Round Top finds

Houston siblings' massive venue is a must-shop at Round Top Spring Show 2024

There is no need to put away those cowboy boots after RodeoHouston because they will come in handy for a romp through Round Top's Spring Show. From March 14-31, in-the-know Houston crowds will turn their attention from bull riding and concerts to shopping for vintage and on-trend finds from all over the world.

The antiques mecca hosts hundreds of independent vendors each fall and spring, each selling unique furniture, home decor, and fashionable pieces. The sleepy town with a population of 93 swells to accommodate hundreds of thousands of visitors for the shopping events each year.

With so much to choose from, it is hard to know where to start. Blue Hills at Round Top has emerged as one of the leaders for fashion and vintage finds. Owned by siblings Stephanie, Caroline, and Corey Layne, Blue Hills is a rustic pole bar complex that sits on 26 acres of land of S.H. 287.

Blue Hills' 100,000 square feet of shopping space is home to approximately 75 vendors, roughly 20 percent of whom are devoted exclusively to fashion.

The owners, native Houstonians and sixth-generation Texans, say on their website that Round Top was their go-to destination for family events like Thanksgiving when they were growing up. Later, during Texas Antique Week, they shopped specifically at Blue Hills because they loved the vendors and their mix of art, antiques, and home goods.

"In the fall of 2018, we fulfilled a long-time family dream of owning and operating a business by purchasing our favorite Round Top venue, Blue Hills," they write on their site.

This year, Blue Hills is the only venue in Round Top to boast two national brands as vendors, with Lucchese Bootmaker and Unsubscribed each having prominent spaces during the Spring Show. Unsubscribed, known for its slow and sustainable fashion, will be on hand throughout the event, and Lucchese will pop up beginning March 21 after their stint at RodeoHouston.

Blue Hills is the only shopping spot boasting two national brands, Lucchese and Unsubscribed. Photo courtesy of Blue Hills at Round Top

"We were so excited when we started working with Unsubscribed last year," Stephanie Layne Disney, co-owner of Blue Hills, tells CultureMap. "They emphasize sustainability and incorporate vintage pieces into their offerings. They also worked with some of our vintage dealers when building out their space. Unsubscribed is very thoughtful in how they go about things, which perfectly aligns with Blue Hills."

In addition to Unsubscribed and Lucchese, those on the hunt for style inspiration can look forward to vendors such as Arloom, Carla Valencia Design, Fraulein Boots, Gather Goods, JAG Jewelry and Goods, and more. Hibiscus Linens' annual Love Pretty Things Pop-up will also host a rotating roster of favorites. Past participants have included Frock Shop, KB Designs, The Avenue, Sue Sartor, and Christy Lynn.

"We want the experience at Blue Hills to be exceptional. Shoppers won't be able to find Lucchese Boots or Unsubscribed at other venues in Round Top," says Disney. "Most of our dealers are exclusive to our venue, or their flagship space is at Blue Hills. We don't double up on anything or bring in direct competition to ensure all our fashion dealers offer something unique. We are very selective about who we are involved with because we enjoy working with brands who are passionate about what they do."

Accessories, dresses, and spring outfit inspiration will be on hand during the Spring Show in Round Top. Photo courtesy of Blue Hills at Round Top

There is no shortage of other places to score new and vintage fashion finds at Round Top, including Round Top Village, Henkel Square, Zapp Hall, The Arbors, and Bader Ranch. Smaller clothing and accessory venues are also tucked away throughout the festival grounds — keep in mind the thrill of the hunt is half the fun.

Spring Round Top Antiques & Design Show, March 14-31, Round Top, Texas. Find more information, vendors, and schedule on the website.

Photo courtesy of Blue Hills at Round Top

Arloom is just one of the brand that will be at Blue Hills for the Round Top Spring Show.

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A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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