OUT WITH THE OLD

Houston fashion expert uncovers what to purge, keep, or add for the ultimate 2023 closet reset

Now is the perfect time to put your best fashion foot forward with a 2023 closet reset.

Photo courtesy of Veronica Beard/Facebook

The holidays have come and gone, and new clothes have gleefully made their way into closets everywhere. The alluring (and endless) supply of leggings, t-shirts, jeans, and bodysuits has likely expanded tenfold.

What does this mean? The time has come for a fashion reset. Unlike a regular closet cleanout, a fashion reset is about being thoughtful about each item — paring down the excess, getting rid of micro-fashion trends, and decluttering anything that doesn't fit or flatter. Every accessory, handbag, pair of shoes, and piece of clothing should be something cherished or exciting. Donate, sell, or recycle anything that is a 'maybe' and make room to put the best style forward in the new year.

Emily Michaels, owner and creative director of ESKM Collections, says a prevalent problem she sees when dealing with clients' closets is that they have too many occasion-based clothes instead of everyday clothing. She suggests that 80 percent of your closet "should be things you could see yourself wearing daily and the other 20 should be more occasion based."

Michaels, who recently helped Dominique Sachse pare down her closet, advises her clients to start the closet reset by setting aside the clothes they wear the most and then getting rid of anything that is ripped, stained, or damaged. Once that process is complete, it is time to build the ultimate wardrobe.

Here are Michaels' top five suggestions for a 2023 fashion reset.

Button-down shirts

Get rid of: Button-down shirts that are too formal or can only pair with dressy pants or a skirt.

Keep: A classic fitting button-down that pairs easily with trousers or jeans.

Add: A French cuff blouse with feminine details like ruching that can be worn buttoned or over a tank top.

A French cuff shirt that easily pairs with jeans or trousers is a 2023 wardrobe staple. Photo credit ESKM Collection

Blazers

Get rid of: Blazers that don't fit well or in fabrics that haven't held up over time.

Keep: Blazers in classic silhouettes like boxy or fitted are an easy way to make jeans feel elevated.

Add: A classic investment piece from Rag & Bone or Veronica Beard that will stay in style even after a couple of seasons.

Blazers are a corporate to casual wardrobe staple. Try investment pieces from Veronica Beard or Rag & Bone. Photo credit veronicabeard.com

Jeans

Get rid of: Any jeans (regardless of style) that don't fit well and jeans with large distressed rips and holes.

Keep: Jeans that make you feel confident and flatter your body type.

Add: Well-fitting pairs of straight-leg, mid to high-rise, high-quality jeans in a classic wash. It is best to have a darker wash for the winter and a lighter one for the warmer months.

In 2023, opt for a mid to high rise jeans in a classic wash like these from Agolde. Photo credit agolde.com

Dresses

Get rid of: Dresses that can only be worn once for particular occasions.

Keep: Any dresses that are flattering and simple to dress up or down.

Add: A simple, slip-on knit dress that can pair with heels, sneakers, or flats.

This t-shirt dress from ESKM Collection is easy to dress up or down making it a 2023 closet staple. Photo credit ESKM Collection

Shoes

Get rid of: Shoes that are stained or with worn-out soles or heels that can't be repaired.

Keep: Classic low-top converse in white or nude and a simple bootie with a low chunky heel.

Add: Chunky soled loafer or a modern twist on a ballet flat.

Add a modern take on a ballet flat like these from Alohas. Photo courtesy of Alohas.com

be well

3 hot wellness studios move swiftly into new Heights development

Courtesy of Radom Capital

The Swift BLDG is expected to open in late 2026.

A new mixed-use development in the Heights has announced its next round of tenants. Three wellness businesses are coming to The Swift BLDG, Houston developers Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners’ project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant that’s located near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail.

They are:

SweatHouz, a contrast therapy studio
Strong Pilates Studio
The Skin Clinic, a Houston-based aesthetics and skincare destination

Scheduled to open in winter 2026, SweatHouz will offer infrared saunas, cold plunges, and other protocols to improve a person’s well-being. The protocols are focused on areas such as athletic recovery, reducing stress, improving circulation, mental health, and longevity. In addition, it will offer a beauty bar equipped with Dyson hot tolls and a beverage station stocked with different waters.

Building on the success of its Katy location that opened last year, Strong Pilates Studio will occupy 2,500 square feet in the Swift BLDG. Using Rowformer and Bikeformer machines, customers have the opportunity to take classes in Strong Body, Strong Loaded, and Strong Pilates-Only. It’s expected to open in the fall.

“Our method blends strength, cardio, and reformer-based training into one, delivering real results in just 45 minutes. This isn’t just Pilates — it’s a new standard for fitness in Houston. And a community that sweats together stays strong,” franchisee Mona Hussein-Zaki said in a statement.

Currently located in M-K-T, the Skin Clinic will more than double its footprint by relocated to the Swift BLDG. The clinic’s services focus on skin health and rejuvenation. It also expected to open in the fall.

“The response from this community has been incredible, and Swift gives us the room to grow into what our patients have been asking for: more space, more services, and the same patient-centered care that got us here." founder Kelli Nwuli said.

All three businesses join previously announced tenants such as Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, premium juice bar Leemoo, Merit Coffee, and Houston Tex-Mex staple Escalante’s.

On track to open to the public in fall 2026, The Swift BLDG will offer more than 30,000 square feet of office space along with 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail tenants. The two companies previously partnered on M-K-T, the Heights mixed-use development that’s near the Swift project. Radom is known for a number of other Houston developments, including the Montrose Collective and the historic Tower Theater property and its adjacent buildings.

openings the-heights