IT'S ABOUT BESTIES, Y'ALL

Haute Houston boutiques gear up for Galentine's Day with great gifts for the besties

women with mimosas celebrating Galentine's Day

Leslie Knope star of "Parks and Recreation" is credited with creating Galentine's Day in 2010.

Photo by Danny Feld/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Valentine's day is around the corner, but this year, forget the fancy restaurants, red roses, and heels. Instead, gather a gang of fun and powerful women, and throw on a comfy set to celebrate Galentine's Day on February 13.

What is Galentine's Day? It is a fictional holiday created by Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation in 2010. In the Galentine's Day episode, Leslie gathered a group of her besties for a waffle brunch. "Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast style," she explains. "Ladies celebrating ladies."

Since then, Galentine's Day has become a great excuse to throw a party and shower the girl gang with gifts and affection. We've crafted a list of unique items available locally that are worthy of any Galentine's Day celebration.

Kendra Scott

Spread the love this Galentines with these Lips Gold Stud Earrings from Kendra Scott. Made from Bright Pink Kyocera Opal, add these studs as a bold statement to a plain outfit, or pair them with other hoops for a stylish ear stack.

Add a pop to any outfit with these Lip Stud earrings. Photo by Kendra Scott

St. Bernard

Snuggle up with your best friend in these Ugg's Women's Terri Pants from S. Bernard. This cozy knit is distinguishably soft and made with 70% recycled polyester fibers. In addition, the relaxed fit makes these pants perfect for wearing out and about or lounging at home. These pants are sure to be your new go-to.

These UGG lounge pants are perfect for lounging.Photo courtesy of saintbernard.com

Elizabeth Anthony

Made from 14k gold and pavé diamond, pair this adjustable heart charm necklace with anything. Stack it with your favorite everyday jewelry or wear it on its own; this necklace is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The girl gang will love this stunning heart necklace from Elizabeth Anthony. Photo courtesy of elizabethanthonyhouston.com

Switch2Pure

Unwind and treat your friends to a Self Care Bundle. Found at Switch 2 Pure in River Oaks, this kit is the perfect gift to indulge and enjoy with the girls. The kit includes 7 of the latest and greatest self-care products at a value of $202 for only $142.

Self care takes on a whole new meaning with a set from Switch2Pure. Photo by Switch2Pure

Ann Mashburn

Cozy meets chic with this Pajama Short Set from Ann Mashburn. These pajamas are made from fine Italian poplin, making them a worthwhile investment. The top features a sophisticated look with a rounded collar and buttoned-up front. There will be no need to get out of your PJs to look stylish for the Galentine photo ops with the girls. This PJ set has you covered.

Cozy meets chic with this Pajama Short Set from Ann MashburnPhoto courtesy of shopmashburn.com

The Monogram Shop

Great for an everyday look, this Heart Charm Stretch Set will withstand whatever your busy life throws at you. Durable yet chic, these bracelets are guaranteed to stay their shiny gold color. The bracelet features 14k gold fill beads on an extra-strength stretch cord. Wear this lovely set for a night on the town with the girls or just another day in the office.

This bracelet features 14k gold fill beads on an extra-strength stretch cord. Photo courtesy of The Monogram Shop

Tootsies

Elevate your friend's wardrobe with this Loeffler Randal clutch. The Rayne Pleated Bow Clutch is found at Tootsie and features the signature Loeffler Randal knotted bow and a gold chain strap. Wear it as a clutch or crossbody -- either way, this item will surely add a special touch to any outfit.

Loeffler Randal does it again with a beautiful clutch that pairs well with everything. Photo courtesy of tootsies.com

Outdoor Voices

Get active this Galentines with these eye-catching Outdoor Voices Leggings. Available locally and online, these leggings are a must-have item for those wishing to fulfill New Year's resolutions of getting fit in 2023.

Leggings for keeping those 2023 New Year's resolutions. Photo courtesy of Outdoor Voices

Jentry Kelley

Spoil your girlfriends with this stunning, rosy pink blush from Jentry Kelley. This blush is available online and at local stores and will add a cheerful pop of color to everyday makeup. This blush will pair beautifully with a bright pink, violet, or plum lip.

Add a cheerful pop of color to everyday makeup.Photo courtesy of jentrykelley.com

galentine's day gifts houston galentine's day

A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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