ONE-STOP SHOPPING

One-of-a-kind Houston shopping experience returns for hot summer sale

In Houston, now more than ever, it’s critical to support small businesses. The mix of the novel coronavirus and subsequent cancellation of major events and local gift markets — from RodeoHouston and The Round Top Antique Show — means it’s prime time to catch the Bayou City’s leading home décor and gift market’s Summer Sale.

The Design-Art-Style-Home (DASH) Market provides a unique shopping experience for Houstonians seeking clothing and accessories, trending home décor, artisan jewelry, original art, and gourmet gifts. The Summer Sale features show specials, new inventory, and inventory closeouts from more than 90 dealers. The event runs Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28, at Silver Street Studios (2000 Edwards St.).

Savvy shoppers looking to jumpstart their weekend can get an exclusive first-look at the DASH Preview Party on Thursday, June 25. Enjoy music from Jo Hyman, sip on craft cocktails at the Warehouse Bar, and sample light bites from Island Grill and Relish Restaurant and Bar.

On Saturday, DASH Market welcomes Denverado’s Disco Happy Hour from 3 pm to 5 pm. Throughout the weekend, shoppers can also enjoy cocktails from a new vendor Jo’s Mini Mobile Bar.

Expect to shop local favorites, including Texas-inspired tee’s and guayaberas from Paris Texas Apparel Co.; curated treasures from around the world at Laurier Blanc; and dhurrie clutches and Kantha quilts from Sapana Dreams. The Summer Sale also features ten new dealers, including home decor for conscious buyers from Ankole Living; Houston-based jewelry designer Christina Greene's signature gold and turquoise collection; a blogger closet sale with Houston-based lifestyle blogger Keli Rabon; and more.

Founders Lisa Erwin, Michelle Maresh, Angela Poujol, and Vanessa Sendukas are taking necessary steps to ensure all dealers and shoppers are safe and comfortable. Hand-sanitizing stations, sponsored by SUPA Skincare, will be set up throughout the warehouse along with disposable masks.

Other precautions include no more than 50 percent capacity inside, one-way aisle traffic, continual cleaning, including a deep clean each night, contactless payment available, and on-site security and crowd control.

Tickets are available for $35 for the Preview Party on Thursday, June 25 from 6 to 9 pm and $10, Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28, from 10 am to 5 pm.

DASH co-founders, from left, Vanessa Sendukas, Michelle Maresh, Lisa Erwin, and Angela Poujol.

Photo courtesy of DASH Market

DASH co-founders, from left, Vanessa Sendukas, Michelle Maresh, Lisa Erwin, and Angela Poujol.

shopping

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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