Fashion Trends

Clutch this: Fashion magazine and Nine West team up on sexy purses, shoes and more

In the first-of-its-kind collaboration, InStyle magazine has teamed with Nine West to create a line of stylish accessories at reasonable prices. The spring collection includes a "hold-everything" clutch, dressy sandals, a statement cuff and a variety of sexy pumps, slingbacks and wedges, priced from $79 to $129.

"I'm designing the type of things I would want to wear," InStyle accessories editor Leah Karp explained. "It was really important to me to be involved in every aspect of the process, looking at the samples, feeling how they felt in my hand, putting them on. We're bringing InStyle's brand (of) shop-like-an-editor to life with Nine West. It's what an editor would have in their wardrobe, it's what I want in my wardrobe."

"I'm designing the things I would like to wear," InStyle accessories editor Leah Karp explained.

Karp was recently at The Galleria to debut the spring collection at the Nine West boutique. Why Houston?

"One of the things that's so important to both of our brands is we're incredibly ethnically diverse. Houston really represents that for us and allows us to find the most robust group of fans to ensure we're going where they are," said Nine West senior vice president of marketing Erika Szychowski.

Most women are looking for versatile accessories that can carry them from day to night, Karp said. "And I don't think it needs to be a heel. We have a beautiful flat sandal that has a metal piece inspired by a piece of jewelry that I found that elevates it to be wearable for evening as much as it is for day."

So it's OK to wear sandals at night?

"Absolutely," Karp said. "We love a flat with a long skirt and tank top or a little cami for evening. Just dress it up with jewelry. And the jewelry piece that I designed, that's the point of it — you can wear it with blue jeans and a T-shirt as well as an evening dress or a jacket and cami and skirt for going out at night."

In designing the collection, Karp aimed for pieces that won't soon go out of style — a wearable wedge, a clutch big enough to be a day bag and a minimalist bracelet that "gives a lot of look for not a lot of money."

The idea for the collaboration came about over a fashion week dinner in Paris between InStyle editor Ariel Foxman and Jones Apparel Group CEO Richard Dickson last year. (Jones is the parent company of Nine West.) InStyle is the top-selling fashion magazine, with a circulation of nearly two million, but wants to expand its brand beyond print and Nine West jumped at the opportunity to collaborate.

The two companies whipped out a small collection for last fall that was so popular that is has been expanded for spring to include bracelets, clutches in three colors, and shoes in 18 styles.

"This collection is perfect for Texas, in my opinion, because it's so minimal, with a lot of baseline colors that are great with the way women like to dress here, which is in such bright colors and over-the-top accessories that they might want to combine with a few more grounding statement pieces," Szychowski said. "It plays well with a culture that isn't just dying to be in black every day like New York City."

Leah Karp, standing in white blouse, meets with Houston customers at the Nine West boutique in The Galleria.

Leah Karp talking to customers at the InStyle for Nine West event March 2014

Photo by © Michael Stravato

Leah Karp, standing in white blouse, meets with Houston customers at the Nine West boutique in The Galleria.

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WHERE TO SHOP IN MAY

12 best Houston shops and stops for Mother's Day, grads, and getaways

Photo courtesy of River Oaks District

River Oaks District is hosting a Mother's Day Affair on May 10.

Mother's Day is around the corner, graduation season is about to be in full swing, and jet-setting getaways are calling. This month is the time to elevate everyone's wardrobe and gift-giving game. Fortunately, Houston's finest brands and boutiques are up to the task.

From buzzy store openings to new collections and must-visit events, we've curated a cheat sheet of what's hot and happening to make it easier to shop smarter and celebrate in style.

ALOCS
Get a taste of the West Coast with the opening of Desto Dubb's streetwear brand, That's an Awful Lot of Cough Syrup (ALOCS), on May 10. ALOCS's new store is located in the Museum District, and the brand has partnered with Exotic Pop to create a location that celebrates both fashion and music. Houstonians will have access to both ALOCS's classic and limited-edition collections, consisting of hoodies, t-shirts, matching sets, and accessories.

Amir Taghi
Taking inspiration from his Persian upbringing and modern design, Houston designer Amir Taghi's newest collection features suiting, slim silhouettes, and draped fabric. Available at Neiman Marcus and online, Taghi's latest collection is excellent for travel and transitional weather pieces.

Consuela
Find gifts for mom at Consuela's newest outpost in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. The vibrant Texas and Mexico-based brand has several handcrafted bags and accessories, from large tote bags to small clutches and handbags. Shoppers can elevate every look with a bag charm or colorful bag strap.

Gorjana
Share So-Cal-inspired fashion with moms, graduates, or birthday gals this month with Gorjana's new collection of charm necklaces. There are several types to choose from, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. Available at all Houston locations, styles include pearls, crosses, hearts, love knots, butterflies, and more.

Lark & Berry
Shopping for mom has never been easier at Houston's newest jewelry boutique specializing in ethical diamonds. Lark & Berry has several pieces that are perfect for Mother's Day. Through May 13, they are offering 15% off all in-store purchases.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Spring is in full swing, and Lucchese Bootmaker has released its newest collection. Botanica features floral designs, pastel colors, and premium leather. The women's collection is available in two colorways for both the Priscilla and Tilly boot styles. In addition to boots, Lucchese also launched spring-inspired dresses, tops, scarves, and belts.

Montrose Collective
Glossier's Balm Dotworld mobile unit is making a stop in Houston on May 3-4 from 11:30 am - 7:30 pm to debut its newest balm flavor, Espresso. The 360-degree Balm Dotworld mobile unit has been transformed to offer a fully immersive Espresso brand activation where guests will experience the playful universe of Balm Dotcom through interactive activities like keychain personalization and a photo booth. There will be brand ambassadors on hand with samples, and attendees will be able to purchase their favorite balms and Glossier products, all within a self-guided format.

Pucci
Famed Italian brand Pucci recently opened its first Texas outpost in River Oaks District. Shoppers will find ready-to-wear pieces, including mini dresses, caftans, and separates. The bold patterns and bright colors the brand is known for are displayed throughout the store, and accessories, including handbags, scarves, and sunglasses, are available.

River Oaks District
On Saturday, May 10, from 12-2 pm, River Oaks District is the best place to pamper moms at aMother's Day Affair. Moms will enjoy complimentary mimosas, live music, and a day of exclusive in-store shopping experiences from more than a dozen of its retailers. Attendees begin in The Park to receive their Shopping Passport, which will guide them through curated activations, signature cocktails, and many photo opportunities. Participating stores include St. Bernard, Christy Lynn, Biologique Recherche, Assouline, Jo Malone London, Cos Bar, Frame, Jenny Kayne, and more.

Shaftel Diamonds
Store founder and president Keith Shaftel is retiring after 47 years, and the family-owned jeweler is hosting its largest sale ever, with items up to 70 percent off. The retirement sale is a unique opportunity for customers to purchase fine jewelry and rare gemstones with substantial discounts on pre-tariff prices.

South to North
Showcasing the best of Latin America, South to North is bringing two dazzling brands into their Autry Park location this month. Montserrat Messeguer, a favorite of Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Emily Ratajkowski, blends Mexican heritage with modern silhouettes and will be available beginning May 1. Escvdo, one of Peru's leading ethical luxury fashion houses, will host a trunk show on May 14.

Studs
Ear piercing and earrings brand Studs has collaborated with Van Leeuwen for a sweet, crave-worthy set of earrings. The Cherry On Top collection includes earrings from Studs and a Van Leeuwen ice cream sundae. Styles include a Cherry Charm, an Ice Cream Charm, and a Cherry on Top Set. The limited-edition collaboration is available online and in Studs stores.

Photo courtesy of River Oaks District

River Oaks District is hosting a Mother's Day Affair on May 10.

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