red-haute sale

Steal hot looks from Chanel, Gucci, and more at this annual Houston fashion frenzy

Get designer looks for up to 90 percent off.

Late-night shopping for haute looks for cheap online is fun and all (take The Real Real, for example), but nothing beats the ability to comb through racks and try on designer looks in person — especially when said designer looks are up to 90 percent off.

Such is the case with the wildly popular Chic Boutique, the annual fundraiser/fashion frenzy benefitting Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary. Savvy shoppers can practically steal luxe items from Chanel, Gucci, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and more with prices starting at $1 (yes, $1).

The beloved (and often jam-packed) event opens Wednesday, April 13 and runs through April 16 at the Chic Boutique showroom (Weslayan Plaza, 5510 Weslayan St.). Attendees pay a $20 donation at the door and then can make a beeline for couture, shoes, bags, and accessories offered up by the city’s best-dressed ladies.

Fierce fashionistas are advised to arrive early (many take the day of afternoon off, a local shopping tradition for many) as the merch goes fast. Even with items going for ridiculously low prices, a spokesperson for the event tells CultureMap that this year’s event may generate $1 million for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary.

Another big draw is the Auxiliary 2022 Reflections on Style Luncheon, Runway Show & Chic Boutique’s “The Art of Fashion” luncheon. This event honors Dorothy Nicholson on Tuesday, April 12 at River Oaks Country Club. Doors open at 10 am for shopping of new or gently worn pieces from the likes of Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Carolina Herrera, Escada, and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Luncheon co-chairs are Dodi Willingham and Laurel Bashaw. Chic Boutique co-chairs are Maggie Austin and Pam Sengelmann and Chic Boutique Showroom co-chairs are Sarah Burchfield and Frances Villagomez-Howard.

As for the Chic Boutique, some advice: Clear the calendar, dress comfortably, and get those credit cards ready — and be prepared to (politely) muscle for that Chanel purse.

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The Chic Boutique by the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary, Weslayan Plaza, 5510 Weslayan St. Wednesday, April 13-Saturday, April 16. Hours are 10 am-5 pm. More information can be found on the official Facebook page.

new-york-fashion-week shopping

A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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