Lele Sadoughi, the popular accessories brand, is expanding its reach by opening its second Texas store in the luxurious River Oaks District. With a string of successful openings over the past two years and plans to launch four more annually, Lele Sadoughi is quickly gaining popularity as a brand known for its quality and detail-oriented accessories.
Opening in Houston was a significant decision for Lisa "Lele" Sadoughi, founder and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand, who grew up in Dallas. After eleven years in business, she knew a second Texas store made sense. "We know where our ladies are," says the accessories designer. "We have such a loyal customer base in Houston. Even today, I have seen such excitement with people in line before we even opened the doors. I feel really good about opening up here."
Its iconic headbands, famously worn by A-listers like Kate Middleton, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, and Zendaya, have been rated the "most comfortable in the market." The Houston showroom also features an exclusive 'Houston' headband adorned with hand-sewn Texas-inspired charms, making it the perfect accessory to show off some HTX pride.
"I have had a great reaction to the Houston exclusive. It is not often that I get to be in the store as customers are shopping," she tells CultureMap. "There is just something about Houston; we are fancy here, right? But we are also casual, so I wanted to design something that could be worn for any occasion. I decided to go with a denim base and cream paired with classic charms. We've got boots, a hat, the Texas shape, and a little bit of crystal. It is a great mix of classics with a lot of sparkle."
But it's not just headbands; Lele Sadoughi is an entire accessories empire, including collectible jewelry, colorful sunglasses, handbags, hats, and more. The River Oaks District boutique's design aligns perfectly with the brand's open, bold, and tactile philosophy, encouraging customers to experiment and play with their looks.
The spring/summer collection, dubbed Contemporary Collector, features various bright colors mixed with darker elements like stripes. Sadoughi, who garners inspiration from art, paintings, and sculptures, says the combination was motivated by her trip to the Peggy Guggenheim museum in Venice.
Shoppers can take advantage of one-on-one experiences and access to specialists at the 500-square-foot showroom, which has already become a hot spot for anyone looking for unique and joyful accessories. Houston shoppers can also get an exclusive up-close look at the first-ever area devoted entirely to sunglasses and hats inside the Lele Sadoughi boutique.
"Many people collect our headbands and jewelry, but this is the first time we have ever devoted an entire section to our sunglasses and hats. It is really fun to see people come in and try out our new categories."
We sat down with Lisa to talk about some of her favorite fashionable gems. Fashionistas, take note of her advice about switching up accessories on the daily.
Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi
Lisa "Lele" Sadoughi, founder and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand.
You always leave home with: My phone and chargers so my kids can reach me.
Heels or wedges: Heels
Earrings or sunglasses: Jeweled sunnies
For summer – skirts or shorts: Skirts
Hair down or hair up: I always have some kind of accessory in my hair, no matter the style.
Favorite beauty product for your face: Concealer is the best thing ever because if you look a little tired, a pop of concealer does the trick
Favorite brand of concealer: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
One thing you have in your handbag, no matter what: An extra pair of earrings.
Tiny bag or large shoulder bag: Tiny bag with a jeweled piece of art. Change it up – do not wear the same accessories every day, and that goes for everything from head to toe.
Houston-based Inclán Studio offers several types of peasant blouses and summer styles.Photo courtesy of Inclán Studio. 
Find longer short silhouettes, including this style from Lutz Huelle, at Autry Park's Sloan/Hall. Photo courtesy of Sloan/Hall/Instagram
Houston designer Christy Lynn offers several barely there silk tops and a new denim line perfect for warm weather.Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn
One of Miu Miu's most iconic styles, the Arcadie, is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in The Galleria.Photo courtesy of Miu Miu.