SHOPPING Our Little Known Favorites

THE LITTLE SHOP ON LOVERS

Owner Eliza Epstein opened The Little Shop on Lovers because she wanted a place where she could get great gifts for herself and for her friends. Local designers and artists create the majority of the shop’s art and its jewelry-which has a very Ylang Ylang feel, minus the hefty price tag. The Little Shop also has an array of Hindu deity T-shirts-the best prints we’ve seen. Also in the mix is an assortment of hemp clothing, shoes, purses, and body care-all environmentally friendly. The most impressive treat is the aromatherapy blending bar, where customers can personalize their body care. All products are unscent-ed, so shoppers can choose their own fragrances. The Little Shop on Lovers has everything you need to indulge yourself in luxury, including bath salts, shampoo and conditioner, and green tea moisturizer. All products are hand-made, animal-friendly, and environmentally safe. 5631 Lovers In.

FORTY FIVE TEN

Forty Five Ten is one of the most exclusive high-end boutiques in Dallas. The store, named for its McKinney Avenue address, just opened in April 2000. Within days, the word was out that this is the new tragically hip place to shop. Inspired by Fred Segal in LA. and Takashimaya in New York, the boutique gives local fashion designers William Reid. Jeffrey Lee, and (Crista de la Harpe a place to showcase their designs. Forty Five Ten not only has an exclusive collection of clothes and jewelry to covet, there is also a unique collection of fine furniture and home accessories to savor. In the back, Harry Hudson’s Two moons has an exquisite selection of ostrich and alligator skins available for for custom-made boots. The décor is just as fabulous as the merchandise. With a cafe and the peaceful sounds of water running over the enormous granite fountain. Forty Five Ten will please even the pickiest shopper. 4510 McKinney Ave.



GRATITUDE

This 11 – year-old vintage apparel shop has fabulous finds from the 1920s to the 1980s, including great dresses and a large selection of vintage genuine alligator pumps and handbags. Also in their repertoire are beautiful hats and a wonderful selection of mint condition men’s hand-printed neckties circa 1940. Gratitude is known for its off-the-wall selection of knick-knacks for the home like ashtrays, lamps, and books. And one of its most prized possessions is a Campbell Soup Paper dress from the ’60s-sure to be a great collectible. To show their appreciation to customers, everything in the store is half price through October 2000. 3714 Fairmont St.

THRIFTERS AT LORCH WAREHOUSE

Eric and Bret Kimmell started their company, Re-Denim, 10 years ago by scouring United Southern Waste for all the “good” and “bad” (read: ripped) Levi’s. Eric would then take the beat-up Levi’s and patch them with bandanas, leather, and other great fabrics. The result? A look so hip that L.A.’s trendy Fred Segal was their first account. This spring, Re-Denim has re-vamped their patched-up jeans in bright shining python prints in purple, green, red. and orange. No fabric is off-limits-crochet, old Mexican dresses, suede. If you have an old pair of jeans that you just can’t part with, patch them up in style and make a statement. The best way to do it is to visit Thrifters in the old Lorch Warehouse. Thrifters not only has the cool new line. Rich Hippie, but it also has the largest selection of Levis, leather, and suede in the Southwest, Thrifters also welcomes custom jobs. Steven Tyler recently bought his daughter, Liv, a pair of jeans and a jacket before departing Dallas.

Rich Hippie has been flying off the shelves ai Barney’s New York in Tokvo. and locally it’s available at Ultimo and lngas. But the warehouse outside downtown Dallas is where it all starts. 4949 Beeman St. Call for an appointment. 214-828-0202.



LOWER GREENVILLE

Lower Greenville may have a reputation for its nightlife, but what you may not know is that some of Dallas’ best independently owned shops are tucked between the strip’s most popular restaurants and bars. Whether your taste is conventional or eclectic, Lower Greenville is a sure shot for shopping. Consider it Dallas’ answer to Melrose in Los Angeles. Some of our favorites spots are HD’s for Men & Women, which has great lines from France that aren’t available anywhere else in Dallas; Avant, which carries favorites like Betsey Johnson and Bianca Nero; and The Ole Moon, a great stop for that one-of-a-kind gift or small trinket. Get an early start and browse each side of Lower Greenville, discovering all of its hidden treasures. Greenville Avenue, between Mockingbird Lane and Ross Avenue.