We love to shop. We love our city. We love to shop in our city. Lucky for us, we have some of the best one-of-a-kind boutiques in the country. When selecting clothing stores for our Best of Everything series, we concentrated on independently owned, contemporary specialty shops that exist only in Dallas. Thanks to personalized service and carefully curated selections, we think these shops are tops.

Elements/Elle
Owner Connie Sigel has been in the business of dressing chic Dallas women since 1999, when Elements first opened on Lovers Lane. From basic jeans to gorgeous gowns to jaunty jewels, the store is stocked with optimal options if you’re in a rut or require a wardrobe overhaul. Expect nothing less than the best when it comes to customer care at this elegant emporium; highly knowledgeable sales associates are always welcoming. On a budget? Shop neighboring sister store Elle for a selection of on-trend clothing and accessories at more wallet-friendly prices.

Five and Ten
A modern play on “five and dimes” of the early 1900s, Five and Ten, the concept boutique from Forty Five Ten owner Brian Bolke, never disappoints. At this chic treasure trove in Highland Park Village, shop an exclusive selection of clothing for him (Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, Ami and DSquared) and her (Thakoon Addition, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, Jil Sander Navy, Victoria Beckham denim), accessories (Lanvin, Barton Perreira eyewear, Olympia le Tan), gifts, apothecary, stationery, home decor and more. It’s no surprise Bolke has a sophisticated and well-edited collection of desirable goodies.

The Shak at Stanley Korshak
Stanley Korshak’s contemporary boutique in the courtyard of Crescent Court may not be the first place that comes to mind when hunting for the perfect casual tee or the latest denim, but it should be. The two-story space is bursting with the latest from lines like Nation, T Alexander Wang, Splendid, Fluxus, LNA, DL 1961, J Brand, Hudson and Seven. Need party attire? The Shak has that covered too. The sales team keeps customers up-to-date via email on the latest arrivals from Cut 25, Myne, Robert Rodriguez, Sachin + Babi, Rachel Zoe, A.L.C. and more. Bonus: Support local designers Abi Ferrin, Amanda Sterett, Lolo Jewels, Nest Jewelry, Parker Stone and Rory Ashton, who frequently have in-store trunk shows.

Sussie’s
Owner Rory Boyd has spent decades dressing women and boosting confidence. She stocks her Frisco boutique with contemporary clothing lines like Milly, Trina Turk, Robert Rodriguez, Joie, Michael Stars and Akiko; jewelry from Los Angeles favorite Double Happiness and local Rory Ashton; and handbags by B.May. But perhaps more important, Boyd knows the lines as well as she knows her clients. She can pinpoint exactly what will (and won’t) work on anyone, and she always speaks the truth. That builds loyalty. Shopping at Sussie’s is better — and more fun — than therapy.

V.O.D.
This is our go-to for the latest up-and-coming designers from Paris, New York and beyond. Owners Jackie Bolin and Liz Thompson have a knack for finding under-the-radar labels and introducing them to a loyal clientele who clamor for the newest shipments of Isabel Marant, Ohne Titel, Mason Olga, Suno, LD Tuttle and Jerome Dreyfuss. If what you’re looking for is what’s next in fashion, V.O.D. is your spot. Spring arrivals include the effortlessly chic collection by Jonathan Shimkai, whimsical footwear by Sophia Webster, and standout handbags by Claramonte. Insider tip: While abroad viewing collections, Bolin and Thompson will place orders for regulars.

Five and Ten in Highland Park Village is a modern play on “five and dimes” of the early 1900s.

Photo courtesy of Five and Ten

Five and Ten in Highland Park Village is a modern play on “five and dimes” of the early 1900s.