One of the many perks of traveling or moving to a new place, is discovering must-shop stops in the various cities and towns. Highland Park Village is one such find— it also happens to be America’s first outdoor shopping center, and is best known for its luxury shopping, amazing restaurants and beautiful Spanish architecture.  Highland Park Village became the prototype for retail destinations all over the country when it opened in 1931. Originally conceived to be a town center, it’s now a bustling hub for all things fashion and food.

Where to shop… anywhere you can afford, CHANEL, Hermes and Valentino have been long time staples with new designers & boutiques rotating in yearly such as Alice & Olivia, GOOP, FRAME, Dior, Vince, James Perse to name a few. My favorite new store is the hip Veronica Beard.

Where to eat… Austin favorite, Royal Blue Grocery is the spot for specialty food and market provisions and sandwiches. The tiled entry floor is instaworthy for a shoe pic! No trip is complete without a stop at the beautiful and chic Bird Bakery. They make the freshest baked goods daily, while their cafe menu features delicious fresh sandwiches featuring breads baked in house and yummy soups. They also have beautiful cakes if you’re needing something special.  The bakery is not only beautiful, but kid-friendly!  The back of the cafe has several tables, and larger farmhouse table and benches, and little TV stations for kids. For a more refined yet casual dining option, Bistro31 is the quintessential Dallas brunch spot.  The menu specializes in cuisine with French, Italian, and Spanish influences and is surrounded by European decor.  For a more cozy and luxe setting, between the bright outdoor patio and terrace villa, head up to Lounge 31 where you’ll find the most beautiful bar interior featuring a Spanish-style Carrera marble bar and an indoor champagne lounge with plush velvet tufted seating.

 

The Beautiful Bird Bakery

 

Marble and Brass throughout the interior – my two favorite materials in the world

 

Wandering and admiring all the architecture. These tiled stairs are goals!

Blazer: Save here Wild Fable Splurge here: Anine Bing | skirt and Belt Bag Who What Wear | Mules: Nic + Zoe on sale!| Eyewear: Ray Ban

 

LOCAL

Over the weekend, my family and I enjoyed a relaxing morning at HP Village LOCAL. LOCAL is a seasonal neighborhood market featuring a variety of Dallas-Fort Worth’s favorite vendors, farm-sourced produce, games and entertainment the third Saturday of each month.  Can’t wait for the next one where the weather will definitely feel more like fall. I’ll be featuring my favorite cozy fall sweaters in the next HP Village LOCAL post.