Fashionistas and haute Houstonians, it’s time to celebrate the glorious return of a beloved style maven.
Elaine Turner, a favorite of two generations (at least) of discriminating Houston shoppers, has returned with her newest concept, Edit by Elaine Turner. The new boutique boasts a curated selection of Turner’s faves: think small leather goods, unique clothing brands, jewelry from around the world, and, of course, the chic handbags that made her a household name.
Fans can hop online now and start adding to cart via her online store EditByElaineTurner. Consider the online store a chance to grab that fit to wear to Turner’s brick-and-mortar boutique grand opening on Monday, October 16 in the Tanglewood/Memorial area (6539 Woodway Dr.).
Elaine’s Edit
“The idea for Edit by Elaine Turner was inspired by two things,” the always gregarious Turner tells CultureMap exclusively. “First, I felt there was a need for a new upscale contemporary boutique in the Tanglewood part of town where I live; second, I was ready to return to what I love doing — creating beautiful products, serving others, and giving back to the community.
“Even the choice of the word ‘Edit’ has deeper meaning. I was drawn to the idea of letting go of what was no longer serving me to make room for what was needed. My desire is that Edit by Elaine Turner can offer our clients a thoughtfully curated assortment of unique, hard-to-find luxury products, bringing you a sense of individuality and discovery.”
Truly, what else could Turner, a noted Houston tastemaker, name her store? The style guru/entrepreneur will showcase an edited collection of the designer’s celebrated handbags, inspired by empowering women whom she greatly admires, according to press materials.
Chic, signature bags, of course...
As for those trademark bags, expect a collection including three styles in multiple colors, each adorned with the brand’s signature blush pink suede interior. The Ali Tote ($750), designed for Elaine’s style icon and Love Story actress Ali MacGraw, is an everyday carry-all with boho chic influence. The Aerin Envelope Clutch ($375) is named for Aerin Lauder, known for timeless elegance.
And speaking of timeless elegance, the Jackie Camera Bag ($450) pays tribute to global style icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who championed all things style, fashion, photography, and traveling. Each bag is crafted with Italian-sourced leather in New York City.
Carry The Ali Tote everywhere.
Photo by Myke Toman, Toman Imagery
Turner also crafted two small leather goods for the boutique: the “Holley Card Holder” and the “Gigi Zip Pouch.”
...but so much more
On to the clothes and gems: Turner will showcase her hard-to-find looks and jewelry sourced from the American and European artisans. According to press materials, her roster of vendors includes custom printed silks by Dea Kudibal from Copenhagen (available exclusively available at the Houston store); unique Italian brand Beatrice B; Essentiel Antwerp from Belgium; artistic designs and silhouettes by Psophia from Spain; Cynthia Jones jewelry from Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Santa Fe inspo is pivotal: Elaine and her husband Jim Turner lived there for several months in 2022 and their experience, she says, greatly influenced Edit’s aesthetic. That means Etkie handcrafted jewelry from Navajo artists in New Mexico — plus many more.
Every Turner item brandishes the signature logo.Photo by Myke Toman, Toman Imagery
As for the brick-and-mortar boutique, expect a 1,400-square-foot space designed to emulate a lavish closet one that draws inspiration from Santa Fe’s warmth and charm. A pink feature wall highlighting the Elaine Turner handbags serves as a striking centerpiece; arched dressing rooms with delicate blush curtains, white oak herringbone flooring, and marble tables welcome shoppers and accentuate the jewelry to complete the space.
Alcoves serve as display features for gifting items and the high-end clothing. A couple of signature pieces deviate from the feminine, Santa Fe adobe-vibe store: an Italian midcentury-inspired sofa for those who need lounge between shopping, and a large chandelier from a Turner favorite, Aerin Lauder.
Store details were masterminded by Turner and design consultant Kelie Mayfield of MaRS to capture to achieve the overall look.
True to her upscale-minded, luxury approach, Turner offers a hidden cash wrap and same-day delivery service so that customers can enjoy a personalized experience in a leisurely manner, press materials note.
A luxe experience that’s all Elaine
Photo by Daniel Ortiz Photography
After a break, celebrated Houston style guru Elaine Turner is back with a Tanglewood/Memorial store and online presence.
Not surprisingly to anyone who has interacted with her, Turner was involved in each and every decision: paint colors, furniture, lighting, the NYC-based and family-operated handbag manufacturer, the unique European clothing brands, and of course, the Santa Fe jewelry designers — who aren’t available anywhere else in Houston.
The store design aesthetic — and all its offerings — in turn, reflect her journey — from a fashion upstart who launched her Elaine Turner Designs in 2000 to offer affordable, elegant pieces to local, to a mainstay boasting locations all over Houston. As CultureMap reported, she closed her final store in 2018 to focus her efforts on her family, nonprofit work, and pivotal programs serving women.
True to her upscale-minded, luxury approach, Turner offers a hidden cash wrap and same-day delivery service so that customers can enjoy a personalized experience in a leisurely manner, press materials note.
“After nearly 20 years of the Elaine Turner brand and a series of life-changing events, I’m ready to get back to my creative roots but in a way that better represents who I am today,” Turner noted in press statement, “a more intentional version of myself who appreciates every detail.”
Well said, Elaine, and to borrow a fitting quote from the aforementioned Aerin Lauder: “It’s important to always mix the past with the present. I think that makes it feel more authentic and real.”
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Edit by Elaine Turner opens Monday, October 16 at 6539 Woodway Dr. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am-6 pm. For more information and to shop now, visit EditByElaineTurner.com or visit @ElaineTurner on Instagram.
