HOTTEST HEADLINES OF 2025

Celeb's Texas-sized ring dazzles in our top 10 fashion stories of 2025

Kendra Scott's million dollar engagement ring crafted by a Houston jeweler tops Houston's most-read fashion articles of 2025.

Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Editor’s note: Houston’s shopping and style scene delivered plenty to talk about this year, with headline-making jewels, must-have accessories, major retail moves, and Texas-sized collaborations. Readers couldn’t get enough of a million-dollar pink diamond crafted by a Houston jeweler for Zac Brown and Kendra Scott, the Labubu frenzy, and the arrival of luxury brands in River Oaks District. New flagships from beloved Texas brands, summer shopping guides, and the return of the Nutcracker Market, along with news of a Macy’s local closure also topped the year's must-read articles. Here's a look back at the stories that captured the Bayou City's love of luxury, hometown pride, and constantly changing retail landscape.

1. Houston jeweler supplies star Zac Brown with a Texas-sized diamond ring. Country superstar Zac Brown popped the question to billionaire jewelry mogul Kendra Scott with a one-of-a-kind creation from Houston jeweler Valobra Master Jewelers. The jaw-dropping 3.06 carat fancy pink diamond (GIA certified, VVS2 clarity) was set in platinum gold and surrounded by 28 baguette-cut white diamonds totaling 3.17 carats. The jeweler wouldn't comment on the price, but it would surely retail for over $1 million.

2. Loveable Labubu: Where to find the must-have fashion accessory in Houston. Love them or hate them, these tiny monsters broke the internet with the April release of Big Into Energy Labubu. Lucky Houstonians who were able to buy one online flocked to area stores in Sugar Land and The Woodlands for their pick-up-only purchases.

3. 2 luxury jewelers unveil flagship boutiques in River Oaks District. With VIP salons, ornate decor, and luxury jewelry, two French jewelry houses made an entrance in River Oaks District this summer. Joining the neighborhood's luxury lineup, shoppers can now buy their baubles from Cartier and Van Cleef.

4. Colorful Texas handbag maker opens new flagship store in Katy. Popular handbag brand Consuela opened its first Houston-area store at La Centerra in Cinco Ranch, Katy. Shoppers can now get their hands on the bold, colorful printed bags and accessories without a long drive or an online checkout.

5. Macy's to shutter dozens of stores nationwide, including 1 in Houston. As part of a strategy to make Macy's profitable again, the store shuttered six Texas stores, including a longtime location at Almeda Mall. Five DFW stores also went dark, and by early 2026, the retailer will have closed 150 "unproductive" locations nationwide.

6. Where to shop right now: 12 Houston shops with fresh summer finds. Amid back-to-school shopping and the August 8 sales tax holiday, Houstonians were especially interested in where to find the best deals at local retailers, including Chloe Dao, Mejuri, Reformation, Abejas Boutique, and more.

7. Houston bootmaker offers $5,000 cowboy boot and gator hunt adventure. For $5,000, Houstonians can now source an alligator hide near Anahuac that will be transformed into a pair of bespoke cowboy boots by Republic Boot Company.

8. What to know about the return of Houston's Nutcracker Market for 2025. The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is one of the most highly anticipated shopping events of the year. This year's market welcomed 40 new vendors and over 100,000 shoppers, with ticket sales exceeding $24 million. Over $6 million went directly to support Houston Ballet, its academy, and scholarship programs.

9. Texas brand Lucchese launches UT Longhorns collection with boots and more. Storied Texas bootmaker Lucchese released a collaboration with the University of Texas featuring two men's styles and three women's styles. The lineup pairs white and cream colored leather with burnt orange accents as a nod to Longhorn pride.

10. Whataburger partners with Texas activewear brand for new capsule collection. Whataburger tapped Austin-based activewear brand Burlebo for a capsule collection just in time for Father's Day. The line included caps, infant onesies, and shirts available in three different patterns.

TREASURE TROVE

A stylish shopper's guide to 16 of Round Top's best fashion finds

Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show

Round Top is a treasure hunter’s dream, with plenty of places to shop for vintage fashion, boots, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Shopping at Round Top's famous antique shows can be daunting even for the most experienced pros. There is a lot of ground to cover, with shopping spread across miles of fields, barns, and venues along Highway 237. To make the fashion hunt during the upcoming fall event, October 17 - 31, a little easier, we've rounded up the must-shop spots for amazing vintage items, designer pieces, boots, jewelry, and accessories.

Although Round Top is about dressing the part, don't forget that practical outfit choices will make long (and usually very hot) days much more comfortable. Wear clothes that can get dusty and shoes that can survive much more than 10,000 steps. A sunhat and extra water will also go a long way during the fall show.

$S\u00e9zane at Blue Hills$ Blue Hills brings a cool mix of fashion, accessories, and brands, including first-timer Sézane, to the Round Top shopping scene.Photo Courtesy of Blue Hills

Blue Hills
The Vibe: Cool-girl style with plenty of chic fashion and accessory options. Blue Hills leans into new items, mixing well-known and up-and-coming brands.

Sézane
French fashion brand Sézane is making its Round Top debut at Blue Hills. The brand's airstream trailer will pop up during the fall show from October 24-27 with its Fall/Winter 2026 Collection and a capsule collection of Round Top-exclusive products including a sweatshirt, t-shirt, and tote bag.

Hunter Bell
The Houston-based designer will pop-up at Blue Hills giving shoppers a chance to see the latest looks up close. The brand's Round Top inspiration guide offers plenty of outfit ideas plus a shopping list of pieces to pick up at the show.

Round Top Makers Market
This cozy barn is a one-stop shop for everything from ink block print dresses and monogrammed bandanas to cool stackable jewelry and sunglasses.

The Compound Round Top The Compound offers an elevated mix of new, vintage, and upcycled fashion for stylish Round Top shoppers.Photo courtesy of The Compound

The Compound
The Vibe: Elevated shopping with a price point to match, including new, vintage, and upcycled fashion.

Lotte.99
A collection featuring Los Angeles-crafted ethical apparel made from premium silks and upcycled textiles, hand-selected and finished with French seams, pure trims, and shell buttons.

Shapeau
Known for its vintage quilt coats, vests, and ponchos, this brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces fly off the racks. Once a design is gone, it’s gone for good, making the hunt for the right size, shape, and print part of the fun. Finding one that fits just right is definitely considered a Round Top score.

Natalie Vintage + Nan Collective
Famous across Texas for their elevated women's vintage apparel, yoyo pieces, vintage denim, and coveted belt collections.

Marburger Farm combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories.Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show

Marburger Farm Antique Show
The Vibe: One of the oldest ticketed venues in Round Top, Marburger combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories. It recently added permanent structures with air conditioning, expanded dining offerings, and live music.

Full Circle Vintage
Owner Joey Medina hand-picks vintage boots for his amazing, well-curated collection. Stop in for a pair of colorful beauties, or go classic with a neutral pair for the season.

Lauren Owen of Texas
Known for its handmade oxford shirts, Lauren Owen of Texas is a one-stop shop for classic Lone Star State style. Check out the brand's collection of boots, hats, clothing, silver, and leather goods, all curated with a distinct point of view.

La Ropa Vintage
Shop a carefully assembled collection of hand-picked vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, plus one-of-a-kind accessories.

Zapp Hall Round Top Zapp Hall has it all. From an indoor/outdoor setting to the antique atmosphere only a 1903 dance hall can provide.Photo courtesy of Zapp Hall

Zapp Hall
The Vibe: Zapp Hall is a Round Top favorite for vintage fashion, statement accessories, and plenty of one-of-a-kind finds — all set in an atmosphere that only a 1903 dance hall can provide.

Leather & Vodka
This brand transforms new and pre-loved designer bags into one-of-a-kind works of art. No two pieces are alike. This year, the brand is debuting its permanent showroom inside Zapp Hall.

Grailed Garments
Treasure hunters searching for blue gold will find it at Grailed Garments. Known for a vast collection of vintage denim, the shop carries everything from 70s vintage through Y2K fashion.

Dirty Bohemian
Those looking for Texas rockabilly meets vintage finds will find a highly curated collection of statement accessories, upcycled clothing, and unique bohemian styles.

round top fall show 2026 round top fashion round top shopping