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    STYLE FILE

    Style File: A-list fave Lele Sadoughi on her luxurious new River Oaks boutique, hot headbands, and fashion must-haves

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Apr 3, 2023 | 1:00 pm

    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.

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    SHOPPING BONANZA

    What to know about the return of Houston's Nutcracker Market for 2025

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Nov 10, 2025 | 12:00 pm
    Nutcracker Market 2024
    Photo by Melissa Taylor
    Shoppers browse festive booths at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.

    It’s that time of year again when Houston's most dedicated shoppers trade in their pumpkin spice for peppermint lattes and make their annual pilgrimage to NRG Center, in matching sweatshirts, of course, for the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market.

    Marking the unofficial start of the holiday season, this year’s shopping festivities also celebrate the Houston Ballet Academy’s 70th anniversary. Since 1981, the Nutcracker Market has raised over $97.6 million for the Houston Ballet, with 11 percent of merchandise sales and all ticket proceeds supporting ballet programming and training. In 2024, over 99,000 shoppers helped raise $6.3 million for the Houston Ballet, which trains more than 1,000 students annually and awards over $1 million in scholarships.

    What to Expect

    More than 280 merchants will take over NRG Center for five days, offering everything from holiday décor and jewelry to clothing, accessories, and enough gourmet treats and delicious samples to keep tote bags full and shoppers happy.

    Nutcracker Market 2024 Forty new vendors join the Nutcracker Market this year, offering fresh finds alongside fan favorites.Photo by Melissa Taylor

    New Vendors

    Shoppers will flock to favorites like Royal Standard, Donne Di Domani, Texas Tamale Company, Paul Michael Company, and Round Top Collection. But 40 new vendors are joining the fun this year. A few newcomers worth checking out between mimosas include:

    • Mini Mahjer: Beginner-friendly mahjong sets and travel kits.
    • Hat Chick: A curated collection of hats and authentic adornments.
    • True Honey Teas: Gourmet blends sweetened with honey granules.
    • Let Me Snack: Popped waterlily seed snacks in assorted flavors.
    • Mended: Hand block-printed tea towels and table linens.
    • Vintage Boho Bags: Customized and upcycled boho-style bags.
    • Chocolate Moonshine Company: Gourmet fudge and artisan truffles that make gift-giving easy.
    • Seasoned Straws: Coated, sustainable, flavored straws.
    • Saturday Silks: 100% silk collegiate scarves and accessories.

    Tips for Tackling the Market

    Comfort is key. The Nutcracker Market fills up the NRG Center, so wear shoes made for walking. High heels, sparkles, and sequins may look festive, but comfy clothes are the way to go, especially when shopping for hours and juggling bags all day.

    Crowds are highest in the morning, so plan for afternoon or evening shopping if you want a little more elbow room. Strollers, wagons, and rolling bags aren’t allowed, but wheelchairs, walkers, and service animals are welcome. For those who overdo it on the shopping (and who doesn't, this time of year), take advantage of package check or the optional curbside pickup for a seamless, stress-free exit.

    Tickets

    General admission is $20 for a one-day pass, available at Ticketmaster.com or H-E-B Business Centers. Early Bird Admission is $60 for those who want a 90 minute head start on Thursday and Friday.

    Nutcracker Market 2024

    Photo by Melissa Taylor

    Shoppers browse festive booths at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.

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