Everyone knows Valentine's Day is almost here and finding the right gift in a city with as many shopping options as Houston isn't easy. Here's list of 10 choices that will heat up any romance — and keep you shopping long after the big day is gone.
Valentine Selection from Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo just launched a stunning collection of fine jewelry, designed specifically for Valentine's Day. Show your love with a leather and sterling silver bracelet — choose from two styles in red or black — with prices ranging from $250 to $320. If that isn't quite what you're looking for, Ferragamo also has an impressive "Valentine Selection" to choose from, ranging from bright handbags and shoes to bold scarves and ties, all of which can be ordered online or found at the Galleria store.
Valentine's Gift Box from Michael's Cookie Jar
Michael's Cookie Jar, long celebrated by Houston's most devout cookie lovers, is offering a special cookie box just for the Valentine's Day. Featuring 18 petite heart-shaped cookies — all-butter and chef-prepared, no less — packaged in a lovely gift box, the assortment includes gingerbread, sugar cookie, linzer, espresso shortbread, iced shortbread and cinnamon shortbread, all for $24. Large, beautifully-decorated shortbread heart cookies are also available for $36 per dozen. Call or go online to place your order.
Kate Spade at Highland Village
On Feb. 22, Kate Spade is opening a 6,000 square foot store in Highland Village, the iconic brand's second flagship store following its first one in New York City. Known for classic yet quirky pieces, Kate Spade's Houston shop will offer everything from handbags, ready-to-wear clothing and accessories to beauty products, home goods and one-of-a-kind pieces (not to mention the exclusive Madison Avenue collection, previously only available at the New York flagship).
"La Vie sauvage du Texas" Scarf from Hermès
This month, Hermès introduced a limited edition scarf featuring a gorgeous illustration of Texas wildlife. The "La Vie sauvage du Texas" scarf, designed by Texas artist Kermit Oliver, is currently exclusive to the Houston and Dallas boutiques. Not only is the design stunning (it features a beautiful illustration of native birds, deer and even a longhorn), but also a percentage of the sale of each scarf will benefit the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.
The exclusive scarves — priced at $410 — are currently available for pre-sale in four colors at the Hermès store at 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
Valentine's Gift Guide at Macy's
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, Macy's has compiled a gift guide that makes finding the right gift for your loved one a piece of cake. Whether you're looking for a Michael Kors watch, a scent from Paco Rabanne or a bow tie and pocket square set from Tommy Hilfiger, the list has you covered. Gifts range from less than $25 to more than $2,000.
à bientôt is now offering VIVO's gorgeous Spring/Summer 2014 collection of jewelry and handbags, carefully crafted from horn and shagreen (stingray hide). Diane Castellan, the creative force behind VIVO, buys shagreen directly from a fisherman in Thailand then custom tans and colors the hides to her exact specifications. If you're looking for a beautifully unique piece that is guaranteed to make a statement, this might be it
Valentine's Gifts from Burberry
Legendary British label Burberry offers a plethora of items, including a number of luxury watches, wallets and ties that would be ideal for the man in your life. For women, you can choose from a number of fragrances and cosmetics (including the brand's new nail polish collection), as well as clothes, shoes and accessories from the label's Prorsum and ready-to-wear lines. All the options are available online and at Burberry's Galleria store.
Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry at Deutsch & Deutsch
Any piece from the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry collection — currently featured at Deutsch & Deutsch — would make a Valentine's statement. The jewelry is crafted from 18K gold, diamonds, black onyx, rainbow moonstone and aquamarine (just to name a few).
Deutsch & Deutsch is at 3747 Westheimer Rd.
Costume National at Elizabeth Anthony | Esther Wolf
Uptown Park's luxury boutique Elizabeth Anthony | Esther Wolf is now Houston's exclusive retailer for women's apparel and handbags from edgy-chic Italian label Costume National. The "Deconstruct/Reconstruct" Spring/Summer 2014 collection was created with pieces sewn, deconstructed, and then re-sewn — a process which gives the items an unusual flare.
The collection, which focus on asymmetry, cut-outs and non-traditional styling, recently debuted at the Uptown Park boutique.
White House | Black Market at Willowbrook Mall
Women's clothier White House | Black Market just opened a store in Willowbrook Mall. Stylish, feminine and affordable, the brand was in the spotlight after First Lady Michelle Obama wore one of its dresses on ABC's The View.
Offering everything from everyday basics and wear-to-work pieces to elegant dresses and accessories, this place is perfect for the fashionable woman who doesn't want to break the bank.
Michael's Cookie Jar is offering beautifully packaged boxes of their famous cookies for Valentine's Day ($24-$36).
Texas-based artist Kyle Steed adds to the local appeal of the new Highland Village store. Photos courtesy of Lululemon 
