Just Another Day on the Red Carpet

Jessica Simpson hits the Houston area with the Cowboys in town (with exclusivephotos)

Jessica Simpson couldn't have been friendlier with her fans — or less interestedin talking to the media.

Photo by Heather Staible
Jessica Simpson hit the Baytown Mall Dillard's for a promotional appearance.

Photo by Heather Staible
An enthusiastic crowd reacted as Jessica Simpson ...

Photo by Heather Staible
made her big entrance.

Photo by Heather Staible
Jessica Simpson took her time with her fans and couldn't have appeared morerelaxed.

Photo by Heather Staible
Jessica Simpson didn't rush through autographs, she seemed interested inlistening to the people who waited for her.

Photo by Heather Staible

In my years of celebrity reporting, I have stood on red carpets in the rain and behind velvet ropes, listened to fans scream relentlessly and wished I had worn more comfortable shoes.

I've learned to show up early, even though the famous face I hope to get five minutes with will probably be late. And, I've learned that a certain hot actor really will try to burn you with a cigarette if you rebuff his advances to go back and "party" in his hotel room. (True story, I swear.) The nicest moments though are the ones where the celeb is chatty and real and you get your story and walk away feeling good about the interview and the interviewee.

I've had that exact experience before with Jessica Simpson, so when the possibility of a chat with her came to pass, I was all in.

Simpson held court in the Dillard's denim department of Baybrook Mall Saturday (the biggest jean market in Texas, BTW), promoting her new jean collection, which includes four fits: Jegging, Skinny, Boot-cut, and Flare.

So much is made of Simpson's weight and body shape, but honestly, she looked great in a pair of jeggings from her collection, a black Jones Apparel top, a sheer, drapey shawl (from her Collection 18, available in the spring) a Jessica Simpson double leaf ring and a pair of gray suede platform pumps, Jessica Simpson brand, of course.

Long blonde ringlets, likely created from her hair extension line, framed her face and she was, in fact, right on time. Except, she didn't talk to the media, which was a bit of a bummer, but that's the way it goes. She was chatty with the hundreds of fans, many of whom were in tears as they approached her. Simpson took her time, sipped coffee and smiled like she meant it, which made her fans that much more devoted to her.

If we had chatted, I would have asked about the big Texans-Cowboys game Sunday (yes, her ex Tony Romo is in town too, but it's a big city) and her role as a judge on the Project Runway finale. We may have touched on body image and boys, her Christmas album and what role she would like as a Glee guest star.

But there was no interview and that's OK too. That's life on the red carpet.

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SEASONAL SIZZLE

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 can't-miss spots for summer 2026

Photo by Laura Sanz Photography

South to North is bringing a fresh lineup of international brands to Houston this summer.

The summer is definitely heating up, and so is the shopping scene this month. July is packed with store openings, limited-time sales, summer events, and new collections from some of the city's favorite designers and boutiques. Whether it's the perfect pair of boots, stunning jewelry, or an excuse to shop with a cocktail in hand, the retail scene in Houston is worth checking out this month.

Alchemia
Support Houston's fashion scene at the FFF Summer Pop-Up on Thursday, July 10, from 12-5 pm at Alchemia. The afternoon will highlight women-owned businesses and local designers. Shoppers can browse curated summer collections from brands including M+M Couture Designs, The Sister Rack, Tiedy Gals Co., My Knit Ever, and Sparkle & Shine by Lynn while sipping complimentary bubbles and refreshments.

Blue Leaf Houston
Along with settling in to its new location, Blue Leaf has restocked with gifts and fun baubles perfect for summer, including a large inventory of Jellycats; the latest from Mackenzie-Childs and Elsata Ceramics; and kids' clothes for both boys and girls, including Pink Chicken and EMC. The store also carries a large selection of bespoke mahjong tiles.

Houston Premium Outlets
Everyone's favorite Houston-area outlet mall is giving shoppers two more reasons to visit this summer. Popular brands Birkenstock and The North Face are now open, joining the outlet center's always-growing roster of retailers.

Hunter Bell
Houston designer brand Hunter Bell is kicking off summer savings with a sale running now through July 11. Shoppers can save up to 70 percent on select pieces from the Spring 2026 and Resort 2026 collections, making it the perfect time to stock up on the brand's polished styles before they're gone.

J. Landa Jewelry
Jumping on the summer beaded gemstone necklace trend, J. Landa's newest collection includes elevated necklaces featuring natural stones, whimsical shell and fish charms that add color and texture to summer layering.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Season 3 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders has everyone talking. For those who want to feel like a part of the team, Lucchese's Gina boot, inspired by the team's iconic performance boot, will complete any look. Available in-store or online, the boots are a great way to channel the spirit of DCC while still looking stylish in Western fashion.

Mirth
Houston-based brand Mirth is making it easy to refresh a summer wardrobe with its Holiday Weekend Sale, running through July 7. Shoppers can score an extra 20 percent off already marked-down dresses, breezy separates, and the brand's colorful signature prints. The discount is automatically applied at checkout, no code needed.

Primark
Just in time for back-to-school shopping, affordable retailer Primark will be opening its seventh store in Texas at Willowbrook Mall on July 16. The store will be offering essentials at great prices, including women's denim starting at $12, men's tees at $5, and girls' and boys' sweatshirts at $8. Sports fans can also stock up on their favorite team's merch, including Texans, Cowboys, Rockets, and Spurs items.

River Oaks District
The development's Texas Nights series will feature live music, shopping, and cocktails. Held on Saturdays, July 4, 11, and 18, the event will have performances by Rush Creek, Wes Nickson, and Trent Cade, along with the district's mix of boutiques and restaurants. It's a great excuse to sip, shop, and enjoy a warm Houston summer evening.

SĀMAÁ Diamonds Studio
Houston-based jewelry designer Sugam Khanna recently debuted her newest collection, Le Papillon, at an exclusive event at Upper Kirby cocktail lounge Santé. The collection is inspired by butterflies, and on some of the new rings, the butterfly's wings are designed to flutter with the natural movement of the hand.

South to North
The buzzy boutique that specializes in bringing international brands to the Bayou City has recently welcomed several new brands perfect for Houston summers. Available in-store, the brands include Sirapop, Lanthropy, Sara & Flora, and Salvarea.

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott's latest collaboration for her Western-inspired line is with Austin-based country band Chaparral. The collection blends Texas ranch culture with elevated modern fashion. The collection includes jewelry, leather bolos, and statement pieces such as beaded bandana necklaces.

Photo by Laura Sanz Photography

South to North is bringing a fresh lineup of international brands to Houston this summer.

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