Even with summer doldrums here, there are lots of new places to shop in Houston. An amazing number of cool stores are opening in the Bayou City — and they all have the air-conditioning cranked up in addition to lots of can't-miss fashion finds, from custom suits to stylish exercise apparel and luxury fragrances and hip cosmetics.
Jo Malone London
The luxury British fragrance brand has opened its first freestanding boutique in Texas at River Oaks District. British artist and wallpaper designer Marthe Armitage collaborated with the brand on a collection of four home items (scented drawer liners, a candle, a soap set and a glass decanter bath oil), which were inspired by the idea of an English summer afternoon and will be available at the new boutique for a limited time. And a new fragrance — a Black Cedarwood & Juniper cologne — has been launched just in time for the opening.
Kick Pleat Boutique
The Austin favorite has opened a location in Upper Kirby, as owner Wendy Martin offers an earthy and sophisticated, modern vibe without being trendy. There are familiar labels such as Rachel Comey and Mr. larkin, but Martin says 80 percent of the store is new and specific to the women's clothing store. Horses Atelier, Base Range and Isa Arfen in the mix.
NARS Cosmetics
NARS Cosmetics opens its first stand-alone Houston boutique — and its ninth in the nation — at River Oaks District on June 25. The first 50 shoppers to come in on opening day will receive a complimentary 413 BLKR Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. Champagne and macarons will be served throughout the day. The 750-square-foot boutique features clean, sharp lines and stark white walls and flooring, with chrome and black accents which are reminiscent of the brand’s signature packaging.
Club Monaco
Fashion boutique Club Monaco has opened its second Houston-area location at Market Street in The Woodlands. It features modern, yet timeless clothing and accessories for women, showcasing the brand’s collection of tops, knits and tees, jackets and vests, jumpers, dresses for day and night, skirts and shorts. Shoppers also will find a selection of sandals, heels, flats and boots along with scarves and wraps, handbags and jewelry.
New Danville
Also opening in The Woodlands is New Danville, offering products beautifully packaged by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Handcrafted gifts for the home and garden, including raw honey, vanilla extract, a variety of teas, teapots, and accessories, embroidered hand towels, and seasonal home décor, are showcased at the new store in Market Street. Bath and body products such as goats milk soap, moisturizing body mists, lotions, salt and sugar scrubs are available, and a gardening department offers birdhouses and fresh flowers.
All proceeds go to New Danville, a not-for-profit self-sustaining, master-planned integrated community in Willis where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live, learn, work and grow emotionally, socially, and spiritually with their non-disabled peers.
Saint Bernard
Dallas-based Saint Bernard has opened a 14,900-square-foot store in River Oaks District. The sporty shop is well stocked with activewear, including ski and snowboard apparel and swimsuits, plus summer dresses, shorts, and more.
Kissue
The women's clothing store in Memorial has opened a second outpost in Rice Village. It's stocked with lots of cool fashion-forward items, including athleisure wear from Mono B and LA Society, a large selection of Quay sunglasses from Australia, and candles from Bear & Roo from San Antonio.
Knot Standard
The Houston outpost of Knot Standard promises to help you craft a custom suit in just one hour. While a personal stylist will help you narrow it down, put your own spin on your ensemble by choosing your favorite fabrics from more than 7,000 options. Pricing for a custom suit starts at $795 in the store ($595 online), with delivery in about 4-6 weeks: custom shirts ae typically delivered within 3-4 weeks.
RueBird Market
The traveling boutique founded by Katie and Sarah Rue in a vintage 1962 Airstream, RueBird Market celebrates the opening of its first brick-and-mortar location in Katy's LaCenterra shopping center on June 25. Throughout the day, shoppers can enter to win giveaways and enjoy some bubbly and RueBird’s custom popcorn bar.
Peloton
The upscale indoor cycling company that sells stationary bikes and streams its New York City cycling classes to off-site riders, has opened its first Houston store in The Galleria with a 1,200-square-foot showroom. Peloton offers on-demand classes from indoor cycling instructors broadcast direct to your Peloton bike, so you get instant access to great workouts any time you want from the convenience of your home. Avid cyclers get to ride in the window of the store, too, to commemorate a special occasion.
RueBird Market is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Katy.
Forty new vendors join the Nutcracker Market this year, offering fresh finds alongside fan favorites.Photo by Melissa Taylor
