Designer Dish

Justin Timberlake debuts at Target; Chloe Dao looks for designers

William Rast collection: tape flag V-neck tee $19.99; terrie hoodie, $34.99;leather jacket, $199.99; skinny jeans, $49.99, at Target.
William Rast collection: Plaid button-down, $34.99; embellished skirt, $39.99,at Target.
Rock & Republic jeans like these Abigail Bootcut Stretch Jeans will be on theracks at the Warehouse Sale.
Free People moves into CityCentre in January. Free People velvet Victorianjacket, $148, Decades denim tux pants, $128, foxy fabric platforms, $148.
William Rast collection: Printed flag tee, $19.99; straight jeans in medium washwith oil stains, $49.99 at Target

In the middle of all of our Christmas prep, it's good to know the fashion and shopping spheres keep spinning.

An Open Letter to Justin Timberlake

Oh JT. I wish you would stop fiddling with all this movie nonsense and go ahead bring music back. At least your kind of ridiculously infectious, highly danceable kind of music. Until then, I will listen to Justified, watch Saturday Night Live clips and head to Target Sunday when your William Rast limited-edition collection for men and women hits.

From what I can tell, you and co-founder Trace Ayala have stayed true to your higher end aesthetic, bringing lots of denim (although skinny jeans aren’t for me, I can appreciate them along with bootcut and straight-leg jeans) and plaid. A lot. Of plaid. It’s kind of a throwback for me, when I was wearing plaid and you, well, we won’t talk too much about that matching faded denim ensemble you and Brit Brit wore to the American Music Awards back in the day. The skirts have attitude and skew a bit young, but I’m guessing this style writer and mother of two isn’t exactly the demo you were going for when designing the high-waisted, thigh-grazing embellished skirt for $39.99.

I like that you kept most of the collection affordable and can only assume the $200 leather jackets (which look very modern biker BTW) are real leather and not some high-end pleather. There’s no sexy in that at all. Sloppy seconds also aren’t sexy, so I’ll make sure to tell everybody that your casual bad boy collection of clothes for men and the women who love them, will be gone Jan. 22.

Maybe by then you will announce a new collection. Of songs. That I can dance to while wearing one of your leather jackets from Target.

Rockin’, Shoppin’ Around the Christmas Tree

The Warehouse Sale, a traveling sale of deeply discounted premium denim and other clothing, stops in Houston just in time for Christmas. Rock & Republic designer jeans are the highlighted denim during the sale and will be marked up to 80 percent off , along with tops, sweaters, shorts, skirts, jackets and a variety of children’s wear and maternity lines. The Warehouse Sale is Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 26-27 at the Westin Galleria Houston ballroom. Doors open at 11 a.m. Advance registration is encouraged at The Warehouse Sale for complimentary admission.

Chloe Dao’s Project Yourway

One of the most endearing qualities of designer Chloe Dao is her character. After winning Project Runway, she could have gone all Christian Siriano and snubbed her PR past. After she hit QVC, she could have surrounded herself with bodyguards and said adios to Houston. Instead, Dao has stayed approachable, sincere and committed to designing in Houston. She continues that spirit with an open call for designers interested in having their clothing, accessories and jewelry sold at her Lot 8 boutique in Rice Village. Saturday, Jan. 8 from noon to 5 p.m., Dao will hold first-come-first-serve interviews for prospective designers to show their portfolios and clothing and choose emerging talent for the store.

Free People

It’s nice to know some retailers got the memo about how much Houstonians like to shop (I’m looking at you H&M). Free People moves into CityCentre in January, bringing an edgy/romantic/boho kind of vibe with clothing, shoes and accessories. Before there was Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, there was Free People, a forward-thinking store in Philadelphia that has grown, opening stores across the country.

And soon, right here in Houston.

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SEASONAL SCORES

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 stylish stops for September

Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

Houston designer Christy Lynn brings fall-ready style to the city with jewel-toned dresses, signature prints, and hand-painted silks.

Houstonians may be sweating through the beginning of September, but that hasn’t stopped the city’s retail scene from daydreaming about fall. From designer finds to new boutiques popping up in River Oaks District and CityCentre, this month brings plenty of reasons to shop. After all, it is always a good excuse to escape the heat, look for something new, and enjoy wishful thinking that Houston’s version of autumn is just around the corner.

Blue Bird Circle
Back for its fourth year, the Blue Bird Circle's Couture Boutique is a can't-miss shopping event featuring a highly curated collection of designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories from coveted names including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, St. John, and more — all at exceptional prices. The event is free and open to the public on September 12, from 10 am-3 pm at 615 W. Alabama St.

Burdlife
Get free piercings every Wednesday this month at M-K-T Heights piercing studio, Burdlife. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome, and all customers have to pay for is the jewelry itself, making it easy to get a midweek upgrade.

Christina Greene
Christina Greene launched Color Therapy, a new jewelry collection celebrating the way color can transform any look or mood. Known for her use of natural stones and colors, the brand created the collection around pieces that feel joyful, wearable, and easy to make your own.

Christy Lynn
Houston-based designer Christy Lynn Lee just dropped her latest collection of jewel-toned dresses and separates that are ideal for fall. Shoppers can stock up on her signature prints and hand-painted silks in transitional styles perfect for Houston's warmer autumn weather.

Creed
Available at the Galleria, Creed’s newest fragrance, Iris Debonair, is a floral fragrance inspired by British and French influences. The scent has notes of bergamot, absinthe, pink pepper, and cardamom.

Elizabeth Anthony
Uptown's must-shop boutique is celebrating 30 years this fall with a bevy of trunk shows and appearances. From Zimmermann to Safiyaa, Robertro Quaglia, and an in-person appearance by Van Gelder Find Jewelry, there is something for everyone to enjoy this month. More detailed information is available here.

J. Jill
Available at the Galleria, J. Jill has just dropped its reimagined denim collection, featuring new fits, fresh washes, and denim designed for all body types. The new line of denim is available in regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes.

Kendra Scott
The jewelry brand recently launched the Heaven's 27 Strand Necklace designed with the families of Heaven's 27 to honor the 27 girls who lost their lives in the Kerry County floods in July 2025. The hand-painted enamel hearts represent each girl through their favorite color. Kendra Scott will not retain any profit from the Heaven's 27 Strand Necklace; 100 percent of net profits will benefit the Heaven's 27 Foundation through the Kendra Scott Foundation.

Silvia Tcherassi
Houston is getting a new name in luxury fashion. Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi is opening her first Texas boutique in River Oaks District. The boutique is located between the new Chloé and A.L.C. stores. Shoppers can expect Tcherassi’s latest ready-to-wear collections, Atelier pieces, accessories, and styles created exclusively with Houston in mind.

State & Liberty
Now open in CityCentre, Detroit-based State & Liberty is a menswear brand known for combining athletic fit with elevated style. The brand specializes in tailored clothing for athletic builds and offers suits, sport coats, dress shirts, and pants made with stretch fabrics for comfort and ease of movement.

Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters just opened a new store at The Woodlands Mall, introducing the brand’s latest retail concept to the market. The large, 5,604-square-foot space will feature a brighter, more modern design, making it easier for shoppers to navigate the store and personalize their looks. To celebrate the opening, UO Rewards members will receive a gift with purchase, with no minimum spend required, including a tote, gourmand fragrance, and patches.

Vince
Vince at River Oaks District is partnering with Houston-based ceramic artist Franki Star for an in-store art showcase. Running Monday, September 8 through Saturday, September 13, Star's ceramic pieces will be on display throughout the boutique all week. This art showcase is perfectly timed with Vince’s Fall 26 campaign launch.

Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

Houston designer Christy Lynn brings fall-ready style to the city with jewel-toned dresses, signature prints, and hand-painted silks.

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