Shopping & Services

For years, Dallas-area Democrat Lee Merritt has made a name for himself as one of the nation’s top civil rights attorneys. His work for North Texas Black families whose loved ones died at the hands of law enforcement has helped to shine a light on the need for police reforms. This year, Merritt guided the family of Marvin Scott III in their quest to hold Collin County officials accountable for the homicide of the 26-year-old, who died in police custody. Merritt has since announced his candidacy for Texas attorney general, promising to safeguard voting rights if elected.

Nestled in the darkest part of Bedford’s Retro Plaza lies something horrible, macabre and awesome. The Horror Freak store houses one of the most most impressive collection of horror collectibles. Founder Eric Dallof has been collecting stuff that scares, creeps and chills humanity’s nerves since he was a kid; the shop may not have the floorspace of a Spirit Halloween, but he’s amassed a much cooler collection. Horror Freak offers new and used horror movies and shows on DVD, Blu-Ray, VHS and those giant, heavy, plastic laserdiscs. He’s got every kind of collectibles a horror hound could want like ultra rare action figure of hometown horror hero Joe Bob Briggs, original horror art from local artists, prints of classic horror comics and just about anything your twisted mind can conjure. If you dare to venture to the back of the store, you’ll find Dallof’s impressive collection of horrific tchotchkes like preserved bat skeleton specimens. If it makes weaker men and women shut their eyes, chances are that Horror Freak has it.

If you’re dying to visit Tokyo just for the shopping experience, this is as close as it gets. Mitsuwa is a grocery store that only carries Japanese products, from soda and candy to diapers. They also have an impressive assortment of toys by Sanrio and other brands, including a Studio Ghibli section. A visit to the market makes for a complete outing; you can get a matcha or prepared meal and sit at one of Mitsuwa’s many tables, let kids ride in those awesome baby-sized shopping carts or try to catch a toy on the claw machines. If your knowledge of Japanese food is limited to ramen and sushi, it’ll open your eyes to a new world of flavors — though they have plenty of those, too, if you want to stick to what you know.

There’s a meritless old rumor that English food is as sad as that nation’s weather. Sure, some of it seems barbaric and Sweeny Todd-ish (like blood sausage black pudding and those dumplings with chicken feet, talons and all), but these are countered by dishes like fish and chips (bathed in vinegar), bangers and mash, cakes with custard and whatever “pudding” made our mouths water during The Great British Bake Off. Since 1992, downtown Grapevine has held a treasure spot for expats and Anglophiles with the British Emporium, a store devoted to British foods and Harry Potter and Downton Abbey merchandise. Emporium will have you reconsidering your patriotism as soon as you try the candy (pardon, “the sweets”), such as anything Cadbury’s or the classic Lion Bar. Other British-favored offerings are Twinings teas, Jaffa cakes, frozen foods such as sausage rolls, the questionable, acquired-taste food spread Marmite and the decidedly non-questionable pickled-flavored onion ring chips. We fancy a cuppa everything.

More than just a typical camera shop offering cameras and lenses, Garland Camera also offers service and repair for modern digital and vintage film cameras, and lenses and flashes along with experienced technicians who can do everything from complete simple sensor cleanings to major repairs. Their photo lab offers rock-bottom pricing for film developing and printing services with development only or develop and scan rates, as well as print enlargements from digital image files, 35mm negatives, and 120 and 220 film, slides and existing prints on a range of papers (matte, glossy, luster and fine art paper). Whether a seasoned shooter or a hobbyist just starting out, Garland Camera offers customers a one-stop shop that stocks digital and film cameras, film photography and darkroom supplies, studio lighting, lighting modifiers and other studio supplies, a fantastic selection of replacement quick release plates for tripods and monopods, and a wide selection of simple-use and single-use point-and-shoot film cameras, as well as instant film and new and used Polaroid cameras.

Conveniently located off U.S. 75 a few minutes north of Dallas, the Como Motel has been around for a long time, possibly forever. The rooms are about 10-by-10, but you can’t beat the charm of an old motel around which countless numbers of affairs have surely been centered. In the suburban sprawl all around the motel are plenty of restaurants and bars you can hit up when you’ve had your fill of television or whatever else, and the Como’s yellow-and-red block sign will make sure you don’t miss the motel on your way back.

Books, DVDs, toys and sexy apparel, Paris Adult Book Store has everything you need to spice up your night. Open 24/7, Paris offers a variety of gear, lingerie and equipment to fulfill your needs. Need to sneak away for a bit? Their arcade room is available for only $10 per person, so you can catch an adult film at any time of the day. Plus, Paris is always having great sales and is LGBTQ+ friendly.

Rain or shine, day or night, this is the spot to get your XXX arcade on in Dallas. It’s open 24 hours a day, and with a name like New Fine Arts, it’s not your typical adult arcade perched off the side of the highway and full of road-weary truckers and the like. With three locations around Dallas, we recommend the one closest to the city, just a short drive from the Love Field Airport (maybe you want to pop by before a business trip, who knows?). When you’re done doing whatever you do with the joystick, you can peruse the store and consider items such as Delta 8 lube or the wide selection of adult toys or lingerie.

Snugly set in a shopping strip next to a Tom Thumb, Action Video Service is a gem for those of us who have hours of home videos — family gatherings, birthday parties, high school sporting events of our glory days — we can’t stand the thought of losing. Nowadays, a VCR can run you hundreds of dollars online, so your best bet for hanging onto all those memories is to get them digitized or transferred to DVD. Plus, if you’re waiting around for a bit in the shop, they’ve got an old school Pac-Man and Galaga arcade game you can play for free.

AJ Vagabonds is a clothing and outdoors store tailor-made for all Texans and Dallasites desiring to better advertise their national and local identities. Here you will find T-shirts reading “Texas babe,” “Dallas is wild,” and “Hike the great Trinity Forest” — as well as the classic “Texas Chica” or “Texas Chico” tee printed in the Topo Chico logo’s font. Here you will find Texas-, Dallas- and Oak Cliff-themed necklaces, stickers, pins, patches, posters and mugs, among every other kind of knickknack. Here you will find outdoorsy books, local food and merchant pop-ups, and boutique sports and camping gear. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for anybody who takes pride in their city or state.

Located in the West End, the appropriately named Wild Bill’s Western Store is the spot to hit up if you have high hopes of refashioning yourself as a bona fide cowboy. Wild Bill’s is a family-owned business that’s been around for upwards of six decades, and they’ve got the necessary gear for aspiring cowboys, cowgirls and cowkids, whether you’re looking for a saddle, new boots or just a good old fashioned cowboy hat. Better still, if you’re looking for a souvenir to give your non-Texan friends or family, Wild Bill’s has chef’s aprons stamped with the Texas flag and guaranteed-to-make-you-sweat Ass Blaster Hot Sauce (which comes in a tiny outhouse-shaped container).

North Texas pet lovers are sure to salivate over Susie’s Snack Shop in Denton. Located a few doors down from a 2020 Best of Dallas winner, Ten : One Artisanal Cheese Shop, Susie’s offers dog owners North Texas-milled, quality kibble that’s free of dairy, soy and grain. Their wide array of dog treats boasts a bevy of flavors and will satisfy the most finicky eaters. But the store’s claims to fame are the smoked chicken feet, which are packed with glucosamine to help soothe your pet’s achy joints.

The past year has been tough on everyone, but luckily, it also saw the arrival of Denton’s most enchanted boutique. Bewitched Denton is a metaphysical paradise where spiritually inclined North Texans can select books, jewelry, candles and sparkling crystals to ramp up their ritual game. Need to work on your tarot card-reading skills? No problem. Grab yourself a new deck and get rollin’. This is the perfect spot to buy a gift for your woo-woo friend, and you’ll be supporting an LGBTQ+-friendly business when you do. Trust us when we say Bewitched Denton is the black cat’s meow.

Since last year, journalists have been tasked with delivering readers reliable, accurate information about the novel coronavirus. To do that, of course, they’ve needed to hear from public health experts who have a knack for explaining science in a way that everyone can understand. Enter the University of Texas at Arlington’s Dr. Erin Carlson, who emerged as a guiding light during a dark time. A gifted communicator, Carlson always delivers dire prognoses with a kind, gentle bedside manner. Be sure to thank the good doctor if you ever get a chance; she’s working overtime to keep North Texans safe.

Before you order another record, boxset, protective sleeves or anti-static turntable mat from Jeffrey Bezos’ website, consider buying your vinyl and record collecting supplies online while also supporting a local brick-and-mortar record store. During the early days of the pandemic, Good Records quickly sprang into action launching “Good Records to Go,” a new website offering customers the freedom to browse their record bins online with free delivery within a 60-mile radius from the store with a $60 minimum purchase. After shoppers place an order online, the goods are delivered that evening or the following morning (as routes and schedules allow) to porch or patio just as a text with a photo of the order arrives to the customer’s phone. Curbside pickup is also available, and several mail-order shipping options are offered.

North Texas has many stores dedicated to superhero, science-fiction, fantasy and horror collectibles, but this Addison location is dedicated to exclusive anime merchandise. Offering collectible items from programs like Naruto, Dragonball Z and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Anime Pop boasts an extensive collection of action figures, scale models, trading cards, plush items, apparel and soundtracks. Non-locals not able to make the trek to the physical location have enjoyed the shop’s up-to-date online library, but dedicated Dallas fans get to experience the location’s meet-ups and speciality events.

Established in 1956 and thoroughly renovated this century, The Statler has been host to performances by the likes of Jackson 5, Frank Sinatra and so many others. The Statler was known at the time for celebrity appearances. With a mid-20th century design, The Statler has long been a hub for entertainment with a boutique hotel attached to it. Jazz performer Tony Bennett sang his heart out for the grand reopening of The Statler Ballroom in March 2018. Besides stellar performances, The Statler also rocks a bangin’ variety of food and drink options at several eateries and bars. The ballroom’s capacity is scalable to accommodate up to 1,600 people, which means plenty of room for you and all your friends.

Getting a clean shave and a fresh haircut at the barber is so much more than just pulling hairs. It’s a tradition — an unchanged process that goes back all the way to the ancient Egyptians. Sitting in the barber’s chair typically signifies something important is on the horizon. An upcoming date? A job interview? Or even just a desire to have the finest follicles in all of Dallas?. When the step-by-step ritual of the barber is taken into consideration, there are few finer than Brass Tacks, located inside the Aldophus Hotel. Their style is timeless, their barbers knowledgeable, and they hold on to the spirit that has made going to get a straight razor shave and a line-up a rite of passage since before the pyramids were around.

{neighborhood} in the Design District is both a designer furniture store and art studio. Its modern desert vibe, soft tones and quirky decor channel the West Texas town of Marfa. All those couches and comfy chairs might make you wish this was Airbnb. Alas, you can’t snuggle up with a good book on one of the Blu Dot sofas, but you can purchase art from up-and-coming independent artists; the space doubles as a studio and offers a variety of work, often local, on a rotating basis. During Black history month {neighborhood} hosted a collection from six local female artists called Tellin’ Our Stories. If you’re shopping for either furniture or art, or just want to be inspired by both, this is a great place to go.

Honestly, we feel better just walking in the door of Molly Mathias’ brightly decorated outpost in Bishop Arts: our serotonin levels pop before we even make it over to the merch, all of which centers on the art of self-care. In fact, the whole store makes us reconsider the whole idea of self-care , which given the year we’ve all just had is definitely something to embrace. Mathias’ thoughtfully-curated and highly-researched selection is a prescription for almost every aspect of women’s wellness: there’s everything from CBD-tinged skincare and supplements to haircare, aromatherapy, books and journals, sexual health aides, candles, accessories and a t-shirt that asks you to consider “how are you really?”. This warm, inclusive little shop, packed wall-to-wall with good vibes, will help you elevate your me-time to a whole new level.

Artisan has been providing DFW with quality vapor for some time now with over 160 different e-liquids to choose from. But these days, there are even more reasons to hit up one of more than 30 local Artisan locations. The shops now carry a good selection of kratom, CBD and delta-8 THC products. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, one of the shop’s employees can show you the ropes. They’ll make sure you leave with the perfect product, but take it from us, their delta-8 tincture will send you to the moon.

The world of theater, costume design, props, filming equipment, and more is astonishingly more complex than most make it out to be. From finding the exact shade of alien green makeup, to era accurate pirate costumes, Norcostco has turned the chaotic into an experience that makes folks from seasoned set designers to aspiring filmmakers actually want to visit. While Norcostco has a thriving online presence, actually stepping into their physical store is an experience in and of itself.

Nail culture is going strong, and fashionable nails can make as much of a statement piece as any other adornment on your body, and, unlike your unfortunate tattoos, they’re not permanent. North Texas has no shortage of nail salons, but Nailed in Oak Lawn stands out for its high customer reviews and attentive staff. The high-ceiling salon is more upscale than your standard strip mall nail spot and makes the experience more luxurious. Your hands will look like you’ve never worked a day in your life.

There are four basic things we hope for when calling up anyone in the repair industry: Please fix it the first time; please don’t rip us off; please show up on time, in less than an 8-hour window; and please don’t speak to us like we are morons even if we are. On average, we hit about 3 out of 4 on that list in the past, but Pegasus Appliance Repair promises to improve our odds. Their uniformed, certified technicians roam about North Texas in bright red, white and blue vans ready to answer your call when your freezer turns your ice cream to soup, your washer stops spinning or your oven threatens to launch you into orbit. Their award-winning technicians will be ready, uniformed, dressed in slippers to protect your floors and following guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID. Fast, reliable and backed by tons of testimonials online from satisfied customers, they’re the guys we will rely on that sad, horrible day our wine fridge gives up the ghost.

This is a colorful collector’s oasis and crate-digger’s dream come true that’s also a fantastic spot for younger music fans and new collectors to hangout as well. Row after row of new releases and used vinyl, 45s, cassette tapes and compact discs, as well as turntables, slipmats, speakers, T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers and more, make it easy to lose track of time at Josey Records. Opening in 2014 at 15,000 square feet, Josey Records has since expanded to 25,000 square feet of retail space making it the biggest record store in Texas and one of the largest in the U.S. Also, in a move that brought peace to many collectors, Josey’s owners acquired Bill’s Records online store and the contents of Bill Wisener’s Lamar Street store after Wisener died in January 2020. If they don’t have it in their bins, they promise to “make an honest effort to find it or special order it for you.”

A long-standing Dallas institution, Utay was founded in 1930 when watchmaker Oscar Utay opened up shop on Main Street. The business was passed onto his son Eddie, and since his retirement it has been owned by Misti Gryder. The mom and pop store is now a female-owned and female-run business, a shining effort between Gryder and master jeweler Hailey Guild, who specialize in custom jewelry — making one-of-a-kind bits of luxury that are as exquisite as they are personable. It’s also a great spot to repair your family jewels; the shop is all about legacy.

Getting married requires more than swiping right on the right person. You also need to be a wizard accountant and skilled event planner. That’s why it’s important to find a dress that’s Marchesa-chic on a non-Marchesa budget. You’ll do more than enough overspending on flowers. Though there’s something for every kind of bride whether classic or boho, Lovely Bride is known for its modern bridal couture — no-frills, with flattering construction and tastefully sexy, because your pastor and/or grandma will be present. The store also stands out for its customer service. Salespeople aren’t pushy (you’ll get enough of that from parents pressuring you into inviting relatives you’ve never met), making at least part of your wedding planning stress-free.

Dallas has plenty of vintage stores to indulge your greatest style fantasies, but we’re stuck on Rare Heart. The Oak Cliff store is a whole mood — a goldmine for timeless fashionistas, with plenty of That ’70s Show-like costume finds (you know, vintage band tees, denim) and retro dresses for those outdoor picnics you’ve been meaning to throw to keep a social (distanced) life. But we left our heart on the racks that hold the store’s best offerings: a selection of beautifully delicate slip dresses. Rare Heart is a bit pricier than your standard second-hand jumble sale of old clothes, but it’s worth it for its excellent curation. These aren’t merely clothes; they’re investments that’ll pay off from eternal wearing.

These days, there’s only one style that matters to teens: anything ’90s. (Yes, we refuse to acknowledge the early 2000s). Who would’ve thought that our worst looks — mom jeans and general Larry David vibes — would be all the rage again? Some of the decade’s looks do hold up, though, and Lower Greenville’s Buffalo Exchange is on it. If you’re going for a Manson-inspired look (either Marilyn or Shirley) this is where you can find your Docs, platform black boots or plaid minis. The store’s selection, of course, isn’t only limited to the Sassy and MTV era, but you’ll mostly only find only what’s hot right now. You can also trade or sell your own clothes, as long as they’re cool, of course. The kids approve.

If you think pink, let your thoughts take you to Talking Out of Turn. The Bishop Arts corner shop features an array of colors, but the store’s facade, signage and displays have us dreaming in pink pastels and living la vie en rose. The store’s selection is cute and offbeat and every product looks edible (but please don’t try them): calendars, notebooks and other stationary, mugs, bags and planners that make organizing your time actually fun. It’s a great place to find office supplies with a bit of quirky inspiration to get you excited about going to work again.

There’s nothing more specific to the human condition than experiencing a random craving for a sugary treat in the middle of the night. And sometimes, what the heart wants, exclusively, is a well-made cupcake. Nothing else will do. Sprinkles came up with a solution to our frustratingly specific appetite. The bakery has an ATM where you can withdraw your cupcake of choice through machines in two North Texas locations. The Dallas ATM, so far, is always better stocked up, even though there’s a line formed in front of it seemingly at all hours. Make your selection and get your little box of goodness from the robot, you hopeless human.

For some of us, getting tickled feels like a form of medieval torture, but hey, if you’re one of those who actually laughs at tickling, and you’re even willing to pay for this service, there’s a place that can make it happen. After 20 years running a tourism nonprofit that paired hopeful travelers with volunteer work destinations, COVID put a stop to Kimberly Haley-Coleman’s plans. But she was tickled at the idea of a new venture and is now the owner of a space where customers can get tickled pink. Almost literally. Before the tickling sessions begin, guests are served a glass of rose wine and pink cookies. They are then taken into a Moroccan-style tent where they choose 25- or 50-minute tickle sessions and their weapon of choice, too: feathers, combs and other devices, or even a firmer scratch.

If you head to Mando’s Spot to pick up a pipe or papers before the session, you’ll find yourself tempted to return afterward to satisfy some other craving as well. Along with its good selection of vaping and smoking paraphernalia and legal highs such as Delta-8 THC hemp and kratom, Mando’s has shelves of fascinating snack flavors from around the world. You can venture beyond barbecue with Lay’s Numb & Spicy Hot Pot, Grilled Squid or Cucumber flavor potato chips; conquer cottonmouth with a bubble milk or peach oolong tea; and satisfy your sweet tooth with Skittles from Israel. Save some quarters for a couple plays of the vintage Mortal Kombat II machine on your way out.

Finding a tire shop in Oak Cliff is easier than finding a nail or screw in the road, which is also very easy to do in Oak Cliff and most of Dallas, thus the plethora of options. San Luis has made several of our tire replacements about as pain-free as that can be. They’ve done even more quick, cheap patch jobs on leaky tires that we suspect most of the bigger chains would have insisted were irreparable and in need of replacement, along with two others that are starting to show some wear and hey, as long as you’re replacing three, you might as well do all four for just a little more. On our most recent purchase, a pair of new SUV tires came to less than $100 apiece, and not only did they throw in a free rotation with the tires, they called to let us know the price from their supplier went down and passed the savings on. Think Firestone or NTB is gonna do that?

There is no shortage of roofing companies stopping by to do free inspections following any big storm, and that monstrous hailstorm back in April was particularly productive. What’s the saying? April showers bring new boats for roofing contractors? Something like that. Regions Commercial Roofing replaced several roofs on our block along with ours, and they all look great. The project manager walked us through every step of dealing with the insurance company, answered our questions about color and composition choices and options such as adding gutters, made himself available at any time during the process and gave us cost estimates that were accurate to the penny — no surprise charges, just a nice new roof over our heads.

With nine locations scattered across Dallas-Fort Worth, from Garland to Irving to Denton, Thrift Giant is a massive chain. Head to the Belt Line Road location in Irving just down the street from Texas Thrift and Goodwill for stunning finds old and new at low prices. Although it’s not the cheapest thrift store in the city, you could easily buy an entirely new wardrobe for less than $100. The glassware collection is stellar, full of old ash trays, quirky mugs and beautiful drinking glasses; the bag and coat collections are also nice. Head into the store with no expectations and expect to walk out with floor length coats, nylon sweatpants printed with retro advertisements and houndstooth galore.

If we’re gonna hoard clothes and shop compulsively, we might as well make it count, and we can’t think of a better cause to take our money than the Genesis Women’s Center, which supports victims of domestic violence. The issue intensified during the pandemic, as abuse soared while families were stuck at home, and one place that can always be counted on (going on two decades) is the Dallas nonprofit. The store also has an incredibly tasteful selection of clothing, furniture, shoes and jewelry. Neighbors are clearly donating great items. It’s a win all around.

Boots are made for walking, stomping, riding and dominatrixing, and in North Texas, they’re made for two-stepping. Whatever your agenda, you’ll find the right fit at Lucchese. With three North Texas locations, the store will complete your Marlboro Man look, and you don’t even have to take up smoking. Their high-end cowboy boots pair well with daisy dukes, dresses and your sass. The shops also sell luggage and leather candles to finish off your dream cowgirl aesthetic. Lucchese is also the maker behind the official boots for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the brand has collaborated on a line with country queen Kacey Musgraves.

Located next to Murray Street Coffee and just down the street from Dated Faded Worn, Add Vintage has a quirky selection of newer and cheaper vintage. Sequined shoulder pad jackets, silk robes, ratty tees, hunting camo, baggy, ripped and faded denim and so on. What the store lacks in size it makes up for in diversity. Plenty of finds are priced between $20 and $40 — shockingly low prices for a self-described vintage store in the shopping mecca that is Dallas.

Not just vintage, not just thrift, Crossroads Trading offers used clothes both old and new at moderate prices. Sift through the racks of pants and skirts for fun finds, but above all go for the jewelry. Located in display cases by the cash register are pairs upon pairs of gold and silver earrings — snakes, swords, birds, beads, oh my. Rings, too, abound, in many colors. What makes Crossroads so great is the diversity and price. Jewelry pieces perfect for hipsters, goths, granolas and businesspeople await, all at reasonable prices. Located on Main Street next door to Vidorra and across from Merit Coffee, Crossroads is also a perfect beginning or ending for any Deep Ellum excursion.

Maybe you’re just looking to learn a unique skill. Maybe you’re aiming to get something to do with your pals while you’re all tipping back cold ones. Or perhaps you’re actually hoping to launch a new career in the circus arts. Either way, Don Johle’s Bike World has you covered when it comes to unicycles. Located just north of Dallas, in Garland, Don Johle’s offers a variety of unicycles that will cost you anywhere between $119 and $279, depending on your tastes. They carry three models of unicycles, all of which are made by Sun Bicycles: the classic, the flat top classic and the flat top extreme.

From The Joy of Gay Sex, to Collected Poems of T.S. Eliot, to Gravity’s Rainbow, to Capital: Volume One, you can find any and every title at Lucky Dog Books. The seemingly umpteenth new location of Lucky Dog, which husband-and-wife co-owners John and Marquetta Tilton founded as Paperbacks Plus in Mesquite in 1974, the Garland Road store just keeps going — rooms of literary fiction and kid’s books open off into rooms of genre fiction; halls of vinyl empty into more rooms of spiritual texts, history books and sex manuals. Lose yourself for hours in the stacks; if you’re lucky, you might just find one of the many vintage books sprinkled among the volumes.

It’s been centuries since bicycles were first invented, and we’re still waiting for a more practical replacement. Segways may have impressed us back in the day (before proving they were just for show), but bikes have always been dependable, allowing us to never have to worry about fluctuating gas prices. Whether you dream of competing in the Tour de France or intend to fill your bicycle’s front basket with fresh flowers and pretend you’re in a perfume ad, you’ll find what you need at Bike Mart. The specialized shop has rare contraptions that cost more than your piece of crap car, and affordable bikes for those with simple tastes and riding needs. They also have a long list of services to keep you on your wheels.

The Dallas store Dolly Python has made our list seemingly every year as a destination for vintage clothing, but we can’t emphasize enough just how much weird shit there’s also to be found among its booths. Every type of collector will find their personal brand of weird. From taxidermy inspired art to antique purses, cat-eye sunglasses to old photos, it’s a spilling treasure trove of valuable, meaningful cool stuff, a perfect spot to find original gifts for your impossibly artsy friend who’s normally unimpressed by anything material. Get that friend the fetal artwork that’s on sale right now.

Some of us became a more zen version of ourselves this year and picked up yoga and other healthy habits, but what really got us by was liquor. And picking our preferred brand of poison at a fancy store makes us feel more sophisticated than making a last-minute gas station run for boxed wine. That’s why liquor store Biagio has become an endless source of personal happiness. The Victory Park spot has rare wines, artisanal liquors and other gems for real connoisseurs who know what really matters in life.

2021 is not going to go down in history for its fashion. Then again, defying all odds (and any measure of taste) the 2000s are making a comeback. While everyone is wearing the same ripped blue jeans and little white tee, you want clothes with personality. That’s what you’ll find at Beatnik: quality, distinctive pieces that are breezy-cool and modern, without falling into any niche era like a TikTok clone. The overall vibe is fancy hippie, a much more original version of chain Urban Outfitters, with housewares, jewelry and other accessories.

Success is 10 percent inspiration, 90 percent good hair. A signature haircut can take you from mere mortal to household name (just look at Farrah Fawcett, Jennifer Aniston, Anna Wintour and Dennis Rodman) and make you such an icon you can win the highest office in the world with absolutely no qualifications. You can keep super-cutting and great-clipping your hair or become envied and admired for no great reason, which is where Johnny Rodriguez’s salons can help. The salons are high quality and specialize in color correction and services including makeup, microblading and lash tinting. To see Rodriguez himself is pricier, but cut and color with any of his hand-picked stylists are reasonably priced.

Let’s be honest, most of us buy our gifts one hour before we have to be at whatever party and stuff a bag with tissue paper in the car at the red lights on our way there. It’s OK. It’s the gift that counts. Read Between the Lines has moved to Legacy West after closing their Victory Park location and is still offering clever birthday cards, bath salts, coffee table books, chocolate, candles — all the best for that special person in your life you don’t know too well to get what they really want. You can’t go wrong with any of these things, though. The shop’s specialty is stationery, and their notebooks are so perfect they might’ve inspired that film about that lady with dementia trying to remember her days with Ryan Gosling. We’re not sure.