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Life & Arts

Bargain while drinking at Dean's

Bottoms Up

Sarah Tressler 

Shopping, clubbing, drinking, fashion shows -- sounds like a weekend to me. At Dean's Credit Clothing, you can get involved in all of the above without leaving the comfort of a barstool.

Passersby may mistake this bar for an actual clothing store -- and it is. In the 1940s, Dean's was only a clothing store. When it was remodeled into a bar, many of the original fixtures were kept in place. But now it's mostly a spot for cultural expression, fashion, and more importantly, alcoholic beverages.

The front windows are graced by mannequins clad in vintage clothing -- which is for sale -- or by models from regularly scheduled fashion shows. Recent designers showcasing their wares at Dean's are Betsey Johnson and DuO, both fabulous brand names with digs in the Galleria.

Fashionistas favoring vintage duds can peruse the garments from the past along the walls and on racks in the windows. The clothing is quality vintage attire that is reasonably priced. By the way, you can negotiate with these people on price, so if you're dying to have a $100 cashmere coat with a mink collar but don't want to pay full price, see if you can talk your way down to $80. (This actually happened to me.)

Artsy types may appreciate the local artists' work that is exhibited in glass cases in the walls and is for sale as well. Paintings, drawings, sculptures and photography -- it's all here.

In addition to fashion shows and art exhibitions, local filmmakers' movies are shown on a huge screen above the back bar. Dean's works in cooperation with the Houston Film Commission to give viewings of short films from the Texas Filmmaker's Showcase on the first Thursday of every month.

Dean's is open at 8 p.m. seven days a week, so if you find yourself downtown at night and in desperate need of a drink, there is a haven for you. Duck in, grab a beer and get a new shirt. Your Senor Frog's T-shirt from last year's Spring Break bash is wearing thin.
 

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