Spring is officially here so it's about time to get your wardrobe and home ready for the season. With bright seasonal collections and so many stores opening up around town, there's really no excuse not to check out this month's shopping picks.
Lily Rain in Rice Village
Shoppers can browse an interesting and unexpected assortment of items in the new 3,000-square-foot Lily Rain store in Rice Village. Inspiration came from obscure European emporiums, open air markets and best-kept-secret boutiques with a goal of mingling fashion staples with home goods and quirky gifts. The store, located at 2414 University Boulevard, features everything from handmade throws and chic-but-affordable jeans to fragrant candles and Trina Turk decorative pillows.
"To Tommy, From Zooey" Capsule Collection at Macy's
Macy's has just released an exclusive capsule collection, "To Tommy, From Zooey," designed by actress Zooey Deschanel and iconic American designer Tommy Hilfiger. The duo created a 14-piece collection that includes dresses in Hilfiger's signature red, white and blue shades as well as mod shift dresses and polka dotted shirtdresses that capture the buoyant attitude of the '60s. Prices range from $98 to $169; the collection is available online and at Houston-area Macy's stores.
Zang Toi personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue
Dramatic designer Zang Toi combines old Hollywood glamour with a film noir attitude in his latest collection, which evokes a mysterious "Shanghai in the 1930s" theme. The Malaysian-born designer will be at Saks Fifth Avenue on April 24 and 25 to present the fall 2014 collection and will meet with Houston fans at a cocktail party on April 24.
Emerson Sloan in Rice Village
Working mom and entrepreneur Kim Etheridge is opening Emerson Sloan — named after her two daughters — as a modern party supply and gift store. Etheridge researched thousands of vendors to find exceptional pieces for her store, goods she initially began selling at trunk shows and online. Merchandise at the new store, located at 2414 Rice Boulevard, includes unique and stylish party-ware, signature balloons and modern paper goods to toys, candy and costumes. The store opens on April 21.
Edie Parker Handbags Trunk Show at Elizabeth Anthony | Esther Wolf
Elizabeth Anthony | Esther Wolf hosts a trunk show featuring Edie Parker's signature handbags on April 24 and 25. Founder and designer Brett Heyman, who previously worked for Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, launched the Edie Parker brand in 2010. Her 1950s and '60s-inspired resin box clutches, handmade in the United States, come in a variety of shapes, including geometric, striped and sunburst patterns crafted from swirling, pearlescent resin. Some even include animal and fruit motifs.
2014 Swim Collection at Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret has introduced the 2014 swim collection in Houston-area stores. Some of the brand's best-selling bra collections are offered as swimsuits, adding increased comfort and support as bikini tops. New silhouettes include long line tops, rash guards, high-waist bottoms and flounce styles. The collection features trends like sexy cut-out details, lace-up straps, hardware accents and surf-inspired shapes.
Golden Threads Jewelry at Saks Fifth Avenue
Mr. Larkin Pop Up Shop will be open now through May 24 at 1714 Sunset Boulevard. Business days and hours are Tuesday through Saturday noon – 6 p.m. or by appointment by calling 415-734-8572.
Prabal Gurung Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus
Lily Rain offers everything from clothes and accessories to home goods at their new 2414 University Boulevard store.
Blue Hills brings a cool mix of fashion, accessories, and brands, including first-timer Sézane, to the Round Top shopping scene.Photo Courtesy of Blue Hills
The Compound offers an elevated mix of new, vintage, and upcycled fashion for stylish Round Top shoppers.Photo courtesy of The Compound
Marburger Farm combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories.Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show 
Zapp Hall has it all. From an indoor/outdoor setting to the antique atmosphere only a 1903 dance hall can provide.Photo courtesy of Zapp Hall 