Dude, Sweet Chocolate's founder and chocolatier, Katherine Clapner, has an extraordinary knack for fusing sweet and savory ingredients into her one-of-a-kind chocolate confections. Some of the shop's most intriguing and delicious treats include items like buttery toffee with porcini mushroom powder and creamy dark chocolate fudge with dehydrated blue cheese. Other goodies range from flower scented truffles and chocolate covered candied nuts to cocoa dusted marshmallows, cocoa infused olive oil and boozy chocolate potions. Sample some of the choices over a cup of hot cocoa or get a little of everything in an exquisitely boxed-up gift pack.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: Dude, Sweet is where to go for unusual chocolate-based gifts and treats.
Ilene's expert tip: Take note that Dude is now offering an eclectic range of ice cream cones and sundaes, check out the Facebook page for the flavor of the week.
Though you can find candles at most any shop in the city, there's no place that offers an olfactory experience like interior designers Pamela Jackson and Jeremi Headrick's pocket-sized boutique. You won't see any of the usual synthetic smelling stuff here, instead, you'll find quality soy candles in scintillating scents like campfire, laundry day and cut grass. In addition to the shop's own signature blends, there are also artisan brands like Jeremiah Jo and Kobo. The best part is that everything on offer is displayed under a glass dome, allowing you to give the candles a sniff-test before you buy.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: Society boasts one of the most unique candle selections in Dallas.
Ilene's expert tip: Society offers free domestic shipping on orders over $100.
Housed in a charming 1940's bungalow, this cozy indie bookshop functions as a bookstore, a coffee shop and a bar all in one. Opened in 2014, the shop is the creation of Javier García del Moral and Paco Vique, two Spanish civil engineers who wanted to devise a place that would inspire conversation and interaction over good books and booze. Its walls are lined with a small, but dynamic selection of titles by local and international writers, all of which have been carefully co-curated by the local literary community and the owner's literary friends around the globe. Keep an eye out for regular events, ranging from kids' story hours to poetry readings, film screenings, concerts and writing workshops.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: The Wild Detectives is where to score unusual literary finds.
Ilene's expert tip: The Wild Detectives hosts live concerts on Thursday nights. Also be sure to check out the owner's Spanish pincho bar- Sketches of Spain, around the corner at 321 N. Zang Boulevard
Don't let the name throw you off, We Are 1976 isn't a shop filled with vintage 70's kitsch, rather it's a local go-to source for affordably hip gifts and assorted design-inspired items. Owner-siblings Vynsie, Jully and Derek Law have cleverly filled their shop with everything from stationery to home decor, Japanese candy and collectible toys, all carefully selected from independent local and international designers. The inventory is always changing but expect to find items like eyewear frames by Masunaga, Dick Bruna Miffy bento boxes, Kaweco writing instruments and a variety of limited-edition prints by local artist Brent Ozaeta.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: We Are 1976 is sure to please anyone with a creative imagination.
Ilene's expert tip: The shop also offers a range of custom design and luxury printing services, including announcements, invitations, business cards and personalized stationery.
There's a reason why this Bishop Arts District store has been the go-to gift-buying destination for over two decades. It stocks an eclectic range of everything from one-of-a-kind greeting cards to bath products, candles, handmade jewelry, local art and private label clothing. Even if you're just window shopping, it's worthwhile to step in and take a browse. If you can't find what you're after here, then wander over to sibling store Home on Bishop for more jewelry and gifts as well as unique home accessories. Also, by the same owner is the Ellison Valencia Gallery, which peddles affordable abstract art, sculptures and Chihuly-inspired glass installations.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: Bishop Street Market is a retail therapy haven for unique and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Ilene's expert tip: Bishop Street Market offers complimentary gift wrapping. Check the Facebook page for special sales and store events.
This emporium of all things weird and wonderful is jam-packed with almost anything you could think of for gifting and decorating. From candles to toys, gadgets, barware, jewelry and art, it's all here. And so are plenty of random trinkets you desperately will want (think fake tampon flasks and DIY illuminated apparel) but probably don't need. And when it comes to holidays, Fete-ish goes all out, stocking the shop with everything imaginable to create a celebratory vibe. Speaking of celebrating, time your visit for a Friday night and you'll be treated to a tantalizing adult concoction.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: Fete-ish is packed-to-the-gills with just about everything you need to complete your gift-giving shopping list.
Ilene's expert tip: Score deeply discounted items during Fete-ish's clearance sales during Labor Day and in January.
Located in the Bishop North complex, this dreamy concept boutique is nothing short of a treasure trove for Francophiles. Founded by Paris natives Amelie and Gregory Monvoisin, Marcel Market carries a carefully curated selection of exclusive French merchandise, most of which you're not likely to see anywhere else except for in France. Expect to find grocery items such as mustard, chocolates, candy, spreads, confitures and olive oils plus organic skin-care products, candles, handmade ceramics, women's apparel and more. Oh, and did we mention they also sell We the Birds handcrafted French macarons?
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: Marcel Market is the only French concept store in Dallas.
Ilene's expert tip: Follow on Facebook to find out about new arrivals and sales.
Fashion-savvy shoppers know this is the place to score great-fitting designer jeans. But Indigo also boasts an outstanding selection of clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories-- many of which can be had for a steal. Owners Denise Manoy and her husband Keith have an impeccable eye for fashion, and it shows in the store's evolving inventory of under-the-radar labels, including apparel from local clothing designer and Project Runway alum, Shirin Askari, and designer Tendai Tawonezvi of Neo Bantu. Men can load up on items such as Jet Lag shorts, Mavi jeans and George Roth shirts, while trendy ladies can snag everything from sexy cocktail numbers to a variety of baubles, bags and trinkets.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: Indigo 1745 has an awesome selection of on-trend and affordable fashions for men and women.
Ilene's expert tip: Mention "Eliza Pinckney" at the register to get 20% off any regularly priced item.
This Bishop Arts chocolate boutique, set up in a craftsman-style cottage, is a must-visit stop for anyone in search of a sweet fix. The shop is the brainchild of Andrea Pedraza and her daughter Cindy. The duo craft their confections by combining traditional European techniques with Mexican flavors, and all the cacao they use comes directly from a cacaotera (a female cacao farmer) in Soconusco, Chiapas. The chocolate high heel shoes are a best-seller but don't overlook some of the other original creations, which include tequila-white chocolate truffles, chocolate cowboy boots, and chocolate filled chocolate piñatas. The best part? They let you sample just about anything you wish to try.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: CocoAndre's chocolates are so good that American Airlines serves them on its first-class flights.
Ilene's expert tip: When you visit the store, you can sign up to be entered into their system and receive coupons for free or discounted chocolates. Note that CocoAndre offers free domestic ground shipping on orders over $40.
If you find yourself in need of a perfect bauble for yourself or someone special, then Ely Artisan Jewelry needs to be your first stop. Opened in 2018, the shop carries a dazzling array of men's and women's jewelry, all of which has been handcrafted by artisans in Mexico. There's much to love here, but a few favorites right now are a $49 hand-beaded necklace, a $95 sterling silver twisted cable ring, and a sterling silver stalactite crystal bracelet for $250. Other goodies to look out for include sculptures, leather wallets, hand-embroidered tops from Oaxaca and coffee from Chiapas.
Recommended for Bishop Arts District's Best Shopping because: Ely Artisans Jewelry offers a seriously impressive stock of unique, high-quality jewelry that won't break the bank.
Ilene's expert tip: Complimentary gift wrapping is offered here. Note that Ely Jewelry is hidden inside of the 410 Market. Ely Artisan Jewelry also has a jewelry and tapas bar called The Trove, located at 320 W. 7th St.