Top Shops

Where to Shop Right Now: 10 cool, must-hit stores for April

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

Designer Jennifer Walker, a former NICU nurse who turned to jewelry design as a therapeutic outlet, has handcrafted a collection of gold necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings made in Houston. The collection, which ranges from $500 - $6,000 and is available at Saks or online at GoldenThreadShop.com, includes a new "Black and White Diamond Collection" as well as stackable rings, pendants, bangles and stud earrings.

Mr. Larkin Pop-Up Shop Returns

Native Houstonian Casey Larkin Blond brings back her Mr. Larkin Pop-Up Shop, featuring unique women's clothing, accessories, home and children's goods from U.S. and European designers like Creatures of Comfort, Shaina Mote, Reality Studio, JACQUEMUS, Wood Wood, Terhi Pölkki and Christian Wijnants, the former assistant to Dries Van Noten.

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

Neiman Marcus hosts Prabal Gurung's fall 2014 trunk show on April 25 and 26 in the couture salon. Gurung's latest collection reflects his Nepalese heritage, with saffron-colored monk's robes re-imagined as intricately draped dresses amid cocoon coats, cashmere turtlenecks, tulle-draped blouses and crystal-beaded evening gowns.

Kate Moss collection at Nordstrom

Topshop launches a new Kate Moss Collection at the Nordstrom Galleria store and online April 30, featuring an eclectic mix of pieces encapsulating the British fashion icon’s unique and revered vintage style. The new collection includes pieces that reflect the supermodel's love for the Balearic Islands, along with pajama dressing, cocktail hour clothing and items based on vintage-inspired looks from her wardrobe.

Lily Rain offers everything from clothes and accessories to home goods at their new 2414 University Boulevard store.

Courtesy of Lily Rain

Lily Rain offers everything from clothes and accessories to home goods at their new 2414 University Boulevard store.

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boots with a story

Houston bootmaker offers $5,000 cowboy boot and gator hunt adventure

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

Houston bootmaker, Republic Boot Company, turns gator hunts into a custom pair of boots.

In Houston, where custom boots are a source of great pride and style, one local brand is taking the bespoke boot experience to a new level. Republic Boot Company, known for its elevated, hand-crafted creations, just launched a Gator Hunt Experiencewhere customers can source an alligator hide, which will be transformed into a pair of cowboy boots.

Part adventure and part traditional craftsmanship, the experience begins with a hunt in the marshlands near Anahuac, about an hour from Houston, and ends with a custom-made pair of alligator-skin cowboy boots tailored to the client's vision by a Republic Boot Company boot specialist.

"At Republic Boot Company, we pride ourselves on crafting boots that are not just footwear, but a legacy," said Chris Conrad, owner of Republic Boot Company. "This new Gator Hunt Experience takes that commitment to personalization to an unprecedented level, offering our customers a unique and memorable journey taking them from the bayou to the heart of the Bayou City."

The gator hunt is $5,000 per person and includes an 8.5-foot alligator (larger alligators incur extra costs). Individuals of all experience levels can participate, and all necessary permits and equipment are provided to ensure a safe adventure. After the hunt, the hide will be tanned during an eight-month process to ensure a one-of-a-kind pair of boots. Just in case the kicks aren't enough of a conversation starter, participants will also receive a professional mount of the alligator head.

Alligator hunting season runs from September 11 to September 30, so the boots won't be ready for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Once they are complete, however, they will be wearable pieces of art with a memorable story behind them. Those interested in extending their only-in-Texas half-day hunt into an overnight experience can book overnight accommodations through Republic Boot Company.

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