WINDFALLS

A MATTER OF RECORDS



Have you been searching fo a copy of the album “How to Quit Smoking in Six Day or Drop Dead in Seven” for your loved one on Valentine’s Day? Search no more. Collector’s Records has got it – and a shop full of rare and discontinued records, mixed in about half and hal with the regular list of new releases. The shop carries both new and used records, and will happily buy your collection of oldies-but-goldies should you decide to liquidate your collection. However, owner Dorothy Pherigo warns that they’re especially picky about the quality of used records they buy. Stock includes 45s, 33s, and 78s. Collector’s Records specializes in pop/rock, both new and old, but recently they have doubled their space for jazz albums, and have an excellent selection of big-band-era jazz records on both regular lps and 78s. They’ll help you find rare records by steering you to the source, and, if you keep calling to remind them, they’ll keep an eye peeled in case the records you want come through the shop. Collector’s Records, 373 Casa Linda Plaza at the intersection of Buckner and Garland Roads. Open Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6. 327-3313.



MAKING IT CRYSTAL CLEAR



This February 14, give that special valentine some ice – and if you’re not quite ready for the diamond route, crystal from The Ice House may be just the thing – perhaps a crystal perfume decanter in the shape of a pear or peach, or with a heart-shaped stopper. Decanters sell for between $40 and $100. The Ice House specializes in crystal, glass, and Lucite items and is housed in an old renovated ice house (the ghost of the original owner, run down by one of his own ice trucks, still haunts the place, some say). Owners George Ainsworth and Claude Pendleton have enlarged the facility and put in a small stage in back where they periodically host crystal or art exhibitions and various theatrical endeavors. The Ice House, 2918 N. Henderson, 823-6663. Open Mon-Sat 10-5:30.



A STITCH

IN TIME



For Hearts and Flowers Day this year, make your point with hearts (or flowers) cross-stitched onto a bedspread by Guatemalan craftspersons. The unique bedspreads ($500) are just one example from the Mexican and Guatemalan import inventory at Emeralds to Coconuts. Others include nifty wear-into-the-water beach shoes crocheted from vinyl ($25), hand-woven Guatemalan tie-dyed fabric by the yard ($5-$ 15 per yard), Mexican embroidery on everything imaginable, luscious Turkish rugs, carved wooden toys, pottery, copper, and tiny thumb-nail-sized figurines for a quarter. Emeralds to Coconuts, 2730 N. Henderson. Open Tue-Sat 10-6. 823-3620.



SOLE MATES



No more must the boot-loving Dallasite roam the state in search of exotic footgear. Dallas Boot Company is the city’s first custom boot shop. Owner Guy Griffith and master boot-maker Felipe Ramirez guarantee a personalized fit in your choice of exotic hides – eel, elephant, rattlesnake, ostrich, anteater, and other critters are represented. Ramirez brings his expertise, learned in Saltillo, Mexico, at his father’s knee, to Dallas from Big Spring where he operated a boot shop since 1942. He and his staff will add initials or any other design your heart desires. Prices range from $300 for a relatively simple calfskin boot to over $2500 for the exotics. A 50 per cent deposit is required when you order; the boots are generally ready to pick up in 14-16 weeks. Dallas Boot Company, 4934 Maple Ave. Open Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 9-1. 522-3451.