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Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock

A last-minute shopping guide for clueless guys: Don't get her a blender

Heather Staible
Dec 22, 2010 | 11:29 am
  • Yoga Jeans, $145, M. Penner
  • Zaida Michele Alligator clutch, $495-$595, Tootsies
  • Leigh Elena wide buckle bracelet, $99, www.leighelena.com, French Cuff Boutique
  • George Gina & Lucy, $275, M. Penner
  • Mary Nichols grey rose appliqué clutch, $250, Rebecca & Drew,www.shopmarynichols.com
  • Xela Armoa Candles, $30, Tootsies
  • Rebecca & Drew TrioFit shirt, starting at $85, Rebecca & Drew
  • Double Wrapped Bracelets, $110, www.leighelena.com, French Cuff Boutique, HighGloss
  • Via Vandi Frenchy Hoops, $148, French Cuff Boutique
  • Barcelona Hoops Aqua Chalcedony, $160, French Cuff Boutique, Viavandi.com

‘Twas the week of Christmas and all through town, lots of men were seen running frantically around.

They dashed into stores grabbing items like mad, wondering if any good gifts were still to be had.

Would she like a blender, socks or soap? Each item screamed back, “No, no, nope!”

Then what to their glazed-over eyes should appear, but shops full of baubles and bags and something sparkly for the ears.

No mall crowds to fight, no parking spaces to find, these stores sell gifts that are one-of-a-kind.

So shop on dear reader for gifts of cheer, and please, oh please, don’t wait until the last-minute next year.

- French Cuff in Bellaire has seen a steady stream of male shoppers since Saturday and although the boutique is heavy on apparel (Black Halo, Yumi Kim, Kay Unger) owner Kairy-tate Barkley says jewelry is a great way to go.

Leighelena’s beautiful and affordable cuffs and Via Vandi’s playful hoops are top choices as are on-trend Big Buddah bags. Men who want to chance it and choose clothing can turn to Barkley and her fashion-savvy staff, and if size and style are a question, there is always a gift card. French Cuff is open until 3 p.m. Friday.

- Tootsies is ready for you man shopper. They know the woman in your life doesn’t want something useful, like appliances or other household items.

Instead there are gorgeous Zaida Michele croc clutches, the layered look of Gillian Julius leather bracelets, designer clothing, shoes, purses and jewelry. Tootsies is prepared for those of you dashing around while the clock ticks down. The store will be open until 5 p.m. Friday.

- Let’s face it. There are some guys who, hard as they try, just have no idea what to get. Rebecca & Drew’s selection of TrioFit shirts, dresses and in January, suits are gifts that say, “I thought enough of you to let you choose exactly what you want.”

Clothing is based on three measurements of a woman’s body: chest circumference, bra cup size and torso height and is designed to fit every woman from size 32A to 38DD. Owner Lindsay Aronstein is delivering well-appointed gift cards to men who can’t make it by her River Oaks shopping center store.

- For the man who is planning on knocking out all their Christmas shopping Friday, you get rewarded for that procrastination at M Penner. The men’s and women’s boutique in Uptown Park is holding its annual tamale party from noon to 4 p.m. and besides the tamale eating, there’s also shopping.

Co-owner Karen Penner raves about the new Yoga Jean, that combines stretch with style and comfort. They come in straight and skinny styles, four colors and are $145. The fun George, Gina and Lucy bag is a satchel full of fun, with unique hardware and fabrics. M. Penner also carries local jeweler Carol Lipworth’s collection of gemstones and freshwater pearls with an organic edge.

P.S. M Penner also gift wraps on the spot.

-Melodrama Boutique on Almeda is another pull up and pop in shop. Guys, if your wife or girlfriend is frequently stopped by other women, curious about where she got her outfit, then shopping at Melodrama is a must.

Owner Jackie Adams stocks the store with designers like Boxing Kitten, Le Rich Couture and other forward-thinking lines, plus jewelry, shoes and accessories. She’s styling outfits as gifts for the man wanting to give a full look to someone special Christmas morning or, for the less brave, Adam’s is also selling gift certificates.

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SEASONAL SIZZLE

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 can't-miss spots for summer 2026

Gabi De la Rosa
Jul 1, 2026 | 9:00 am
South to North
Photo by Laura Sanz Photography
South to North is bringing a fresh lineup of international brands to Houston this summer.

The summer is definitely heating up, and so is the shopping scene this month. July is packed with store openings, limited-time sales, summer events, and new collections from some of the city's favorite designers and boutiques. Whether it's the perfect pair of boots, stunning jewelry, or an excuse to shop with a cocktail in hand, the retail scene in Houston is worth checking out this month.

Alchemia
Support Houston's fashion scene at the FFF Summer Pop-Up on Thursday, July 10, from 12-5 pm at Alchemia. The afternoon will highlight women-owned businesses and local designers. Shoppers can browse curated summer collections from brands including M+M Couture Designs, The Sister Rack, Tiedy Gals Co., My Knit Ever, and Sparkle & Shine by Lynn while sipping complimentary bubbles and refreshments.

Blue Leaf Houston
Along with settling in to its new location, Blue Leaf has restocked with gifts and fun baubles perfect for summer, including a large inventory of Jellycats; the latest from Mackenzie-Childs and Elsata Ceramics; and kids' clothes for both boys and girls, including Pink Chicken and EMC. The store also carries a large selection of bespoke mahjong tiles.

Houston Premium Outlets
Everyone's favorite Houston-area outlet mall is giving shoppers two more reasons to visit this summer. Popular brands Birkenstock and The North Face are now open, joining the outlet center's always-growing roster of retailers.

Hunter Bell
Houston designer brand Hunter Bell is kicking off summer savings with a sale running now through July 11. Shoppers can save up to 70 percent on select pieces from the Spring 2026 and Resort 2026 collections, making it the perfect time to stock up on the brand's polished styles before they're gone.

J. Landa Jewelry
Jumping on the summer beaded gemstone necklace trend, J. Landa's newest collection includes elevated necklaces featuring natural stones, whimsical shell and fish charms that add color and texture to summer layering.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Season 3 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders has everyone talking. For those who want to feel like a part of the team, Lucchese's Gina boot, inspired by the team's iconic performance boot, will complete any look. Available in-store or online, the boots are a great way to channel the spirit of DCC while still looking stylish in Western fashion.

Mirth
Houston-based brand Mirth is making it easy to refresh a summer wardrobe with its Holiday Weekend Sale, running through July 7. Shoppers can score an extra 20 percent off already marked-down dresses, breezy separates, and the brand's colorful signature prints. The discount is automatically applied at checkout, no code needed.

Primark
Just in time for back-to-school shopping, affordable retailer Primark will be opening its seventh store in Texas at Willowbrook Mall on July 16. The store will be offering essentials at great prices, including women's denim starting at $12, men's tees at $5, and girls' and boys' sweatshirts at $8. Sports fans can also stock up on their favorite team's merch, including Texans, Cowboys, Rockets, and Spurs items.

River Oaks District
The development's Texas Nights series will feature live music, shopping, and cocktails. Held on Saturdays, July 4, 11, and 18, the event will have performances by Rush Creek, Wes Nickson, and Trent Cade, along with the district's mix of boutiques and restaurants. It's a great excuse to sip, shop, and enjoy a warm Houston summer evening.

SĀMAÁ Diamonds Studio
Houston-based jewelry designer Sugam Khanna recently debuted her newest collection, Le Papillon, at an exclusive event at Upper Kirby cocktail lounge Santé. The collection is inspired by butterflies, and on some of the new rings, the butterfly's wings are designed to flutter with the natural movement of the hand.

South to North
The buzzy boutique that specializes in bringing international brands to the Bayou City has recently welcomed several new brands perfect for Houston summers. Available in-store, the brands include Sirapop, Lanthropy, Sara & Flora, and Salvarea.

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott's latest collaboration for her Western-inspired line is with Austin-based country band Chaparral. The collection blends Texas ranch culture with elevated modern fashion. The collection includes jewelry, leather bolos, and statement pieces such as beaded bandana necklaces.

South to North

Photo by Laura Sanz Photography

South to North is bringing a fresh lineup of international brands to Houston this summer.

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