Where to shop in Fort Worth in March
Lapima, a Brazilian brand, channels the ’70s with these pink frames; Vada eyewear is designed in Texas and made in Japan. Photos courtesy of Black Optical
The eyes have it: Black Optical focuses in on Fort Worth
While Fort Worth has its share of retailers selling unique eyewear, another will soon join them in April. Tulsa-based Black Optical is opening a boutique in The Shops at Clearfork. Founder Gary Black opened his first store in 2007 after working at Sunglass Hut when he was in high school. Today, there are Black Optical stores in Oklahoma City, St. Louis and Dallas, which he calls home. Brands include many international labels such as Baars, a French line; Japan’s Eyevan; and Mykita from Berlin. The boutique is located near Q Clothier.
5145 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth, blackoptical.com
Keeping Up With the Joneses: New address, fresh look
With ongoing construction at her former location, boutique owner Judy Jones Rotzoll opted to move and set up shop in the heart of Fort Worth’s Camp Bowie District. A friend sleuthed her new spot, a Craftsman-style bungalow that had been a legal office as well as one for funeral directors. The brick house was in fairly good shape with parking available on the street and in the rear. Double-hung windows let in natural light, and a small kitchen also doubles as an office and craft room. Rotzoll created changing rooms and repurposed the custom shelving from her previous store. Rotzoll, who has built a loyal customer base with her smart merchandising — she was a buyer for Neiman Marcus at one time — is gradually getting in her spring-summer inventory. She still carries local brands such as Lorren Bell jewelry and Hot Girl pearls. Abstract art by Fort Worth painter Brett Oliver adds a splash of color. One thing that is new to the store is Jonesy, the shop dog. Read more about this four-legged greeter on Page 10.
5017 El Campo Ave., Fort Worth, 817-995-0787, keepingupfw.com
Photos by Jill Johnson
Photo by Meda Kessler
Moss Floral Design | Atelier: Blooms, bouquets and more
Fort Worth designer Adri Smith has turned a former woodworking shop into a place of beauty. A large studio in the back is where Smith puts together stunning arrangements and bouquets for weddings and special events. In the front is her office and a showroom for fresh-cut flowers as well as some of her favorite things: French hand soap, moss-covered vases and unscented pillar candles in a soft palette of pinks, blues, gold and lilac. Arranged on black wood shelves, they add to the romantic ambiance of the space and make thoughtful gifts. Smith loves details, which include the unusual tissue paper she uses to wrap bouquets. For Valentine’s Day, the store felt like a European flower shop. Smith also loves the unusual when it comes to cut flowers: clematis, Japanese sweet pea, hellebores and hyacinth give off cottage garden vibes. Check out her website for custom orders.
1634 Park Place, Fort Worth, 817-501-8039, mossfloralfw.com
Double D Ranch: Hey, good lookin’
There’s no lack of stylish boutiques in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and Double D Ranch raises the bar even more. Based in Yoakum, the lifestyle brand is known for its private-label collection of Western wear and magazine-style catalogs. The Fort Worth store — Double D chose Mule Alley for its second brick and mortar — is equally impressive with a two-story stone fireplace, a pleasing mix of antiques and accessories, walls filled with vintage Navajo rugs and luxe touches such as the wallpaper in the dressing rooms. Even if you’re just browsing, you’ll enjoy the view.
128 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 817-862-7070, doubledranch.com
Double D is a visual treat, from the jewelry counter to the dressing rooms. Photo by Meda Kessler