hemline in the heights

New Orleans women's boutique brings boho-inspired looks to The Heights

The new Hemline - Heights comes courtesy of franchisee, Shannon O’Shea Martin, who opened Hemline - CityCentre two years ago.

Photo courtesy of Hemline

The retail and restaurant boom in The Heights shows no sign of slowing. Now, just in time for spring, a New Orleans-inspired women’s boutique is set to open Friday, March 13, in the new, mixed-use development located between 15th and 16th Streets at Shepherd Drive.

Hemline will open its fifth Houston-area outpost (1533 N. Shepherd Dr., Suite 110) in the new Heights development, neighboring buzzy spots such as CycleBar and Flower Child. It joins the already-existing Hemline River Oaks, Hemline Rice Village, Hemline Woodlands, and Hemline CityCentre.

Hemline brass chose The Heights because it’s a “thriving, lively central community designed for energetic young professionals and eclectic offerings,” according to a press release. The location will encompass some 1,000 square feet.

This is the brand’s 29th store overall; the store is located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

Shoppers can expect a variety of bohemian-inspired, fashion-forward apparel, shoes, and accessories that appeal to women of all ages. Brands include Misa Los Angeles, Hudson, Dolce Vita, Saylor, Maven West, and Krewe.

Hemline founder Brigitte Holthausen noted that its representatives target neighborhood-specific locations and customize each store to align with the community.

“We have so many walk-in customers that just stumble upon the brand, and that helps create the experience that sets us apart from other retailers,” said Holthausen.

“I had my eye on The Heights for a long time — we can’t wait to play a role in the revitalization of the neighborhood. It’s historic, unique, and has its own flair, which perfectly aligns with the Hemline brand,” said franchisee Shannon O’Shea Martin, in a statement. Martin, a Louisiana native who worked for Hemline for five years, opened her first franchise, Hemline CityCentre two years ago.

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Hemline - Heights; 1533 North Shepherd Drive, Suite 110. For more information, visit Hemline online.

openings

Save the date

Houston’s premier bridal showcase returns with latest tips and trends

Photo by Anthony Rathbun

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Brides- and grooms-to-be should make their own save-the-dates for January 11 and 12, 2025. That’s when the 41st Bridal Extravaganza Show returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The largest bridal planning showcase in the U.S., the event helps attendees plan the perfect big day.

More than 225 vendors will be on hand, ready to talk about the latest tips and trends in everything from cakes to flowers to dresses and beyond. Expect cake samples, décor and flower ideas, multiple fashion shows, Instagram walls for selfies, prizes, presentations on the latest bridal fashion and trends, and entertainment from Houston’s top wedding professionals.

New for 2025 is an added focus on destination weddings. more than 10 vendors specializing in both destination weddings and honeymoon arrangements will be in attendance.

Bridal Party Gifts premieres its new, two-sided, suede “Bride to Be” glitter sash, and LWx Custom Hats showcases a traveling hat bar, where the hatter will be on hand for demonstrations and guests can create custom hats for all their wedding events.

Among the many other new vendors are The Painted Bridal Bouquet, with an artist on hand to demonstrate how they turn a bride’s bouquet into a custom artwork, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake, and Unlikely Designs, helmed by Houston-based bridal gown designer Watina Lee, who is launching the "The Affirmation Collection" at the show.

A full listing of vendors and planned events is available on the show’s website.

Attendees will leave the event with a digital list of all of their favorite vendors with the BrideScan app, allowing engaged couples to connect with wedding professionals via a QR code.

The first 100 VIP Brides also receive signature swag bags with complimentary gifts from sponsors and vendors. VIP tickets offer attendees early entry, special prizes, a $200 gift credit to SymbolizeIt photo website, the latest issue of Texas Weddings Magazine, and many additional secret surprises.

Tickets are available online. General admission tickets are $15 online and $25 at the door for adults, and children aged 5-12 are $5. VIP single admission is $35, or a VIP package for one Bride or Groom plus three guests is $99. Show hours are 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday, January 11 and 12-5 pm on Sunday, January 12.

weddings