Shop Talk
Photo courtesy of Laude the Label
Laude the Label: New name, same vision
Formerly known as Tribe Alive, the fashion/brand has taken a new name after thoughtful consideration of what “tribe” means to certain people. The company chose Laude the Label — Laude comes from the Latin word laudere, meaning “to honor.” But the Fort Worth-based business remains committed to offering artisans and makers from different countries — Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, India and Peru — gainful employment, fair wages and opportunity while supporting their culture. The result is apparel and accessories that look good and have purpose. One of our favorite pieces in the new spring line is the Cleo made of organic linen and handcrafted in India. Details include voluminous sleeves and an off-the-shoulder design. The maxi length gives it versatility and ups the comfort factor. Plus the deep gold color is a fresh neutral. $208, laudethelabel.com
Winton and Waits: Shopping for a cause gets bigger and better
Shopping feels good. Feeling good about shopping betters the game. Jenna Lee opened Winton and Waits in Fort Worth’s Near Southside with the mission to give back to the community and support other small businesses, makers, artisans and good causes through the sale of items she stocks in her swell little store. Now the shop more than doubles its size. Founder Lee attributes the fact that WW was able to thrive during the pandemic — enough to take over the adjacent space at The 4 Eleven that was first occupied by home goods and design studio LTO — to a “mindful manner” of doing business. When wholesale orders began to be canceled, Lee chose to give away hundreds of luxury candles, generating a huge increase in website traffic that kept the business and its employees afloat. “Retail wasn’t operating, and we lost all of our wholesale orders, which were canceled or put on hold; that was quite jarring. I had to remind myself why I started Winton and Waits in the first place and decided on a new motto: If we’re going down, let’s go down in kindness,” Lee says. For more information on the new retail space, which opens April 16, follow Winton and Waits on social media @wintonandwaits. In keeping with the communal nature of the business, Lee and her team are designing the space to be transitional, easily opening up square footage to the neighboring event space and Rancho Loma Vineyards Winery.
411 S. Main St., Fort Worth, 817-233-9133, wintonandwaits.com
Photo courtesy of Winton and Waits
OPENINGS
Saint Bernard joins Shops of Southlake
Discover the broad range of apparel and accessories at this family-owned lifestyle retail store, opening this spring in the former Pier 1 Imports space. At one point known predominantly for ski and swim apparel, Dallas-based Saint Bernard now carries a wider selection for women, men and children, as well as items for the home.
1275 E. Southlake Blvd., saintbernard.com
Shinobi Menswear is all about the shoes
John Paul Ford’s time in Asia after leaving military service was a time of discovery. He especially loved a line of shoes he discovered in Japan that offered style and comfort. “I walked everywhere, so they needed to last and feel good.” Made entirely by hand of top-grain leather — a high-top version and canvas style are available, too — with distinct rubber soles, they were sold only in Japan, but Ford was able to bring them to the U.S. as the exclusive carrier. Fast-forward to February of this year, when he opened Shinobi Menswear in The Shops at Clearfork (there’s also a location in Newport Beach, California). “Once you break them in, they almost become slip-ons,” says Ford of the shoes. “And you can wear them with jeans, shorts or suits.” Shinobi also carries an Italian line of sneakers, Koio, for those looking for a more European vibe. Ford is now up to about 35 styles, with more expected at the end of April; most run about $285. He also carries an exclusive line of Japanese-made, hard-sided bags (backpacks, briefcases), plus men’s bracelets and a limited line of men’s clothing, including denim and shirts.
The Shops at Clearfork, 5014 Gage Ave., Fort Worth, 817-374-4565, shinobimenswear.com
Photo by Meda Kessler
Justin’s George Strait boot line. Photo courtesy of Justin Boots
Justin Boots kicks up its heels at Billy Bob’s
The Fort Worth nightclub turns 40 on April 1 — no fooling — and Billy Bob’s plans to polish up the floors, seasoned by decades of boot-scootin’, and partner with the iconic Justin Boots for monthly giveaways and special events. First in the concert lineup is a reboot of the club’s inaugural evening featuring the Gatlin Brothers as headliners once again. Other artists heading over for some strumming and singing throughout the year include Hank Williams Jr. and Miranda Lambert. Visit the Billy Bob’s website for tickets and to find more info on events, and go to justinboots.com/en-US/landing/bbt-rules to participate in a chance to win a pair of boots and see more accessories and souvenirs. Setting the party scene on-site at the historic venue, look for the 7-foot-tall red Justin boot that was a signature of the company during the ’70s. Selfies will be irresistible.
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 817-624-7117, billybobstexas.com