OPENINGS
Shower oil sprays are among the offerings at Buff City. Photo courtesy of Buff City Soap
Seasonal specials are now available at Lush. Photo courtesy of Lush
Feel good, smell good
Just a bath bomb’s throw across Southlake Boulevard from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, newcomer Buff City Soap aims to help make the city a cleaner place. Known for all-natural artisan wares, BCS is scheduled to open Nov. 11 in the Shops of Southlake near Soul Sweat Hot Yoga (seems synergistic to us). An alternative to face and body products based on chemicals and harsh detergents, the Memphis line is plant-based and vegan — free of animal fats. All soaps are handmade and sliced into bars daily in each “Soap Makery,” as the company calls its stores. Expect dozens of whimsical names and memorable scents, such as 99 Pomlems (lemon, pomegranate and cream) and All Hail the Queen (citrus, bergamot, sweet orange and iris). Breathe soothes with notes of rosemary and peppermint. The line also includes limited-ingredient laundry powder, shower oil, beard care and bath bombs. Limited-edition soaps for the fall include sweet and spicy Cinnamon Swirl (clove, allspice, cinnamon, caramel and apple) and Fall Harvest (orange, lemon, nutmeg and spiced florals).
Shops of Southlake, 1431 E. Southlake Blvd., buffcitysoap.com
Speaking of Lush, the holiday pop-up store in The Shops at Clearfork (across from the plaza and next to Starbucks) is open through Jan. 15 for all your bath and body needs. Fort Worth is the only city to get this special store, which will be stocked with bestsellers and all kinds of giftables.
The Shops at Clearfork, 5014 Gage Ave., Fort Worth, 682-683-2175, lushusa.com
Desert Rose: Western style and much more
Two of our favorite stylemakers are together again at Desert Rose, the newly merchandised gift shop inside the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Leslie Distler and Gretchen McClendon of Tres Chicas Jewelry). Distler formerly was the buyer for Leddy’s Ranch at Sundance Square and went on to open Feathers, a boutique in Fort Worth’s Foundry District. McClendon is known for her chunky jewelry with Western/Southwestern flair. Now Distler is giving the gift shop a new look and feel with more locally sourced products, a smattering of clothes, accessories and unique jewelry including the Tres Chicas line. Distler plans on special events throughout the year.
1720 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 817-336-4475, cowgirl.net
Turkish velvet handbags, glass and copper bead bracelets with charms, and handmade children’s toys are among the offerings at Desert Rose. Photos by Meda Kessler