If prints are too loud for your personality, don’t fret. The subtle set will appreciate the clean lines of Jil Sander and Balenciaga. 8300 Preston Rd., 214-739-7076. Open Mon—Sat 10—6. Closed Sun.

Sartel

Hot Item: Kimono shirts made from ivory silk chiffon

Designer Matthew Earnest’s first foray into retail is a lesson in discreet elegance. Intelligently designed clothing hangs from five simple racks along the walls. A George Henry Longly white-neon art installation glows over a Lucite table filled with necklaces and earrings dangling with tiny doll heads that are from the M. Graves collection by Megan Marrin. Under-the-radar girls gravitate this way for dresses and jackets with strong shoulders, slim-fitting trousers, and chiffon peasant blouses that drape in all the right areas. 4212 Oak Lawn Ave., 214-520-7176 or sartel.biz. Open Mon—Sat 10—6. Closed Sun.

Linus Lounge

Hot Item: Shoe-boots

Locals know this place as the best spot in Dallas to buy shoes that no one else in town carries. Perched in a second-floor walk-up near antiques shops in Uptown, it’s open for only a few weeks in the spring and fall or by appointment. Proprietor Kristen Radakovich deals only with designers who aren’t sold in Dallas, and her shelves are filled with forward, not-for-the-meek footwear from Parisian Barbara Bui and Englishman Rupert Sanderson. 2724 Routh, 214-965-0180 or linuslounge.com. Call for hours.

GIFTS

Grange Hall

Smart Buy: Leather jewelry and handbags by Natalia Brilli

Darkly glamorous and often macabre little things fill every nook and cranny in what’s considered the best gift store in town. We can promise you’ll be hard-pressed to find taxidermied birds in bell jars, gold spider pendants covered in pavé diamonds, and shimmering pyrite-laden picture frames any other place. Everything is rare; much of it is an acquired taste. For something lighter, stop in for the gorgeously designed floral arrangements (delivery is available) and the no-need-to-water and budget-friendly succulents. 4445 Travis, Ste. 101; 214-443-0600 or urbanflowergrangehall.com. Open Mon—Sat 10—6. Closed Sun.

The T Shop

Smart Buy: Handpainted glassware called Chickenware

Lori Trent and her husband, Matthew, own this sliver of a Lakewood shop and have it charmingly overflowing with fantastic ideas for any occasion. Items pop out from every direction, but our favorites include fresh flowers and small plants for hostess gifts, candy-bright Italian-leather bound notebooks and cosmetic cases, and alligator- and twig-shaped graphite pencils. There is also a small selection of Matthew’s exquisite jewelry. And since every gift needs a note, Snow and Graham letterpress stationery is at the ready. For those patrons with a literary interest, ask about the store’s “Book Chat,” a lively conversation about novels, movies, and even magazines. 1911 Abrams Pkwy., Ste. 102; 214-821-8314 or thetrentshop.com. Open Mon—Fri 10—6, Sat 11—5. Closed Sun.

Madison

Smart Buy: Alligator-skin scratch pads

Prepare to swoon. Everything down to the oh-so-appropriate navy gift boxes wrapped with lusciously thick navy-and-white-striped grosgrain ribbon screams “proper,” “patrician,” and “very, very chic.” Brooke Astor would have been in heaven. Webster dictionaries bound in brightly colored leather, Christopher Spitzmiller lamps, and hand-painted Herend porcelain figurines are big-ticket recommendations. Winchester Mandala plastic picnic plates, silver-dipped shells, and William Yeoward leaf-shaped porcelain dishes are more-affordable options for the budget-conscious. 45A Highland Park Village, 214-528-8118 or madisondallas.com. Open Mon—Sat 10—6. Closed Sun.

Haven

Smart Buy: Nouvel glassware

Eco-friendly home accessories from around the world find a place at Jon Tutolo and John Bassignani’s relaxing West Village spot. The decor of creams, browns, and whites—even Bassignani’s cocker spaniel matches the interior—suggests a take-your-time attitude. Paraben-free wood-wicked DayNa Decker candles, drinking glasses and bedside carafes, and cozy Matteo bedding are no-fail hostess gifts. Beautifully rustic Estilo Argento trays, pitchers, and bowls, with their signature horn handles, elevate anything from the ordinary to the sophisticated. 3699 McKinney Ave., 214-954-1515 or haven-dallas.com. Open Mon—Sat 11—8, Sun noon—5.

Gardens

Smart Buy: Torrene Bacci hazelnut chocolate

This Austin-based home and garden boutique opened its Dallas outpost last year to a great reception. Discriminating green thumbs appreciate the simple clay pots that look more artful than plain, as well as hard-to-find seeds and bulbs that grow plants hearty enough to withstand the August sun or February ice. Bumbling outdoorswomen will like the surprising selection of artisanal salts, olives, and other cooking accoutrements. 3699 McKinney Ave., 214-528-7770 or gardens-austin.com. Open Mon—Wed 10—7, Thur—Sat 10—9, Sun noon-6.

KIDS

Babybliss

Too Cute To Miss: Shopping cart and high chair covers by Itzy Ritzy

Design-minded mommies flock here for the standout selection of baby and toddler furniture, toys, and clothing. Graphically driven sheet sets from Dwell Studio; modern changing tables, cribs, and bookcases for your Mini-Mes; and the boys’ and girls’ collection from Tea are a few options. And if you’re not a mama but need a shower gift, you won’t go wrong with machine-washable hand-knit cotton dolls by Blabla. 6721 Snider Plaza, 469-232-9420 or shopbabybliss.com. Open Mon—Sat 10—6, Sun noon—4.

Froggies 5 & 10

Too Cute To Miss: The large display of crazy hats and sunglasses

When you’re over toys that need batteries, head here for old-fashioned classics that never go out of style. Roll-and-release metal police cars and fire engines, wind-up tin robots, and silly fake-mustache kits are always in stock (and in demand). And if you’ve ever wondered where to get that hard-to-find collection of Pez dispensers, this is the spot for you. 3211 Knox, 214-522-5867 or froggies5and10.com. Open Mon—Sat 10—9, Sun 11—6.

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