If you love shopping, there simply isn’t a better or happier place than the original Neiman Marcus location in downtown Dallas.  The beautiful store has the original woodwork and plaster work and still houses the most beautiful of all designs in clothing, jewelry, shoes, gifts, and home accessories.  The store, founded in 1907 by Herbert Marcus, Carrie Marcus Neiman, and Al Neiman truly came into its own under the guidance of Stanley Marcus, Herbert’s son.  “Mr. Stanley” believed in providing the best available ready to wear clothes with the best service.  Once upon a time sales associates had to complete rigorous training in how to be gracious and helpful to all Neiman Marcus customers.  It is an art long dead, but one we still look for wistfully whenever we cross the threshold of this store.  You simply cannot walk through the downtown Neiman’s and not feel as if you are part of something fabulous.  The grace lilts over you as you ascend through draped butterflies over the escalators and the imagination of Stanley Marcus still serves to bless our hearts and minds on every stop on the way.  If you go, spend the day, have lunch with popovers at the Zodiac Room under Mr. Stanley’s portrait and try to remember what it was like to know that the world was a kinder, more fabulous place.
1618 Main Street
Dallas, TX  75201
214-741-6911
http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Forty Five Ten
I fully admit that I have only been to Forty Five Ten once.  The time that I decided to amble through the store was apparently a busy time for staff as they stood at the registers and glowered at all of the customers.  While the staff may not be the most notably friendly, Forty Five Ten has beautiful things.  The buyers for the store select only the finest wares you would be likely to find in any fashion magazine.  If you are looking for the latest in couture and beauty, look no further.  There is a small café in the back that is known to be a hot spot for ladies who lunch.  Forty Five Ten supports local talent and caters to local money as much as they do international lines and designers.  Don’t expect to spend a small amount of money, but do expect to walk out with something beautiful.
4510 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX  75205
214-559-4510
http://www.fortyfiveten.com/

Fossee’s Designer Shoes
When you enter Fossee’s Shoe store the first thing you might see are some circa 1980s handbags.  Don’t let the accessories fool you, this store has some fabulous steals on some fabulous shoes.  Fossee’s has left over shoes, often couture, in just a few sizes.  You have to commit to spend at least an hour combing the racks for those special shoes, but it is time well spent.  As often happens with left overs, some of the shoes may be mismarked, so be sure to try on sizes you might not normally wear.   The staff is always helpful and friendly and they have a mailing list you can join to receive coupons and store event information.   Fossee’s has been in business for twenty years and is a fixture on the north Dallas shopping scene.  It is conveniently located on Preston and Forest Lane with plenty of curbside parking.  After shopping for delicious shoes at Fossee’s, head across the parking lot to the new Whole Foods and have a delicious cupcake.  Also, if you’re in the mood for a little presidential past hopeful spotting, hang out at the barber shop in the corner and wait to see Ross Perot get his hair cut once a week.  Really, though? I’d stick with the shoes and the cupcake.
Prices range from around $10 up to $300.  This varies as inventory shifts.
600 Preston Forest Shopping Center
Dallas, TX  75230
214-368-1534
http://www.fosseeshoes.com