Retail Therapy

Before the tax-free frenzy, party and shop more civilized: Plus a Kate Spadeshopping secret

Many places like CityCentre and ...
Photo by Ralph Bivins
Tootsies are holding shopping events a few days before ...
the tax-free frenzy begins.
Photo by Nick Moir
Do you know the secret to getting a better price on a Kate Spade bag?

If you’re still on the fence about the whole tax-free shopping extravaganza, mull over money saved versus infringed personal space at carefree fashion events leading up to the big weekend.

It wouldn’t be the end of “summer” without the annual Sizzling Summer Soiree Wednesday at Tootsies from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The shopping, sipping and snacking event is a fundraiser for Women of Wardrobe, the young professional arm of Dress for Success. Modern American designer Jay Godfrey and local favorite Claudia Lobao will both be mingling with stylish do-gooders. WOW members are free and tickets for non-members are $45, but guests can also join WOW at the party.

If the thought of inspiring a designer’s fashion line appeals, head to Barneys CO-OP Wednesday between 5-7 p.m. to see if you are a muse-worthy candidate for Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos, co-creators of the aptly named Shipley&Halmos. They are looking for a few good men and women for their Fill in the Blank project, a cross-country tour the men are using to inspire their collection. Meet the duo, pop in the photo booth and embrace your inner Kate Moss during the event.

Clearly, the development of CityCentre couldn’t come soon enough. The restaurant-heavy lifestyle complex is THE place to explore for those comfortable enough to go OTL. Thursday Ruggles Green is the destination for eco-fabulous at the Sip & Shop Green+Chic market touting good-for-you beauty, health and fashion products. Shoppers at the Green+Chic market will also find giveaways, light bites and other party favors. Register for complimentary admission.

Have Car, Will Shop

I have a girlfriend who routinely treats herself with goodies from the Coach outlet in Cypress. (She also discovered something I have found myself. Go into the Kate Spade store with a Coach bag or vice versa and quickly, the price of what you are looking at gets a quick discount.)

Now, those who prefer the shopping west of Houston can head to Katy Mills Mall to shop the newest Coach Factory Store. The 8,000 square foot store is loaded with bags, jewelry, shoes, travel accessories and more for less.

While we wait for H&M to deem Texas worthy of a store or two, shoppers can gas up for a trip to The Woodlands Mall and Forever 21’s latest department store concept. A former Mervyn’s store was converted into 84,000 square feet of cheap shopping thrills including, Heritage 1981, a lifestyle brand for women; 21Men, a line for men, Love 21, an extended size line, plus kid’s clothes and the Love and Beauty cosmetic collection.

unspecified

A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

handbags clear bags college football festivals concerts