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    Barber Boogie Woogie

    Big Kat's tattoo barbershop rekindles lower Midtown renaissance

    Steven Devadanam
    Mar 1, 2011 | 12:47 pm
    • Big Kat's is in business.
      Photo by Steven Thomson
    • The interior of Big Kat's.
      Photo by Steven Thomson

    Metallic silver seats, a busted jukebox and black and white checkered floors set the stage at Big Kat's, a tattoo parlor cum barbershop that has emerged in the pedestrian corridor at the intersection of Main Street and West Albama. The indie hub now offers an alternative to the Lower Westheimer drag, while capturing the spirit of Austin's SoCo and Fat Cats-era Washington Avenue.

    A mere 17 steps from the HCC/Ensemble light rail station (I counted), Big Kat's is the brainchild of Edgar "Big E" Salazar, a live music booking agent and DJ who's worked with the across-the-street Continental Club for eight years. Big Kat's shares its building with record shop Sig's Lagoon, Natachee's and a duo of funky fashion dives.

    After years doing the overpriced salon circuit, I walked into Big Kat's ready to forsake the plush atmosphere of yuppie-ridden, predominantly female spaces for a fair price and indie credibility. I was pleasantly surprised by my barber Bart's expertise. There was an undeniable rocker edge, but he had a heart of gold and is a resolute lover of Texas (word on the street is he smokes some boss ribs). And, unlike the stylists at more uptown places, Bart was more attuned to my hair than hearing about my personal life. After my cut, he headed upstairs to have an image of the Alamo embroidered on his left arm by Big E.

    "I've always wanted a cool barber shop," Big E tells CultureMap, adding, "I love the whole '50s vintage culture thing. I've had this vision in my head for a long time."

    To create the distinctive atmosphere, he scoured resale shops across the city with the help of his wife Crissy, who operates the adjoining hair salon, Kat's Meow. That salon also offers men's cuts in what may be an unintentional sexuality segregation (which I didn't fall for).

    Big Kat's is a goldmine for old school indulgences, including the hot towel straight razor shave. For all of the topnotch service, the prices remain reasonable — that shave treatment is just a $10 foray, and haircuts ring in at $15. The three barbers ooze personality, as does the resident top hat-toting shoe shiner, Sir Charles.

    Another bonus: Big E & Co. are in the process of converting a 1949 refrigerator into a fully functioning kegerator, which will provide the men with libations during trims. For the young lads, the machine will also have root beer on tap.

    unspecified
    news/fashion

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    WHERE TO SHOP IN JULY

    Where to shop right now: 10 Houston stores with summer fashion finds

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Jul 3, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Dolly Parton
    Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott
    Kendra Scott’s latest collaboration with Dolly Parton features vintage-inspired pieces with hearts and butterflies, available for a limited time.

    Temperatures are heating up, and so are the fashion finds in the Bayou City. With summer sales in full swing and new limited-time collabs hitting the racks, Houston shoppers can refresh their closets before fall styles roll in.

    And let's be real, the summertime temps will be here through October, so a mid-year update is in order. Here are 10 standout spots to check out this month.

    Chloe Dao
    July marks the halfway point of the year, but it also means the countdown for Chloe Dao's Annual Birthday Sale is officially on. On Saturday, July 26th, shoppers will receive 50 percent off most items in the store (some exclusions apply) from 10 am-12 pm. The sale continues with 30 percent off for the rest of the weekend, and shoppers will also find 25 percent off select Dao Chloe Dao Original Designs.

    Jimmy Choo
    Jimmy Choo recently debuted a line of jelly shoes, blending the nostalgic trend with the brand's signature glamour and craftsmanship. The summertime staple is available in a variety of colors and styles at the Jimmy Choo boutique in the Galleria.

    Kendra Scott x Dolly Parton
    Country music legend Dolly Parton teamed up with Texas jewelry giant Kendra Scott for a second time with a line of vintage-inspired accessories inspired by her music. The limited-time collection features 10 styles, heavily featuring hearts and butterflies.

    La Fragancia
    The premier perfume chain store, with locations across California and Denver, opened its first Houston outpost at Houston Premium Outlets, near Saks Off 5th. It offers high-end fragrances for men and women, carrying all major brands from Armani to Zegna. La Fragancia also specializes in niche perfumes from France, the Middle East, and Italy, as well as exclusive imports and gift sets at discount prices.

    Loewe
    Fans of the luxury Spanish brand known for its iconic puzzle bags can now get their hands on the 10th anniversary Loewe Confetti bag. Available at the Loewe boutique in River Oaks District, the limited-edition design is made from leather and hand-embroidered with thousands of confetti pieces in colors perfect for summer.

    Maison Francis Kurkdjian
    Maison Francis Kurkdjian has officially opened its only Texas boutique at River Oaks District. Houstonians can now discover the world of Kurkdjian's artistry, featuring cult-favorite Baccarat Rouge 540 and exclusive boutique offerings. In celebration of the opening, Houstonians can receive a complimentary gift with purchase and complimentary engraving.

    Perigold
    The leading online luxury retailer recently debuted its first brick-and-mortar store in Highland Village. The massive 20,000-square-foot flagship store features a curated selection of furniture, decor, and lighting, showcasing over 150 luxury home brands. [Editor's note: Read CultureMap's full visit to the store here.]

    Rag & Bone
    The iconic denim retailer recently opened a boutique in Houston Premium Outlets. Customers can find favorites, including authentic heritage clothing with modern details for both men and women.

    Tiffany x Pharrell Williams
    Available at Tiffany in The Galleria, the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection incorporates sharp spear-like spikes in everything from necklaces and earrings to bracelets and rings. The collection is available in 18K gold or titanium, featuring all-metal and diamond styles.

    Veronica Beard x Head Sportswear
    The exclusive Veronica Beard x Head Sportswear capsule collection is available at Veronica Beard in River Oaks District. This eight-piece collection, designed for athletes and fashion enthusiasts, features versatile women's tennis and activewear, crafted in Head's signature high-performance fabric. The new line includes a zip-front dress, jacket, skort, and top set, as well as a bra and leggings in limited-edition colorways of white, sage, and terracotta, complementing Veronica Beard's Pre-Fall 2025 collection.

    Dolly Parton
      

    Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

    Kendra Scott’s latest collaboration with Dolly Parton features vintage-inspired pieces with hearts and butterflies, available for a limited time.

    jimmy chookendra scottriver oaks districthouston galleriawhere to shop in houston
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