Top Shops

Where to shop right now: 10 cool, must-hit stores — and holiday pop-up shops, too

Christmas is only a few weeks away, so holiday shopping season is in full effect. Find the perfect gift, from stocking stuffers to luxury items, for everyone on your list with CultureMap's December shopping picks.

Stash Co Holiday Pop-Up Shop at West Ave

Stash Co, a purveyor of fine leather goods that are hand-crafted in a studio just west of Houston, will be holding a pop-up shop at West Ave from Dec. 13 through Dec. 31. Stash Co sells everything from beautiful leather clutches and duffle bags to camera straps and iPad cases. With so many items to choose from, you're bound to find something for everyone on your shopping list at the pop-up shop, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

Saint Cloud Boutique

Located at 5217 Kelvin in Rice Village, the new Saint Cloud boutique offers customers a unique shopping experience. The beautifully designed store features luxury handbags, accessories, home goods and more from uncommon designers like Jerome Dreyfuss, Claire Vivier, Pamela Love and Lizzie Fortunato. The collection also includes many locally-sourced items.

Pop-Up Stores at Willowbrook Mall

This year, Willowbrook Mall is featuring a number of pop-up stores to make holiday shopping a little bit easier. One of the featured stores is Toys"R"Us, bringing all the perennial favorite toys and games right into the mall. Other vendors with holiday pop-ups include Go! Calendars, Hickory Farms, and PolarX Ornaments.

Kohl's Cares Simply Vera Vera Wang Collection

This year, Kohl's is getting into the holiday spirit and giving back. 100 percent of the sales of the Kohl's Cares Simply Vera Vera Wang Collection is being donated to support the fight against breast cancer. The collection, available online and in stores, includes jewelry, sleepwear, gloves and scarves, all priced at or below $10.

Langford Market at West Ave

The newly-opened Langford Market flagship store is offering a number of events to help get you through the holiday shopping season. If you're looking for an opportunity to eat sweets while you shop, Rebecca Mason is hosting a Fluff Bake Bar Pop-Up shop in the boutique Saturday (Dec. 14) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store is also hosting a "Joy of Giving" event to raise funds for the Alliance Tailoring Project on Dec. 12.

4U: Brite Lights_Gift City at Nordstrom

Through Jan. 3, the "4U: Brite Lights_Gift City" gift collection is available at Nordstrom, both in stores and online. The collection, which showcases a selection of gifts perfect for the person who has everything, ranges from unique, affordable gifts like the cute USB drives from Mimoco to indulgent designer exclusives like Olympia Le-Tan's embroidered book clutches.

HIP Pop-Up at West Oaks Mall

The West Oaks Art House is presenting the Houston Incubator Project (HIP) Pop-Up Shop at West Oaks Mall. The shop aims to generate attention for emerging Houston designers while enabling them to test the ready-to-wear market. Show your support for these budding entrepreneurs and shop the HIP Pop-Up through Dec. 31.

Prada Jewels

Looking for something luxurious to give your special someone this holiday season? Look no further as Prada has just released a stunning collection of 1940s-inspired jewelry. The collection's brightly colored, exquisitely crafted earrings, bracelets and cuffs are sure to impress even the pickiest gift recipient.

Suitsupply Grand Opening at West Ave

Suitsupply, an men's clothing line founded in Amsterdam, is opening a new boutique in West Ave on Dec. 18 with a grand opening celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition to beautiful suits, the store also sells ties, cufflinks, pocket squares and leather goods that make the perfect gifts for the fashionable male on your holiday shopping list.

Elaine Turner Holiday 2013 Collection

Elaine Turner's Holiday 2013 Collection brings an edgy sophistication to this year’s Christmas cocktail parties and New Years’ celebrations. From vintage-inspired clutches to sultry heels, this collection is ideal for any occasion. Elaine Turner has also debuted her jewelry collection, containing 18-karat gold bamboo pieces with Swarovski crystals. Check out the collection online or at Elaine Turner's stores in the Rice Village, CityCentre and The Woodlands.

Nordstrom's "4U: Brite Lights_Gift City" collection offers gifts for the person who has everything.

Nordstrom 4U Brite Lights_Gift City pop-up shop

Courtesy photo

Nordstrom's "4U: Brite Lights_Gift City" collection offers gifts for the person who has everything.

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BIJOU BAGS

Houston designers' diamond-adorned handbags turn heads in Hollywood

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

Houston twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson are showcasing their Southern roots and global perspective with the launch of 11 Juillet. The brand's fine jewelry and luxury handbags are already favored by A-listers including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston.

11 Juillet, named after the twins’ birthday, debuted its first collection in March. The line blends Italian craftsmanship with modern elegance, featuring handbags made from Italian calfskin leather and jewelry made with malachite, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.

“I’ve called Houston home for about 20 years, and Kim’s been here for about four,” Bowden tells CultureMap. “We originally grew up in Kentucky, where we first began to appreciate quality craftsmanship. In our early twenties, we spent time in New York, where we were introduced to fashion and design, followed by countless trips to Paris that deepened our appreciation for Parisian art and elegance. Once we settled in Texas, we were inspired by the South’s distinctive style.”

Handbags range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on diamond selections. Each purse features a medallion made with diamonds and natural stones ranging from 3.4 to 17 carats. The medallions are removable and can be worn as jewelry.

Leslie Bibb 11 Juliet Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Each 11 Juillet handbag is made to order in Tuscany, where Italian artisans craft the designs from full-grain calfskin. “After visiting artisans across the globe, we found Italy’s heritage of leather craftsmanship is unmatched,” they explain. “We are closely involved in designing each silhouette and communicate with our Italian artisans daily, frequently visiting Italy to ensure every piece is made with the utmost precision and the finest materials.”

Their debut collection, Éclat de Joie, which translates to “radiance of joy,” represents what they stand for. “To us, the Éclat de Joie is the heart of 11 Juillet, a symbol of light, joy, and individuality,” said Wilson. “Each star medallion represents the harmony between natural beauty, technical mastery, and personal expression.”

Currently, 11 Juillet is available online only, though the brand hosts pop-ups in various cities where merchandise is available on-site.

“Success, for us, isn’t about chasing trends, but about creating heirloom-worthy pieces through timeless designs that hold meaning, reflect exceptional craftsmanship, and can be treasured and passed down for generations,” said Bowden.

As Houston’s fashion scene continues to grow, Bowden and Willson see the Bayou City as the perfect home base. “We are based in Houston, which is known for its effortless elegance and love of diamonds. We are inspired by Texas’s fashion scene and we wanted to create handbags that let you wear your diamonds not just as jewelry, but as modern heirlooms to be cherished and passed down.”

Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden 11 Juliet

Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

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