The era of online shopping may be convenient, but it takes the joy out of eyeing carefully arranged window displays, feeling the weight and texture of fabrics, testing perfumes at a counter and the satisfaction of looking in the fitting room mirror while trying on a dress that fits just right.
Luckily, Dallas hasn’t forgotten the importance of the in-store shopping experience. Whether you’re perusing a downtown department store, popping into boutiques or hunting down the perfect pair of cowboy boots, Dallas will make you glad you ventured out and away from your laptop.
Designer Indulgence
Neiman Marcus, a name synonymous with luxury, got its start in Dallas in 1907, and today, the world-famous department store is synonymous with designer brands and an upscale shopping experience. It should come as no surprise then that the city that birthed Neiman’s would become a mecca for serious shoppers.
Shop straight-from-the-runway designer collections, from Balenciaga to Valentino, downtown at the iconic Neiman Marcus flagship location. Even if the price tags are a bit excessive for your budget, you can still browse the goods and then stop by in-store restaurant Zodiac for lunch and people-watching.
Just down the street from Neiman’s at Forty Five Ten, the store’s dark exterior emphasizes its glowing interior, beckoning you inside, where shoppers can easily spend hours wandering the 37,000-square-foot, four-story flagship. The show-stopping shoe selection alone is enough reason to step inside.
But if being stuck inside all day isn’t for you and you’d like fresh air with your luxury shopping, Highland Park Village, America’s first shopping center, boasts all the big names in a charming, plaza-style layout.
Mega Malls
If a day at the mall is more your speed, the Galleria Dallas offers a classic American shopping mall experience on a grander scale. After exploring the Galleria’s 200+ stores and restaurants, cool off at the mall’s year-round ice skating rink.
If your shopping habits mean you won’t have time to visit an art museum on your trip to Dallas, NorthPark Center‘s got you covered. You can’t miss Mark di Suvero’s giant steel sculpture Ad Astra, and maps at the concierge can help you find additional works by Andy Warhol, James Rosenquist, Antony Gormley and Beverly Pepper (among others) as you shop.
Looking for a good deal on name brands? Just outside of Dallas you’ll find Allen Premium Outlets and Grand Prairie Premium Outlets with names like Coach, Calvin Klein and J. Crew for a fraction of the mall price.
Unique Boutiques
For a taste of small-town charm just minutes from the glittering downtown skyline, head to the Bishop Arts District. Check out local boutiques like All Good Things for the cutest stationery, Indigo 1745 for premium denim and Neighborhood for stylish home goods. End your excursion with handcrafted hard cider at Bishop Cider Co., a cocktail at Parker Barrow’s or an ice-cream cone at Azucar.
Elsewhere about town, V.O.D. carries cutting-edge independent designers from around the globe, The Scent Room takes you beyond the department store perfume counter into a world of rare scents that can’t be found anywhere else in town, and Jade & Clover is uber-curated with gifts for even your pickiest friends, plus a plant bar where you can build your own plant — think Build-A-Bear for grown-ups.
Western Wear Done Right
If you’re looking to get in the Texas spirit but don’t want to look like you’re wearing a costume, there’s no shortage of stylish Western wear shops to choose from. Wild Bill’s Western Store downtown’s got all the classics, from boots to belt buckles to cowboy hats, which the shop will custom fit and shape for you.
For a more modern take on Western, try Miron Crosby in Highland Park Village. The store, owned by sisters who grew up on a Texas cattle ranch, carries quality boots made by Rios of Mercedes and offers a concierge design service to customize the perfect pair for you.
Feeling up for a road trip? Maverick Fine Western Wear in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards is certainly worth the drive.
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