Houston's Best Boutiques

Houston’s famed malls are home to national retailers and luxury labels that diehard shoppers revel in with great delight, but it is the boutiques that reveal the personality and essence of the city and her shoppers. From classy couture to street chic, Houston’s boutiques run the gamut from the upscale to the trendy, but all are absolutely sublime. While the shopping landscape is dotted with amazing places, the following boutiques are the cream of the retail crop.

Tootsies
Tootsies, the Grande dame of Houston boutiques, is anything but old and stuffy. Rather, the matriarchal store, located along Highland Village’s palm tree-lined streets, is Houston’s version of Fred Segal. From couture to casual, Tootsie’s selection of designer labels runs the gamut from Diane von Furstenburg and Nicole Miller to Andrew Gn, Lela Rose and Derek Lam. If you never met a shoe you didn’t like, then Madison at Tootsie’s, the Los Angeles import, is the place to shop for everything from Jimmy Choo to Costume National. Tootsie’s is the first place Houston’s bold-faced and well-heeled women head for clothing.

Melodrama
In the rapidly gentrifying Third Ward of Houston is Melodrama, a sleek boutique that outfits women with hip and accessible clothing and accessories. Owner Jackie Adams stocks her store with lines such as Fondue, Hot Sauce and Miss Me and is a one stop shop for those in need of a trendy head-to-toe look, or for somebody who simply wants to punch up their style with a unique piece or two. Adams is active in the community and the store is frequently a happening spot for shopping parties and fashion shows.

Be-jewel
Shoppers tired of the same old, same old, find plenty of new at be-jewel, a high-end boutique in Rice Village. The plush store is a favorite of Houston socialites and soccer moms alike who pop in for unique items from European and American designers. Shoppers will find intricate dresses by Sandra Posada and pieces from the wildly popular Monies jewelry collection at the boutique. The last Thursday of the month is a favorite among be-jewel shoppers, who stop by the monthly Shop & Sip parties to indulge in a little girl’s night fun.

Muse
Shopping and tea anyone? That’s just what’s on the menu at Muse Boutique on West Alabama. The decidedly girlie boutique is a lovely mix of feminine dresses, work worthy tops and some of the best accessories around. The staff is friendly and will happily help you find the perfect outfit or invite you to sit and relax with a cup of tea. Local girls love Muse for its hard-to-find labels such as Roberts Freyman, Calypso and Swati Argade among others. Muse carries sizes zero to 12 and stocks the store with exclusive cosmetic lines as well.

Abejas
Abejas Boutique is first on the must-shop list for local “It” girls in the know. If a Hollywood starlet is wearing the hottest jean or the biggest bag, then you can bet Abejas will have it on its shelves. James Perse, Cake, Johnny Was and Velvet are among the labels at Abejas, but the friendly staff can easily navigate the names and fits for shoppers. The much-anticipated sidewalk sale held twice a year is the closest Houston shoppers get to sample sales and women descend on the boutique in droves to try on and buy, buy, buy.

Lot 8
Lot 8, Chloe Dao’s newly expanded boutique and hair salon in Rice Village, is fast becoming a stop on many a tourist’s list, thanks to Dao’s winning of the second season of Bravo’s Project Runway. Of course, local fans of her smart and sexy clothes already knew she and her Lot 8 boutique were champs. Besides her own line, shoppers will delight in designs by Single, Dress, Abaco and Li Li Rose, plus plenty of accessories and shoes and a men’s line called Adam’s Apple. Success hasn’t gone to her head either. Lucky shoppers can often find her still in the store hard at work.

310 Rosemont
Shopping should be fun and the staff at 310 Rosemont in the River Oaks Shopping Center certainly encourages that idea with full-stocked bar (yes you may have a drink) surrounded by a premium denim bar for men and women that include designs by Joe's Jeans, Rock & Republic, 1921 and Kasel. The store is a full-on wow experience complete with five crystal chandeliers and an art installation by the Art Guys that draws the eye upward toward suitcases flashing famous fashion sayings. The left side of the boutique caters to women with a full range of clothing for day and night. Gold Hawk, Nicole Miller and Milly are among the women’s offerings, while male shoppers can choose from designs by Diesel and Izod. Expect to see the denim selection to be one of the largest in Houston, totaling close to 100 different brands.

Basiques
With fashion trends coming and going quicker than Hollywood breakups, it is comforting to know that there are shopping spots selling well-constructed basics that can get a girl through the day. Enter Basiques, a French-inspired boutique in Uptown Park that stocks its welcoming shelves with classic wardrobe elements. Simple and flattering pants in colors such as black and navy blue, crisp white button down shirts, flattering skirts and simple print tops are the hallmarks of every woman’s wardrobe so shop owner Sheri Falk has crafted a store around them. Luxe linens and comfy pajamas are also a part of the store’s offerings and on a nice day, you can linger over coffee and chat with Falk at her cozy table in front of the store.

Indulge Maison, Thompson + Hanson nursery
For a divine time, head to Saint Street for inspired shopping at Indulge and Thompson + Hanson nursery. The delightful duo is a delight and transports shoppers to the French countryside where flowers bloom and lavender fills the air. Two orange trees flank the entrance to Indulge Maison, a rustic and serene store specializing in quirky home accessories, luxe linens and exclusive furniture lines, such as Blanc D'Ivoire. Each room spills to the next and the easy-to-shop shelves are full of goodies for every budget. Make sure and visit the second story for clothes, toys and furniture ideal for the little ones on your list. Across the garden at Thompson + Hanson, Mother Nature reigns supreme with a well-edited selection of gifts ranging from tableware and artwork to antiques and bath products.

High Fashion Home
High Fashion Home has one of the best views of downtown at night, but the more than 15,000 fabric selections in the store are the real draw. The four-story building is an ode to all things home with everything from Asian and South American-themed furniture to modern home accessories taking up residence. Each floor is a mix of furniture and fabric with plenty of inspirational vignettes interspersed throughout. If new curtains or a bedroom suite aren’t on your list, High Fashion Home has an excellent array of the bath products (Archipelago, Capri Blue and Voluspa candles, soaps and washes among others) perfect for gift-giving or keeping, depending on your desire. 

Kuhl-Linscomb
One of Houston’s best and most diverse shopping spots is Kuhl-Linscomb, a must-see five building complex that holds whimsical and luxurious surprises around every corner. Owners Dan Linscomb and Pam Kuhl-Linscomb have culled the world and brought back treasures for every kind of person and personality. Jewelry junkies will appreciate the array of pieces in various metals, stones and price ranges. Chefs and cocktail connoisseurs will revel in the accessories and gorgeous books just for them. Pet lovers can lavish their four-legged friends with unique collars and special shampoos. Kuhl-Linscomb’s apothecary is well-stocked spot with hard to find bath and beauty products for both sexes. Venture through the other building and discover modern and transitional furniture, lighting, rugs, linens and home accessories. Searching for something? Just ask. Customer service is top notch.

Tipping Point
The Tipping Point is a Main Street pioneer, bringing a bit of urban flair and cutting edge style to downtown. Deemed a sneaker lifestyle store, The Tipping Point carries exclusive and fashion forward designs by Puma, Converse, Adidas, Nike and Vans among others, as well as carefully chosen artist created T-shirts, engaging books and new art. A popular destination for artists and performers, The Tipping Point is also active in community and supports various local, national and international organizations.

à bientôt
Diamonds area girl’s best friend, but at à bientôt, so are rubies, sapphires, emeralds, plus gold and silver too. The accessories shop on Westheimer in River Oaks is a treasure trove of high quality costume jewelry, well-made and contemporary handbags and shoes, clothing and beauty items for less. The shop had long been a secret of soccer moms and ladies who lunch, but once word got out about the selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings well-dressed, savvy shoppers flocked to it. à bientôt also carries gift items for pets to kiddies. Here’s a tip: the store’s selection of clip-on earrings is impressive and the earrings are comfortable to boot.

Raye
There is a spot along Westheimer where the vibe goes from genteel to quirky. The stores segue from refined to sublime in an instant and no other store makes that point better than Raye Boutique. The shop is a far cry from mall fare with labels by Vena Cava, Coven, Steven Alan and Mociun among the trim racks of pants, skirts, tops and dresses. The mellow and artsy shop also stocks shoes and a sweet section of children’s clothing, which are just as cool as their grown-up counterparts. The store is just off Westheimer on Dunlavy and parking is scarce, so find a spot in the residential area directly behind Raye.

Dimensions
Shopping for a head-to-toe look all in one place is easy at a department store, but for discriminating shoppers who want the selection of a big store and the service of a boutique there is Dimensions on Westheimer. The expansive boutique caters to the modern woman with styles by Alice & Olivia, Free People, Tuhl and Linda Segal and boasts an impressive denim wall with styles and sizes for every kind of body shape. The store’s new look is fresh and contemporary, just like the clothing and accessories themselves.

More Than You Can Imagine
For It girls on a budget, there is but one place to shop in Houston and that is More Than You Can Imagine on Westheimer. The upscale resale store looks and feels just like any other boutique, except the Jimmy Choos and Dolce & Gabbana are much, much less. Socialites and fashionistas bring their gently-used or never worn designer duds to the store, where they are deeply discounted. More Than You Can Imagine owner Vicki Rizzo only accepts pieces in excellent condition and it shows in her denim (Seven For All Mankind, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity) and her cocktail and formal dress selection (Roberto Cavalli, Armani, Chloe and Dior). She also stocks brand new wares for the home, plus affordable on-trend jewelry, purses and Cosabella lingerie.

Lenny e Cia
Brazilian import Lenny e Cia brings a sexy, glossy selection of shoes and handbags to Uptown Park. The Hermes equivalent to luxury retail in Brazil, Lenny e Cia opened its only U.S. store in Houston and has wowed shoppers with its luxurious leather goods ranging from petite clutches just right for a night on the town to a roomy satchel ideal for everyday running around—in extreme style of course. From flats and pumps to sexy stilettos with glimmering crystals, the shoe selection is dazzling. The store also specializes in wedding pieces for pure bridal bliss.