What's in a name?

"Bellaire socialite" moniker proves irresistible to national media coveringStern shooting

We have to ask, what's with the "Bellaire socialite" moniker that media outlets across the country have bestowed on the unfortunate Yvonne Stern, shot in that nasty love triangle between her husband Jeffrey Stern and the other woman Michelle Gaiser?

At dinner tables across the city and particularly in River Oaks where the real socialites of Houston hang their designer labels, the term "Bellaire socialite" is considered an oxymoron. In that sleepy burg without benefit of a pedigree zip code such as River Oak's 77019 or Tanglewood's 77056, the term "socialite" just rings hollow. In popular lunch spots downtown, even buttoned-down professionals question the term. "How can you be a socialite from Bellaire?" they ask with a snicker only slightly beneath the surface.

But it makes the story so appealing. Would Dateline NBC really be in town working up a piece on the would-be murderous affair if Yvonne Stern were referred to simply as "mother of two?" Maybe. After all, it isn't every day that four murder attempts are on record for the same victim.

Think of it, the story would have so much more cachet if we imagined a slightly dim, glam victim in Chanel driving in her Bentley convertible to the Bayou Club for lunch. Isn't that what "socialite" typically connotes? Yvonne Stern on the other hand is a mom who spends her days chauffering her kids around town and her nights rather quietly. Only when a friend is chairing a charity event or throwing a dinner party does she venture out into the social swim.

In her entire "socialite" career, it seems that Stern has chaired only one event (the fast track to true socialite status) and that was Una Notte in Italia in 2008. She has dabbled in the social waters with the Latin Women's Initiative and the Una Notte event in various capacities, one year chairing the silent auction.

For CultureMap's part, we will refer to her as "mother of two."

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Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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