WHERE TO SHOP

Where to shop now: 10 Houston stores with hot drops and can't-miss items

July marks a time between the latest summer releases and pre-fall launches when fashion takes a small break. While designers and ateliers are jet-setting to far-flung vacations or planning what will hit the racks in 2025, customers can breathe easy and enjoy a slower pace of shopping.

However, this doesn't mean there aren't deals to score or great events to attend, especially in a fashion-forward city like Houston. This month, we've rounded up some of the best drops, openings, and can't-miss collections.

Chloe Dao
Spruce up your brows for summer with Chloe Dao and LAMIK Beauty on July 11 from 5-7 pm. Sip on refreshing cocktails and refresh your brows with local expert Kim Roxie. A lucky few will receive complimentary brow service — it's first come, first served. This summer series of in-boutique events is a special collaboration with local female small business owners.

Gala Design-Studio
Gala Design-Studio, the newest luxury home decor hotspot, recently opened in River Oaks. The eye-catching, 10,000-square-foot space offers notable brands, including Boffi, MisuraEmme, and Linie Design. Shoppers can snag items for just about every space in the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Gucci
Gucci is introducing the Gucci Tennis unique collection, inspired by archival designs from the 1970s. After previewing at select stores in Paris in May, the collection is now making its full debut in stores and online through a new campaign featuring champion tennis players Emma Cohen and George Loffhagen.

Houston Premium Outlets
Just in time for back-to-school shopping, two new stores are now open at Houston Premium Outlets. Shoe Palace started as a small family business and has now grown into a trendy chain of stores with a top-notch selection of shoe and apparel brands. Culture Shock specializes in a vast selection of pop culture merchandise, including Funko, Gundam model kits, video games, trading cards, action figures, statues, and more.

Moreau Paris
In honor of the 2024 Paris Summer Games, Moreau Paris partnered with Atelier Fait à Main to create a one-of-a-kind handbag. The Boston bag features the six colors that represent the Olympic rings and also symbolize the inclusiveness of the Olympics and how athletes worldwide come together to participate in the games. Paris hosted the games in 1900 and 1924; now, in 2024, it is the only city to have hosted three times. Moreau, one of the oldest luxury brands established in Paris in 1878, continues the proud association with this global sporting competition. The bag is sold exclusively at Moreau Paris in the River Oaks District development.

Nordstrom
In association with its annual sale, Nordstrom is hosting a Beauty Bash on July 20. Customers can stock up and celebrate all things beauty with special offers, gifts with purchase, makeup tutorials, customized samples, live music, and more. Customers who spend $125 on a beauty or fragrance purchase will receive an exclusive tote.

ParkerJoe
One of Houston's only boutiques focused solely on boys, ParkerJoe opened in April in the River Oaks Shopping Center. ParkerJoe celebrates all facets of the boy lifestyle with a curated selection of toys, games, books, and Texas-themed stuffed animals, plus popular apparel brands for boys ages newborn to size 16 (tween).

Stetson x True Brvnd
Post Malone partnered with Western lifestyle brands Stetson and True Brvnd to launch a trucker hat available exclusively on truebrvnd.com. Post Malone has long worn Stetson, and the collaboration highlights a shared set of values between all three partners, including a deep respect for Western heritage, reverence for craftsmanship, and passion for individuality and self-expression.

Wilson
Racquet sports brand Wilson recently opened its first store in the Galleria. The outpost features equipment – racquet sports, baseball and softball, football, basketball, volleyball, and golf – and new sportswear. Wilson is located on level 2, between Galleria Financial Center and Neiman Marcus.

Zadok Jewelers
The Post Oak jewelry store just launched its new Texas Collection. Designed in-house and inspired by iconic Texas elements, the newly unveiled collection features a dazzling array of gold necklaces, earring studs, rings, and hat pins. The state shape and familiar sayings ("howdy" and "yeehaw") are a part of the 24-piece collection.

Photo courtesy of Stetson

Post Malone partnered with Stetson and True Brvnd to created a limited edition hat.

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LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Houston dermatologist's guide to doing laundry for healthier summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories. A dermatologist shares how often to wash common summer essentials to help prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and other seasonal skin concerns.

Houstonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

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