Thrifty Choices

Hipster vintage store lets Oak Cliff residents recycle in style

Oak Cliff just got what every hip neighborhood needs: a vintage fashion store. Called Est. 1914, it's a retail destination specializing in vintage and gently worn on-trend fashion, modeled after cutting-edge stores in New York.

Est. 1914 is from vintage veteran Mike Levine, who comes from a family of recyclers.

"My grandfather started in the recycling business in 1914, when he moved to Dallas from New York," Levine says. "He peddled anything that could be resold, including metal, paper, and clothing. My dad took the recycling business to the next level, and now we’re in a position to bring it to the public."

Using sources acquired from their 100-plus years in business, Est. 1914 has a team of buyers across the country, scouring for clothing that is on trend.

"We go through thousands of pieces of clothing every month and select those that are high-quality and fashionable," Levine says. "You won't find racks jam-packed with questionable items. Our job is to edit the selection and provide one-of-a-kind fashion for our clientele."

In addition to vintage clothes, they're selling a few choice collectibles, such as Levi's red line and Levi's "Big E" jeans. The store is not a resale shop, in that it doesn't buy used clothing from the public or from customers; it sells used clothing that's new or like new.

During the holidays, they're also featuring a cache of Christmas sweaters. Levine's family is connected to the Ugly Christmas Sweater Store, the annual pop-up that sells everyone's favorite gaudy sweaters.

Est. 1914 is located on the prospering end of Oak Cliff along Davis Street, at the corner of Edgefield Avenue, in the brick building that used to be the Daniel Padilla Gallery. The store managers are Oak Cliff residents who are plugged in not only to fashion but also what the locals love.

"We love the Bishop Arts District neighborhood and look forward to also carrying jewelry and other accessories from local designers," Levine says. "We want to be a part of the Oak Cliff culture and contribute to building Davis Street into a great retail mecca for young shoppers."

The grand opening party takes place on November 19, with food, drinks, giveaways, discounts, and DJ Sober, spinning from 3-6 pm.

Faux fur and crocodile are in the lineup at Est. 1914 in Oak Cliff.

Photo courtesy of Est. 1914

Faux fur and crocodile are in the lineup at Est. 1914 in Oak Cliff.

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Yoga News

Pioneering Dallas Yoga Center slain by pandemic to close after 35 years

Courtesy photo

Dallas Yoga Center has closed.

A pioneer in the world of Dallas yoga center is closing, after 35 years. Dallas Yoga Center, which blazed a trail when it opened in Dallas in 1989, will close on August 25.

According to owner David Sunshine, the studio was never able to recover from the pandemic.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that after much soul-searching, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our Lemmon Avenue studio and discontinue all classes on Sunday, August 25," Sunshine said. "The challenges since Covid have made it unsustainable to maintain our class offerings."

The DYC was originally founded in 1989, then taken over a decade later by brothers David Sunshine and Daniel Sunshine. The center was founded before yoga and mindfulness became the mainstream practice it is today.

Back in their heyday, they would host dozens of classes per week at their longtime location at 4525 Lemmon Ave., across from Whole Foods Market. Their role as a leading practitioner of yoga — introducing yoga to many first-timers as well as offering classes to aspiring yoga teachers — earned them multiple awards for Best Yoga Studio in Dallas.

"Since 1989, we strived to create a warm and friendly learning environment (both in-person and online) with expert instructors to guide your practice with a mission to educate, enrich and inspire the community to lead more mindful, meaningful and healthier lives," their manifesto said. "Whether you're starting to dip your toes into the practices of yoga and mindfulness, or are wanting to expand your knowledge with our teacher trainings, we have a variety of offerings that nourish your body, mind, and spirit."

The pandemic dealt a major blow, uprooting the studio from its fixed home to nomad status. Throughout 2021-2022, the center did classes digitally and in temporary spaces such as the Sammons Center for the Arts, a studio on Lovers Lane, and Klyde Warren Park on weekends.

In 2023, they moved into their current space at 4140 Lemmon Ave., taking over a space abover Gloria's previously occupied by Yoga Sport — a challenging location with limited drive-up parking.

In recent years, Sunshine was hosting yoga retreats at idyllic locations, something he'll continue to do.

For those seeking classes in Dallas, they're recommending Balanced Being Yoga & Wellness on Greenville Avenue who will also honor current DYC memberships, and who will host classes taught by many of DYC's cherished teachers.

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