Unique Tailor is a plain-Jane little storefront that stays out front of the competition with great service and very reasonable prices. It's all very democratic and unpretentious. Everybody getting their fat butt or their skinny butt stuck full of pins in front of everybody else, with that kind of mutual shoulder-shrugging look that says, "Yeah, we kid ourselves." Unique Tailor is especially good at salvaging that worn-torn garment you want to keep for no good reason, and they do well with fancy garments, too. They also know all about rush jobs, five-alarm emergencies and critical lists. The staff has doubled over the years, so even though they're busy, they're not slow.

The small shop on Henderson Avenue calls itself a "Guideshop." That's means it doesn't sell clothing, precisely. Or rather it does sell them, but just not there. Confusing. It's simple, really. You go into Bonobos Guideshop to see the clothes, try them on and get fitted. Then you tell them what you want and they then order them from Bonobos via the Internet. Bonobos, you see, is the largest apparel company ever launched online; the Guideshop is its storefront. (It's sort of like the relationship between Best Buy and Amazon, only deliberate.) Why bother going to the store only to order online? Well, first, do you really want to order a pair of pants or a shirt without trying it on? (If yes, we hate you and your perfectly proportioned body.) But most important is the fact that the Guideshop is staffed with friendly, fashionable people who will literally guide you to the right item and fit in everything from tweed slacks and golf-wear to tuxes, business suits and a wide range of styles in shirts, sweaters, outerwear and pants. It's all stylish, modern and tasteful for men of all ages (by that, we mean you won't look like a hipster or your dad, just good). Bonobos calls itself a place for men who hate to shop, but at the Guidepost you might actually enjoy yourself.

This local vintage store is known for many things: eclectic jewelry, taxidermy, antique furniture. But it's the clothing selection that really sets it apart from all other second-hand stores in town. Racks of beaded dresses, fur coats, vests, blouses, denim and more line the entrance of the 3,800-square-foot store. Not to mention, they have all the boots a boy or girl could dream of. Whether you're shopping for a friend's barbecue or a bridal shower, you'll be able to find a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing that'll set you apart.

Buffalo Exchange is a national thrift chain that mainly sells modern, designer-brand and trendy clothes for about half the original price. Shoppers can also try selling their old clothes back, garnering better sales if the clothes are in-season and in good condition. The stores vary widely from each other, with some offering better deals than others, but the Dallas spot is a winner. It's easy to get lost for hours shopping in the Greenville location. High-end designer brands are available, not exactly for cheap, but much cheaper than they were new, and the store carries plenty of trendy clothes that are actually dirt cheap — think Forever 21, but on sale. All of these clothes are geared for younger people on various budgets, and that's what makes the store such a fun, friendly place to shop. On Saturdays and Sundays, the friendly hang-out is crowded with shoppers in their 20s and 30s and salespeople who aren't shy about making conversation on topics that have nothing to do with retail.

The restaurants of the Bishop Arts District earned it a reputation as a hotspot, but that's no reason to overlook the shops that fill many of the Oak Cliff neighborhood's storefronts. Nearly every store lining Bishop Avenue and 7th Street is at least worth peering into from the sidewalk. But if your wardrobe needs refreshing, you'll want to pop into Strut. The selection isn't huge, but the prices are right and they've got both the staples and the trends, from casual blouses and sleeveless tops to numbers perfect for a night out.

Someone keeps telling us that sewing is not a talent; it's a skill that's learned with lots of practice. We hope that's true, because it's becoming pretty clear that we were not blessed with an innate ability to load a bobbin or sew a straight line. And man, we need to know how to sew — clothes aren't made to hold up forever anymore and if we could fix the shoulder seam on that Forever 21 blouse on the fly, we'd be so ahead of the game. Michelle Kitto's Urban Spools wants to get us there — it's a veritable wonderland for beginner sewers, perfect for the under-confident newbie. Not only is there a range of classes for every skill level, but Kitto offers monthly "Sew"-cials, where those of us struggling to complete projects or thread needles can bring our machines and enlist the assistance of sewing pros and their seam rippers. One day, we'll spread our seamstress wings and fly, but for now, we'll take the help. Check the online calendar to RSVP or drop in and check out the inspiring collection of fabric and patterns always in stock.

Have you ever found yourself out for a night on the town hating the outfit you squeezed into on your way out the door? Or maybe your little black dress just isn't as exciting as the night ahead of you. Elluments is the perfect store for a costume change. Grab some jewelry or a sequin jacket and head out for the evening, with just a little more sparkle than when you started.

Sure, there are plenty of nail salons in town, and while most of them will get your nails looking their best, Castle Nail Spa in Mockingbird Station takes your manicure experience to the next level. The spa is perfect if you're looking for a basic mani-pedi or want to indulge in a full-blown spa treatment. There are so many treatments to choose from your classic manicure ($15), to full acrylic sets ($30). Pick from hundreds of nail polish colors, and if you're lucky you'll receive a brief complimentary shoulder rub at the end of your session. Oh, and there's free wine.

We never thought that we'd be able go a full seven days without washing our hair — well, not since that Ani DiFranco dreadlock phase in college, anyway. But it's happened a lot lately, saving us untold amounts of time and energy — and nobody's been the wiser. In fact, thanks to Pouf, our 'do gets more compliments than ever. The dedicated stylists there scrub your scalp, massage your head and neck, then give you a choice of several styles before they turn on the hair dryer and work their magic. The results: shiny, smooth and perfect hair that lasts for days with just a squirt or two of dry shampoo along the way. The locally owned salon specializes in blowouts, and they've got the service down pat. But what really sets Pouf apart from other blow-dry joints is their attention to detail: complimentary beverages served with twee striped paper straws; retro décor; easy online booking; and stylists who don't treat you like the next part on the assembly line. Pricing is super reasonable, too, with discounts for services Mondays through Wednesdays.

We all know that furniture shopping can be expensive, especially when seeking out the latest trends. The mid-century look is so hot right now, but you'll spend a pretty penny to re-create the look for your home. So, instead of shelling out $5,000 for that vintage-looking dining table, why not pay a fraction of that for the real thing? The Salvation Army Family Store is always stocked full of furniture, some of which is shaggy, but there's also the occasional chic piece. While it can be hit-or-miss, chances are if you frequent the second-hand shop enough, you'll find the perfect piece for your home.