SUNSET SOIREE

Houston fashion brand showcases summer looks at poolside party

To kick off Memorial Day weekend, fashionistas dressed in their best summer ensembles and flocked to the Hotel ZaZa Memorial City Beach Club for a first look at the latest travel-ready pieces from Houston-based brand Foreign Fare.

Guests sipped on cocktails and nibbled on bites from global restaurant Traveler's Table and Hotel Zaza's director of culinary operations, Brandon Wilhem, as they shopped at Foreign Fare's exclusive popup. The event wasn't all about fashion but also about supporting an excellent local cause.

Tickets from the event benefited Dress for Success Houston. This nonprofit empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Lauren Levicki Courville, president of Dress for Success Houston, addressed the crowd about their mission for women in the Bayou City.

Matthew and Thy Mitchell, the dynamic duo behind Traveler's Table and Foreign Fare, also spoke about their love of travel and the inspiration behind their clothing brand. Their passion for travel and sharing unique experiences drives both of their globally inspired businesses.

The area around the Beach Club turned into a summer-inspired catwalk showcasing Foreign Fare's unique styles. Models wearing the brand's most popular pieces, including the Jetsetter Jacket and Wrap Me Up Dress, which debuted in new colorways, made their way around the pool, giving guests an up-close look at each piece.

"It was so fulfilling to see everyone's reactions to the line. The models did an outstanding job showcasing our top travel looks. What a perfect way to kick off the summer travel season," Thy Mitchell said.

For those who didn't make it to the summer siree, Foreign Fare's collection is available online, and the new colorways are available for pre-order now on foreignfare.com and will be shipped in July.

Notable Beach Club guests included Thy and Matthew Mitchell, Lauren Levicki Courville, Lily Jang and Julien Nolan, Selina Stanfford, Shannon Martin, Imani Guillory, Alessandra Leto, Niki Reaugh, Jordan Brodie, Shelley Ludwick, and Linn Preston.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

Patrick Ryan, Linn Preston, Ally Shell, Foreign Fare co-founder Thy Mitchell, Shelley Ludwick, and Karson Ludwick.

traveler's table restaurant travel clothing houston thy mithchell foreign fare fundraisers hotels fashion-beauty

Retail Therapy

Houston's The Sale returns with steep discounts and a powerful mission

The Sale Houston shopping fundraiser 2026

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Katie Tsuru and Nora Jarrard.

The Bayou City Event Center turned into a stylish treasure hunt when nearly 1,800 savvy shoppers descended for The Sale, a three-day bargain fete for those with a penchant for couture.

The annual shopping affair brought more than 50 of Houston’s premier boutiques under one roof, each offering discounts that ranged from 20 percent to a jaw-dropping 90 percent. So, obviously, the question becomes: Do you take Amex?

Shoppers combed through racks and displays while supporting pediatric cancer research at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.

The festivities began with the Preview Shopping Party, where sponsors and underwriters enjoyed first dibs on the merchandise. The VIP Lounge kept the evening lively with an open bar, gourmet bites, and scoops from HTX Nitro Creamery. The venue took on a festive personality thanks to whimsical balloon installations from PopCreations and oversized, handmade bow designs by Rick Butler. DJ G Funk kept the soundtrack upbeat as early-bird shoppers plotted their sartorial strategies.

Two full days of general shopping followed. Steering the event were event co-chairs Amber Vaughn, Laura Williams, Kate Schneider, Britta Christenson, and Renee Kennedy, with the help of Houston Tri Delta Philanthropies, Inc.

By the final checkout, The Sale had raised more than $475,000 for pediatric cancer research, bringing its cumulative fundraising total to more than $2.9 million since its debut in 2015.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Katie Tsuru and Nora Jarrard.

Browsing the racks and snagging stylish steals were Bethany Buchanan, Courtney Harmon, Katie Tsuru, Nora Jarrad, Tiffany Haik, Sallie Alcorn, Mary Morgan Stevens, Donae Chramosta, Beth Muecke, Brandi Smith, Imani Guillory, Lauren Mills, Nina Rand, Courtney Zavala, and Jennifer Cope

shopping fundraisers