Retail Therapy

Pop up shopping, a Simon Fashion wow and a Powder Puff party

Bopping around town this week? Pop by Craft Salon for new collections by some of Houston's most creative types and while you're at it, plan on spending some time at The Galleria for fashion shows galore this weekend. And when did Tootsies become a hangout for football players? Read on to see what's on tap at the stylish store.

Hop On the Pop Up Shop

Craft Salon is channeling Dr. Seuss Wednesday with a Pop Up Shop celebrating the launch of the new Stella Rose T-shirt line by local artist Celeste Tammariello and the gorgeous green Ivy and Holland collection of handmade and upcycled jewelry. (For the unitiated, "upcycled" is the new buzz word for taking items that would have been thrown away and make something even better.) There are also items to spruce up your space, courtesy of Rogelio Rendon and Alexandre Rosa. And since no party is complete without a taco truck, Craft Salon is turning its front patio into Tex-Mex hotspot from 7-9 p.m.

Look for Fashion Stars at Style Wars

Normally, peace is the word, but Saturday a war is breaking out at The Galleria as part of Simon Fashion Now, a three-day ode to spring fashion. "Style Wars" takes over Galleria II at 11:30 a.m. in front of Ann Taylor, pitting three student teams from The Art Institute of Houston against each other. The teams, partnering with local celebrities (Mia Gradney from Ch. 39, Rebecca Spera, host of Mirror/Mirror, and Fox 26’s Ruben Dominguez), will have approximately one hour to create unique fashions by hand. Their efforts are judged by a panel, including yours truly. The event is open to the public and audience participation will only make this fun event that much better. As in the past, retailers will have "Style Stops" clearly marked for shoppers to take a break and take advantage of interactive spring beauty and style trends.

Beauty and Brawn for Alzheimer’s Cause

For those of you who thought your Powder Puff days were left in high school, bust out your flag football duds for the Blondes vs. Brunettes game May 15 at at St. John’s School Skip Lee Field. But before hitting the field, head to Tootsies for an equally competitive sport…shopping. Tootsies is kicking off the festivities Wednesday, April 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 with cocktails, light bites and lots of inspired shopping. Fifteen percent of the evening's sales will benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

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LEATHER & LUXE

Heritage leather brand opens appointment-only boutique in River Oaks

Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Ghurka’s new River Oaks boutique brings its signature leather goods and custom clothing to Houston.

The heritage leather brand Ghurka recently opened a River Oaks boutique that offers custom clothing for men and women, a rare find in Houston’s luxury market.

For more than 50 years, Ghurka has built a reputation for beautifully crafted leather goods. Now, Houstonians have a new way to experience its collections.

Its new River Oaks boutique, one of only two brick-and-mortar outposts in the country, brings the label’s signature leather collection together with custom clothing and private styling, creating a personal shopping experience.

At the appointment-only store, clients can shop for leather bags and accessories while also working one-on-one with an advisor to create custom tailoring, shirting, knitwear, and other pieces curated to their specific needs and lifestyle. Houstonians will also be among the first to see Ghurka's expanded clothing offering with the debut of the Fall/Winter 2026 custom collection.

“For us, the decision to open in Houston really came down to people and relationships,” Glenn Pollack, chairman and CEO of Ghurka, tells CultureMap. “Ghurka has a meaningful history here and longstanding relationships with people who know the brand and what it stands for. As we considered returning to physical retail, we wanted to start in markets where we had the right talent, the right relationships, and a strong foundation to build on. Houston gave us all three.”

Ghurka Ghurka's appointment-only River Oaks boutique is located at 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 185. Appointments are available online. Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Founded in Connecticut in 1975, Ghurka's main focus is on leather goods designed to improve with time and wear. Its product range run the gamut from bags and backpacks to wallets, belts, and accessories. The brand is now applying that successful philosophy to clothing, with a focus on premium materials, durable construction, and pieces designed around the individual rather than trends.

Clients can work with a Gurkha advisor to decide what they need from their wardrobes before choosing fabrics, silhouettes, proportions, and bespoke details. Each piece is fully custom and finished by hand and according to Pollack, the goal of the appointment-only Houston boutique is to provide shoppers with a complete experience and a personalized level of attention.

“For us, custom clothing is ultimately about the individual rather than a particular gender,” Pollack said. “The same principles that have guided Ghurka for more than fifty years translate naturally into clothing. Offering custom for both men and women allows us to create a much more complete and personal relationship with our clients.”

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Ghurka Houston, 3701 W. Alabama St., Suite 185. Appointments are available through ghurka.com.

Photo courtesy of Ghurka

Ghurka’s new River Oaks boutique brings its signature leather goods and custom clothing to Houston.

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