Shopping & Services

Located in the Oak Cliff Tower, Massages by Gaby is an oasis for relaxation. Owner Gaby Torres has created a sanctuary to pause and recharge, but what sets Torres and her team of massage therapists apart is their focus on enhancing mobility. Torres ensures you are rejuvenated and renewed. Trigger points are identified and released through specialized techniques. Tension melts out of the body as the team’s magic hands work to increase mobility and circulation. Torres dedication to top-quality and care has paid off in word-of-mouth referrals. Over the last year, Torres has garnered a loyal clientele who keep her growing team booked solid. Weekend couples massages, which we highly recommend, are booked instantaneously. Pro tip: turn on Instagram notifications for the Massages by Gaby Instagram account for availability updates.

High-quality, cute activewear from a shop that is locally owned is hard to come by, but Revolted Soul offers just that, plus they donate a portion of all sales to cancer awareness efforts. The brand offers gym wear for men and women, and the designs rival that of Alphalete, another big Texas activewear brand. Founder and owner Alexis Nosrati created the brand in solidarity with others living with, recovering from and surviving cancer. This is clearly a passion project for Nosrati as she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 16 and was treated at Children’s Health in Dallas. In 2023, she was able to give back by donating over $1,000 to Children’s Health CCBD.

A few blocks off the Denton square, True Leaf Studio is worth the trek if plants and tattoos are your thing. Owners Taylor and Michael Bales can usually be found at the shop. Taylor is the plant and terrarium expert while Michael is the tattoo artist who specializes in black and gray botanical tattoos. They occasionally host events where you can get walk-in flash tattoos, but you’ll want to book an appointment if you have a specific design in mind. If you want to build a terrarium, there’s a station where you can customize your own. Keep an eye on their Instagram for events because there’s almost always something fun happening there on the weekends.

In the age of AI-generated art and the gig economy, there’s never been a more crucial time to support local artists. Deep Ellum retailer Everything Ellum has been making space for such artists since 2021. The “wearable art” they have for sale (shirts, stickers, accessories and more) is emblazoned with the work of established and up-and-coming Dallas artists and is handmade locally, providing an ideal and ethical alternative to mass-produced graphic tees.

Good things come in small packages. Even better things come in luxurious, experiential packages wrapped in the finest paper and bows. This seems to be the philosophy at Dallas Gift Wrap Creations, concierge gift wrapper to the stars. We mean this quite literally, as a photo of one of their creations, a birthday present to Taylor Swift from Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, was splashed across national headlines last year. CEO Anita Invancevic sources her rare materials from all over the world, including opulent wrapping paper all the way from Switzerland. When you’re wanting to go above and beyond with a gift, sometimes what’s on the outside counts as well.

Both buying and maintaining camera equipment can be costly and time-consuming, especially if your technical know-how isn’t at quite the same level as your creative skills. Competitive Cameras is a one-stop shop for solutions to all your camera woes. If you’re looking to buy new gear, the knowledgeable staff can help you make sure you’re walking away with exactly what you need. If you can’t afford a piece of equipment you need, they have a variety of rentals to choose from. On top of that, they clean and repair the stuff you already have. All of these services have prices that feel fair and reasonable, which is always welcome to photographers.

Many people who consider their dogs to be their babies have a high bar for pet services. The Urban Dogg clears our bar with flying colors, and we’re not just referring to the vibrant interior. The staff at Urban Dogg provide more than just high-quality cuts in a timely manner. The staff is attentive to the needs of their dog clients and make sure their experience before and after grooming is as high-caliber as the service itself. Your dog will return to you fresh as a daisy as well as fast friends with their groomer. That tells you all you need to know.

Countless studies have shown Dallas to be one of the leading markets for age-vaporizing injections, but aging with grace can quickly turn into a real-life episode of botched in the hands of the wrong injector. The right injector has to have a patient bedside manner, be well educated in their field, be licensed and, most important, listen to their patients’ goals and desires. Skin Pharm Southlake’s Rebekah Starkey is that person. The nurse practitioner specializes in natural-looking aesthetics. Backed by Skin Pharm’s technology, the skillful injector uses her knowledge of facial anatomy to shave years off of your face without pushing unnecessary or excessive treatments. If you’re not ready for injections, Starkey is well-trained in her field and can tap into Skin Pharm’s menu of cutting-edge treatments including gold infusion facials, microneedling and platelet-rich plasma to give you plump, youthful skin.

Raise your hand if you’ve been a victim of eyebrow blindness. If you aren’t raising your hand you’re either lying or a client of Natalie Salas, known online as Caffeinated Brows. Since 2021, she has refined her craft to create symmetrical, perfectly arched brows. Salas has a gift for transforming challenged brows into gorgeous, crisp, clean brows. We can personally confirm Salas can take over-plucked Y2K brows and turn them into a work of art with brow mapping, a little wax, tint and a lamination. Now, the brow artist can do it from the comfort of her newly opened brow studio, Brow Haus. The brows of your dreams are only one Brow Haus appointment away.

We know you love weird little shops with weird little trinkets. At Dolly Python and its sister shop, Dolly on Bishop, you can find the coolest, weirdest stuff. There’s a reason that they were recognized by Vogue (even though we must interject that we covered the shops first). It’s the perfect place to find gifts for the eclectic person in your life (who is probably yourself). For example, we found a bucket full of plaster dental molds for just $5 a pop. Score! If assortments of dental molds aren’t your thing, that’s OK. The main store on Haskell Avenue is known for its incredible cowboy boot collection, so if you’re looking for some sweet new boots, vintage clothes and weird things, this is the place to go.

Nails are a luxury that Priscilla Ayala, owner of Polished by Priscilla, doesn’t take lightly. A Polished by Priscilla nail set is the epitome of quality. Over the last four years, Ayala has crafted her diligent technique for the perfect set of nails. The home-based nail technician is meticulous with application, shape and filling. Ayala applies acrylic to create a smooth seamless layer that is a client’s preferred thickness, length and shape. Her inviting demeanor welcomes clients to voice their preferences and concerns, but that’s not usually warranted. Ayala is keen on detail and will ensure a set is up to her top-notch standards.

This might be news to you, but the Lone Star State does in fact have a medical marijuana program. Sure, the program is heavily restricted, limited to low-THC edibles, but, hey, we’ve got one. Texas Original is one of three marijuana businesses in the state licensed to participate in its medical marijuana program, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). You have to have a qualifying condition to participate in TCUP. If you do, you’ll want to take a gander at Texas Original’s offerings. They’ve got THC beverages, tinctures, gummies and chocolates to choose from with varying levels of THC. With several pickup spots in North Texas, if you’ve got a prescription, you might want to just go ahead and bring it to Texas Original. They’ll fix you right up.

PPV carries all your smoking needs and more from pipes to papes and vapes (hence the name). PPV has been in business in Dallas for about 23 years. If you’re looking for a new piece of glass to smoke your stash out of, look no further than PPV. The shop once carried only merchandise, glass and other smoking accessories, but it has changed a bit over the years. It now stocks kratom, THC edibles and vaporizers. So, next time you drop and break your piece, visit PPV.

You won’t want to sleep on this delta-9 syrup, but you might want to sleep after you’ve taken some. Packed with 150 milligrams of hemp-derived delta-9 THC, a sip of this stuff will smoothen your day in a heartbeat. The syrup comes in several flavors, including fruit punch, lemonade, blue raspberry and strawberry. Each 60-milliliter bottle of serum comes with just over 10 servings, and every dose should hit you in a matter of minutes. Try a teaspoon or tablespoon to start off, then venture into higher doses. We enjoy taking the whole bottle ourselves. You can find Wyatt Purp delta-9 syrup online and in shops across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Oak Lawn Place had its soft opening in July. It’s a spot where seniors in Dallas can have an affordable place to live. Backed by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, this housing project will have 84 high-quality units for adults 55 and older in an environment intended to support the LGBTQIA+ community. Seniors of any sexual orientation can rent at the complex, but those behind the project hope to make it a welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ residents through community art and various programs. The units will serve residents who earn from 30%–60% of the area median income, and more than half of the units are reserved for those making below 50% area median income.

Curly hair is a science that Talya Cooper has mastered. Cooper, who goes by Talya Jade on socials, is a wizard when it comes to curly hair. She understands on an intimate level the complexities involving curly hair such as curl type, porosity, density and texture. It was her own personal struggle to find someone who could cut her curly hair that pushed her to pursue a specialization in coils. Her passion is evident in her work. Juicy, voluminous curls are a guarantee when you sit in her chair. Education is a bonus. Along with a curly cut, Cooper guides clients through care, maintenance, styling and diffusing methods, ensuring they have all the insight they need to keep their curls looking their best.

With 10 locations around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Smoke Art seemingly has it all. It’s got bongs, zongs and bubblers. It carries e-liquid, delta-9 and delta-8 THC and THCa. It even carries TRE House magic mushroom gummies. Whether you’re looking for some high-potency THCa flower or something to smoke it in, Smoke Art has you covered. Do yourself a favor and head to one of Smoke Art’s locations and buy some Voodoo Exocit lemon cherry gelato THCa flower. It’s good quality, grown indoors and packs a punch with 39% THCa. You’ll thank us later for introducing you to Smoke Art.

Miriam Ortega is an Oak Cliff veteran with 23 years of experience in the multiple specialties of color-correction, blonding blends and custom-curated cuts (especially those blunt bobs that are all the rage right now). For 16 years she owned and operated Studio 410 on Davis Street in the heart of the Bishop Arts District, and in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, she relocated within the neighborhood to the corner of Madison Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard and opened Art On Hair Collective. The intimate three-chair salon experience includes complimentary custom cocktails, a luxurious service-forward approach to pampering and only the highest-end hair products. The proof is in her Instagram feed, which displays an astounding collection of before-and-after hair transformations. Ortega is truly an artist who has mastered the medium of hair. Let yourself be her canvas.

Everything’s bigger in Dallas, especially when it comes to fashion. The bigger, the bolder, the bossier the look, the more we love it. That’s why when it comes to artist-turned-designer Alexis Daniels and her label AND-Made, her larger-than-life earrings and accessories automatically fit in a Big D way. This vibrant fashionista is growing in popularity as celebrities such as Tabitha Brown, SWV, Jekalyn Carr and even Dallas “it” girl Tashara Parker don her wearable art for the ultimate statement. These delicately handcrafted, oversized earrings will undoubtedly turn heads when you sport them.

Whether you’re flying to the Maldives or a staycation in Paris (Texas, that is) the Annia Louisa collection oozes luxury appeal with well-traveled vibes. Curated by Dallas socialite Annia Jenkins, this award-nominated ready-to-wear collection is inspired by her worldly travels, with an upscale flair. Animal prints, vibrant hues and golden embellishments adorn the silhouettes of kaftans, kimonos, swimwear and dresses, which can all be dressed up or down to the occasion. If it’s the yacht life by day and the beach club by night, this Dallas brand is always willing and ready to take you away.

When you’re ready for your close-up, Stephen Goudeau is waiting for your call. The not-so-hidden gem has designed for the greats including Emmy winner Tabitha Brown, Grammy winner Erica Campbell, Tyra Banks and many other A-list celebs. His works have debuted from the runways of NYC to the closets of your favorite fashionistas. Despite it all, the ready-to-wear, bridal and couture designer keeps it humble by crafting collections for every woman and every “body.” With a knack for precision, Goudeau “is here to make a difference and leave a significant mark on the industry” — but most importantly, in your closet.

Classic, sleek styles are in, with a focus on function and even more simplicity. Designer Deseri Kelley takes notes, marrying form with quality for her “haute” new, hand-painted leather designs. A little razzle dazzle is always up for grabs — and this is where the DESERI Basquiat-inspired bags come out to play. Is it streetwear or formal? Who knows? But maybe that’s the intention behind the distinctively artful decor. Channeling a bit of edge to a once soft, contemporary feel, it’s left to the wearer to dictate what personality this luxurious, wearable art will exude.

Wade College graduate and fashion “Rising Star” nominee John Paul Thomas is no stranger to designer menswear. He’s been crafting high-end streetwear for over a decade, and it’s all in a day’s work for Thomas’ popular growing label, Jacob & John. Splashing the pages of British Vogue and GQ and acquiring a brand partnership with Macy’s, Jacob & John is at the pulse of men’s fashion for local shoppers and customers from around the world. Releasing a new footwear collection along with track jackets, trousers, and more, Jacob & John is taking casual, comfort and cool to the optimum next level.

They may not be the most affordable cowgirl boots Dallas has to offer, but they sure would be perfect for a Nashville bachelorette trip. Or an SMU football tailgate. Or a night at the Eras Tour. You get the idea. Founded last year by sisters Kasey Lemkin, who lives in Preston Hollow, and Lawren Sample in Los Angeles, Partlow Boots have been featured in Vogue, W Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar. The boots are sold online and at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue nationwide.

Dreaming of an original ’59 Les Paul? All you need is a blank check and directions to Jimmy Wallace Guitars. The local musician and longtime guitar dealer opened a storefront in downtown Garland almost five years ago, and we’re sure grateful to have a peek at his collection of vintage and rare instruments. The shop easily doubles as a museum and has become a must-visit for everyone from aspiring guitarists to celebrities. (Post Malone recently dropped off his 1937 Martin acoustic guitar for repair.) Wallace is well known from his years performing with legends like The Cars and Willie Nelson and for helming the Dallas International Guitar Festival. But his shop doesn’t cater only to the rich and famous. It’s also deeply rooted in the community. Jimmy Wallace Guitars sponsors concerts that have re-energized downtown Garland, and its staff are always willing to help a beginner pick out the right gear. After all, the next virtuoso could be you.

From greeting cards to jewelry to baby bibs, Mosaic Makers Collective is stuffed to the brim with knicks and knacks. And everything in the shop is made by local women creatives and artisans. Make sure to check out the quirky T-Shirts and Texas-themed stickers. Anything you need for a hostess gift or birthday present is sure to be sold here at all price points.

Bishop Arts’ baby and toddler store, DLM Tots, sells unique clothing and toys that would make any “Mom”fluencer swoon. Highlights are the book selection sold with accompanying character stuffed animals, inflatable “AirFort” castles and luxury sidewalk chalk sold in ice cream and citrus shapes. The Tots shop opened in a recently renovated cottage as a spinoff of the nearby boutique DLM, which still has a modest children’s section in the back of the store.

Other than the impressive selection of Jellycat stuffed animals on the third floor, there aren’t many things for sale at the downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus that the average citizen could afford on a whim. Nonetheless, a walk around the six-story store is a fun way to spend a rainy day or show off to an out-of-towner. Try on $500 shoes and peek into the bridal salon, but plan to walk out empty-handed nine times out of 10.

Self-professed Dallas fashionistas may love a head-to-toe logo, but we think it’s better to let the quality of your clothing do the talking. The term “quiet luxury” entered the vernacular last year thanks to Succession, and no local boutique offers that look quite like Studio Sebastian. A Snider Plaza stalwart for over 20 years, the shop is full of European mainstream and emerging designers you won’t find anywhere else. Although the prices are high, the fabrics always feel heavenly — and these subtle styles are so chic, they’ll never go out of style, assuring your cost per wear makes it (almost) worth it.

Stag is one of those shops that is so good you forget it’s there. Founded in Austin, this “modern-day general store” opened in the Knox Henderson area in 2014. Since that day, they’ve sold the same classic roots-influenced clothing even as mall stores and chains have overtaken the surrounding area. In the summer, you’ll find bold print shirts and shorts that’ll brighten any barbecue. In the winter, shop classic cabin-fever looks like flannel shirts and Double RL sweaters.

Shopping for great gifts locally can be challenging, but the custom furniture shop Scout Design Studio has slowly but surely filled the void. In addition to selling vintage and bespoke furniture in all the colors, it has all the coffee table books, trays, frames and desk accessories anyone would be thrilled to unwrap. Give your irreverent aunt an embroidered pillow cover that says, “Fuck It,” or charm your bestie with a stool shaped like a giant ice cream cone or stack of doughnuts. The odds are good (and the goods are odd) enough to ensure something for everyone on your list.

In Dallas, cold plunges are everywhere. Offline and online, all the Dallasites are indulging. However, the plunge hits differently after you’ve explored 46 soaking pools, all ranging in varying temperatures, global inspirations and mineral balances. This is the magic of WorldSprings, which is now the hot, new wellness club where we all want to be. After enjoying a soak or two, dunk into a cold plunge to give yourself full-body recovery and wellness. Afterward, get cozy and warm up around one of the destination’s fire pits, relaxing in an Adirondack-style chair. Trust us, you’ve never done a plunge like this.

Before you serious crate diggers come for our heads, we’re not saying that Growl Records has the greatest vinyl inventory in all of DFW, though its selection is pretty cool. We will confidently say, however, that this Arlington record shop provides everything we want in one night: It has live bands and is connected to a pizza shop and to a brewery that has trivia nights. So you can go back and forth among all these places in a few steps and indulge in your hobbies at one stop. The shop is a punk oasis in a sports-heavy town and sells other things you can play: scary toys called “deadly dolls,” for starters.

Polaroids and 35mm cameras are back. However, the days of one-hour photo development are long gone. Sure, you can take your disposable camera and 35mm film to be developed, but it could take up to a month to get your photos back. But as an artist (yes, you), you can also support other local artists at Photographique lab. Developing from negatives is a fading art form, but the team at Photographique is keeping it alive (and offering darkroom rentals and tutorials). Photographique also specializes in creating larger forms of photography on canvas as well as putting together photo boxes. Most orders are completed within two to three days. (They also have a retail location where you can shop or drop off film at 409 W. Eighth St. in Bishop Arts District.)

At the best place to thrift in the gayborhood, fresh donations keep Out of the Closet stocked with great finds. Clothes, furniture and plenty of knick-knacks to keep your apartment decorated, all while supporting your community. Also providing free testing and an AHF pharmacy in the back, it’s really a one-stop community shop.

When it’s midnight and you desperately need an, uh, implement, Amazon can’t help you. It’s important to shop local anyway, so head to your nearest New Fine Arts. Trust us, they have everything you need. It’s got accommodating hours and an extremely wide ….selection. You can’t go wrong to pop in and stock up on onanistic — or shared, you lucky dog — essentials at New Fine Arts.

Since 1988, the White Rock Center for Hope’s hundreds of volunteers have provided food, financial assistance and clothing to families in need, so you can feel guilt-free here about your shopping addiction, knowing your money is going to a proven good cause. The East Dallas nonprofit’s resale shop accounts for half of the operation’s revenue, and, most important, always seems to have the furniture you’re looking for to make your place look sophisticated enough even on a low-wage budget. All right, so you won’t find an Eames lounge chair or an Yves Klein Table (please, tag us immediately if you do,) but you can easily score a fine dining room table or a roll-top desk in good condition and help clothe and feed a family in the process, which, they say, is far more rewarding.

While scientists and bloggers debate the benefits of basking in the sun with and without sunscreen, many of us would rather consume vitamin D in capsule form than risk more wrinkles and sun damage of all kinds. If you share that sentiment, fake tans are a safe bet, and some could say that they even give off a presidential glow. Flawless Tans uses an organic airbrushing technique and takes real pride in color matching so you don’t end up Oompa-Loompa-ing the next day. The company, founded by Shelby Mesh, also offers mobile tans to a select few Dallas ZIP codes and cheaper sessions when conducted by students.

Most North Texans don’t have the luxury of running to a salon after work when we have to hustle to pick up kids from daycare, get groceries and cook dinner. Nor do we want to face the weekend rush, when everyone is trying to get all done up last minute before date night. This is why there’s no greater joy than making a nighttime trip to the nail salon to take care of semi-important self-care in the form of a mani-pedi, wax, facial or a massage. Fab Nail in Oak Lawn is in the heart of the gayborhood, so you know it’s just as fab as its name promises. Walk-ins are welcome, and if you go at night especially, you won’t need an appointment. We highly recommend the citrus-y, tropical pedicure, which goes great with the salon’s cocktails.

No matter how much we hate seeing strangers’ sloppy feet bloating out of their flip-flops while we’re trying to enjoy our lunch, we gotta recognize that feet are important. And we should show them some love from time to time for getting us where we most need to go (because your car will not get you to your fridge and pantry). Foot Therapy in Dallas specializes in reflexology that’ll decompress, de-stress and de-mess your spirit from the bottom up. It also offers full-body or neck-shoulders-back combos, all in a tranquil space meant for optimum relaxation that’ll Office Space your work problems into complete oblivion. It’s also open late. Super late. Prices are fairly reasonable for an hour of the pampering your feet deserve, no matter how gnarly.

To check out the sprawling collection at InkQ Rare Books, you have to either make an appointment or stop by and get lucky that staff is there. Inside, check out a selection from the personal library of late author William Goldman, as well as newspapers dating back to the 1780s. The shelves are stocks with rare first editions, signed copies and oddball gems, particularly in the pulp section near the back. You’re not going to find the latest Colleen Hoover here, and prices tend to be on the high end, but InkQ is absolutely worth a stop for Dallas bookworms.

When a shop is lauded by Vogue and GQ Magazine‘s “Best Of,” you know they’re doing something right. And for gentlemen (and ladies) looking for that classic Americana/Western hybrid style, Nylo Wool is a best-in-class boutique we’re very lucky to have in our hometown. Billed as “the clothes Dallas grew up in,” Nylo’s selection hearkens back to the days of high-quality, American-made clothing. Whether you’re looking for old rock tees, tailored blazers or well-worn Levi’s, each carefully selected item has a timeless appeal that transcends trends.

Oasis Plant Shop is a cozy green breath of fresh air nestled in the Bishop Arts District. The shop itself is a neighborhood home converted into a nursery, so walking in gives you a comfortable feel. When you combine that with the customer service (they’ll do their best to explain how not to kill it), you get a top-notch plant shop. Most of the plants are small, apartment-worthy decorations that could give your small dwelling some life. And if your plant starts to look sad, just call them for a telehealth consultation.

Need a last-minute gift or something to freshen up your teenaged son’s bathroom? Then head to Bella and Brawn in the Bishop Arts District for the most distinct selection of candles in Dallas. These organic, hand-poured candles come in all sorts of entertaining vintage vessels, like gravy bowls, candy jars, duck-shaped glassware and colorful carnival glasses. Stop in during the holidays for seasonal selections as well. The best part is you can get your vessel refilled for a small price.

Dated Faded Worn has perhaps the best selection of vintage sports clothing in Dallas, including hats, sweaters, windbreakers, shirts and much more. What makes Dated Fade Worn so special is that it’s true retro vintage, with products matching the styles of the ’80s, ’90s and aughts, across all sports and leagues. This Deep Ellum store is a must-stop for collectors. If you want to buy a gift for a sports fan or freshen up your look for the next watch party, Dated Faded Worn is the spot.

When you want to nurture a living thing but an actual pet is too much of a commitment, why not try a (virtually) unkillable sprout from Roadrunner Rarities? It’s the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Annie Dibble Holland (who landed the best Girly Gift Shop last year with Lone Chimney Mercantile), and Chimney’s “newest side piece” offers the same easygoing vibe. Pick your favorite succulent, choose from a vast selection of Holland’s carefully sourced kitschy pots and mugs, then add funny additions like vintage beer cans or crystals on stakes to decorate. Voila! You just achieved green thumb status without even trying.

Billed as “an eclectic metaphysical shop,” Dallas’ Oldest Witch Store is known as the place to stock up on incense, tarot cards, herbs and books on palm reading. The purple Craftsman home in Lower Greenville is also the ideal shop to make wishes and dreams come true with a pre-blessed candle (or two). Just tell the helpful staff your intention (making up with a pal, a new career opportunity or just a good swipe on Tinder), and they’ll recommend the perfect option plus instructions to set your intention and follow it through. You might be surprised at the results. Blessed be!

If you’re a candle connoisseur, you know the worst thing ever is some overpriced chunk of well-packaged wax that doesn’t emit much of a fragrance when fired up. There’s no danger of that happening with one of Jackson Vaughn’s sweetly saturated, hand-poured options, which permeate a room with all the scents of a Texas summer (or fall or winter). The 24-year-old shop has plenty of scent-sational options. Still, our favorite is the Texas Collection, which distills everything from the State Fair midway (caramel, hay and toasted vanilla) to the Fort Worth Stockyards (leather, patchouli and dry straw) in pure soy wax.

If you’ve been shopping for shoes lately, you probably checked with a loan officer beforehand. The rising cost of footwear makes the idea of recycling all the more appealing. Not buying used shoes, although that’s fine, but repairing your shoes instead of chucking them into the trash. This is where Rico Hillside Shoe Services marches in to save the day. Rico’s is reasonably priced, quick and reliable. And repairs to accessories such as purses and belts are also on the menu.

The attentive reader will have noticed that this business is not to be found at Ross and Greenville avenues. OK, let’s move on. Two qualities to look for when selecting an auto mechanic, a plumber or a brain surgeon: honesty and competence. At Ross & Greenville Automotive, you’ll be treated fairly and your vehicle will be returned to you as good as new. Well, in a lot better condition than when you took it in. If you’re not happy, they’ll make you happy. One fellow we know took his car in for a front-end job and was told it would cost $2,000. “That’s more than the car is worth, so I wouldn’t do it if I were you,” advised the mechanic. Need we say more?

If you’re a dude who loves to wear his labels on his sleeve, Martini Man Consignment has got you. Not for the shrinking violets in the room, this new boutique from the duo that brought you Vintage Martini Consignment offers everything from streetwear by Supreme to just-off-the-runway looks by Balenciaga and Gucci. Not scared of print and pattern? Simply stroll past the giant Bob’s Big Boy statue on Knox Henderson to discover a wonderland of labels that will assure you’ll stand out at every high-end Dallas soiree.

In today’s world of fast fashion, it says a lot for an independent boutique to have the longevity of Vintage Martini Consignment. An Observer favorite year after year, the shop again earns a spot on this list for its refusal to keep things static. Owners Ken Weber and Greg Kelly aren’t resting on their laurels anytime soon. The duo plans a big expansion a couple of doors down from their current spot with the same mix of contemporary designer and iconic vintage its fans have loved since 1999. But now, you can shop in a bright, open space filled to the brim with art, clothes and accessories.

Victoria can keep her secrets; the best sexy underclothes shop in Dallas is Trousseau. The intimate Cedar Springs boutique is as sexy as you wanna be yet never tasteless. Whether you need a non-grandma bra to support the girls or you’re looking for a complete Dita von Teese-style set of suspenders and pasties (designed by Dita herself), Trousseau will make your (and your partner’s) lingerie dreams come true.

Benny Jack is not your grandma’s antique store, although she might find something she likes. The eponymous owner carries classic oil paintings, art deco furniture and French statuary, but he’s likely to display it alongside exotic taxidermy, tribal artifacts and religious relics. If someone were going to reboot The Addams Family for 2024, the set designer would find all they needed right here at Benny’s. As for the less Gothically inclined? A mid-century chair or Florentine mirror is always just waiting for a good home.

Sometimes you want to get away, catch your breath and just … breathe. Specializing in a wealth of healing modalities, Breathe Meditation and Wellness is a candyland for wellness seekers, which makes it one of the best in the Big D. Upon walking in, a wave of serenity washes over the senses, allowing you to settle into higher vibrations. Craving some “woo”? Breathe offers new- and full-moon ceremonies, intuitive readings, shamanic experiences (think beating drums, plant meds and more), crystal bed chakra therapy and a plethora of reiki energy healers to balance your body from good to great.

“Self-care isn’t selfish” is how the saying goes, but Be So Selfish wants you to be “radical” with your self-care — and a little selfish. Catch this bath and body wonder popping up at local events or at Legacy West and snag your fix of Selfish Sugar Scrub, I Love Me room spray or the ultimate fan fave, the Selfish Milk Bubbles, which takes your bath from good to luxuriously great. There’s also an array of hand-crafted soaps, candles and wax melts that help you to be even more selfish and more self-centered when making it all about you.

Photographer Kathy Tran, the consummate creative, recently opened Kessler Studios in Oak Cliff to host a wealth of creative experiences for the community. She then expanded the space for wellness, and it now hosts some of the best practitioners from North Texas. If you’re looking to test your downward dog or mindfulness mudra outside of a traditional studio, then consider channeling your zen with a consciously cool vibe at Kessler Studios. Unique classes of plant medicine with sound, baddie bootcamps featuring twerk + movement classes, oracle readings with sound, and breathwork, will surely give you the self-care variety that you desperately need.

This West Village spot is one of the best local stops for permanent jewelry — yes, the kind you never take off. The entire process is Insta-worthy as you select from a varied assortment of bracelets then wait patiently for your sparkling beauty to be fused onto your wrist … forever. Add a charm (or two) for a little razzle dazzle, and you’re all zapped up and ready to go. This jewelry bar is such an experience that you will naturally whip out your phone for the ‘gram. Trust us, every single spark is totally worth the snap.

Alive and Well is more than just a “sanctuary for health.” It’s an addictive one-stop destination for luxurious spa treatments, functional medicine and supplements. Providing a “holistic health ecosystem that nourishes your mind, body and spirit,” this Highland Park-ish venue is one where you could holistically play all day. We recommend ozone therapy. Instead of climbing into a chamber, you can lie back in a recliner overlooking the Katy Trail while they insert ozone gas into the body via a process called ozone insufflation. It’s quick and easy.

Everyone’s gone country — or hoity tonk (as we’ve coined it) — with their style, and there’s no better place to shop the trend than in Dallas. Boot scoot your way to Bishop Arts and you’ll stumble upon a hidden haven called Indigo 1745. With styles for men and women the mom-and-pop shop has snagged some unique cowboy hats ranging from soft suede to leather, with studs or silver adornments, ombre dye, multi-texture combos and more. So whether you’re a classic, edgy or boho trendsetter, our hats are off to this Oak Cliff gem for having something special just for you.

Have you ever felt the sense of weightlessness? Even better, have you been curious about sensory deprivation therapy? Float tank therapy’s popularity has increased in Dallas as an alternative form of meditation, and it’s a deeply relaxing way to shed stress, worries and frustration. Riviera Spa is the home to multiple therapeutic float tanks that invite you to privately float in a water solution that contains over a half ton of Epsom salts. After emerging from your private 60-minute session, enjoy a rinsing shower followed by some herbal tea to bring you back down to the real world.

Girls just wanna have fun — and for some, to be the masters of their own beauty destiny. For a spin to happy hour, grab the girlies and head to this West Village bar to get all up in the “MYX” while you create your very own lipstick. A MYXologist will help you choose from numerous styles of lipsticks and lip gloss while you customize your own shade to complement your skin tone. Toast it all up and kiss the doubt away, because after naming your new lippie, this will be one MYXperience that will always throw a good amount of shade.

Depending on how much you take, these little guys will send you to the moon and back. They will make you trip, there’s no doubt about it. After taking one, the effects might be hard to feel for some. Three gave us an exceptional head high that made it hard to focus on anything. Take seven and forget about it. You might just be out of commission for the next three to five hours. Some 45 minutes to an hour after ingesting seven of these gummies, everything seemed to be moving out of the corners of our eyes. Colors seemed brighter and shadows seemed darker. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe think twice about closing your eyes because the visuals will continue even behind your eyelids.

For her work in the CBD industry, Forbes once called cannabis attorney Chelsie Spencer the “rare friendly face in the midst of a cutthroat CBD hurricane” and “the person you want on speed dial when things turn sour.” She represents cannabis dispensaries, growers, processors, manufacturers and retailers. Recognized as a super lawyer in cannabis by Thompson Reuters, she’s president of the Texas Hemp Legal Fund. Spencer also serves as chair of the International Cannabis Bar Association’s Amicus Committee and as vice president on the board of directors for the Texas Cannabis Council. Spencer has helped state and federal lawmakers draft legislation around cannabis.

We never thought we’d see the day in Texas when alcohol and THC would be sold alongside each other. At Specs, back behind the seemingly never-ending shelves of alcohol sits a cooler with a handful of different THC seltzers. They carry brands such as 8th Wonder, Pamos and Hi Seltzer, all of which offer a somewhat unique experience with different cannabinoids at different potencies. Venturing out into the land of smoke shops for your THC drinks may be a little riskier for newcomers, as they tend to carry products with higher potencies. So, Specs is a good starting point for those just diving into THC beverages.