Why wait for cooler weather?

Change is in the air: Get a whiff of fall with these 7 sweet-smelling newfragrances

Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester is the gorgeous face of Vera Wang's new fallfragrance, "Lovestruck."
Gwen Stefani's "Super G" perfume
Hello Kitty's graffiti "Rollergirl"
Marc Jacobs, "Oh, Lola!"
From Kat Von D, "Poetica"

When it comes to fall fashion, Houston's hundred degree temperatures force us Lone Star gals to think outside the box. No donning cashmere or suede just yet!

Accessories are the way to go until our state's steamy temps take a dip. Remember, dear divas, that perfume is a powerful, yet invisible accessory that we can wear now for an autumnal change.

Fortunately for all, fabulous fragrance launches abound. Check out some of our favorite sweet-smelling candidates below, and pick your potion according to your individuality. Spritz on one of these newly minted mixtures, and set your glamorous aura apart from the fashion pack.

Romantic & spontaneous? Rock your Romeo with Lovestruck by Vera Wang

Iconic wedding gown designer Vera Wang knows a thing or two about romance. So who better to concoct a sparkling floral potion that embodies Cupid's arrow and falling madly in love? Lovestruck's ad campaign features Gossip Girl's gorgeous Leighton Meester as the face of this flirtatious fragrance highlighting a modern day love story in downtown New York City.

Notes: Captivating pink guava, mandarin, tuberose, lotus blossom, precious woods and white musk

Lovestruck by Vera Wang, $45-$78 at Macy's and Dillard's

Bright, Youthful & Energetic (Maybe a little fruity?)Harajuku Lovers Super G to the rescue!

Rockin' fashion star Gwen Stefani adds another insanely darling installment to her Harajuku Lovers fragrance collection. Why not channel your inner super heroine with Super G? No Doubt, this scent's a perfect potion for a quick pick me up.

Notes: A fruit bowl full of yummy pineapple, pear, cranberry, banana, coconut, peach and raspberry essences balanced by touches of yellow freesia, musk, cedar and vanilla

Harjuku Lovers Super G, $45 at Sephora and Zappos.com

Sassy and sweet? That's how she rolls! Hello Kitty Graffiti Rollergirl

This limited edition graffiti theme highlights Hello Kitty's cool street style. Each feline roller ball boasts one of a kind artwork containing Hello Kitty's signature scent. Delicious!

Notes: An energetic fruity floral highlighted by touches of warm vanilla and musk

Hello Kitty Graffiti Rollergirl, $18, exclusively at Sephora

Modern Sophisticate?Chloé Shirley Solid Perfume Necklace is portably glamorous.

Any fashionista worth her salt covets anythingChloé, so a multi-tasking accessory from this fashionable French house equals total genius. Take your chic quotient to the next level with this double-duty necklace featuring a delicately engraved locket filled with Chloé's signature solid perfume. At only $60, think Santa & stash this Chloé way for for your BFF, Best Fashionista Friend.

Notes: Catch a whiff of this subtle ensemble of rose, peony, Lilly of the Valley, magnolia, amber & cedar

Chloé's Shirley Solid Perfume Necklace, $60, Available Sept. 21 at select retailers. Check out Chloé.com for details.

Flirtatious, Vibrant and Charming? Be luscious withOh, Lola! by Marc Jacobs

Voilà the re-energized twist on Marc Jacobs classic Lola fragrance. The sparkling and fruity scent personifies Lola's flirtatious free spirit. The reviews have fans clamoring for Jacob's latest creation, as always. Plus, how gorgeous would this girly vibrant bottle be on your dresser?

Notes: An alluring assortment of raspberry, vanilla, peony, and cyclamen

Marc Jacobs' Oh, Lola! $45-$88 at Nordstrom and Macy's

Daring & Sexy? Go Exotic with Kat Von D Poetica

Reality TV star and tattoo artist Kat Von D utilizes her writing style as a uniquely creative outlet. Ms. Von D composed her latest scent to represent poetry's power and presence in her artistic genre. Spotlight your bohemian side with this sensually romantic fragrance.

Notes: A delectable bouquet of Rose petals, passion fruit, berries, white orchid, tuberose, Tahitian cherry, jasmine, praline, blond woods and amber

Poetica by Kat Von D, $18-$55, exclusively at Sephora

Mysteriously confident and strong?forbidden euphoria by Calvin Klein

Forbidden euphoria is a younger version of Calvin Klein's popular Euphoria essence. This recently released fragrance has already created quite a stir, as it elicits a lasting, if not addictive, impression of sexy, sophisticated confidence.

Notes: A hypnotic mixture containing a fruity "floriental" highlighted by Tiger orchid, jasmine, patchouli and cashmere woods

Calvin Klein forbidden euphoria, $45-$80, at Dillard's and Macy's

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HAUTE HOUSTON

High fashion label Sachin & Babi makes rare Houston appearance

Photo courtesy of Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi is hosting an exclusive shopping event so Houstonians can snag pieces from their Resort Collection on November 12 from 5 to 8 pm at Avant Art Gallery.

Having dressed the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama, Mindy Kaling, and Octavia Spencer, high fashion label Sachin & Babiis known for its attention to embellishment, color, and silhouette. Ahead of the sold-out Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon, where the New York-based brand will be headlining with ready-to-wear looks from their fall collection, Sachin Ahluwalia, one-half of the high fashion duo is making a rare in-person appearance in the Bayou City.

"We are thrilled to see what Sachin & Babi will bring to our Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon," Angie Lane, Houston Ballet's chief development officer, tells CultureMap. "Saks Fifth Avenue has been an invaluable partner over the years, consistently creating an engaging and dynamic show for Nutcracker Market luncheon guests."

The brand, which has a large customer base in Texas, has its sights set on more permanent digs and retail expansion in the Lone Star State.

"In Texas, fashion is embraced in the truest sense. There's a celebratory spirit and full-of-life energy that aligns with our brand ethos," said Ahluwalia. "Our goal in everything we create is to celebrate the women who inspire us and remind us why we do what we do. I have always believed that the most important component of a woman's wardrobe is her smile, and Houston has that joyfulness so ingrained in its culture."

We sat down with Sachin Ahluwalia to discuss the brand's fall collection and what we can look forward to from the label in 2025.

CultureMap: How would you describe your fall collection?
Sachin Ahluwalia: Each season, we're inspired by the nature surrounding us, but this fall, we were particularly struck by the captivating beauty of botanical flowers. We referenced some of our favorite photographers who have captured striking macro shots of oversized blooms, and from this, we focused on the romantic allure of a 'White Rose in Moonlight.' While we often envision roses bathed in sunlight, a rose is equally enchanting beneath the moon's glow. There's a subtle message there — a reminder that beauty can thrive even in the quiet of night.

CultureMap: What colors and fabrics are you leaning towards for fall and winter?
SA: This fall, we focused on deep floral contrasts on luxurious viscose chiffon, faille, and Mikado. As fall also welcomes the return to the social calendar and gala season, we emphasized intricate beading and embroidery, creating unique, wearable pieces that make her feel her best for all the celebrations ahead.

CultureMap: When you create a collection, who are you designing for?
SA: For the past decade, Sachin & Babi has been redefining what it means to dress for life's most memorable moments. We design to a level of sophistication rather than any particular demographic. Aiming to offer more than just a garment, we want to give our customers a transformative experience that celebrates each person's unique style and story. We dress her for her most special occasions because she deserves to feel extraordinary without compromise.

CultureMap: What has been inspiring you for your 2025 collections?
SA: We are inspired by the incredible women in our country. She continues to marvel and inspire us with her confidence, elegance, and beauty. We're committed to helping her feel her most beautiful for all of her special moments, big and small.

CultureMap: Do you think you will ever move away from your east-meets-west aesthetic?
SA: It's hard to divorce ourselves from our natural inclinations and DNA. Babi and I spent our first 20 years in India, but we've spent the last 30 years building our home in New York City. We embrace our natural propensity for color, craftsmanship, and embroidery from India and marry it to the lifestyle of the women we know and adore in the US. Our goal is to converge traditional Indian techniques with a modern sensibility to create ready-to-wear that feels made for you.

Photo courtesy of Sachin & Babi

Sachin & Babi held an exclusive shopping event in Houston.

sachin & babi saks fifth avenue houston fashion show sachin and babi

Why wait for cooler weather?

Change is in the air: Get a whiff of fall with these 7 sweet-smelling newfragrances

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HAUTE HOUSTON

High fashion label Sachin & Babi makes rare Houston appearance

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get Houston intel delivered daily.