The Gypsy Wagon owner, Carley Seale, and I first crossed paths this past spring during Round Top Antique Week.  Her funky look {a short Mexican dress and kickin’ Cowgirl Boots}, plus her big smile drew me to her and I have been so glad to get to know Carley better over the last few weeks.

 When I called her to visit for this story she was preparing for a spot on Good Morning Texas where she was going to walk the viewers through hip ideas for Wedding gifts, everything from bridesmaid gifts, hostess gifts, gifts for one another, plus traditional wedding gifts. She, of course, did a fabulous job… Click on the image BELOW to see the segment yourself {GREAT summer wedding gift ideas!!}.

 Born in Tyler, Texas, Carley has lived in Dallas for 10 years and she has owned The Gypsy Wagon for a year + 1/2.  She originally started making business plans for a store in her spare time while she worked in Medical sales, dreaming of a day when she would finally have her own shop.  Her vision was to have the store in an old house, not easy to find in Dallas. When she stumbled upon an old home that housed a tattoo parlor she knew that it was the place she had been dreamin’ of.  With a pair of gloves and a weed whacker Carley turned a “dud into a diamond”.  In the past year 1/2 they have painted the house, put up awnings, and landscaped with Texas perennials.  Ooooh, I love it… in fact I could move right in.

 

 It was after a trip to Round Top where she saw an old gypsy wagon full of pottery that Carley’s name for The Gypsy Wagon came to life.  Once she had the house, and the name, it was time to fill her space with the things she loves… According to Carley, “There isn’t anything in the store I wouldn’t have in my house.  If I don’t believe in it then I won’t get it.”   The biggest change in the store’s inventory since her first few months is the selection of clothing… she started with more furniture {brightly colored Hungarian furniture that sets the tone for the light hearted space} than clothing but over the past year + 1/2 The Gypsy Wagon has become the place to go for gifts and fashion. 

 

I ADORE Carley’s requirements when buying/selling clothes ~ you have to be able to wear it with flip flops or boots.  And, of course, they sell flip flops and boots.  Heritage Boots from Austin to be exact, a small company where the owner is constantly designing new styles of boots, each pair is 100% handmade, soo comfortable, and great price point, especially for the exceptional quality… y’all will LOVE them!!  Also in the store ~  !iT Jeans which are crazy comfortable, premium denim that retail for $70 – $80.  The Gypsy Wagon also sells hello! SkinnyJeans that are amazing… According to Carley they truly make you look 10 lbs. lighter.  Sign me up!! 

 

As for trends on the horizon… consumers are really beginning to care a great deal about handmade products.  {It seems that we value our dollars so much more closely these days that buying something handmade feels like an investment in something and somebody, even if it’s a tiny tchotke, at least it’s a part of a bigger vision.}  Carley is working hard to find local people to make handmade products, “the story of a product is even more relevant when it’s a part of your community and consumers are starting to care about that.”  Recycling is also HUGE, of course… one of Carley’s favorite recycled items in The Gypsy Wagon is drinking glasses made from sawed off wine bottles & beer bottles.  **sweet!!**

 

 Every six weeks or so Carley hosts a Trunk Show at The Gypsy Wagon, sometimes in the front yard.  The next show will be with jeweler Richard Schmidt Thurs, June 25th ~ Sat, June 27th… After meeting in Round top just before her store opened, Carley has become good friends with Richard Schmidt and his wife, Janet… We, too, love the Schmidts ~ Pic BELOW & more HERE about their killer Jewelry. 

 

 Stepping into the front door of The Gypsy Wagon is WAY MORE FUN THAN SERIOUS!!  With crooked walls and lop~sided floors, walking through the space can be like entering a ‘Gypsy Fun House’ that is full of BIG COLORS and inventory that will make you SMILE.  With whimsical displays {including a huge flying pig}, The Gypsy Wagon is definitely a feel-good place that Dallasites are flocking to for gifts, art, accessories & Texas fashion.  
Oh, when you’re there be sure to ask Carley for a mini-beer from the fridge… **cheers** 

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Posted on Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 3:01 pm under Love It!!, Stores and . Comment RSS 2.0 feed. Comments/Pings Closed.