Fashionably Cinched

The September issue: How much are Houstonians willing to sweat for the love offall fashion?

A floral frock can shift well into fall with an alligator belt and a ladylikestatement bag. Dress and belt are last season's Oscar de la Renta, with ToryBurch pumps and Fendi Peekaboo bag.
Photo by Annina Stefanelli
Celine's Classic Box bag channels the "Mad Men" era and offers a great way toadd a touch of fall to a Houston wardrobe.
A leather-rimmed ensemble has a fall feeling; the sandal boots are a greattransition item. Dress is fall 2009 by Yigal Azrouel from Saks Fifth Avenue andSandal boots from Belle by Sigerson Morrison.
Photo by Annina Stefanelli
The classic tailored pantsuit is a great fall Houston item; accessorize it withpatent heels or a pop colored envelope clutch as shown in the Marc Jacobs’s fallcollection.
For fall, the fashion world is emphasizing delicate pieces that expressfemininity, like Louis Vuitton’s cinched dress with sleeves.
Photo by Hélène Tarrade

Fashion forward Houstonians face a predicament this time every year: The September issue of adjusting our fall ensembles to the scorching Texas heat that often lingers until late October.

With velvet, leather, lace and fur adorning the fall/winter collections, Houstonians have to make a tough call: How much are we willing to sweat for the love of fashion?

How do we lend ourselves to a bevy of diverse looks when September temperatures average over 90 degrees?

The answer is simple: Good old recycling.

Wardrobe change can be tough when faced with the restrictions of weather, but the transition can be made easier by starting with essentials you've already got. Improvise by integrating autumnal necessities with the pieces that kept you cool over the summer. Begin by rediscovering the classics you’ve got stored up in your closet, because no matter how familiar you think you are with your wardrobe, you can always find something new in it.

Dig up your tailored trousers, elegant blouses, and lace, while preserving the florals and pleated shorts you’ve been sporting since spring. For example, adding a leather belt and ladylike statement handbag to a floral dress can bridge the seasonal transition.

Just as we shifted from our comfortable summer play clothes to binding strict uniforms that heralded a return to school in the fall, we must polish our September wardrobe as well. Toss out tees for blouses, trade jean shorts for chic pleated skirts and replace loose frocks with curve enhancing LBDs.

Last fall/winter we mirrored Balmain’s ripped tees and tights, resulting in a grunge rocker look. This year the fashion world has cleaned up its act, bringing back sophisticated pieces that express femininity, like Louis Vuitton’s bustier tops and full A line skirts.

Aim to look put-together yet feel soigné with a cinched waist. Tune in to the gloriously full skirted leading ladies of Mad Men, whose highly feminine elegance have inspired the runways this fall.

The obvious fall trends of tailored wools adorned with furs may turn Houstonians off, but the secret of adjusting these trends to our weather is quite simple. Begin with the tailored pieces stored up from previous years paired with diaphanous fabric blouses that rule this fall. Create an ensemble like Lover’s black lace top with Alexander McQueen’s wool crop pants.

Choose an elective: pleated high waist shorts or a pleated mini skirt, and top with a silk button up. Either way you will be fashion forward and temperature friendly.

For a womanly take on masculine tailoring, infuse feminine appeal to the classical tailored pantsuit by accessorizing it with patent heels or a pop colored envelope clutch as shown in the fall Marc Jacobs collection.

From kitten heels to conservative ladylike bags, accessories channel the late '50s, like Celine’s Classic Box bag. Keep the wooden wedges and clogs (I love Celine’s open toe slingback), they can be sported well through a Houston winter.

Due to our tropical weather, color is just as important in the fall as in the summer here in Houston. Veer away from the neon frames designers offered us this summer and stick to warm tones such as charcoal and camel frames, soft hues that flatter every skin tone.

Annina Stefanelli writes a fashion blog, Cinched at the Waist.

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where to shop now

Where to shop now: 12 Houston stores with must-see holiday finds

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing in Houston, and shoppers are already busy checking names off their gift lists. Despite the fashionably late arrival of Thanksgiving this year, there is still plenty of time to find the perfect presents for everyone on the proverbial shopping list.

Whether hunting for something stylish, timeless, or entertaining, this Houston-centric shopping guide covers everything. There are ideas for every budget, age, and style preference, making shopping a bit more effortless and fun. Happy shopping, Houston!

Ada & Edith
The Houston-based style-driven women's wear brand recently released its Fall/Winter 2024 collection featuring eight highly curated pieces made with beautiful fabrics and expert tailoring. The new online collection features dresses, matching sets, tops, and skirts.

Beaufort Bonnet Company
The upscale children's lifestyle apparel brand recently opened its boutique in Rice Village next to White House Black Market. The brand offers everything from traditional special-occasion apparel pieces to ready-to-play wear for boys and girls (sizes infant – 14). Moms will love the great shopping while kids will have fun at the store's play area.

Foreign Fare
Holiday jet setters will be thrilled to give or get Houston-based travel brand Foreign Fare's travel clothing. The bestsellers, the Jetsetter jacket and Wrap Me Up Dress, are a modern take on travel apparel and made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics that effortlessly go from day to night. They feature travel-ready amenities, including hidden pockets and adjustable waistbands.

From Marfa
Tanglewood's favorite children's apparel store offers the cutest holiday must-haves for babies to teens and complimentary gift wrapping that will save time during this busy season. Shoppers can snag holiday and winter finds from brands including Little English, Luigi Kids, Pink Chicken, Katie J NYC, and more. The boutique also offers toys, books, and accessories that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Kimono Zulu
Houston-based brand Kimono Zulu offers one-of-a-kind vintage kimonos that make a unique and memorable holiday gift. Each kimono provides a piece of Japan's craftsmanship and artistry and is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. The brand's kimonos are available at its Upper Kirby boutique or online.

Krewe
Krewe, an independent eyewear brand founded in New Orleans, is opening its first permanent location in Houston in Rice Village. Nnown for its high-quality, small-batch, handcrafted frames, Krewe combines the style and culture of the Big Easy with a modern and iconic style. Krewe's new outpost is located at 5515 Kelvin Dr. #125 and opens on December 7.

Lafayette 148
Lafayette 148 has partnered with Save Venice, a leading American non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. The partnership inspired a capsule collection, available at the brand's outpost in the Galleria, featuring dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories. The capsule collection's sales will be donated to Save Venice's "Women Artists of Venice" program through the end of 2024.

Léránt
This Galleria neighborhood boutique makes being the "hostess with the mostess" easy, especially during the holiday season with elegant finds at every price point. Shoppers will find everything from tableware and crystal to gifts and festive holiday decor. Customers can shop with 15 percent off their purchases on December 4 from 4-7 pm.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Lucchese has launched a new gemstone line just in time for the holiday season. The latest offering includes the Gemstone Suede Boot Collection featuring the famous Priscilla classic style, which now comes in new rich suede colorways for the holiday season. The Gemstone Python Boot Collection includes six distinctive styles with rich, new colorways — Emerald, Amber, and Garnet — in two silhouettes: the Presley Exotic and the Dale Exotic. The Gemstone Python Clutch and Belt pay homage to 140 years of Lucchese and are handmade from rich tones of python leather.

M Penner
Named "One of the top men's specialty stores in the U.S." by Esquire Magazine, M Penner is celebrating 50 years in business — a massive feat in Houston's finicky fashion scene. In addition to custom fittings, perfect for holiday parties, customers can shop elevated brands, including Brunello Cucinelli, Zenga, Canali, Isaia, AG Jeans, Carrot & Gibbs, Davek, Paul Smith, and more.

Purple
Co-founded by Houston native Luke Crosby, Purple recently opened its first Texas location in the Galleria. Alreday a top-selling denim brand at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Purple is known for its luxury denim and curated apparel worn by celebrities including Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Jimmy Butler, and Houston's own Bun B.

Zadok Jewelers
Post Oak hotspot Zadok Jewelers is ready for the "most wonderful gifts of the year" as they gear up for the holiday season with a schedule full of shopping events. Guests can pursue the massive jewelry store during its extended holiday hours while shopping exclusive pieces from The Vault or the Vintage & High Jewelry Collection. Zadok will also host designer trunk shows and its annual Ultimate Watch Event featuring new releases from 25 leading watchmakers.

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

foreign fare zadok jewelers kimono zulu lerant from marfa purple krewe lucchese boots where to shop in houston shopping