Bon Ton Vintage just outside Dallas. Photo: Of a Kind
The lovely indie fashion promoters and storytellers behind Of a Kind turn their keen eyes on the Lone Star State and discover that when it comes to style, the Big D is a pretty big deal. Fathom contributors Erica Cerulo and Clair Mazur report from the road.
DALLAS – When we decided to take a road trip from Dallas to Austin for SXSW with our pals Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato, the super-accomplished twin sisters behind the jewelry and bag line Lizzie Fortunato, we had high hopes for middle-of-nowhere taco stops and sunshiny afternoons. What we didn't expect was how much we'd fall for the starting point. We left wanting to plan a trip back to Big D, ASAP. Good shopping, food, art, and weather? What more could we ask for? Maybe this will become an annual thing.
Photo: Courtesy of Oddfellows
WHERE TO EAT
316 W. 7th St.; +1-214-944-5958
The Oak Cliff 'hood is where it's at, and pretty much everything on the a.m. menu at this upbeat spot looked awesome. Our vote: a selection of breakfast tacos.
4150 McKinney Ave.; +1-214-559-4510
There's a ladies-who-lunch spot tucked into the back of this super-high-end boutique. Bradley Agather of the rad blog Luella & June took us there, and we swear she knew everyone in the sunny, iced-tea-fueled room.
1511 Commerce St.; +1-214-261-4540
This is one spot we're bummed we didn't get to visit (it opened later in the summer) because it promises to be the coolest coffee shop in town, with a great magazine selection to boot.
614 W. Davis St.; +1-214-367-9367
Pretty much everyone recommended that we check out this place for dinner. Sit outside at a picnic table, order another bottle of wine, and stay way later than you planned.
Bon Ton Vintage. Photo: Of a Kind
WHERE TO SHOP
1 Highland Park Village; +1-214-520-0101
Though we popped in for the juice, this really polished spot also sells all sorts of covetable lifestyle stuff that makes you want to sign up for a yoga class stat.
1511 Commerce St.; +1-214-261-4540
This is our VERY favorite store in L.A., and we're pretty jealous that Dallas is home to their second outpost, located in the brand-new Joule Hotel. The accessories selection can't be beat. They carry jewelry by our road-trippin' buddies Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato!
124 U.S. 77, Forreston; +1-972-483-6222
It's about a 45-minute drive from Dallas, but don't you dare let that scare you off. The vintage emporium, deemed a must-hit by the amazingly talented photographer Jamie Beck, is right off the side of the road and stuffed to the gills with the sort of scores you never find in big cities. We hear it's a favorite for costume designers.
60 Highland Park Village; +1-214-252-0510
The neighborhood is totally chi-chi — there are Chanel and Alexander McQueen stores — and is worth a trip for people watching alone. Five and Ten is the little sister to the ritzier Forty Five Ten and carries lines like Kelly Wearstler, Dezso, and Boy by Band of Outsiders, all tucked into a little corner storefront.
The Nasher Sculpture Center. Photo: Of a Kind
WHAT TO DO
N. Harwood St.; +1-214-242-5100
As much as we loved all the work inside the museum, it was the garden that really blew us away — we never wanted to leave. There are about two dozen sculptures on view outside at a time.
A super lush, serene running trail just a block from The Belmont motel.
WHERE TO STAY
901 W. 7th St.; +1-214-393-2300
We wish there was one of these in every city! The Belmont is a remodeled 1940's motel — the rooms are cute and ridiculously well-priced. You definitely have to make a trip or three to the lobby bar. It has great downtown views and stellar micheladas (our go-to drink anywhere).
Read more on Fathom: Best Day Ever: Dallas, The World's Best Antiques Fair, Love Letter: Rancho Loma, Texas
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