In less than seven days, couples will be on their way to swanky dinner reservations at the city’s best restaurants, singles will be on their way to a Galentine’s Day bar crawl or two, and everyone in between will be thankful to have survived the Venus Retrograde from January 29.
Before we go further, R.I.P. to my favorite celebrity couples that did not survive the planetary transit: Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid, Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet, Keith Powers and Ryan Destiny, Chanel Iman and Sterling Shepard. The list of January breakups goes on and on, but, as every great Hollywood romantic comedy teaches us, love comes from within. And I believe there is no greater love than that of your hometown.
In lieu of celebrating Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate Daletine’s Day instead? Think of February 214 as a celebration of one of the city’s most recognizable area codes: 214. As a child, I longed for a 214 number, but received a 469 instead. (Don’t worry, that is not my current phone number.) In recent years, local tattoo shops, streetwear brands, and musicians have collaborated on 214DAY events throughout Dallas. This year is no different.
The most known would likely be the 214DAY pop-up at Spinster Records with El Chuy, the popular streetwear brand known for its “DALLAS” slides. Due to rising COVID numbers, El Chuy will not be hosting its in-person convening this year, but one can still celebrate the holiday and brand with a purchase from its website. I recommend the slides or its Dalenciaga beanie, which is a local play on the luxury fashion house. Or visit Singleton Tattoo in Trinity Groves to commemorate the holiday with Dallas-themed tattoo specials. If the ink-to-skin commitment is too much, rep the 214 with an “It’s All Love (214 Day) Crewneck” from The Local Product. Grab the matching sweatpants for a complete fit.
However, if you are more of a Cupid loving, millennial pink wearing, Sweethearts eating fanatic, numerous tattoo shops and artists will be having Valentine’s Day flash specials throughout the weekend. On February 12, Bold Stroke Studios on Jefferson will offer $20 cash-only specials. That same day, Momentum Tattoo in Garland will host a Valentine’s Day flash special.
On February 13, Lilac Tattoo Studio joins in on the fun with flash specials, tooth gems, and baked goods from Holiday Cupcakes. On February 14, a trio of highly-sought women tattoo artists—Sushi Milk, La Sarah-cha, and bronco—will be tattooing at a Valentine’s Day pop-up on West Mockingbird. The pop-up will feature complimentary cocktails and B12 shots, so remember to bring cash for tips.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the holiday, Dallasified or not, remember that the best love comes from within. But a tattoo needle wouldn’t hurt.
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