Dallas shoppers put their holiday stress on hold December 2 and headed to the most fun "shopportunity" of the season — CultureMap's 2018 Holiday Pop-Up Shop Sponsored by Verizon. More than 25 local vendors helped them find all their presents to put under the tree — and to have a great time while doing so.
Ranging from skin care to sweets, jewelry to candles, florals to fashion accessories, the favorite local brands set up shop at Sixty Five Hundred for a Sunday of seasonal fun.
DJ Blake Ward played contemporary and classic holiday tunes as guests entered with unwrapped toys for the event's beneficiary, The Birthday Party Project, a Dallas-based charity that hosts monthly birthday parties for children at homeless and transitional living facilities across the country.
A sparkler bar from Korbel started off the day with fruity bellinis and mimosas; then shoppers refueled at a custom cocktail cart rolled out by Ketel One. A stand from Sourced Craft Cocktails served stout signature bourbon and scotch drinks with fun names like A Walk in the Woods and A Rare Old Strawberry.
The Jose Comida Taco Truck parked just outside the entrance provided just enough sustenance to keep the shoppers going for several hours. (Word spread like wildfire that their elotes cups were can't-miss treats.)
Upon entering the venue, about 900 guests — including Delaney and Katie Wendorf; Paula, Ronin, and Jose Tellez; Hayven Kennedy and PJ Barnes; Thad, Megan, Parks, and Thad Beckner; Lani Warren, Cicely Laing, Patton Phelps, Anita Simmons, Samantha Hamilton, Amanda Lauro, Isabel Lauro, Gabby Cullen, Sarabeth Quattlebaum, Kelsey Thompson, Shamil Shalwani, Yazmin Chalico, Macy Fackrell, Peyton Fedorka, Viv Jordan, Camille Holland, Candace Goodman, Tarah Guenther, Linda Garcia-Gonzalez, Veronica Garcia, Kate Luthy, Tiffany Trent, and Kavita Bhalla — wasted no time getting down to serious shopping business.
Ladies who love sparkle were drawn to the fabulous jewelry finds from the likes of Valerie Morgan Designs and Kristin Miller Jewelry. Fashionistas stopped by Elizabeth W to peruse the latest designs, Trousseau of Dallas for a little something underneath, and Tacchino Hats to top their looks. Shoppers with big hearts visited with Gaia Empowered Women, which supports refugee artisans.
Those who wanted to bring the world to their table signed up for Spice Madam meal prep and recipe subscription kits.
Shoppers ready to nest for the winter smelled beeswax candles from C & C Holistic Living and White Rock Soap Gallery candles from The T Shop. Swoozie's and Lily Rain were go-tos for funky gift finds like "214" glassware and an adult game called "Shiraz on the Shelf."
Rush Patisserie and Yims Foods offered food gifts ready for giving — or indulging in on the way home. Some folks were caught swinging by the Sugarfina stand more than once for baggies of free samples of champagne gummies and more sweet treats.
One of the most unique vendors was Tom & Sheri's Iron in a Bottle, whose booth — like all the others' — stayed busy throughout the afternoon. Other fabulous vendors were: Brewed + Pressed, Follain, Gems by the Foot, India Hicks, Joy Creative Shop, Just Hit Send Gifts, KidBiz/TheBiz featuring Jon Hart Shop at The Biz, Lo Lo Designs, Luxury Garage Sale, Madre, Matthew Gilley Ceramics, Plant & Sip, Primavera Collection, Verizon Mobile Shop, and Viv Jordan Studio.
Between purchases, shoppers melted their cares away with free chair massages courtesy of Vivian's Boutique Spa. In time for holiday party primping, they also could get custom makeup consultations or hair-braid designs from Brite Bar Beauty.
Kiddos got to practice their skills of persuasion by writing letters to Santa, sponsored by Dallas Child. And both the young and the young at heart got official portraits taken with Jolly Old St. Nick by My Event Is The Bomb.
In addition to being a one-stop spot to shop select local retailers, the event also hosted fun and festive workshops throughout the day. Two mini classes, Intro to Brush Pen Holiday Lettering with Viv Jordan and Plant & Sip Holiday Succulent Workshop, were attendees' chance to create a gift for someone special (or for themselves!) — in between the shopping, sipping, and other Pop-up Shop merriment.
Verizon Up Members got a few extra perks: free VIP access an hour before the general public arrived, and a sweet swag bag full of merchandise from the day's vendors.
After a full day of sipping, sampling, swiping credit cards, and gifting for loved ones, shoppers loaded their loot into their trunks and went on their merry way, filled with holiday cheer.
Samantha Hamilton, Amanda Lauro, Isabel Lauro, Gabby Cullen
