16 September 19 - 25, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ PICKS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION Best Auto Mechanic Ross & Greenville Automotive The attentive reader will have noticed that this business is not to be found at Ross and Greenville avenues. OK, let’s move on. Two qualities to look for when selecting an auto mechanic, a plumber or a brain surgeon: honesty and competence. At Ross & Greenville Automotive, you’ll be treated fairly and your vehicle will be returned to you as good as new. Well, in a lot better condition than when you took it in. If you’re not happy, they’ll make you happy. One fellow we know took his car in for a front-end job and was told it would cost $2,000. “That’s more than the car is worth, so I wouldn’t do it if I were you,” advised the mechanic. Need we say more? 11051 Garland Road 972-236-4368, rossandgreenvilleautomotive.com Best Shoe Repair Rico Hillside Shoe Services If you’ve been shopping for shoes lately, you probably checked with a loan officer beforehand. The rising cost of footwear makes the idea of recycling all the more appealing. Not buying used shoes, although that’s fine, but repairing your shoes instead of chucking them into the trash. This is where Rico Hillside Shoe Services marches in to save the day. Rico’s is reasonably priced, quick and reliable. And repairs to accessories such as purses and belts are also on the menu. 6465 E. Mockingbird Lane, No. 375 214-826-5155 Best Candles That Smell Like Texas Jackson Vaughn If you’re a candle connoisseur, you know the worst thing ever is some overpriced chunk of well-packaged wax that doesn’t emit much of a fragrance when fired up. There’s no danger of that happening with one of Jackson Vaughn’s sweetly saturated, hand-poured options, which permeate a room with all the scents of a Texas summer (or fall or winter). The 24-year-old shop has plenty of scent- sational options. Still, our favorite is the Texas Collection, which distills everything from the State Fair midway (caramel, hay and toasted vanilla) to the Fort Worth Stockyards (leather, patchouli and dry straw) in pure soy wax. 403 N. Bishop Ave. and 8383 Preston Center, 101 Old Kyle Road, Wimberly, jacksonvaughn.com Best Dream Weaver The Labyrinth Billed as “an eclectic metaphysical shop,” Dallas’ Oldest Witch Store is known as the place to stock up on incense, tarot cards, herbs and books on palm reading. The purple Craftsman home in Lower Greenville is also the ideal shop to make wishes and dreams come true with a pre-blessed candle (or two). Just tell the helpful staff your intention (making up with a pal, a new career opportunity or just a good swipe on Tinder), and they’ll recommend the perfect option plus instructions to set your intention and follow it through. You might be surprised at the results. Blessed be! 5618 Bell Ave. 214-823-1963 Best Plant Mom Gift Shop Roadrunner Rarities When you want to nurture a living thing but an actual pet is too much of a commitment, why not try a (virtually) unkillable sprout from Roadrunner Rarities? It’s the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Annie Dibble Holland (who landed the best Girly Gift Shop last year with Lone Chimney Mercantile), and Chimney’s “newest side piece” offers the same easygoing vibe. Pick your favorite succulent, choose from a vast selection of Holland’s carefully sourced kitschy pots and mugs, then add funny additions like vintage beer cans or crystals on stakes to decorate. Voila! You just achieved green thumb status without even trying. 203 W. Main St., Richardson @roadrunnerrarities on Instagram Best Vintage Sports Clothing Dated Faded Worn Dated Faded Worn has perhaps the best selection of vintage sports clothing in Dallas, including hats, sweaters, windbreakers, shirts and much more. What makes Dated Fade Worn so special is that it’s true retro vintage, with products matching the styles of the ’80s, ’90s and aughts, across all sports and leagues. This Deep Ellum store is a must- stop for collectors. If you want to buy a gift for a sports fan or freshen up your look for the next watch party, Dated Faded Worn is the spot. 2924 Main St. 469-644-0784, datedfadedworn.com Best Place to Buy Vintage Candles Bella & Brawn Need a last-minute gift or something to freshen up your teenaged son’s bathroom? Then head to Bella and Brawn in the Bishop Arts District for the most distinct selection of candles in Dallas. These organic, hand-poured candles come in all sorts of entertaining vintage vessels, like gravy bowls, candy jars, duck-shaped glassware and colorful carnival glasses. Stop in during the holidays for seasonal selections as well. The best part is you can get your vessel refilled for a small price. 413 N. Bishop Ave. 844-563-5027, bellaandbrawn.com Shopping & Services Hannah Ridings Oasis Plant Shop // BEST PLANT SHOP FOR YOUR SMALL APARTMENT Patrick Williams Jackson Vaughn // BEST CANDLES THAT SMELL LIKE TEXAS
