SOUTHERN CHARM

Reese Witherspoon's fashion brand celebrates 10 years at Houston pop-up

Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James brings its signature Southern charm to Houston’s Hotel Granduca October 16 - 19.

Photo courtesy of Draper James

"Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed," Elle Woods (as played by Reese Witherspoon) declared in the classic hit Legally Blonde. No one will be disturbed, however, by the fashion icon's "The Decade Tour" stopping in Houston.

Draper James, Witherspoon's beloved lifestyle brand, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a 10-city Southern tour, and Houston is one of only two Texas stops. The tour kicked off in Charleston earlier this year and will arrive at the Hotel Granduca for a four-day event from Thursday, October 16 through Sunday, October 19.

Attendees can expect plenty of Southern charm and Draper James' signature blue colorway. Along with sipping on Witherspoon's famous sweet tea, customers will have the opportunity to shop at the brand's curated pop-up and preview the latest Draper James collections. Each day will feature a new bespoke experience. On Thursday, shoppers can enjoy pajama embroidery by Stitch & Press Embroidery. Friday features personalized Decade Tour candles and totes by The Brilliant Brush. On Saturday, Spark Jewelry Co will sell its custom jewelry.

Reese Witherspoon Draper James Guests can sip sweet tea and shop Draper James’ latest collections during The Decade Tour.Photo courtesy of Draper James

"A decade ago, Reese Witherspoon founded Draper James to share the beauty, charm, and warmth of her Southern heritage," said Jeannie Yoo, CEO of Draper James. "This brand exists to celebrate women — their strength, individuality, and grace. As we mark this milestone anniversary, our tour is a heartfelt way to connect with our community and personally thank our loyal customers for 10 incredible years of support."

Named for Witherspoon's grandparents, Dorthea Draper and William James Witherspoon, Draper James is a tribute to her Southern upbringing. Since its launch in 2015, the brand has been known for its cheerful prints, feminine silhouettes, and celebration of Southern traditions. In addition to clothing, the brand features ready-to-wear, accessories, home decor, and pet items.

Houston got its own taste of Draper James when the brand opened in The Galleria in November 2021. The store has since closed, but fans of Draper James can still shop online or find the brand's pet supplies and eyewear at various locations around the city.

Free tickets and more information about The Decade Tour is available here.

draper james reese witherspoon brand southern style hotel granduca reese witherspoon

be well

3 hot wellness studios move swiftly into new Heights development

Courtesy of Radom Capital

The Swift BLDG is expected to open in late 2026.

A new mixed-use development in the Heights has announced its next round of tenants. Three wellness businesses are coming to The Swift BLDG, Houston developers Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners’ project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant that’s located near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail.

They are:

SweatHouz, a contrast therapy studio
Strong Pilates Studio
The Skin Clinic, a Houston-based aesthetics and skincare destination

Scheduled to open in winter 2026, SweatHouz will offer infrared saunas, cold plunges, and other protocols to improve a person’s well-being. The protocols are focused on areas such as athletic recovery, reducing stress, improving circulation, mental health, and longevity. In addition, it will offer a beauty bar equipped with Dyson hot tolls and a beverage station stocked with different waters.

Building on the success of its Katy location that opened last year, Strong Pilates Studio will occupy 2,500 square feet in the Swift BLDG. Using Rowformer and Bikeformer machines, customers have the opportunity to take classes in Strong Body, Strong Loaded, and Strong Pilates-Only. It’s expected to open in the fall.

“Our method blends strength, cardio, and reformer-based training into one, delivering real results in just 45 minutes. This isn’t just Pilates — it’s a new standard for fitness in Houston. And a community that sweats together stays strong,” franchisee Mona Hussein-Zaki said in a statement.

Currently located in M-K-T, the Skin Clinic will more than double its footprint by relocated to the Swift BLDG. The clinic’s services focus on skin health and rejuvenation. It also expected to open in the fall.

“The response from this community has been incredible, and Swift gives us the room to grow into what our patients have been asking for: more space, more services, and the same patient-centered care that got us here." founder Kelli Nwuli said.

All three businesses join previously announced tenants such as Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, premium juice bar Leemoo, Merit Coffee, and Houston Tex-Mex staple Escalante’s.

On track to open to the public in fall 2026, The Swift BLDG will offer more than 30,000 square feet of office space along with 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail tenants. The two companies previously partnered on M-K-T, the Heights mixed-use development that’s near the Swift project. Radom is known for a number of other Houston developments, including the Montrose Collective and the historic Tower Theater property and its adjacent buildings.

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