Where to Shop Now

Where to Shop Right Now: New stores, amazing bridal gown sale and latest "it" handbag

From a can’t-miss wedding dress sale to holiday-ready gowns and the latest "it" handbag, here are seven stores to hit up this month for your fashion wants.

Joan Pillow Bridal Gown Sale

Don't miss out on landing the wedding dress of your dreams for a steal at the Highland Village bridal shop’s second annual sample sale event, August 13-15. The amazing sale showcases gowns from leading boutiques across the nation featuring such designers as Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Inbal Dror and Vera Wang. Sizes from size 8 to 12 are available (note: sample sizes tend to run small). All gowns will be marked down 40 to 60 percent, sure to appease even the most outrageous Bridezilla.

But get there early and bring only two guests at most with you. Sale items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and, if last year's sale is any judge, brides from around the nation will be in attendance. Hours are 2 pm - 7 pm on August 13 and 9 am - 6 pm on August 14-15.

Miu Miu Must-Have Handbag

The snazzy sister line to Prada adds a vibrant pop of color to any wardrobe with its latest must-have handbag, the Sauvage Bag, available in eye-catching glossy hues and playful animal motifs from leopard to crocodile. Prices range from $995 to $1,060.

New Store: Kissue in Memorial City

Trendy bargain hunters looking to snatch up fashionable finds will hit the jackpot at the new store at Memorial City Mall from sisters Kailey and Kaygan Tissue, who originally hail from Katy. Score items from rompers to capes, all priced at $100 and less.

Don’t miss the grand opening celebration (August 14; 7-9 pm) when everything in the store will be 20 percent off.

New store: French Cuff at Town and Country Village

Get help in putting together your wardrobe at the women’s clothing and accessories boutique founded by Houstonian Kairy-tate Barkley. A style consultant is ready to assist in defining your signature look with attire from familiar brands such as Elizabeth James, Joie and Milly. With locations in Bellaire and Memorial, French Cuff gets a new outpost at Town and Country Village, scheduled to open the week of August 17.

New MiH jeans at Tootsies

The venerable West Ave boutique introduces MiH Jeans on August 14, with a fit specialist on hand to ensure that the brand fits the body perfectly. The line features classic styles, including flared jeans, on trend with the comeback of breezy '70s fashion.

Dress up a Boho look with Lucchese booties

The footwear label's handmade goods aren't just for the rodeo and cooler weather. Add a pair of boots to your everyday wardrobe by matching up booties or bright designs with floral dresses for a boho look that is sure to capture hipster attention.

Holiday gowns at Elizabeth Anthony

Since it’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays, stop by the chic Uptown Park boutique August 27-28 for a trunk show featuring gowns, cocktail dresses and upscale separates by Vancouver designer Catherine Regehr.

Tootsies will exclusively host MiH Jeans on August 14.

MiH Jeans

Tootsies will exclusively host MiH Jeans on August 14.

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boots with a story

Houston bootmaker offers $5,000 cowboy boot and gator hunt adventure

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

Houston bootmaker, Republic Boot Company, turns gator hunts into a custom pair of boots.

In Houston, where custom boots are a source of great pride and style, one local brand is taking the bespoke boot experience to a new level. Republic Boot Company, known for its elevated, hand-crafted creations, just launched a Gator Hunt Experiencewhere customers can source an alligator hide, which will be transformed into a pair of cowboy boots.

Part adventure and part traditional craftsmanship, the experience begins with a hunt in the marshlands near Anahuac, about an hour from Houston, and ends with a custom-made pair of alligator-skin cowboy boots tailored to the client's vision by a Republic Boot Company boot specialist.

"At Republic Boot Company, we pride ourselves on crafting boots that are not just footwear, but a legacy," said Chris Conrad, owner of Republic Boot Company. "This new Gator Hunt Experience takes that commitment to personalization to an unprecedented level, offering our customers a unique and memorable journey taking them from the bayou to the heart of the Bayou City."

The gator hunt is $5,000 per person and includes an 8.5-foot alligator (larger alligators incur extra costs). Individuals of all experience levels can participate, and all necessary permits and equipment are provided to ensure a safe adventure. After the hunt, the hide will be tanned during an eight-month process to ensure a one-of-a-kind pair of boots. Just in case the kicks aren't enough of a conversation starter, participants will also receive a professional mount of the alligator head.

Alligator hunting season runs from September 11 to September 30, so the boots won't be ready for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Once they are complete, however, they will be wearable pieces of art with a memorable story behind them. Those interested in extending their only-in-Texas half-day hunt into an overnight experience can book overnight accommodations through Republic Boot Company.

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