Mortar

For men who yearn to dress like an updated grown-up, there’s Mortar, a back-to-basics boutique on Westheimer. There’s not an embroidered, faux-tattooed or ironic piece of clothing in the store and that is just the way owner Sacha Nelson wants it. Concrete floors and clean white walls mimic a minimalist closet, one that is easy and quick to shop. Labels hail from Japan, New York and Santa Barbara and are meant for men who know what they like and what works for them. The stores impressive brand list includes Rag & Bone, Shipley & Halmos, Baldwin, Raleigh Denim, Garrett Leight Optical, Gitman Bros. Vintage and Houston's own Hamilton 1883. Each member of the store's small staff displays exceptional product knowledge, and they're happy to help customers find unique pieces and build complete looks. 

The modern denim lines are displayed on old pants starchers the owners discovered while getting lost at Installations in The Heights. While the store specializes in raw denim from labels like Baldwin and Raleigh, washed jeans from Gilded Age, Earnest Sewn and others are also available. Most of the brands that the store carries are not available anywhere else in Houston, and it's not uncommon for shoppers to find classes, parties and photo shoots going on in the store's back room.