There is so much great shopping in Dallas, that much is undeniable. From the massive outlet mall in Allen to ritzy NorthPark, there's something for just about everyone. Sometimes, though, you don't want to buy a new dress or piece of art that everyone else in the city is going to have. Shopping isn't just about buying the things you need, it's also about buying shit that makes you look cooler than all the people around you.
And to shop for the things that will make all your friends think you're cultured, you should probably head to Bishop Arts. This anti-chain neighborhood is full of great boutiques and shops of all kinds, from organic pet stores to vintage furs. Check out the shops on this list, and try to have a little restraint when you're on this comprehensive shopping tour of the Bishop Arts District.
GreenPet If you need to swank out your dog's situation with some organically-made, gluten-free treats or a locally-crafted collar, GreenPet is a definite must-stop. If your pooch is in tow, the staff here happily hands out treats and can answer any of your questions about the weird, raw frozen food in their fridges. Best of all, many of this tiny shop's offerings benefit charities and local artisans.
Dude, Sweet Chocolate As if you need any convincing to go buy chocolate, Katherine Clapner's delightfully wacky concoctions are perfect for a snack after your stroll down Bishop. Pick up a box of fudge infused with Maytag blue cheese, or grab a few ingredients for your home kitchen, like cocoa-infused olive oils and the shop's highly addictive housemade "Nutella" called Tub o' Love.
DIRT Design Studio Now that we're heading into spring, fresh-cut flowers are a great way to brighten up your otherwise drab workspace. The creative minds at DIRT are always arranging interesting, avant garde arrangements, which you can see at fancy hotels and office buildings all over the city. Pick up something cool for your desk, and try not to cry when you see the price tag.
Bolsa Mercado This eatery/market is a great place to stop for lunch while you're shopping, and also pick up a few interesting ingredients to cook with at home. Bolsa Mercado has a well-curated assortment of mustards, oils, jams, and other culinary goodies that work beautifully in a guest basket or all those Top Chef-inspired dishes you're trying to cook at home. Maybe they'll actually make your food better!
Zola's Everyday Vintage Widely considered to be one of Dallas' best vintage shops, Zola's has an impressive collection of 50s and 60s era furs and clothing. There are plenty of kitschy throwback pieces that are authentic addition to any hipster's basic-ass Urban Outfitters wardrobe, and the occasional rare find that is worth the investment. Scope out their jewelry rack for good deals on funky vintage statement pieces.
Fete-ish The finds inside this shop are just as quirky as its double-entendre name. From ridiculous shit that will only work as gag gifts to truly interesting finds, Fete-ish is where you go when you're looking for a piece that just about no one else in town is going to have. Cheeky t-shirts, one-of-a-kind home goods, and other bric-a-brac abounds, all at really reasonable boutique prices.
Just Add Jeans Affordable boutique prices is pretty much an oxymoron at this point, and the key exception is Just Add Jeans. This women's shop in Bishop Arts is full of unique accessories like kitschy jewelry, vintage-looking sunglasses, and other goodies. Everything here is extremely reasonably priced -- like in the $10 range -- making it a perfect stop for trendy costume jewelry.
Home On Bishop Home On Bishop is an Anthropologie-esque blend of women's clothing, home goods, and decor. The pieces here are well-curated and always interesting, even if the price tag is occasionally a little too steep. There aren't many places where you can find a great jacket, a new purse, and a good piece of art for the walls, but Home on Bishop is one of the best.
Society Society is the home of design firm Jackson Vaughn, and even though you might not be able to afford their decorating services, you should still swing by and pick up one of their lushly scented candles. The Jackson Vaughn proprietary line of scents is comparable to Dyptique or other fancy brands, at about half the price. And, as a bonus, you get to support local creatives.
The Wild Detectives This coffee shop and bookstore is a fave of Bishop Arts hipsters, and it's worth making your way into this tiny shop to browse an equally tiny but well-curated collection of books and vinyl. Maybe you'll happen to stop by while they're hosting a talk with an award-winning author, or maybe you just want a cup of coffee and a quiet place to read The Paris Review. Either way, go to The Wild Detectives.
Bishop Street Market You've probably noticed the sign for Bishop Street Market before, but their hours are a little wonky and it can be hard to tell when they're open. Should you happen to stop by on a day when the doors are open, though, there are plenty of tchotchkes, and other local goodies that are great for gifting. Buy an "I Heart Oak Cliff" shirt to rep the neighborhood that was too scary for you to even venture into a few years ago.
Strut A branch of an Austin women's boutique, Strut is a go-to boutique for women who want to stay trendy without dropping all the pennies from their paycheck. Pop in for a quick costume change before heading to dinner, or pick up a pair of chic sunglasses on a bright summer day. - Lauren Smart
Kristen Lee Boutique There's no such thing as too much fashion in one block. Another affordable women's boutique just down the street helps to keep aspiring fashion-forward Dallas ladies in season and on trend at all times. -LS
Neighborhood Currently closed for renovations, this is one of the coolest spots in Bishop Arts. They have screen prints that will make you giggle (looking for the "I Feel Tipsy and Fresh" print all your hip friends hang above their bar carts? Look no further.). This spot is also owned by two interior designers so they trademarked what they call their "Design Bar" - a one stop shop for your design needs. Plus, they do small scale art shows. Yeah, we <3 you, Neighborhood. We just wish we could afford to be as cool as you. -LS
