KEY SHOPPING
FOR ADDITIONAL OPTIONS, VISIT WWW.KEYMAGFW.COM/SHOPPING CAMP BOWIE DISTRICT - If you’re a person who likes women’s clothes and accessories, you’ve found the motherlode. With cool names like “You Are Here” and “Keeping Up with the Joneses”, I counted at least ten boutiques filled with a bounty of clothes, accessories, and gifts, all with different buyers, of course, so all with different stuff! Other retail favorites are Doob, where you can get a realistic miniature cut out of yourself Honey-I-Shrunk-the-Kids-style, Archie’s Gardenland, which is run by probably the nicest horticulture-savvy people you’ll ever meet, and Carter Bowden Antiques, an ever-changing ocean of one of a kind pieces. CAVENDER’S BOOT CITY - To Cavender’s, “boots are the roots!” Founded by James and Pat Cavender in the 1960s, Cavender’s is the fastest growing western-wear chain and, of course, it started right here in Texas. Fifty-plus years of success is chalked up to affordable, quality products and remarkable customer service. Count on Cavender’s to carry brands such as Lucchese, Ariat, Roper, and many more. Their merchandising is much more than boots, though: they have hats, workwear, gifts, clothes, home goods and, my personal favorite, a robust section for kids. Who doesn’t love a miniature cowboy or cowgirl? Cavender’s remains a family-run business to this day, and in 2019 the retailer was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The museum is conveniently located in the Stockyards near the Cavender’s store, which, by the way, is a two-story brick situation crowned with an enormous teal boot piped in red. Follow the boot for western treasures. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 2601 N. Main St., 817-625-2391, www.cavenders.com. DOMAIN XCIV - There is something truly special about a boutique that has been owned, operated, and loved on by the same customers and owners (in this case, the wonderful Mark Vaughan and Tad Watts) for over 25 years. Since 1994, Domain is where the charm of the west is steeped in a deep appreciation for European style and antiques. A whimsically painted armoire with luscious, down-filled decorative pillows spills out next to a sideboard featuring lamps and leatherbound books. Shelf after shelf of silky bath products sit next to elegant gifts like silver bottle stoppers and baby spoons. Lampe Berger diffusers and Juliska place settings and Nest Fragrances, oh my! Of course you can find chic guest towels and luxury linens- classic- but don’t miss Domain exclusives like their blanc marble domino set and gourmet gunpowder salt(!). The business is built on providing sincere customer service and an unmatched product mix. Customers shopping here for a special hostess gift, an exquisite antique, a room full of furniture, or a full on wedding registry are all given the same personalized attention. The longevity of Domain XCIV is testament alone that it’s worth visiting. Like so many of their products are exclusive to Domain, Domain XCIV is exclusive to Forth Worth. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sun., closed or by appointment Mon. 3100 W. 7th St., 817-3361994, www.domainxciv.com. THE SHOPS AT CLEARFORK RANCH - Nothing says “Texas” quite like a shopping center anchored by DFW’s darling: Neiman Marcus. The Shops at Clearfork Ranch offer both high end and mainstream shopping, food, and entertainment. Clearfork Ranch. Lifechanging, really. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. 5188 Monahans Ave., 817-985-3773, www.simon.com/mall/ the-shops-at-clearfork.
14
KEY MAGAZINE
April 2021
THE MERCANTILE - At The Mercantile you’ll find what you’re looking for and things you had no idea you absolutely must have. With over 200 vendors, there is a wealth of everything from handmade jewelry to one-of-a-kind furniture to hostess gifts to both quirky and classic home décor. It’s also home to the Rose Garden Tea Room, which means you can shop all morning, refuel, and then carry on all afternoon. If you don’t need to marathon, that’s fine, I’m just saying The Mercantile has your back, okay? Each booth is like entering a completely different store without having to go outside- ideal for Texas’ erratic weather. There are baby gifts, original paintings, vintage place settings, serving bowls, and platters and, of course, plenty of TCU gear. The Mercantile was started by philanthropic businessman Holt Hickman, and the antique mall reflects his values by holding special events that benefit local causes. Go get lost in the booths; it’s a treasure hunt. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-3770910, www.the-mercantile.com. MULE ALLEY - A fairy-light strung concourse inside of The Stockyards, Mule Alley deserves its own listing. Although the barns it’s composed of have been standing for over a hundred years, they’ve been gutted to outfit retail and restaurateurs aplenty. The quaint street dead ends into another exciting development, too: Hotel Drover. Mule Alley is the place to be! Every week there seems to be something new swinging its doors open there: shops, restaurants, bars and, for some lucky people, even some office spaces. 122 E. Exchange Ave., www.mulealleyfortworth.com. A Mule Alley stand out so far is MB Mercantile & Supply. They’ve filled the entire store with treasures that make special gifts and opportunities to “treatchaself.” The whole place is an 1800s saloon steampunk vibe, like if a dusty cowboy were driving a penny farthing to catch a train out of the Stockyards, all while wearing one of those spooky plague beak masks. Are you with me? There are mountains of musky candles, lavish soaps, Americana games, handmade jewelry, vaudevillian toys, and notebooks with things like vintage science diagrams on them. Underneath everything is another curiosity waiting to be discovered, like bowls of miniature magnifying glasses and old rail ties for purchase. The whole place is magic, it’s some of the best merchandising I’ve ever seen, and it’s right here in Fort Worth. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Suite 580, 817-9283230, www.mbmercantilefw.com. In regards to a more classic outfitter in the Alley, look no further than Lucchese Bootmaker, home of your bespoke forever boot. It all started when Lucchese brothers Salvatore and Joseph emigrated from Italy to Texas, bringing their father’s cobbler legacy with them. With fans from Prince Harry to Sandra Dee, Lucchese boots are canonical. Simply put, it’s where elegance meets western utility. Party trick: It’s pronounced lu-kaysee. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. On days the store opens accordingly, the hour of 11 a.m.-noon is reserved for at-risk population shoppers only. Suite 500, 817-918-7999, www.lucchese.com. Dolly Parton famously pleaded, “Why’d you come in here lookin’ like that, with your cowboy boots and your painted on jeans, all decked out like a cowgirl’s dream?” I have a strong feeling her inspiration was
