Moving his boutique into Snider Plaza’s nearly century-old shopping center was a spontaneous decision for John Piermarini. He opened his first storefront in Uptown in 2010, but after spotting the brick-walled space for lease, he moved his namesake shop to University Park in August 2012. “I love the independent stores and overall vibe of Snider Plaza,” he says. The lineup runs the gamut from longstanding businesses (like Plaza Health Foods, which opened in 1949) to contemporary shops catering to SMU students. The retail mix gives the area a step-back-in-time feel that is loved by business owners and their customers. You can grab lunch, have your gun polished (seriously), and shop for a fashion-forward new wardrobe. Here are a few of Piermarini’s favorite stops.
The boutique is full of hard-to-find European lines (Matthew Williamson, for example), already favored brands (like Maria Cornejo), and killer shoes you can’t find anywhere else in town.
BabyBliss
“I can always find the most unique baby gifts here,” Piermarini says. We love the cool baby clothing, furniture, strollers, and gorgeous leather diaper bags.
Allie-Coosh
“It’s a Dallas classic,” Piermarini says. “Paulette Martsolf gives clients an accessible but edgy custom-made clothing experience.”
Warren Barrón
The bridal shop carries the best for brides-to-be and their parties. Marchesa, Lela Rose, Monique Lhuillier, and Vera Wang are a few of the top-tier lines.
OK Alterations & MONOGRAM
“With all of the independent boutiques here in Snider, it helps to have the best alterations place in the city,” he says. He loves the quality job and fast turnaround.
Bask Boutique
It’s a vacationer’s dream shop, with racks of teeny bikinis, sophisticated one-piece suits, cover-ups, and sunglasses. “They even have adorable swimwear for kids,” Piermarini says.
Designer Jewelry Atelier
The shop sells pretty baubles from a lineup of brands that includes Three Bishops, Chan Luu, and Margery Hirschey, but it will happily design and produce a custom creation.
