CultureMap Pop Up Shop

Buzzed over Holiday Pop Up Shop lets men in on the action in a serious way: Ditch the khakis!

Just because CultureMap’s Holiday Pop Up Shop is awash in women’s apparel, accessories and jewelry, it doesn’t mean the guys are left out. Rye 51, Q Custom Clothiers, Manready Mercantile and Sam and lilli are all featured men’s retailers at the shopping event Sunday, Dec. 7 at Silver Street Studios.

After all, girls aren’t the only ones who like to have fun.

For years, men have been regulated to the khakis and blue button down uniform, so it’s refreshing to see new shopping and style options.

The Manready Mercantile product line takes a cheeky approach to men’s grooming and is created from natural ingredients..

Manready Mercantile

Manready Mercantile in the Heights is a one-stop shop for guys who appreciate modern style without the trendy trappings. The apparel is simple, well made and blends easily with other items men already have in their closets

The Manready Mercantile men’s product line takes a cheeky approach to men’s grooming and is created from natural ingredients. Look for items like the Tub Soak made from sea salts, citrus and other good-for-you elements and packaged in whiskey bottle — and the very popular Throne Spray, a citrus scent to keep the water closet nice and fresh.

Rye 51
Rye 51 is another men’s store that balances current modes with classic styles. From denim and sweaters to ties and accessories, it takes a head-to-toe approach to menswear. Plus, there are holiday-appropriate touches with pocket squares and lapel flowers, which also happen to be excellent stocking stuffers too.

Q Custom Clothier
The holiday season is prime time to take stylish dressing to a whole new level and Q Custom Clothier offers men a selection of tuxedos, custom made suits and shirts, plus ready to wear pieces. Life’s little luxuries can make a big impact, so don’t underestimate the power of that fetching bow tie or leather belt.

Sam and lilli
Sam and lilli in West Ave. brings something for boys and girls to CultureMap’s Holiday Pop Up Shop. Look for Vince, Life After Denim and the always cool Hartford shirts.

The first-ever CultureMap Holiday Pop Up Shop is Dec. 7 from noon to 6 p.m. at Silver Street Studios. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. (In the spirit of the season, a portion of the $10 tickets will be donated to VICTORY and the Washington Avenue Arts District.)

Rye 51's selection of menswear is modern withoiut being too trendy.

Photo Courtesy Rye 51

Rye 51's selection of menswear is modern withoiut being too trendy.

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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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