Shopping is our favorite way to escape the summer heat in Dallas. This month we intend to check out some new stores, as well as revisit a couple that have received a little nip and tuck.
Apples to Zinnias
The beloved florist shop, located in the Plaza at Preston Center, reopens August 13 after a little reno. With brighter colors, a larger workspace for designers, and a designated area for customers to sit and discuss designs with the experts, the Apples to Zinnias team is better prepared to impress with their floral prowess.
Chanel
The world was watching Dallas last December, when Karl Lagerfield brought his Métiers d'Art fashion presentation to Fair Park. Those eagerly awaiting the arrival of Chanel's Paris-Dallas collection need only head to Highland Park Village, where the pre-fall pieces, dubbed Act One, are currently in store. A staffer says that Act Two has begun to arrive. Think blanket coats, fringe skirts, denim vests, colorful poncho sweaters and versions of the classic Chanel suit.
Gallerie Noir
Local designer and former Project Runway contestant Shirin Askari has set up shop within this Design District gallery, offering her contemporary line of easy-to-wear, versatile pieces that fit into any woman's wardrobe. Her clothing is feminine with an edge, including flowing tops and skirts, pretty dresses in bold patterns, and a black jumpsuit for fall that can be dressed up or down.
Lorna Jane
NorthPark Center recently welcomed Australian activewear brand Lorna Jane to its retail lineup. In addition to athletic gear for running, yoga, dance and cycling, Lorna Jane has a wealth of post-workout clothing such as stylish jackets and sweats. Lorna Jane has 28 locations in the United States and 160 worldwide, including one in Frisco's Stonebriar Centre.
Piermarini Boutique
The Snider Plaza favorite recently underwent a renovation to make room for Piermarini Beauty, an in-store exclusive, and new American brands that owner John Piermarini intends to bring in for fall. There are now two spacious dressing rooms, as well as a chic dresser with bone inlay, which showcases Piermarini's colorful makeup palettes.
Pirch
Pirch opens its first Southwest outpost at NorthPark Center on August 23. Founded on the idea that shopping for fixtures and appliances should be inspirational, the 32,000-square-foot showroom features vignettes of best-in-class brands (such as Miele, Sub-Zero and Electrolux) for indoor and outdoor kitchens, bath, and laundry. Everything is fully operational, so you can try before you buy.
Roberta Roller Rabbit
Another score for Highland Park Village: a standalone shop for Roberta Roller Rabbit, the resort-inspired offshoot of Roberta Freymann's namesake label. The boutique, scheduled to open mid-August, offers hand block printed clothing for men, women and children — in motifs such as florals, monkeys, elephants and fish — as well as accessories and home furnishings. Need a job? The store is hiring. Send an email to acunzio@robertafreymann with Dallas in the subject line.
Vintage Martini
One of our favorite vintage boutiques has moved its retro goods from downtown Carrollton to Henderson Avenue in Dallas. In addition to carrying vintage designer clothing, shoes and accessories for women — check out the Chanel quilted handbags that just arrived — owners Ken Weber and Greg Kelly also cater to men with a fabulous selection of gentlemen's goods.
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In case you missed them, here's a direct route to a few of our previous where-to-shop roundups:
The Chanel Paris-Dallas pre-fall collection is now in store at Highland Park Village.
Prom Closet is set up like a boutique, with thousands of gowns and accessories. Photo courtesy of Prom Closet 