Monday

DALLAS MAKES ME WANT TO PUT ON ALL MY JEWELRY AT THE SAME TIME

I tried it...

But seriously, rhinestones everywhere. On socks. On hats. On baby carriers. I am in the Sparkle Capital of the World. And I am loving it. But beneath all the bling, Dallas is also, among other things, the capital of BBQ, wide roads, drive-through Starbucks, SUVs in the drive-through Starbucks, big skies, friendly hellos, and great shopping. At one point, I got out at a gas station, where "America, America!" was blaring from the speakers, no fewer than six people said hello as if my personal existence made life worth living, the long horns over the door were wider than my car, and they were serving free wine samples inside (non-alcoholic, one hopes). I shed a big Texas tear. Because you can't shed small tears in Texas - everything is jumbo sized.

As are the deals... first up, the Buchanan Flea Market, where shoppers were sprinting up and down the aisles with gleeful abandon (or maybe that was just me), and there was, yet again, no danger of a sparkle shortage.

Trying on a beautiful vintage 1940s bracelet.

Real. And no longer available on the world market.

Alligator with alligators!

Gobs of furs... so many sellers had "recycled" furs - vintage pieces that had been meticulously cleaned, and if needed, restored and relined.

This booth had a scad of rabbit fur coats. For $18 a piece. SHUT UP.

Yes, you should "Decorate Your Boots."

My next stop was the fantastic Area 25, a home new and consignment items store and staging company, on West Lovers Lane - oh it was love alright. I was in love with EVERYTHING.

Chinoiserie chairs...

So many beautiful mantel displays. Their staging expertise certainly shows in the store.


Fabulous malachite tables atop a cowhide rug. So Tony Duquette goes to Texas, no?

Speaking of furs, yet again, Area 25 had a stunning selection of cowhides. I was amazed at what great rugs they make (very flat and easy to walk on). This one was a true stunner - it's speckled with silver paint!

An artful pile of still more rugs...

And yet another beautifully colored cowhide. The prices were lovely too - $350 to $550 (for the silver beauty).


The turquoise marble lamp base was incredible. You can't tell in the picture, but this is actually a matched set. What doesn't Dallas have?
All images, my own. Please attribute.

16 comments:

mamacita said...

Molly Ivins used to say that in Dallas, women dressed to the teeth.

Splendid Sass said...

Whoa! They would have to have dragged me out of there at closing time!! i saw much I want.
Thanks for sharing.
Teresa

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

great finds-especially the alligator belt (hope you snatched it up!)

Jade @ Flip Flops + Pearls Design said...

Wow!! I want to go! I need that Alligator belt...would be perfect for Florida Gators games!!

TSL said...

Sadly, not me!!! But I lived there for a year, loved it!

Theresa Cheek said...

So glad you enjoyed your trip to "Big D"! You went to some great shops!

quintessence said...

What fun!! How are you ever going to get it all home??!!

Anonymous said...

omg I want to go to Dallas! Did you fill a shipping container with your finds? I LOVE the Chinoiserie chairs!!!

Haven and Home said...

This is why I love the south! So well said in your intro! Love the alligator on alligator!

Samantha said...

I'm salivating.

Averill said...

Hmmm...CLEARLY I need to get my butt up to Dallas for some shopping. Fabulous! And so Dallas. Btw, love your manicure!

Splenderosa said...

Oh my goodness, ladybug, you saw some wonderous things. Come to Houston sometime, it's bigger, has more and is a beautiful city. Everyone in Texas is super friendly and lots of fun. Thanks for all the nice compliments. I'm off to put on my 5" dangle earrings.
xx's

Beach House Living said...

It's been ions since I was in Texas but everyone was so nice. Besides the bling mostly everyone was quite tall.

Tiffany from HOLIDAY said...

I've been meaning to go to Buchanan forever...will have to go now. Glad you had a good time and have a good sense of humor about the over-the-top things that make Dallas Dallas. xo

VICTORIA BELLOW said...

Spectacular pieces!You never cease to amaze me with your Post and ability to see other "uses" for these great finds!!Glad You enjoy Your trip.Thanks for taking us with you.

Thomas said...

I am in the estate jewelry a d there are terms we use when searching for a particular piece of (usually flashy) jewelry- We ask for either Texas or Dallas and even the dealers in New York know what we are talking about

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