WHERE TO SHOP IN MAY

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 best shops for moms and grads

River Oaks District is hosting a Mother's Day Affair on May 10.

Photo courtesy of River Oaks District

Mother's Day is around the corner, graduation season is about to be in full swing, and jet-setting getaways are calling. This month is the time to elevate everyone's wardrobe and gift-giving game. Fortunately, Houston's finest brands and boutiques are up to the task.

From buzzy store openings to new collections and must-visit events, we've curated a cheat sheet of what's hot and happening to make it easier to shop smarter and celebrate in style.

ALOCS
Get a taste of the West Coast with the opening of Desto Dubb's streetwear brand, That's an Awful Lot of Cough Syrup (ALOCS), on May 10. ALOCS's new store is located in the Museum District, and the brand has partnered with Exotic Pop to create a location that celebrates both fashion and music. Houstonians will have access to both ALOCS's classic and limited-edition collections, consisting of hoodies, t-shirts, matching sets, and accessories.

Amir Taghi
Taking inspiration from his Persian upbringing and modern design, Houston designer Amir Taghi's newest collection features suiting, slim silhouettes, and draped fabric. Available at Neiman Marcus and online, Taghi's latest collection is excellent for travel and transitional weather pieces.

Consuela
Find gifts for mom at Consuela's newest outpost in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. The vibrant Texas and Mexico-based brand has several handcrafted bags and accessories, from large tote bags to small clutches and handbags. Shoppers can elevate every look with a bag charm or colorful bag strap.

Gorjana
Share So-Cal-inspired fashion with moms, graduates, or birthday gals this month with Gorjana's new collection of charm necklaces. There are several types to choose from, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. Available at all Houston locations, styles include pearls, crosses, hearts, love knots, butterflies, and more.

Lark & Berry
Shopping for mom has never been easier at Houston's newest jewelry boutique specializing in ethical diamonds. Lark & Berry has several pieces that are perfect for Mother's Day. Through May 13, they are offering 15% off all in-store purchases.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Spring is in full swing, and Lucchese Bootmaker has released its newest collection. Botanica features floral designs, pastel colors, and premium leather. The women's collection is available in two colorways for both the Priscilla and Tilly boot styles. In addition to boots, Lucchese also launched spring-inspired dresses, tops, scarves, and belts.

Montrose Collective
Glossier's Balm Dotworld mobile unit is making a stop in Houston on May 3-4 from 11:30 am - 7:30 pm to debut its newest balm flavor, Espresso. The 360-degree Balm Dotworld mobile unit has been transformed to offer a fully immersive Espresso brand activation where guests will experience the playful universe of Balm Dotcom through interactive activities like keychain personalization and a photo booth. There will be brand ambassadors on hand with samples, and attendees will be able to purchase their favorite balms and Glossier products, all within a self-guided format.

Pucci
Famed Italian brand Pucci recently opened its first Texas outpost in River Oaks District. Shoppers will find ready-to-wear pieces, including mini dresses, caftans, and separates. The bold patterns and bright colors the brand is known for are displayed throughout the store, and accessories, including handbags, scarves, and sunglasses, are available.

River Oaks District
On Saturday, May 10, from 12-2 pm, River Oaks District is the best place to pamper moms at a Mother's Day Affair. Moms will enjoy complimentary mimosas, live music, and a day of exclusive in-store shopping experiences from more than a dozen of its retailers. Attendees begin in The Park to receive their Shopping Passport, which will guide them through curated activations, signature cocktails, and many photo opportunities. Participating stores include St. Bernard, Christy Lynn, Biologique Recherche, Assouline, Jo Malone London, Cos Bar, Frame, Jenny Kayne, and more.

Shaftel Diamonds
Store founder and president Keith Shaftel is retiring after 47 years, and the family-owned jeweler is hosting its largest sale ever, with items up to 70 percent off. The retirement sale is a unique opportunity for customers to purchase fine jewelry and rare gemstones with substantial discounts on pre-tariff prices.

South to North
Showcasing the best of Latin America, South to North is bringing two dazzling brands into their Autry Park location this month. Montserrat Messeguer, a favorite of Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Emily Ratajkowski, blends Mexican heritage with modern silhouettes and will be available beginning May 1. Escvdo, one of Peru's leading ethical luxury fashion houses, will host a trunk show on May 14.

Studs
Ear piercing and earrings brand Studs has collaborated with Van Leeuwen for a sweet, crave-worthy set of earrings. The Cherry On Top collection includes earrings from Studs and a Van Leeuwen ice cream sundae. Styles include a Cherry Charm, an Ice Cream Charm, and a Cherry on Top Set. The limited-edition collaboration is available online and in Studs stores.

Photo courtesy of River Oaks District

River Oaks District is hosting a Mother's Day Affair on May 10.

best places to shop in houston pucci consuela shaftel diamonds river oaks district where to shop in houston sponsored section2248341022

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.

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