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    Holiday Dressing

    What to wear to holiday party? Rich colors and glam looks provide alternative to Little Black Dress

    Heather Staible
    Heather Staible
    Dec 4, 2015 | 2:12 pm

    We’re not knocking the Little Black Dress, but the holidays are the perfect time to give that safe little number the night off. Reach for rich colors, lush fabrics and embrace the fun of taking glamorous chances.

    Not sure how to start wardrobe planning for holiday happy hours and other season fetes? The style-setting retailers at CultureMap’s Holiday Pop Up Shop have more than a few ideas for lighting up the season.

    French Cuff owner Kairy-tate Barkley is falling for a mix of lace and velvet and a design detail not to be missed.

    “We are loving the dressy yet feminine fabrications of red lace, gold metallic-shimmer organza and burgundy crushed velvet and we can’t resist sequined tops, scalloped hems and anything with a dramatic bow on it.”

    WildBloom Boutique is also swooning over deep, darker hues.

    “We are loving shades of green in olive and hunter as well as reds in marsala and burgundy are so fun to accessorize for the evening,” WildBloom manager Thuy Pham said.

    If your personal style leans more boho than froufrou, Ashley Srouji of Souk Chic says to embrace it. She finds style inspiration from the past, blended with looks from the modern runway.

    “I'd have to say my favorite trend is the bohemian style. I have an Instagram account where I post pics I find from the 1930s to runway pics from today that embody this well traveled look and lifestyle,” Srouji said. “This look is timeless and this is the Souk Chic look.”

    Versatility is key to keeping the holidays merry and bright and Kailey Tissue McCollum of Kissue suggests a casual trench coat for multiple occasions.

    "One of our favorite holiday style trends right now is layering, especially in Houston. One of our favorite pieces to layer with at the moment is a casual, loose fitting trench coat,” she said. Tissue McCollum likes to throw it on top of a pair of skinny jeans and a favorite top, or wear it with a party dress.

    From a casual trench to a cape for all occasions, Harriet Alexander, designer of Vaha Capes, likes a particular combination.

    “Perhaps our obvious holiday style trend would be capes and clutches,” Alexander said.”We love the way a clutch can make an outfit, and you can never have too many. And, capes never go out of style.”

    And who doesn’t love timeless holiday style?

    The CultureMap Holiday Pop-up Shop presented by Lexus is open December 13, 11 am-4 pm, at Silver Street Studios. Admission is complimentary, so reserve your tickets early. And shop 'til you drop for boho, froufrou, velvet and lace top holiday styles.

    Dressy, feminine fabrications of red lace are a holiday must.

    holidays
    news/fashion
    series/holiday-pop-up-shop-houston-1

    SPRING FORWARD

    3 Houston designers unveil bold looks and colorful collections for spring

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Feb 16, 2026 | 3:30 pm
    Hunter Bell
    Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell
    Hunter Bell celebrates 20 years with a Spring 2026 collection featuring exclusive artwork by Isabel Wislon woven throughout key pieces.

    Although the official start of spring is still a few weeks away, Houston designers have been busy creating their latest collections. Available now, these seasonal debuts feature bold designs, saturated colors, and an interplay between elegance and playful charm. In Houston, where dressing for the spring season is practically a sport, these statement skirts, flowing dresses, and eye-catching jewelry are not just wardrobe updates; they are a part of what makes the city come alive with seasonal style.

    Hunter Bell

    Houston designer Hunter Bell commemorates her 20th anniversary with a Spring 2026 debut that feels both celebratory and personal. She tapped fellow Houston creative, Isabel Wilson, for an exclusive painting for this collection. The painting isn't featured in just one print; its element are layered throughout the collection's key pieces.

    Alongside Hunter Bell's signature bold prints that feature floral motifs and bright spring colors, customers will also find hidden quotes woven into select pieces. They're inspired by the cities and spaces that have shaped the designer's two-decade journey. The brand will be celebrating its 20th anniversary all year long, making this launch the first of many to come.

    Hunter Bell Hidden quotes and signature floral prints define Hunter Bell’s anniversary collection, marking the first of several releases planned for the year.Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

    Christy Lynn Collection

    On the heels of opening her first boutique outside Houston in Healdsburg, California, Christy Lynn Lee unveils her Spring 2026 collection, Aurielle. Inspired by California, where she was married and began dreaming of launching her own brand, the collection channels California vibes filtered through Lee's romantic lens.

    Aurielle features warm hues alongside pops of color and doesn't stray from the hand-painted floral motifs that are the brand's cornerstone. In addition to flowing dresses, the new collection offers lightweight layering pieces and several two-piece sets that easily mix and match with other prints and silhouettes.

    Christy Lynn Spring 2026 Flowing dresses, lightweight layers, and mix-and-match sets highlight the romantic direction of Christy Lynn’s latest seasonal launch.Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn Collection

    Susana Vega

    Jewelry designer Susana Vega is once again moving her label forward with surprising materials and innovation in her latest collection, Soto. Known best for her elegant sculpted beadwork designs, Vega most recently launched her first collection of mixed metals and has now unveiled organic designs made from reclaimed cedar wood sourced from Petén, Guatemala.

    The Soto collection consists of earrings, ear cuffs, and bracelets, each hand-carved to preserve the integrity of the wood's grain. The pieces are then inlaid with either silver or gold elements and finished with beeswax for a lived-in, natural look.

    Susana Vega/Soto Hand-carved cedar earrings and cuffs are inlaid with silver or gold and finished with beeswax in Susana Vega’s newest collection.Photo courtesy of Susana Vega

    Hunter Bell

    Photo courtesy of Hunter Bell

    Hunter Bell celebrates 20 years with a Spring 2026 collection featuring exclusive artwork by Isabel Wislon woven throughout key pieces.

    hunter bellsusana vegachristy lynn collectionhouston fashion designersshopping
    news/fashion
    series/holiday-pop-up-shop-houston-1
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