The Shops of Highland Park (Oak Lawn Avenue at Avondale Drive, Dallas) is booming, and one particular recent addition caught our eye. Maybe you were curious, too. Have you ever been dining at Carbone's or Nosh, or getting a blowout at Drybar, and wandered by neighboring boutique Peruvian Atelier? Today, we’ll take a peek inside.  

  Nicole Castagnet, owner of Peruvian Atelier, started her business online in 2010. Wanting to better showcase the quality of the garments she sells, and also receive customer feedback more quickly, Nicole opened her brick and mortar shop in November 2012. Almost everything carried in-store is imported from Peru, save for locally-designed Gemelli jewelry.  

  Most apparel offerings at Peruvian Atelier seem fit for a working woman who seeks great style and a touch of attainable luxury in her wardrobe. No boring suits can be found here. Instead, easy day-to-night pieces are abundant, along with comfortable knitted sweaters and shirts. Price tags are also easy, with many under $100.  

  The fabrics are elegant yet wearable, selected for their durability as well as visual appeal. Castagnet highlights alpaca and pima cotton, as well as jewelry made of tagua (a.k.a. “vegetable ivory”). Peruvian Atelier even has its own line of beautiful and unique bull horn jewelry, crafted by Peruvian artisans.  

  Finally, the shop also proves to be a great destination for unique gifts. Choices include alpaca blankets, rugs, and slippers, and hand-crafted pottery. Next time you visit the Shops of Highland Park, we recommend a cool little shopping vacay at Peruvian Atelier.     Top line image via ShopsofHighlandPark.com. Peruvian Atelier images credit Heather Lettieri for DFW Style Daily.