Meet The Stylemakers

Meet the CultureMap Stylemakers semifinalists: Cast your vote now!

Houston, Stylemakers, September 2015, collage

CultureMap StyleMaker semifinalists represent a diverse array of styles and professions. Here are six of the 16 semifinalists. Read about all of them below.

Courtesy photo

Boy, does Houston have a lot of stylish men and women.

When we asked for nominations for the first CultureMap Stylemaker Awards, you responded in droves, nominating more than 135 stylish men and women in the Bayou City.

Then came the hard part.

A panel of judges had to narrow the pool to 16 deserving semifinalists.

There were many more than could have made the list, but after carefully considering each and every nominee, we present a list of men and women who represent a diverse array of styles and professions. Some have made an impact on the fashion business; others have simply impressed with their ability to make a fashion statement in any circumstance.

So take a look at this list, and then cast your vote. You can vote once a day, every day, through October 2. The top vote-getters will move into the final round to determine the readers’ choice. That person, along with the editors’ choice and your favorites, will be honored at the Stylemaker party at Tootsies in West Ave on October 14. To reserve your spot at the party, RSVP here.

Meet the Stylemaker semifinalists (listed in alphabetical order by last name) and then click here to vote:

Maryam Afshari

Occupation: Owner, Baanou Boutique

Website: baanou.com

Why Maryam deserves to be a Stylemaker: As a boutique owner, Maryam stays on top of not only what’s in fashion, but what will be. Her eclectic sense of style is reflected in the designers she seeks out for the store and her fashionable wardrobe.

Holly Alvis

Occupation: Program Manager at Robert and Janice McNair Foundation

Website: instagram.com/holllsa

Why Holly deserves to be a Stylemaker: Holly steps out with personal flair whether it’s to one of her beloved Houston Texans games or a charity function. She has a knack for getting it right and looking fabulous on every occasion.

Lindley Arnoldy

Occupation: Mom; Former Fashion Blogger

Website: instagram.com/lindleyarnoldy

Why Lindley deserves to be a Stylemaker: As a former blogger, Lindley remains devoted to fashion, with a unique expression of style that incorporates a host of of-the-moment designers.

Bill Baldwin

Occupation: Broker/Owner at Boulevard Realty

Website: yourblvd.com

Why Bill deserves to be a Stylemaker: Bill's style is as distinctive as his outgoing nature. His refined look, best described as "casual chic," reveals a modern perspective showcasing an on-the-go lifestyle.

Karina Barbieri

Occupation: Glamorous Mom/Philanthropist

Why Karina deserves to be a Stylemaker: A stylish mother of three, Karina captures attention when she walks into a room, looks stunning at all hours of the day, and is always wearing unique, elegant pieces that complement her figure beautifully.

Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl

Occupation: Household CEO

Website: instagram.com/carriebd

Why Carrie deserves to be a Stylemaker: Carrie loves to break the fashion rules and always stands out at glamorous charity functions with her own unique sense of style. She is an expert at contrasting hard and soft looks, and knows black is always in fashion.

Valerie Dittner

Occupation: Creative Partner at Cheeky Vintage

Website: adornyourselfaccordingly.com

Why Valerie deserves to be a Stylemaker: Whether it's modern chic or vintage/retro, Valerie makes fashion fun and always turns heads when she enters a room with her classy style.

Mohammad Elsaadi

Occupation: Industrial Engineer

Website: instagram.com/_brohammad

Why Mohammed deserves to be a Stylemaker: Moe breaks the stereotype that engineers don't have a sense of style. A trendsetter with a taste for adventure, he is a social, outgoing young Houstonian with a modernly masculine sense of style.

Ryan O. Harris

Occupation: Creative Consultant

Website: instagram.com/messagemofo

Why Ryan deserves to be a Stylemaker: When it comes to style, Ryan is a risk taker. But he also believes that a clean shirt, a great blazer, crisp jeans and leather shoes can be the easiest and most attractive look to achieve. Ryan's not severe or overpowering, but he's never boring either.

Staci Henderson

Occupation: Philanthropist/Fundraiser

Website: instagram.com/Stacirh71

Why Staci deserves to be a Stylemaker: Staci believes that fashion is a wonderful way to express who you are or how you are feeling without saying a word. And while designer goods are fabulous, she has a great eye and sense of style that trumps money spent any day.

Bryce Kennard

Occupation: Comcast Communications Director

Website: instagram.com/bhkennard

Why Bryce deserves to be a Stylemaker: Bryce is a spiffy dresser who combines preppy sophistication with fashion chic. He is always well dressed whether in the board room, on the polo fields or just lounging around.

Alex Martinez

Occupation: Bon Vivant

Why Alex deserves to be a Stylemaker: Dividing his time between homes in Puerta Vallarta and Houston, Alex combines Latin flair with American sophistication. He can be whimsical or dashing, depending on his mood, but never sartorially disappointing.

Rekha Muddaraj

Occupation: Anchor at KHOU

Website: instagram.com/rmuddar

Why Rekha deserves to be a Stylemaker: A stylish working mom with a great eye for fashion, Rekha manages to keep up with the latest trends while juggling a busy family life and her duties as KHOU weekend anchor/reporter.

Fifi Phi

Occupation: Librarian and Fashion Blogger

Website: wewearthings.com (Contributor)

Why Fifi deserves to be a Stylemaker: Fifi combines classic and cutting edge looks, with a minimalist urban style that always stands out. Whether at the library or at a party, she gets noticed wherever she goes.

Claire Cormier-Thielke

Occupation: Analyst

Website: instagram.com/clairect

Why Claire deserves to be a Stylemaker: Claire's sense of fashion shines through in the office and on the charity circuit, where her tastes range from elegant to get-down-for-a-good-time looks.

Lyndsey Zorich

Occupation: Founder/President Youth Hope Association, Fashion Blogger

Website: lavenueblog.com

Why Lyndsey deserves to be a Stylemaker: With a busy life that includes motherhood and work with pediatric cancer patients, Lyndsey also writes regularly for the hip style blog, L. Avenue, that she founded and that showcases her eye for fashion.

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Click here to your vote. To reserve your spot at the party that celebrates the winners on October 14 at Tootsies, RSVP here.

stylemakers

TREASURE TROVE

A stylish shopper's guide to 16 of Round Top's best fashion finds

Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show

Round Top is a treasure hunter’s dream, with plenty of places to shop for vintage fashion, boots, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Shopping at Round Top's famous antique shows can be daunting even for the most experienced pros. There is a lot of ground to cover, with shopping spread across miles of fields, barns, and venues along Highway 237. To make the fashion hunt during the upcoming fall event, October 17 - 31, a little easier, we've rounded up the must-shop spots for amazing vintage items, designer pieces, boots, jewelry, and accessories.

Although Round Top is about dressing the part, don't forget that practical outfit choices will make long (and usually very hot) days much more comfortable. Wear clothes that can get dusty and shoes that can survive much more than 10,000 steps. A sunhat and extra water will also go a long way during the fall show.

$S\u00e9zane at Blue Hills$ Blue Hills brings a cool mix of fashion, accessories, and brands, including first-timer Sézane, to the Round Top shopping scene.Photo Courtesy of Blue Hills

Blue Hills
The Vibe: Cool-girl style with plenty of chic fashion and accessory options. Blue Hills leans into new items, mixing well-known and up-and-coming brands.

Sézane
French fashion brand Sézane is making its Round Top debut at Blue Hills. The brand's airstream trailer will pop up during the fall show from October 24-27 with its Fall/Winter 2026 Collection and a capsule collection of Round Top-exclusive products including a sweatshirt, t-shirt, and tote bag.

Hunter Bell
The Houston-based designer will pop-up at Blue Hills giving shoppers a chance to see the latest looks up close. The brand's Round Top inspiration guide offers plenty of outfit ideas plus a shopping list of pieces to pick up at the show.

Round Top Makers Market
This cozy barn is a one-stop shop for everything from ink block print dresses and monogrammed bandanas to cool stackable jewelry and sunglasses.

The Compound Round Top The Compound offers an elevated mix of new, vintage, and upcycled fashion for stylish Round Top shoppers.Photo courtesy of The Compound

The Compound
The Vibe: Elevated shopping with a price point to match, including new, vintage, and upcycled fashion.

Lotte.99
A collection featuring Los Angeles-crafted ethical apparel made from premium silks and upcycled textiles, hand-selected and finished with French seams, pure trims, and shell buttons.

Shapeau
Known for its vintage quilt coats, vests, and ponchos, this brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces fly off the racks. Once a design is gone, it’s gone for good, making the hunt for the right size, shape, and print part of the fun. Finding one that fits just right is definitely considered a Round Top score.

Natalie Vintage + Nan Collective
Famous across Texas for their elevated women's vintage apparel, yoyo pieces, vintage denim, and coveted belt collections.

Marburger Farm combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories.Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show

Marburger Farm Antique Show
The Vibe: One of the oldest ticketed venues in Round Top, Marburger combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories. It recently added permanent structures with air conditioning, expanded dining offerings, and live music.

Full Circle Vintage
Owner Joey Medina hand-picks vintage boots for his amazing, well-curated collection. Stop in for a pair of colorful beauties, or go classic with a neutral pair for the season.

Lauren Owen of Texas
Known for its handmade oxford shirts, Lauren Owen of Texas is a one-stop shop for classic Lone Star State style. Check out the brand's collection of boots, hats, clothing, silver, and leather goods, all curated with a distinct point of view.

La Ropa Vintage
Shop a carefully assembled collection of hand-picked vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, plus one-of-a-kind accessories.

Zapp Hall Round Top Zapp Hall has it all. From an indoor/outdoor setting to the antique atmosphere only a 1903 dance hall can provide.Photo courtesy of Zapp Hall

Zapp Hall
The Vibe: Zapp Hall is a Round Top favorite for vintage fashion, statement accessories, and plenty of one-of-a-kind finds — all set in an atmosphere that only a 1903 dance hall can provide.

Leather & Vodka
This brand transforms new and pre-loved designer bags into one-of-a-kind works of art. No two pieces are alike. This year, the brand is debuting its permanent showroom inside Zapp Hall.

Grailed Garments
Treasure hunters searching for blue gold will find it at Grailed Garments. Known for a vast collection of vintage denim, the shop carries everything from 70s vintage through Y2K fashion.

Dirty Bohemian
Those looking for Texas rockabilly meets vintage finds will find a highly curated collection of statement accessories, upcycled clothing, and unique bohemian styles.

round top fall show 2026 round top fashion round top shopping