With cool weather just around the corner, we’re already dreaming of overhauling our wardrobe with the latest fall fashion trends. So, put away the flip flops and break out those (over-the-knee) boots, because Houston’s top boutiques are bringing their a-game this season.
From modern denim and fur detailing to tweed and leather, Houston’s most style-savvy boutiques are making room for merchandise that is certain to carry both guys and girls through until spring. Wondering where to go to find the most covet-worthy finds? Pay a visit to these H-Town boutiques.
After opening River Oaks’ Casa de Novia bridal boutique in 2005, fashion-savvy entrepreneur Luvi Wheelock expanded her fashion stake with Atrium Ready to Wear, just next door. The sleek, gallery-like shop offers cocktail gowns and evening frocks from a mix of well-known and up-and-coming designers. Inside, customers will find dresses by Vera Wang, Jason Wu tops and bold looks by Prabal Gurung.
Abejas Boutique—named after the Spanish word for bumble bee—has created a fashionable buzz along South Blvd. since owner Christina Mitchell opened the shop in 1996. The stylish and comfortable boutique is known for its boho-chic array of women’s clothing and accessories. Heading into fall, we can’t get enough of the store’s faux fur Sherpa vests and plaid shirt dresses.
Set on the second floor of an unassuming property—near the intersection of Westheimer and Shepherd—Cakewalk Style Shop touts a mix of designer clothing and accessories from well-known brands and rising-star designers. This season, find tailored looks from Australia’s Fifth Label, flirty DVF dresses and head-turning lace tops by The Kooples at the Upper Kirby outpost.
Houston’s own Project Runway winner Chloe Dao has always been ahead of the curve, when it comes to her fashion line and fall 2015 is no different. The talent continues to stock her Rice Village boutique, Dao Chloe Dao, with on-trend skirts, dresses and blouses that won’t break the bank. And, if you’re excited about the leather looks gracing recent runways, Dao has you covered. She’s sending out plenty of faux leather and suede pieces that look and feel identical to the real thing.
From shirts by Vanishing Elephant and Houston’s own Hamilton 1883 to bags and accessories by Epperson Mountaineering and White Horse Trading Co., The Class Room brings the kind of attention to detail and curated inventory usually found only in women’s boutiques. Sneakerheads searching for the perfect white tennis shoe will also be happy to find Common Projects’ original Achilles low on offer, as The Class Room remains the exclusive Houston retailer for the sought after sneaker brand.
Reserve Supply Co. |
It’s been nearly a decade since H-Town-based accessory designer Elaine Turner launched her namesake line of clutches, totes and shoes. Today, the talent is well-known nationally for her timeless, travel-inspired collections, which she sells at her boutiques, Nordstrom stores and 200 specialty shops throughout the U.S. This season, we’re heading to one of her four Houston-area stores to snag some suede booties and a fringe crossbody bag.
Kairy-tate Barkley opened the first location of her fashion-forward shop, French Cuff Boutique, back in 2008, in the heart of Bellaire. Today, the venture, which stocks women’s designer labels, has grown to three Houston locations. Inside, find eye-catching designs, hand-picked from Dallas, New York and Las Vegas’ apparel markets. Don’t leave without snagging a pair of this season’s must-have flared denim by DL1961.
In 2014, Houston-based Lily Rain made the leap from online to brick and mortar with its first U.S. shop in Rice Village and, in August 2015, with another location in Memorial’s Woodway area. The lifestyle shop stocks women’s clothing and accessories, as well as home decor from established and rising-star designers. It’s also our go-to destination for Paige jeans and French Connection tunics.
H-Town raised Marie Earthman launched her boho-chic jewelry company Pomp and Circumstance in 2007, after stints working with jeweler Marnie Rocks and accessory designer Alexandra Knight. Today, Earthman’s River Oaks store is a mainstay for affordable bracelets, drop earrings and statement necklaces, along with breezy shift dresses and draped cardigans.
In Reserve Supply Co.’s retro-chic shop on Washington Avenue, customers will find men’s clothing, footwear and accessory brands that have stood the test of time. Brands like Pendleton and RVCA mix with Ray Ban sunglasses, Nixon watches and vintage hats—brands that speak to the surfer/skateboarder/motorcycle culture of America. Heading into fall, guys would be smart to swing by and snag some new Red Wing Heritage chukkas and a Filson weekender duffle bag, which will remain closet staples for years to come.
Set in the trendy West Ave., Dallas-based Rye51 offers approachable options from the likes of Baldwin, John Varvatos and L.B.M.—oh, and did we mention a whiskey bar? Next door, Rye51's sister shop, Q Custom Clothier, offers high-end, made to measure shirts and suits created from hundreds of fabric options, assembled in custom shops in Europe and shipped direct.
Austin-based Stag Provisions For Men launched its fourth location in late-spring 2015 in Houston’s Upper Kirby area. The modern day general store sells antiques, accessories, gifts and other fashion for modern men at its Upper Kirby location. Drawing inspiration from Cary Grant to Willie Nelson, the store offers one of a kind fashion to suit any style. Brands include Ralph Lauren RRL, Hamilton Shirt Co., Red Wing, Filson, Gitman Bros, Moscot and many more.
A fall fashion overhaul wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Tootsies. The 35,000-square-foot shop, which unfolds on the corner of West Ave, is a mainstay for designer finds. Been dreaming of snagging one of Mansur Gavriel’s coveted bucket bags? Tootsies is the only place to find it in H-town, along with lust-worthy dresses by Amen, Maria Lucia Hohan and Misha Collection, among a slew of other names, straight from the runway.