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    Where to Shop

    Where to Shop Right Now: 8 stores where you can find the perfect holiday gift

    Alexandria Williams
    Dec 13, 2016 | 10:10 am

    The holiday season is officially upon us! With ugly sweater Christmas parties, White Elephant gift exchanges, and making sure our houses have the right amount of holiday cheer, it is easy to forget to check shopping off of your to-do list. Do not fret! We have you covered for those last minute gifts that will make you a hit this Holiday season. These gifts will have you jingling all the way to store!

    Kate Spade teams with Miss Piggy

    The cheeky New York fashion line Kate Spade has teamed up with the original diva herself Miss Piggy just in time for the Holidays. Miss Piggy is a fashion icon in her own right so the powerhouse pairing made perfect sense. In addition to a full marketing and print campaign, the joining of forces produced a chic collection of items including wallets, key chains, wristlets, cell phone cases, sweaters, and jewelry. All of these items can be found in Kate Spade stores around Houston and will have you saying "Who Moi`?"

    Greg Lauren for Banana Republic

    Greg Lauren has partnered with Banana Republic for a limited-edition menswear collection that is available in Banana Republic stores now. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) first partnered with Banana Republic in the spring to create a 16-piece collection that is American sportswear meets Lauren’s iconic utilitarian style. I have seen the collection, and I can attest that buying any piece of the one-of-kind collection will have that special man in your life the hit of any Holiday party.

    Topshop/Topman gets ready for the holidays

    Topshop is known for being edgy yet sophisticated, so it is no surprise that the 2016 Topshop/Topman Holiday Gift Guide is no different. The guide has a mixture of plush faux furs, prints, lace, and of course sequins. You can't go wrong with sequins during the holidays! There is also an assortment of studded ankle boots, cashmere knits, and oversized coats for the men. Whether you are buying for yourself or a friend, you will be a hit at any office or family party!

    Jawda + Jawda Holiday Pop Up Shop

    Houston's stylish sister duo have set up a pop up shop in a Rice Military townhome at 5323 Blossom Street, offering a curated selection of holiday gifts, including clothing by Misha Nonoo, jewelry by Christina Greene, toddler clothes from Cuteheads, Mid-century modern furniture with a twist, note cards, book, toys, hand silk-screened pillows, limited-edition artwork and other unique and delightful items. The shop is open from 11 am to 6 pm daily through December 21.

    New J. McLaughlin store

    American collection classic J. McLaughlin has opened a new location in Town and Country Village. This West Houston location is the 113th nationwide and fifth in Texas. The men and women’s clothing and accessories line mixes patterns with bright solids for classic and fresh ready-to-wear ooks. Pieces in the holiday and resort collections include festive printed tees, cashmere cardigans perfect for travel, and statement dresses. "The assortment should blend nicely with the lifestyle of the Texas customer," says creative director and co-founder Kevin McLaughlin.

    New fashion forward boutique: Sette

    Trendy sisters Jacy Cooper and Kady Smalley have opened their first store, Sette, at the Avalon Shopping Center on Westheimer and Kirby. They explain that Sette ​(pronounced Sèt-te) is the number "seven" in Italian, and holds a special place in the sisters' heart “as the time and place between us." The retail store features edgy clothing along with stylish accessories that can be paired in a variety of ways for chic looks.

    First brick-and-mortar store for Paris Texas Apparel Co.

    The popular Houston-based online apparel company, Paris Texas Apparel Co., has officially opened its first retail location in The Shoppes at Memorial Village. We all have that hard to shop for person in our family; here you can find fashionable collegiate memorabilia, clothing, and a variety of Texas-themed gifts that will make you a Christmas shopping pro!

    Scarves to remember at Hermès

    Known for distinctive scarves, Hermès has a couple of holiday offerings that caught our eye. The Grrrr! printed cashmere and Silk scarf features a curious bear fills in an extreme close up with an Alice Shirley designed print ($740). And renowned Texas artist Kermit Oliver has designed a red bandana featuring a portrait of the Pawnee Chief Pani La Shar Pawnee with a carved peace pipe decorated with a galloping horse at his knees. The horses and riders galloping around the edges of the design are inspired by the sketchbooks of Swiss-born French painter Karl Bodmer ($185).

    -----------------

    Know of a new store or an existing one offering distinctive merchandise. Send your “Where to Shop” ideas to alexandriawilliams.s@gmail.com.

    J. McLaughlin has opened a new store in Town and Country Village.

    holidayswhere-to-shop
    news/fashion

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    HOLIDAY HAUL

    Expert shopping tips for the 2026 Nutcracker Market, plus 29 new vendors

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Nov 11, 2026 | 9:30 am
    Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
    Photo by Melissa Taylor
    Holiday shopping season officially kicks off as the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market returns November 12-15 with more than 280 merchants and 29 newcomers.

    It's time to give the credit card a pep talk, clear some space in the closet, and make room in the gift drawer because the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market returns November 12-15 for its 46th year. Reliant Center will open its doors to almost 300 merchants and thousands of shoppers for four days of holiday shopping and the annual tradition of telling yourself you're only going to look.

    More Than a Shopping Spree

    The Nutcracker Market has raised more than $100 million since its 1981 debut. Eleven percent of merchandise sales, along with admission and special event ticket proceeds, support Houston Ballet, its Academy, and community programs. Wells Fargo is returning with its small-business program that allows five locally-owned businesses to connect with shoppers. Returning merchants include Twilight Candle Company, Let Me Snack, and Hide and Chic Shop. First-year participants Origen Artesanía Única and Herr Apparel will join the program, which is designed to help small businesses build visibility and grow toward participation in future Nutcracker Markets.

    Tips from a Nutcracker Market Expert

    With more than 280 merchants spread across Reliant Center, having a good strategy can make the difference between a successful shopping day and missing out on merchants you wanted to see. Michelle Iversen Jeffery, this year's Nutcracker Market chair and a longtime supporter of Houston Ballet, has ways to make the market easier to navigate.

    "I like to divide the Market into two halves, and start at the back, then work my way through one half, ending up at the front of the room," Jeffery says. "That will land you near the concessions and restrooms, so you can recharge before tackling the second half."

    She also recommends doing a little pre-shopping homework before arriving. "Visit nutcrackermarket.com ahead of your visit and make a list of the merchants to check out; then, visit those booths first."

    Her next tip is to plan for gift giving. "I always buy all of my friends' gifts, including hostess gifts. Gourmet food merchants are always a great choice," says Jefferies. "Many of these freeze beautifully. They make holiday entertaining and gift giving a breeze."

    Jefferies cautions shoppers who assume the Nutcracker Market is only for women. Sure, fashion and jewelry are a main attraction, but she advises keeping the men on gift-giving lists in mind, too.

    A crossbody bag is Jefferies preferred shopping accessory to keep purchases close and hands free for samples and sipping. She also likes to shop with friends at her own pace. "Set an hour interval time to re-meet so that anyone in your group who wants to linger in a booth can do so, knowing you have a scheduled time in an hour or so to reconvene."

    Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market  From handcrafted ornaments and artisan pottery to permanent jewelry and luxury candles, this year's 29 new Nutcracker Market vendors offer plenty of fresh finds for holiday shoppersPhoto by Melissa Taylor

    New Vendors

    Longtime favorites, including Paul Michael Company, Royal Standard, and Taylor Paladrino, are returning this year. Shoppers can expect the usual tempting mix of fashion and accessories, home decor, gourmet food, holiday treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts, plus 29 new vendors to make the annual shopping trip feel fresh and exciting. A few newcomers worth checking out, including several Houston-based shops, include:

    Momma's Tamales
    A little something for the holiday table: this family-owned Houston business makes handmade tamales using a family recipe, along with fresh homemade salsas.

    Find It Girl
    Gifts with a little personality: shop seasonal décor, handbags, cocktail napkins, sassy kitchen towels, collegiate gifts and fun finds for the hard-to-shop-for person.

    ParkerJoe
    Boys deserve a good shopping destination, too. This boutique specializes in clothing, dresswear, Western styles, accessories, toys, and books for newborns through size 18.

    Lael Alpaca
    Soft, sustainable, and a little unexpected: the collection features Peruvian alpaca clothing, including sweaters, wraps, scarves, accessories, and children's apparel.

    Woodlands Mahjong Society
    For the friend who always has a mahjong game on the calendar: shop thoughtfully designed mahjong tiles, game accessories, and gift cards.

    Bella's Hand Poured Candles
    Find luxury hand-poured candles, curated vintage pieces, artisan jewelry, decorative accents, and distinctive gifts.

    Coton Colors by Laura Johnson
    Make the Christmas tree a little more personal with colorful handcrafted glass ornaments, including customizable designs celebrating family milestones, holidays, and special occasions.

    Washco Apparel
    This cute, Texas-based fashion brand offers women's and men's clothing in sizes XS through 3XL, with designs created by its owners.

    Meanwhile Back on the Farm
    Leather goods with plenty of personality: browse handcrafted American-made handbags, totes, backpacks, crossbody bags, and accessories.

    SJ Ceramic Co.
    This small-batch pottery brand creates wheel-thrown porcelain pieces, including handmade vessels and jewelry.

    Young, Wild, and Friedman
    The Houston-based business creates themed sensory play kits and dough sets that encourage hands-on play.

    IRIZ
    Shop vintage-inspired watches with distinctive colors and designs.

    Oh Sweet Cami
    The boutique carries baby and children's clothing, pajamas, accessories, books, bibs, cups, and gifts.

    Girls Crew
    From dainty everyday earrings and necklaces to playful statement pieces and holiday-inspired designs, there's something for every jewelry lover.

    Jentry Kelley Cosmetics
    Beauty lovers can stock up on makeup, professional brush sets, haircare, and plant-based skincare from this Houston-founded cosmetics brand.

    Louise Lane Boutique
    A family-run store that features women's clothing, shoes, jewelry, and exclusive Louise Lane Designs, with pieces that work for everyday dressing and special occasions.

    Origen Artesania Unica
    This Manvel-based vendor showcases handcrafted Mexican gifts and artisan treasures with cultural character and one-of-a-kind appeal.

    Only Little Once
    Shop cotton princess twirl dresses, cosplay-inspired outfits, and festive holiday loungewear.

    Tickets

    General admission is $25 for a one-day pass, available at Ticketmaster.com or H-E-B Business Centers. Early Bird Admission is $60 for those who want a 90-minute head start on Thursday and Friday.

    Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

    Photo by Melissa Taylor

    Holiday shopping season officially kicks off as the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market returns November 12-15 with more than 280 merchants and 29 newcomers.

    anderson
    news/fashion
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