With the holidays quickly approaching, shopping season is now in full force. Find something for everyone on your list, whether you're looking for a big-ticket item or a budget-friendly gift, with CultureMap's November shopping picks.
Oscar de la Renta Debutante Preview
On Nov. 29 and 30, Casa de Novia is hosting an Oscar de la Renta preview for all debutantes to find their perfect dress. As one of the most notable designers both nationally and internationally, de la Renta has created gowns that have graced red carpets and the figures of the world’s most fashion-savvy women. Future debutantes can sift through the beautiful collection of white bridal gowns to find the perfect dress for their debut.
Every year, Fresh Arts hosts the Winter Holiday Art Market – one part curated festival, one part holiday party, and all kinds of fun. On Nov. 23 and 24, Houston artists are coming together for this wonderland of paintings, jewelry, clothing and more at Winter Street Studios. Enjoy art, food, and entertainment at one of the most unique shopping events of the season.
On Wednesdays through Saturdays from Nov. 21 to Dec. 21, customers can shop the carefully curated goods of the stylish online marketplace Mr. Larkin, started by native Houstonian Casey Larkin Blond. The pop-up shop, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3622 University Blvd., offers distinctive clothing, accessories and home goods from the U.S. and abroad. Featured designers include Rachel Comey, Dusen Dusen, Mr. Larkin, Coral & Tusk, and The Boyscouts.
With the success of its location in The Woodlands, Soft Surroundings is opening a new location at Town & Country Village on Nov. 22. The store, which boasts a "shabby chic" sensibility, features many lovely pieces from its fashion, beauty, and home collections.
The all-day grand opening features free beauty treatments from Bliss, Jane Iredale, Osmotics, and DevaCurl, as well as complimentary champagne and desserts. The first 150 shoppers will be given Soft Surroundings gift bags filled with an assortment of fabulous products and customers get 15 percent off on opening day.
Houston's new Hublot boutique, which opened just this month in The Galleria, offers an impressive selection of stunning Swiss luxury watches. You can even schedule an appointment, making it the ideal place to find the perfect gift for your special someone this holiday season.
The popular Rice Village jewelry store J. Silver Jewelry has reemerged under the name J. Landa, a rebranding that reflects the owner's vision of creating a true lifestyle brand. The beautifully renovated store boasts exclusive merchandise from renowned designers like Chan Luu, Alexis Bittar, and Dian Malouf. J. Landa's highly qualified salespeople make sure you find the right jewelry for everyone this season.
The King Ranch Saddle Shop has created a temporary store at CityCentre through Dec. 24. The pop-up shop, open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, features Western furniture, home decor, apparel, and jewelry from the legendary Kingsville store.
Neiman Marcus' fashion director Ken Downing has hand selected 37 gifts that are perfect for any holiday shopping list. The collection, which debuts at all Neiman Marcus locations and online on Nov. 20, features wonderfully unique gift items ranging from barware and children's clothing to scarves and silk pajamas. The items, ranging in price from $32 to $1,800, are designed by Chanel, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch and other top-name designers.
In the spirit of holiday giving, 10 percent of the proceeds from the collection will go to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston as the local nonprofit partner.
Brooklyn-based J. McLaughlin is known for classic American clothing for men and women featuring bold colors and prints. Choose from a wide selection of scarves, ties, and small accessories in addition to colorful apparel at the store, located in River Oaks Shopping Center.
A favorite of young fashion conscious budget shoppers, Forever 21 is opening a newly remodeled store at Memorial City Mall. The grand opening celebration on Nov. 23 offers a free gift card to the first 200 people in line. In addition to Forever 21 apparel and accessories, the store features the contemporary women's line Love 21, Forever 21 girls line, the Love & Beauty cosmetics line, 21MEN fast fashion line for men and a shoe and lingerie line.
The Winter Art Market at Winter Street Studios on Nov. 23 and 24, is the perfect place to find unique holiday gifts.
The boldest style is the Abbie Boot, which has an extended and scalloped front. According to the release, the embroidery is inspired by bluebonnets.Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott
The Sarah Boot moves the scalloping to the embroidery and features the same moon phase designs over the foot.Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott
The men's boots are simpler and look more work-ready, although this suede begs to differ.Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott