WHERE TO SHOP

Where to shop in Houston right now: 13 stores + pop-ups to get Rodeo ready

Along with the hustle and bustle of store openings and highly anticipated spring and summer collections, March gets an extra dose of excitement while the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is in town. Shoppers looking for irresistible designer deals, brighter seasonal colors, or the perfect cowgirl chic ensemble have many options to choose from.

Lucchese/Facebook

Lucchese will be at RodeoHouston with brand new styles.

To guide those shopping adventures, including exclusive rodeo pop-ups and Houston-only boutiques, consider this list of 13 top spots to create the perfect Rodeo look.

Christy Lynn Collection
Shop Houston designer Christy Lynn Lee's latest spring/summer 2024 collection at her Memorial boutique. Filled with the light and airy floral designs she is known for, the collection includes a full array of dresses, tops, shorts, pants, and skirts made with premium fabrics and hand-painted designs.

Dolce & Gabbana
The Italian fashion powerhouse recently opened up a new outpost in the Galleria on Level 2, between Galleria Financial Center and Neiman Marcus. Known for its bold designs and couture clothing, Dolce & Gabbana's new boutique is an excellent place to score accessories, including colorful scarves, for this season's rodeo style.

Emerson Rose
Stock up on fashion-forward rodeo style at this store on 19th Street in the Heights. In addition to an excellent selection of graphic tees, Emerson Rose has a wide assortment of fashionable boots that go way beyond the typical neutral colors. Choose from short or tall styles, or opt for boots covered in rhinestones or fringe – each offered in several different colors.

Freya
Get ready for soaking in the sun (sans wrinkles) with Freya's latest collection of premium hats. Wide-brimmed and perfect for spring and summer days spent outside, the newest roundup comes in various styles and colors, including darling embroidery prints and woven designs.

Hästens
Gotta rest up for Rodeo season. Renowned Swedish luxury bed company Hästens will open its largest U.S. showroom in River Oaks District on March 6. In addition to mattresses priced from $30,000 to $80,000, the brand offers a full line of products spanning headboards and covers, linens, down pillows and quilts, mattress protectors, and pajamas.

Houston Premium Outlets
In time for seasonal shopping, Houston Premium Outlets is adding Tommy Bahama, Psycho Bunny, Hey Dude, Simply Southern, and Shoe Palace to its spring lineup. Shoppers can get in on the latest trends from the brands known for their comfortable and bright styles.

Katie Kime
The HLSR x Katie Kime collection is a nostalgic nod from the Austin-based designer to a true Texas tradition. Katie Kime’s beloved custom toile takes new life with this exclusive print that features the most iconic elements of the Houston Rodeo, from chuck wagon races and bareback riding, to the signature “Bowlegged H” logo. The collection, available to shop at NRG Park and online at store.rodeohouston.com, includes beautiful loungewear, home décor, and stationery.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Cowboy boot favorite Lucchese Bootmaker debuts a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo shopping experience, including event-exclusive products on-site at NRG Center. Best-selling styles will be on display, including the Priscilla suede in two new colorways.

Montrose Collective
Get rodeo ready at Montrose Collective's annual Rodeo Rally on Saturday, March 2. Shop for rodeo styles, including hats, boots, accessories, and more. Stop in for a boot shine and two-step the afternoon away to live, local music. 3-6 pm.

Piermarini
Owned by mother and son duo Tina and John Piermarini, Piermarini opened on February 9 in Autry Park. The brand offers elevated apparel and accessories for both men and women, focusing on timeless, quality items from hard-to-find brands across the world. The Autry Park location is the brand's second Houston store and features an entirely different lineup of apparel and accessories than the Rice Village location.

Rice Village
Visit Rice Village on Friday, March 1 for the third annual Rodeo Roundup. Pop-up experiences from Rice Village shops will include rodeo-centered promotions, sips, and light bites from Tecovas, Duck Camp, Black Walnut, Tasc Performance, Navy Blue, Mendocino Farms, Van Leeuwen, and more. 5-8 pm.

Shaftel Diamonds
Shaftel Diamonds has all the jewels for a dazzling rodeo outfit this season. Whether looking for some Texas-sized diamonds to pair with denim or the more classic squash blossom necklaces, they have abundant rodeo-inspired inventory at various price points. Styles include bolo ties, silver, and turquoise, or Texas-shaped pendants.

TRVL Design
Known for its cute and functional travel bags, find TRVL Design at several Houston boutiques, including à bientôt and Biscuit Home. The whimsical Wild Horses collection is perfect for the Rodeo for both parents and children.

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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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