WHERE TO SHOP

Where to shop in Houston right now: 10 must-hit spots for December

Gasp! Christmas Day is a mere two weeks away, giving shoppers not a ton of time to finish — or begin — holiday shopping. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales behind us, Houstonians looking to gift their loved ones with something extra special should look no further than this month’s roundup of 10 local shops.

From jewelry to unique children’s toys, cruelty-free cosmetics and ethically made tabletop textiles, these gifts will help make the season bright.

Kae Kosmetics
Shop this cruelty-free indie beauty brand Sunday, December 13 at the Bravery Chef Hall (409 Travis St., Suite A) and enter to win free products.

Kendra Scott
The beloved Texas jewelry designer signed a permanent lease in northwest Houston at The Boardwalk at Towne Lake (9945 Barker Cypress Rd.). Scott opened the pop-up in November 2019 and since establishing its footprint in Cypress, per a press release, The brand is looking forward to continuing its legacy of family, fashion, and philanthropy.

LOOK Lifestyle
The mother-daughter duo and co-owners of Longoria Collection, Sylvia Longoria Dorsey and Elizabeth Dorsey Fertitta, have launched a direct-to-consumer collection of luxury linens. LOOK Lifestyle comes at a time when style and comfort at home are important. The linens are made exclusively in an Italian factory and all down products are produced in the United States.

MIRTH
The ethical womenswear line debuted its first home collection featuring an assortment of hand-block printed tabletop textiles. The collection includes festive colorways of placemats, dinner napkins, and cocktail napkins — all of which are ethically made by artisans in India. The print colorways include confetti, juniper, grenadine, navy, teal, and aubergine, which are the same block printed fabrics in the brand’s collection of pajama sets and robes. Prices range from $55 to $80 and can be found exclusively online, at mirthcaftans.com.

Petite Rē
The modern children’s boutique recently opened its doors in The Heights (707 Yale St., Suite 103). This is the second Houston-area location; the original can be found at 9920 Gaston Rd., Suite 140 in Katy. Skye and Lindsey Vila, who also own Saint Lo, an upscale women’s boutique in Heights Mercantile, have filled Petite Rē with clothing for newborns to six-years, keepsake toys, accessories, and unique gifts from around the world.

Simon Properties
Houstonians can now shop Italian luxury fashion house Versace at the Houston Premium Outlets and the Cosmetics Company Store at Katy Mills.

Additionally, The Galleria announced the opening of multiple retailers, including, Balenciaga, Golden Goose, De Beers, Versace, Swarovski, Akris, Fabletics, Dr. Martens, Hot Topic, 7 For All Mankind, Wave Fashion, and Lids.

Tamara Mellon
Through Sunday, December 20, Houstonians can shop the Tamara Mellon Mobile Shoe Closet, located in the luxurious River Oaks District. The women’s luxury footwear brand from the co-founder of Jimmy Choo has a selection of styles from floor to ceiling in its 26-foot, open-air truck.

Tootsies
The luxury womenswear retailer is popping up at Memorial Green throughout December. Located at 12505 Memorial Dr. (next to Ceron Hair Studio), Houstonians and Memorial-area residents can find luxury labels for less. The Tootsies Pop-Up Shop at Memorial Green is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am-6 pm.

The Guild Shop
The 501(c)3 nonprofit owned by The Church of St. John Divine is offering tax-free purchases for shoppers on Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19. Known as “Customer Appreciation Day,” this tradition honors Houstonians for their loyal patronage to the city's beloved consignment shop. Located at 2009 Dunlavy St., The Guild Shop carries high-end apparel, jewelry, furniture, and an assortment of vintage collectibles.

Zadok Jewelers
Through Saturday, December 12, brand experts from Chopard, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Mikimoto, Panerai, Pomellato, Roberto Coin, and Spinelli Kilcollin are bringing an extended selection of pieces not regularly available at the family-owned jeweler.

Pop in Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19, to meet brand experts from Dinh Van, Melissa Braniff, Robert PRocop, Sutra, Ippolita, Marco Bicego, Pasquale Bruni, Pomellato, Stephen Webster, Suzanne Kalan, and Zadok Collection.

The co-founders of Longoria Collection launched a luxury linen line.

Photo courtesy of Traci Ling

The co-founders of Longoria Collection launched a luxury linen line.

beauty shopping where-to-shop

SERENE STAYCATION

Slow down and recharge with wellness specials at these 7 Houston hotels

Courtesy of Thompson Houston

Houston hotels are celebrating National Wellness Month with spa escapes, sleep-focused suites, rooftop wellness events, and relaxing staycations.

It is time to trade the packed weekend itinerary for a plush hotel robe and slippers during National Wellness Month. Houston hotels are putting a wellness spin on their offerings with sleep-focused suites, spa escapes, rooftop sound baths, and even astrology-inspired happy hours. These local getaways will make self-care feel like a mini vacation without ever leaving the city.

Hotel Granduca
Spa enthusiasts enjoying a staycation immersed in Hotel Granduca's Italian charm can add a touch of France to their stay with a treatment at Biologique Recherche, the hotel's preferred spa partner. Customers will receive complimentary transportation to the River Oaks District spa and a 30-minute extension on their services, which can be booked at the hotel's front desk.

Hotel Saint Augustine
Steps away from the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, at Hotel Saint Augustine, Perseid is putting a cosmic spin on happy hour through August 24. During nightly Wishing Hours from 8-11:11 pm, the restaurant serves astrology-inspired cocktails inspired by the Perseids meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August and lights up the sky with 50 to 100 meteors an hour. Guests can also write down a hope, dream, or wish on a handmade card before calling it a night. It's equal parts cocktail hour and manifestation session.

InterContinental Houston
Need to hit the reset button? The newest Pure Wellness Rooms at this hotel near NRG Stadium and Texas Medical Center are a spa day disguised as a hotel stay. The rooms include medical-grade air purification that captures 99.9 percent of airborne particles, hypoallergenic luxury bedding, and a vitamin-infused shower. Hotel guests can also score extra perks, including late checkout, in-room yoga mats, sleep eye masks, and two freshly blended smoothies each day.

Marriott Marquis Houston
This downtown hotspot might be known for its Texas-shaped pool, but in August, it offers a host of mind-and-body experiences. Pure Spa, the hotel's onsite spa, is offering its newest treatment, red light therapy, designed to support relaxation, circulation, and skin vitality. Guests can also enjoy a one-hour guided sound bath, complete with an aroma journey and wellness tea at the hotel's rooftop infinity pool.

Omni Houston Hotel
Sometimes setting the phone to Do Not Disturb is the best self-care, and Mokara Spa at the Omni Houston Hotel makes it easy with the 100-minute Tech-Free Tranquility package. The experience includes the spa's signature massage and facial, along with time to unwind in the dry sauna or plunge jacuzzi. The package also includes valet parking plus access to the hotel's fitness center and pools.

Post Oak Hotel
The Post Oak Hotel is going all in on wellness this month with experiences designed to help guests recharge in a customized way. The hotel's Fitness Reset upgrade turns an overnight stay into a full-body reboot with in-room Technogym equipment, a 90-minute spa treatment, recovery therapies, and a $200 dining credit. For those who prefer to catch up on sleep, the Sleep Reset package includes a dedicated Sleep Concierge, calming spa treatments, personalized sleep amenities, and wellness takeaways to bring home.

If a staycation isn't in the cards, book a poolside cabana stocked with VOYA skincare products, wellness sprays, and champagne, or treat yourself to the spa's Body, Mind & Unwind massage, which starts with guided meditation. On August 20, wellness lovers can also check out the hotel's VOYA Skincare Wellness Event, featuring LED face mask sessions, a skincare masterclass, wellness mocktails, light bites, and a gift bag to take home.

Thompson Houston
At the Thompson Houston, guests can trade the usual Sunday Brunch for Sunday Social: Flow, Plunge & Chill, led by Jas of Vibes by Jas. The event starts with an all-levels yoga flow class, then eases into a guided sound bath, assisted stretching, and an optional cold plunge. The feel-good morning wraps up with a complimentary drink, wellness bites, a live DJ, a goodie bag, and rooftop pool access. It is an excellent way to keep the Sunday scaries at bay.

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