Houstonians can shop with a purpose and own a piece of Houston history as the clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, art, and more from the late "grand dame of Houston real estate" Martha Turner will be on sale beginning May 10.

Turner, known for her signature high-end style, always had a fondness for fashion. She worked part-time in the lingerie department at Montgomery Ward and sold wigs to University of Texas students in her spare time before getting her real estate license in 1979. From there her trajectory skyrocketed as she started her own brokerage and eventually was at the helm of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty which earned more than $2.5 billion in sales in 2021.

Items from the real estate maven's estate, including recognizable signature looks, were donated by her daughter Deasa Turner to "An Estate of Grace Sale," in support of the StellaNova Foundation, which has chosen the Montrose Center and Healthcare for the Homeless-Houston as beneficiaries of the sale's proceeds. An Estate of Grace Sale is free and open to the public on May 10 and 11 at the Montrose Center.

Photo by Phyllis Hand

Deasa Turner, daughter of Martha Turner is donating many items from her mother's estate to "An Estate of Grace Sale."

"My mother was a generous soul, an active philanthropist, and a woman of great style," said Deasa, an actress, model, artist, and single mother of one who makes her home in Houston. "It's most fitting that this will take place over Mother's Day weekend."

Brands in the sale include Oscar de la Renta, Armani, St. John, and Escada (among other luxury labels). The collection also features various decor and home goods, all available at very accessible prices. Many items are still in new condition with original tags.

"There will be furs and hats, along with books, art, crystal, and table décor," said Deasa. "Regal, but fun finds."

Shoppers can also enter a raffle for a custom-made vest created for Martha by Deasa. The vest is adorned with a selection of Martha's brooches and inspired by Chanel's Fall 2008 Collection. Only 35 raffle tickets will be available at a price of $100 each, with all proceeds benefiting the Montrose Center.

While "An Estate of Grace Sale" will primarily showcase items from the estate of Martha Turner, StellaNova Foundation executive director Doug Harris is excited about gift-worthy goods from other local collections. New, gently used, and antique accessories curated by the late real estate investor and world traveler Anthony Kouzounis and cinematic treasures donated by the Houston Film Critics Society will also be available. Shoppers can expect prices to range from $5 to $500, except for a few fine art pieces.

"Savvy shoppers will find deals on last-minute Mother's Day gifts and other treasures to take home. There will be something for everyone," says Harris.

"An Estate of Grace Sale," Friday, May 10, 2024: VIP Preview from 8:30 to 11 a.m.; ticket required. Complimentary public access from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024: Complimentary public access from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street, 77006.