Shop Hopping in McKinney

Even if the shopping in McKinney wasn't very cool -- but, take our word for it, it definitely is -- the dark chocolate chip cookies at Patina Green are reason enough to take the short trip to their charming downtown district.  While in town, we checked out local boutiques Cotton Hearts, Swanky, Another Time & Place, and Orisons in addition to the sweet stop at Patina Green.
 
Cotton Hearts' haute hippie vibe and highly desirable lines -- like jewelry star and Oklahoma City-bred label Love Tokens -- make it a must-see in McKinney. Our favorites on racks now are the just-in arrivals from Ella Moss, especially the nude dress with brushed paillettes  and unfinished chiffon trim for $142. We also want the turquoise and leather necklaces from aforementioned Love Tokens, most priced at $250.

Swanky Boutiques' retro-chic pink logo heralds their fun finds, highlighted by their friendly staff and prices. Our favorites on racks now are the olive silk dresses from Ya with hardware and zipper details for a great price; both were around $30. Their outerwear pieces were great too and with equally nice pricing.

Another Time & Place looks interesting from the street, to say the least; their curbside racks with brightly colored clothing and accessories are both bazaar and bizarre. Don't let that keep you from walking in the door, however; our most unique, can't-live-without-it finds came from their shelves. We are desperately wanting the "carpet bags" in Uzbekistan-imported textiles with caramel leather trim, the silk-cord necklaces with oversized pendants, and the 22-karat brushed gold-plate statement earrings for only $47 to $67.

Orisons is Texas-chic at it's very best; our picks are Liz Soto's lacquered leather cocktail bags with pearl handles and Tasha Polizzi's leopard, velvet jacket with silver and turquoise buttons. Other loves include a locally-made satchel in super-soft deer skin; amazing and one-of-a-kind for $178. They also have their selection of Lucchese boots on sale for 20 percent off  currently; don't miss it.

We recommend you end your day of shopping at Patina Green, just like we did. The refreshments are wonderful, but their perfectly culled selection of French provencal antiques are equally lovely. A new haul from the Paris Flea Market is in-store now. We even found a quirky accessory to take home -- bracelets made from old silverware for $35. The ultimate in recycling if you ask us.

Cotton Heart, 103 E. Virginia #102; Swanky Boutique, 116 N. Tennessee; Another Time & Place, 109 N. Kentucky, additional locations in Plano and Dallas; Orisons, 113 E. Virgina; Patina Green, 116 N. Tennessee #102.