Beehive
As soon as owner Claire Fields opened her first boutique in Austin, visitors with Funky Town ties requested—no, demanded—a Fort Worth location. Now thriving on Camp Bowie Boulevard since fall, the boutique caters to stylish young things looking for clothes under $100. Get past the pink bangles and turquoise nail polish, and you’ll find basics that fit both high schoolers and their moms. With prices like $52 for a camel-colored pencil skirt, tuxedo-inspired blazer, or faux leather shorts, it’s a place for trying the trends. (It won’t hurt so much when you discover that cat-eye sunglasses aren’t for you.) Although Fields is always on the hunt for new designers to fill the racks, you can expect staples like BB Dakota ($55 to $150), Ark & Co ($38 to $85), and Flying Tomato ($32 to $75).
Milk & Honey Boutique
In June of 2011, Brittany Thomas said goodbye to Waco and her clothing store, Roots, and headed for Dallas. Lucky for us, because last October her feminine style and impeccable taste brought her new boutique, Milk & Honey, to life. Thomas was determined to offer quality, affordable clothing to Dallas women in an atmosphere that felt indulgent. Step inside and you’re transported to a cozy garden patio, with walls of greenery, birch branches, and cowhide rugs. Thomas’ hope is that customers will feel as if they are in a high-end store with prices they don’t have to think twice about. Within the cheerful space are on-trend dresses, jackets, tops, and skirts with bold colors, interesting textures, and distinctive patterns. From bohemian sweaters to classic trousers, almost everything in the store sells for under $100, including an abundant selection of jewelry, shoes, handbags, and scarves. Don’t miss the large sale section in back, where new items appear weekly.
Original Octane
Forget the former Octane of West Village. Owner Ort Varona’s new Original Octane is a different animal (save for its similar name). Where old Octane was jeans and tees, the new Knox boutique is a sophisticated collection of men’s and women’s wear. Varona (the man behind LFT) and his expert team outfit a very specific clientele—that is, Highland Parkers and M Street dwellers looking for casual but fashionable pieces. The boutique, split into two, contains “unfussy” threads for her from Equipment ($180 to $250), Amanda Uprichard ($145 to $215), and Fluxus ($35 to $170); and dapper shirts, blazers, and pants for him from Scott James ($95 to $495) and London-based Oliver Spencer ($170 to $550). And don’t miss the handpicked denim selection. You can grab a pair from Current Elliott for $170 to $250, but we recommend splurging on PRPS jeans for $245 to $465—they’re worth every dime—and you can get them hemmed on the spot for free.
Cabana
The only way you’ll spot this mystery boutique is by catching a glimpse of its lavender front door. Once you cross the threshold into owner Merry Vose’s beach-chic shop, you’ll swear you’re on vacation. Crisp white decor showcases the edited racks of colorful shirtdresses, skinny-leg denim, and tunics. Stylish but busy women in the know shop here for easy everyday wear, like casual NSF separates ($195 to $450), Antik Batik dresses ($320 to $695), and blouses and sweaters from Dallas-based Koch ($145 to $450). Don’t miss the bright leather bracelets, strappy sandals, or chunky cocktail rings for accessorizing. It’s hard to believe this exclusive shopping experience began as a backyard venture out of Vose’s pool house, but the precious hours she still keeps are a clue. Doors open only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 am to 2 pm. Other times and days by appointment. All that’s missing is an ocean view.
