ready. aim. love.

Celebrated Houston designer shoots for the heart with this sweet new look

This cute T-shirt has nothing but love.

Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao

It’s no secret Chloe Dao loves to love her hometown, as evidenced by her latest creation. The Project Runway winner/beloved Bayou City designer has launched Chloe Dao X Always Aim For Love, a week-long campaign featuring a graphic T-shirt that declares, “Always Aim For Love” across the chest. Above the cursive typeface, a hand is drawn in the shape of a handgun shooting three growing red hearts across the tee. The hand is well-manicured with a bold red polish and a silver Texas ring with a heart around Houston.

The seasoned designer — who will celebrate 20 years in business in 2020 — was inspired by self-love along with loving and helping others, which is why she chose to benefit the Houston Area Women’s Center. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence by way of counseling, education, support, and shelter.

“It’s about showcasing that I’m a proud Texan and Houstonian,” says Dao in her Instagram video. “You know me, I’m all about self-love and loving each other and loving yourself, and if we can help other people, that would be amazing.”

Dao says she thought of the concept after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, but it wasn’t until she sat down with her studio design team that the T-shirt came to life. The crew neck tee ($32) is a women’s cut, so it runs a little smaller, but Dao is offering a range of sizes from XS to XXL.

“She knows how to dress a woman,” says Dilsia Hernandez, Dao’s marketing and public relations coordinator. “It’s a little touch of fun with a great message behind it.”

Fashionistas know that coordinating with a graphic T-shirt is a skill every stylish Houstonian should possess. Pair the Always Aim For Love tee with a leather mini and combat boots for that edgy feel, or dress it up with an oversized plaid blazer for a meeting at the office. Tuck it into y high-waisted trousers or pair it with a long printed skirt and comfortable sneakers for a casual, comfy look.

No matter how it's worn, this shirt is a great way to spread H-Town love.

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The Chloe Dao X Always Aim For Love t-shirt is available for purchase in-store at her Rice Village (6127 Kirby Drive) boutique and online. From now through February 15, 15 percent of proceeds will benefit the Houston Area Women’s Center.

Locals are invited to stop in for Valentine’s Day-themed photobooth, share the pics on Instagram, tag @daochloedao, and use the hashtag #ChloeDaoXAlwaysAimForLove for an opportunity to win a $50 gift card to shop at her boutique and an Always Aim For Love t-shirt. The photobooth and opportunity to win is available through February 15 during store hours (11 am-7 pm).

shopping

SUDDEN SHUTTERS

Saks Off 5th to close 3 Houston stores with blowout final sale

Saks OFF 5th/ Facebook

Saks Off 5th is closing its only San Antonio store.

Houston shoppers looking for the thrill of the deal might want to mark their calendar. Discount designer retailer Saks Off 5th is closing most of its U.S. stores, including three in the Houston area, as its parent company tries to wiggle its way out of bankruptcy. Liquidation sales will begin Saturday, January 31 at select locations.

The mass closures come after Saks Global — the parent company of luxury department stores Saks 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections on January 14. The conglomerate has been buckling under the strain of $2.5 million in debt it acquired with the 2024 purchase of rival retailer Neiman Marcus.

"As we advance on Saks Global's transformation, we are taking decisive steps to realign our business to better serve our luxury customers and drive full-price selling across our core luxury businesses," said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Chief Executive Officer of Saks Global, in a release. "With these actions, we will be well positioned to seize the greatest opportunities for long-term growth and value creation. We sincerely thank our Saks Off 5th and Last Call colleagues for the important role they have played in serving our loyal customers."

Saks will close 57 Off 5th stores and shutter the five remaining locations of Neiman Marcus’ off-brand shop Last Call. Only 12 OFF 5th units will survive the move. After the onslaught, Texas’ sole store will be at Grapevine Mills mall in Grapevine.

Many of the U.S. stores will kick off closing sales beginning January 31. An additional 23 stores will close outright on February 2. Here’s the full list of Texas shutters:

Saks Off 5TH locations holding closing sales:

Cypress, 29300 Hempstead Rd.
Sugar Land, 2745 N Town Center Blvd.
Katy, 5000 Katy Mills Cir.
San Antonio, 5819 Worth Pkwy.

Saks Off 5TH locations closing February 2:

Grand Prairie, 2950 W. I-20 #125
Dallas, 8040 Park Ln.

Last Call Locations holding closing sales:

Grapevine, 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy. #233
San Marcos, 3939 S. I-35 #1105

The overall primary market for luxury goods has been declining in recent years due to changing customer preferences, a perceived decline in quality in top brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and a growing resale market led by sites like The RealReal and Vestaire Collective.

the rim luxury retail designer shopping chains closings