With spring break in full swing, there's plenty of time to check out new shops and cool new offerings around Houston for those who have decided to remain in town. For those who haven't, there's always the rest of March.
This month's edition of "Where to shop right now" also has a bit of a wedding theme, along with a bevy of designer names at lower prices.
More than You Can Imagine expands
Owner Vicki Rizzo has always dreamed of a huge sale room where she could offer top designer items at half off regular price. When the opportunity came, she recently expanded her store at 2817 Westheimer, which offers a wide range of luxury consignment items, to offer even greater bargains on clothing, handbags and other accessories from top designers like Gucci, Chanel, Ferragamo, Prada and Bottega Veneta.
The expanded space, with a baby grand piano, also allows room for a bigger men's clothing area, even more women's shoes and larger jewelry, home accessories and gifts collections that feature brand new items in addition to one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces on consignment.
"No matter if you pay $5 or $500, we want it be an enjoyable experience," says the store's vice president Mauri Oliver.
IOMA skin care line launches at Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria launches the Parisian skincare line Ioma on March 11 from 5 - 7 p.m., with complimentary consultations, light bites and music. The luxury skincare line combines cutting-edge technology and a decade of research with the highest-quality products, personalized treatment options and comprehensive evaluations. Previously, the products have been sold exclusively in the United States only at Saks stores in New York and Beverly Hills.
Grand Wedding Band Event at Zadok Jewelers
Thinking of shopping for a wedding or engagment ring? Zadok Jewelers hosts its first ever Grand Wedding Band Event, with more than 25 wedding ring designers, including Tacor, Christian Bauer, Scott K. and Michael M., all under one roof at the Post Oak Boulevard store on March 15 and 16.
Representatives from other bridal industries will also be on hand to answer wedding questions, "Who Made the Cake?" will offer cake samples and models will display gowns from Ivory Bridal Atelier on Saturday. Complimentary champagne "happy hour" will be served. A raffle with feature prizes, include a $1,000 credit towards wedding bands purchased at Zadok's and a $500 gift card to Ivory Bridal Atelier.
Casa de Novia grand opening
Casa de Novia Bridal Couture is relocating to an elegant new space in River Oaks Shopping Center featuring top name designers like Oscar de la Renta, Angel Sanchez, Vera Wang and Reem Acra. To celebrate, owner Luvi Wheelock is hosting a Grand Opening party on March 21 from 6 – 8 p.m., featuring a trunk show of Monique Lhuillier's latest bridal designs. A portion of the proceeds from the night’s event will benefit the nonprofit, Always a Bridesmaid.
Marchesa Pearl Collection debuts at JC Penney
As part of the Marchesa design duo, Georgina Chapman is known for ornate red-carpet styles. Now she brings that sensibility to JC Penney with the Pearl by Georgina Chapman collection. Named after her daughter, the collection of gowns, cocktail dresses and cocktail pant and short sets offers Chapman's design sensibilities at prices ranging from $50 to $250.
Canada's hip, low-price brand known for its classic style with a twist is coming to a JC Penney store near you on March 15. The colorful Joe French women's spring collection will be showcased in a store-within-a-store concept, with everything priced under $70.
Marilyn Monroe collection debuts at Macy's
Macy's pays homage to Marilyn Monroe with a new apparel collection that "re-imagines the style of the greatest icon of the 20th century for the 21st century fashionista."The Marilyn Monroe collection, which retails from $29 to $89 and debuts in mid-March, includes halter dresses that cinch at the waist, gingham tie-front, button-down tops and pink polka dot denim.
Baskins comes to Baytown
The Houston area can never have too many western wear stores. Baskins Western & Work Wear recently opened it newest store in Baytown at 6550 Garth Road. It's the rapidly growing western wear chain's third store in the Houston area in less than a month (the other two are in Humble and Katy). The store features Ariat, Justin and Tony Lama boots, a large hat selection, including brands Resistol and Stetson, jeans such as Cinch, Levi’s and Wrangler, accessories, home décor and jewelry.
Nordstrom Savvy department has introduced a new assortment of right-this-second fashion at good prices (from $19 to $98). MinkPink, ASTR, Mural and Viva Vena!, Vena Cava’s diffusion line, are among the new brands, along with Nordstrom exclusive lines called Leith and Tildon.
Matthew McConaughey debuts at Dillard's
Actor/exhibitionist Matthew McConaughey is usually known for taking his shirt off. But now the actor is aiming to get men to put his clothes on. He is introducing a men's clothing line call JKL exclusively at Dillard's. The collection, named for his Just Keep Livin' Foundation, will hit stores April 1, although we're hoping for a sneak peek this month. Prices range from $29.50 to $89.50.
Know of a new store opening or cool new products? Let us know at clifford@culturemap.com
Viva Vena! ‘Skater’ geo-jacquard sweater, cutouts in front and back, $78, high waist pleated pants, $68, available in Savvy at Nordstrom.
Texas-based artist Kyle Steed adds to the local appeal of the new Highland Village store. Photos courtesy of Lululemon 
