Whether or not you believe Dallas' dating scene is a veritable dumpster fire, the city's singles still need solid places to find out if their latest Bumble, Hinge or Tinder date is what they're looking for. Might we suggest The Wild Detectives in Oak Cliff? The combination bar and bookstore has a great indie vibe, solid crafted cocktails and plenty of coffee drinks if your date doesn't imbibe. With the patio out back and plenty of cozy tables inside, it's a great place to get to know someone. Check the calendar for schedules of readings and plays that are a unique way to extend a date that's going well or pass the time if, god forbid, you get stood up.

We don't know who it was, but somewhere in the recent history of shoemaking, we'd like to think there was a genius working at a cobbler's bench who asked: "Hey, why can't shoes be both stylish, durable and comfortable?" That person was probably European, but whoever created the concept of stylish comfort footwear deserves at least a Nobel Prize. Back in Texas, we figure a nice statue or wall plaque should go to the founders of E.G. Geller Shoes, which first opened a Mephisto concept store in North Dallas in 1992 then traveled to Europe checking out lines from other makers of shoes that are fit for the office but feel like a pair of sneakers on your tootsies. The store is still family-owned and has just relocated from its long-time home at Preston and Northwest Highway to Snider Plaza. Mephisto is just one of around 40 brands offered, including wares from makers such as Naot, Birkenstock, Kiwi and others in styles for men and women — all designed with an emphasis on comfort and looks.

At many local apartment buildings, the word "efficiency" is a polite way to say "cell-like." That's not so at Dallas Urby, the 27-story apartment tower that opened in the Design District last year. (Work is being completed on a second tower next door.) When its New Jersey-based developers say efficiency, they're talking about real efficiency with a helping of luxury. Careful, creative, cheerful design extracts the highest use from available space. Dallas Urby is the developers' first foray to a city outside the New Jersey/New York area, where natives know the value of interior space. Efficient luxury without pretentiousness is the goal, and they've met it nicely. Then there are the amenities: murals, a dog park, heated pool, knock-out views of downtown, a shared workspace/library with free wi-fi on the first floor and a gym as large as many freestanding workout spaces.

Looking for athleisure for both yoga and a bougie four-mimosa brunch? Headquartered in the Bishop Arts District, De Novo Active carries clothes, activewear and a variety of accessories from multiple designers. Its mission is to offer pieces that elevate high-performance activewear sets from "the barre to the bar." De Novo distinguishes itself from the big stores with unique patterns, colors and styles. Along with leggings, look for sweatshirts, outerwear, shoes, tanks and more. There's also a pet section that is adorable.

How many Facebook happy birthday greetings does it take to equal the emotional effect of one pretty card with a handwritten note, sealed in an envelope, stamped and delivered to your real, physical mailbox? For those who prefer the personal touch, there's Paper Source, with its colorful collection of cards, stationery, gift wrap, pens and assorted paper-adjacent products. Spending a few minutes wandering around Paper source is enough to make us want to write someone a letter, once we relearn cursive.

Marcel Market is a unique store that's part boutique, grocery, apothecary and more. Located in the Bishop Arts District, it brings exclusive French brands to the U.S., including multiple beauty and skin products. Food stuff ranges from savory to sweet, spreadable to drinkable, with a variety of French candies, pastries, sardines and other goods. There is some fun and bright Parisian apparel that would make for a mild day for Emily in Paris. Candles, perfumes, jewelry — basically a little something for everyone. Marcel even sells small surprise bags through their website ranging from $25 to $100.

Let's start with the good news for the addicts out there: Buff City Soap's fall line of scents for its hand-made, plant-based soaps, bath and shower bombs includes pumpkin spice. That's right, you can now sip your pumpkin-spice latte while pretending you're soaking in a vat of your favorite drink. Pumpkin spice not your bag? Sandalwood, coconut, eucalyptus and lemongrass are also among the variety of scents relaxing extracts to flavor its bars and gels, all made in-house. Classes and parties can book time with Buff City's stand-mixers to whip up their own concoctions.

With our long, hot, dry summers and clay soil, chances are someday you're going to walk into your home and find you're living in a lagoon, thanks to busted pipes under your shifted foundation. Based in Royse City, Zeus Restoration has techs ready 24/7 to help when disaster strikes, whether it's a water leak, mold, fire, hazardous materials, air-duct cleaning or storm damage repair. Zeus and its professionally certified team have worked in restoration and construction for more than 20 years, so they know their business. When the god of thunder strikes, it's only fair that you call on Zeus Restoration to repair the damage.

Madison Raney of Earth to Madison describes her work as "vibrant and edgy," which makes sense for a photographer who came up in concert photography. Though based in Dallas, she attracts clients from around the world and makes them feel like rock stars in front of her camera. Her concert experience gives her a special leg up in capturing candid moments, particularly the party shots at receptions. She generally attracts unconventional couples and has a portfolio full of themed weddings, ranging from a Halloween-themed Las Vegas blowout to a lush and moody ceremony inspired by Pride and Prejudice. Her website makes it clear, however, that there's no such thing as a boring shoot. With Raney behind the camera, that will always be true.

Furniture is the kind of clothes your house wears. It’s personal, it’s unique, and most important, it’s an outward reflection of the people who inhabit its space. Taking care into making sure you find pieces that allow form and function to exist in harmony is a true challenge, and there is no place like 7 Space 8 to bring the unique and stylish back into frame, with their motto being “Furniture from the Past for the Future”. Sporting a retro vibe, 7 Space 8 (written 7____8) involves so much more than just couches and chairs and acts as its own gallery of sorts – paying homage to the artistic style and creativeness of years long gone that still stand tall in our modern world. Owners Jackson and Lexee view their shop as a curated collection of items they both personally love, but don’t mind parting with. “It takes you to another dimension, another feeling when you put it in your home.” Jackson says. While curation is no easy task, the facet of the two that separates their business from the rest is their philosophy of being a hub for the people in their neighborhood. “We wanted to open a store up to build a community, and like the community will bring everything you need to bring to your store.” Between hosting events, and their search for the next unique and stylish piece, 7 Space 8 blurs the line about what buying furniture should be like, in the best way.