They say that springtime is reserved for all things new and youthful and bright. This fall, however, you'll find no shortage of fresh, inventive shops blooming around Dallas.   For today’s Diary, I visited two such stores that just opened last week. Both are filled with new ideas and specially-curated items. Below, take a peek inside the West Village’s Nicole Kwon Concept Store and the new kid on the block at Highland Park Village, Number One/Le Jus.  

Nicole Kwon Concept Store

Nicole Kwon (pictured above) previously lived in New York, but says she fell in love with Dallas after several visits. "It felt like home," explained the store owner and designer to me in her tiny but airy West Village digs. "Everyone here has such a big heart."         If Kwon's reasoning for opening her first store here in town doesn't make you feel welcome enough, drop by the shop, grab something sweet from one of the oversized glass jars, and sift through her exclusive clothing and accessory offerings. They include her own line of women's wear. More than anything else, Kwon wants to inspire everyone that comes into the store.             And by the way, she calls it a 'concept store' because she wants to encourage her guests to try new things. Maybe mix a little edge in with your natural roots, and see what happens.            

Number One / Le Jus

  Over 80 years ago, the “Number One” corner store address at Highland Park Village was a beloved soda fountain. Shoppers gathered there to revive and visit with friends. At brand new occupant, Number One/Le Jus, owner Dana Card (pictured above) is combining that same vibe with a whole new twist.         Half retail shop, half organic café and juice bar, this store is absolutely brilliant and completely one-of-a-kind. Co-founded by Brian Bolke, the mastermind behind Forty Five Ten and Five and Ten, shoppers can stop in early for something from the Le Jus portion, then peruse Number One for select and exclusive home décor, jewelry, gifts, and clothes. I highly recommend the cappuccino made with house-brewed almond milk.         Number One/Le Jus is a place where you can feel refreshed and good about yourself, and also discover something wonderful and special. The ambience here is appealing, and once you stop in, you'll want to make it a regular haunt. As Card puts it, "We're lovely, loveable, and loving."           Nicole Kwon Concept Store photos by Joseph Brewster, featuring model Daniela Sevilla and styling by Nicole Kwon and Heather Lettieri. Number One/Le Jus photos by Heather Lettieri.