Retail Therapy
Rating the new Houston Premium Outlets: Saks shines, David Yurman just gives'tude
The shoe department is still working on putting its best foot forward, but theseL.A.M.B. platform peep-toes were killer.Photo by Heather Staible
Designer sunglasses are marked almost 50 percent off at Saks Off Fifth Avenue.Photo by Heather Staible
The men's department doesn't disappoint. Denim, outerwear, suiting and more areoffered at good prices.Photo by Heather Staible
Jewelry takes center stage at the the new Saks Off Fifth store.Photo by Heather Staible
I’m one of those people who doesn’t mind digging for a good deal and I’m also open to going the distance — as in way far out there, if I know the money saved is worth the gas spent. So when the Houston Premium Outlets announced 25 new stores were opening in the center, I was on the move.
Phase II comes just two years after the center first opened off 290 and gives Houston-area shoppers another outlet on the discount retail roster. The new U-shaped section, deemed Longhorn Court, is a mix of designer stores like Tory Burch and David Yurman and familiar mall names such as White House/Black Market, Esprit and Lacoste. Almost all the stores offer discounts between 25 and 50 percent, and I was interested in deals on designer goods rather than basics, so here are the stores that are worth the gas money.
- One foot into Saks Off Fifth and it’s an Oprah-worthy a-ha moment. Instead of dark and dated, the brand new Saks Off Fifth is bright and modern, above and beyond any existing stores.
Set up like a grid, the front of the store is home to accessories, sunglasses and handbags. Beautifully merchandised and easy to shop, the women’s and men’s departments are divided by a long line of registers and dressing rooms in the middle of the store and all roads seem to lead to the jewelry department. Colorful Toy watches were $199 (normally about $250) Prada sunglasses were $129 (normally $250) and Chloe designer handbags were just about 50 percent off.
The shoe department was a bit disappointing, but since the store is so new, one can assume the selection will improve.
- During the heyday of ridiculously expensive must-have denim, I came across Joe’s Jeans Honey fit and was hooked. Thankfully the denim craze has subsided, but the quality and fit of Joe’s have not.
The new boutique carries men’s and women’s jeans in all of the line’s fits for 40 percent off retail, so expect to pay between $99 and $130 a pair.
- I really wanted to be head-over-ballet flats excited about the Tory Burch outlet, but the sheer number of cranky, pushy women in such a brightly-colored space stole my shopping mojo. I realize the store just opened, but the carefully folded sweaters were wrecked, popcorn was on the floor and strollers were strategically blocking whole shelves.
That said, the famous Tory Burch tunics are a good deal, marked between 30 and 50 percent off.
The store carries lightweight vacation numbers to sequined evening tunics, plus sweater, jeans, dresses, bags and shoes. The eponymous Reva flats are $164 instead of $195 and a pair of studded sandals were $225 marked down from $450.
- I’ll give the David Yurman store an honorable mention just because practically every wrist in Harris and the surrounding counties is adorned with a Yurman bracelet. The concrete floors looked unfinished instead of cool, the display cases lacked any oomph and the sales staff was aloof.
It was hard not to remind the black-clad staff they are working at an outlet mall in the suburbs, but I minded my manners.
High marks go to the Nautica store, that unlike the Yurman space, gives shoppers an experience, rather than reminding them they are shopping an outlet. The scent of driftwood mingled with suntan lotion is a nice touch when walking through the door, and the whole store feels like a walk by the shore.
There are casual, preppy clothes for the whole family marked 30 to 50 percent off regular retail prices and service was attentive, but not overbearing.
- Pop over to Houston Premium Outlets and sign up for the free V.I.P. club, which alerts shoppers about sales, promotions and center news. The center is opening midnight Friday, Nov. 26 for Black Friday sales and is promising deeper discounts than normal.
Skies the Limit at Atrium Dress Boutique
It’s too bad the new Atrium, boutique by Luvi Wheelock of Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, won’t be open in time for the holiday party season because it sounds like the ideal place to get party perfect. But, it is Houston and we’re a pretty social bunch who likes to dress up, so the January open date will just have to do. Expect a Parisian chic feel mixed with evening and cocktail gowns by Prabal Gurung, Angel Sanchez, Bihbu and Yigal Arouel in limited quantities.
Wheelock wants to make the experience as special and customized for each person and will tailor a dress to a client’s specifications. Look for Atrium on D’Amico near Casa de Novia.
Gayla Bently's Coats Spotlight Stealers
Fashion shows are a perk of a style reporter’s job and I won’t lie, it’s a nice gig if you can get it. You see a lot of different looks coming down the runway and recently I took in local designer Gayla Bently’s show at the Houston Club.
The throwback space felt very 1950s supper club and Bently sent down everything from wrap shirts to long skirts to jeans and jackets. My runway favorites were her selection of outerwear, including a bustier trench and jackets with ruffled or portrait collars.
