Top Shops
Where to shop right now: 10 must-hit stores for June
The point of a monthly where-to-shop-now column, is well, knowing where to shop NOW, so forgive this tardy installment. Even though it’s later than I’d like, there’s still time to get out there and do some shopping. Let’s do this people.
Henri Bendel in The Galleria
Accessories alert! Henri Bendel opens in Houston in The Galleria Friday on the second level next to the Apple store. With bags, jewelry, gifts, pet items, fragrances and quite possibly tons of other adorable things you don’t need, but will certainly fall in love with, Henri Bendel is a potentially dangerous, yet completely fun shopping experience.
Foreign Exchange in First Colony Mall
Foreign Exchange is another first for Texas, staking its Lone Star outpost in First Colony Mall. Think edgy, sexy Forever 21 or Bebe for women and body conscious, youthful styles for men. The 6,000-square-foot store is also home to a private design line and once again, Houston was chosen because “the Texas market is strong and Houston is leading the way,” according to Albert Han, Foreign Exchange CFO/director of business development. Look for a Willowbrook Mall location to open in the coming months as well.
H&M: Part One (Baybrook Mall)
After years of pining away for H&M to open in Houston, I was out of the country on opening day and only recently shopped the first local store in Baybrook Mall. Close to Macy’s and accessible from the parking lot, the new store was still slightly frenetic when I visited it in the middle of the week. It's a bit smaller than imagined and little things like the larger kid’s sizes weren’t available yet, but I was impressed by a plus-size section and cheery service from suburban kids who finally have a place to show off fashion interpretations.
H&M: Part Two (Willowbrook Mall)
I plan to be in town when the chain’s Willowbrook Mall location debuts June 28, and staff at the current store say that it is going to be huge. Literally gigantic, clocking in at 25,600 square-feet. H&M is repurposing an old movie theatre just off Center Court, making over the space to include all of the cheap chic collections the chain is known for. Staff currently working at the Baybrook Mall location say they are bracing for major crowds. They also say there will be other locations, perhaps even in The Galleria — eventually.
Tommy Bahama in The Galleria
When I think about Tommy Bahama, I hear Jimmy Buffet singing "Margaritaville," but in all reality, the island-inspired clothing line isn’t all palm tree shirts and blown flip-flops. The newest store in Galleria IV across from the Adidas store, is an ode to cool summer styles for men and women, plus home décor and items for the beach or pool. As a non-tequila drinker (an unfortunate incident…long story…don’t ask) I appreciate Rumologist Jack Terry’s blog all about rum-based bevvies and other tid-bits.
Myth+Symbol in Rice Village
It’s exciting to see new store openings and even better when the boutiques hitting the retail scene have a fresh point of view. We’ve been waiting for Myth+Symbol to open in Rice Village for a couple of months and it looks like the shop will be ready for business by the end of June. Myth+Symbol is a boutique specializing in clothing, jewelry and accessories, but also home goods, prints, books and magazines, including art books from Little Otsu publishing in Portland. It also looks as though Myth+Symbol is set to become a community hangout for the design community.
Michael Kors at Memorial City Mall
Things are going well for Michael Kors. His company’s IPO was wildly successful (take note Facebook), his collections are still beautiful and evolving, the 10th season of Project Runway starts July 19 on Lifetime and his retail empire continues to grow. A new 1,870 square-foot store is open at Memorial City Mall, carrying accessories from both Michael Kors and MICHAEL Michael Kors labels, plus ready-to-wear from MICHAEL Michael Kors. Look for the zebra and acrylic-touched boutique near the food court.
Funny Fur at Lamar Center
While parents of two-legged children have plenty of places to shop for their little ones, pet parents don’t always have the same options. Funny Fur, a luxury pet boutique in Lamar Center, across from Lamar High School, changes that with carriers, toys, furniture, collars and everyone’s favorite, apparel.
I have no dog and yet, I am inexplicably drawn to dog dresses like the V-Neck Denim Dog Jumper or the gold-trimmed Paris Hilton Kiss Bubble Halter dress. That’s right. A Paris Hilton dog dress…this is also known as a “make your own comedy” moment. But seriously folks, Funny Fur also is an active supporter of local animal charities and carries natural and holistic animal products.
Mary Nichols and Rebecca & Drew at River Oaks Shopping Center
Rebecca & Drew owner Lindsay Aronstein is adding more accessories to her boutique in the River Oaks Shopping Center. Mary Nichols is bringing a larger selection of her handbag line to the cute shop and Aronstein is also also adding Tempe Street jewelry line. The additions give reasons to celebrate, which is handy since Aronstein always has bubbly on hand for shoppers.
19th Street Summer Tent Sale at 19th Street in The Heights
There are few streets that exemplify Houston's creative quirky side like 19th Street in The Heights. You can easily spend the whole day there and never see the same thing twice. Saturday, the street becomes a bargain shopper's paradise during the Summer Tent Sale. From 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. the shops and galleries along 19th will showcase items for women, children, home goods and antiques. Look for the white tents and great deals.