Haute Houston boutiques gear up for Galentine's Day with great gifts for the besties

IT'S ABOUT BESTIES, Y'ALL

Danny Feld/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Valentine's day is around the corner, but this year, forget the fancy restaurants, red roses, and heels. Instead, gather a gang of fun and powerful women, and throw on a comfy set to celebrate Galentine's Day on February 13.

What is Galentine's Day? It is a fictional holiday created by Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation in 2010. In the Galentine's Day episode, Leslie gathered a group of her besties for a waffle brunch. "Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast style," she explains. "Ladies celebrating ladies."

Since then, Galentine's Day has become a great excuse to throw a party and shower the girl gang with gifts and affection. We've crafted a list of unique items available locally that are worthy of any Galentine's Day celebration.

Kendra Scott

Spread the love this Galentines with these Lips Gold Stud Earrings from Kendra Scott. Made from Bright Pink Kyocera Opal, add these studs as a bold statement to a plain outfit, or pair them with other hoops for a stylish ear stack.

Add a pop to any outfit with these Lip Stud earrings. Photo by Kendra Scott

St. Bernard

Snuggle up with your best friend in these Ugg's Women's Terri Pants from S. Bernard. This cozy knit is distinguishably soft and made with 70% recycled polyester fibers. In addition, the relaxed fit makes these pants perfect for wearing out and about or lounging at home. These pants are sure to be your new go-to.

These UGG lounge pants are perfect for lounging.Photo courtesy of saintbernard.com

Elizabeth Anthony

Made from 14k gold and pavé diamond, pair this adjustable heart charm necklace with anything. Stack it with your favorite everyday jewelry or wear it on its own; this necklace is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The girl gang will love this stunning heart necklace from Elizabeth Anthony. Photo courtesy of elizabethanthonyhouston.com

Switch2Pure

Unwind and treat your friends to a Self Care Bundle. Found at Switch 2 Pure in River Oaks, this kit is the perfect gift to indulge and enjoy with the girls. The kit includes 7 of the latest and greatest self-care products at a value of $202 for only $142.

Self care takes on a whole new meaning with a set from Switch2Pure. Photo by Switch2Pure

Ann Mashburn

Cozy meets chic with this Pajama Short Set from Ann Mashburn. These pajamas are made from fine Italian poplin, making them a worthwhile investment. The top features a sophisticated look with a rounded collar and buttoned-up front. There will be no need to get out of your PJs to look stylish for the Galentine photo ops with the girls. This PJ set has you covered.

Cozy meets chic with this Pajama Short Set from Ann MashburnPhoto courtesy of shopmashburn.com

The Monogram Shop

Great for an everyday look, this Heart Charm Stretch Set will withstand whatever your busy life throws at you. Durable yet chic, these bracelets are guaranteed to stay their shiny gold color. The bracelet features 14k gold fill beads on an extra-strength stretch cord. Wear this lovely set for a night on the town with the girls or just another day in the office.

This bracelet features 14k gold fill beads on an extra-strength stretch cord. Photo courtesy of The Monogram Shop

Tootsies

Elevate your friend's wardrobe with this Loeffler Randal clutch. The Rayne Pleated Bow Clutch is found at Tootsie and features the signature Loeffler Randal knotted bow and a gold chain strap. Wear it as a clutch or crossbody -- either way, this item will surely add a special touch to any outfit.

Loeffler Randal does it again with a beautiful clutch that pairs well with everything. Photo courtesy of tootsies.com

Outdoor Voices

Get active this Galentines with these eye-catching Outdoor Voices Leggings. Available locally and online, these leggings are a must-have item for those wishing to fulfill New Year's resolutions of getting fit in 2023.

Leggings for keeping those 2023 New Year's resolutions. Photo courtesy of Outdoor Voices

Jentry Kelley

Spoil your girlfriends with this stunning, rosy pink blush from Jentry Kelley. This blush is available online and at local stores and will add a cheerful pop of color to everyday makeup. This blush will pair beautifully with a bright pink, violet, or plum lip.

Add a cheerful pop of color to everyday makeup.Photo courtesy of jentrykelley.com

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3 Houston chefs and restaurants named James Beard Award finalists

James Beard Finalists 2023

Three Houston chefs and restaurants are in the running for one of the food world’s most prestigious prizes. The James Beard Foundation has selected them as finalists for their annual Restaurant and Chef Awards.

Considered the Oscars of the food world, the awards recognize chefs and other culinary professionals in a wide range of categories ranging from Outstanding Chef to Best New Restaurant. Texas is considered its own region and one person will earn Best Chef: Texas.

The Houstonians in the running for national awards are:

Best New Restaurant: Tatemó
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Nancy’s Hustle

Six other Texan restaurants and chefs are in the running for national awards:

Outstanding Bar: Las Ramblas, Brownsville
Outstanding Bakery: Kuluntu Bakery, Dallas
Outstanding Bakery: La Casita Bakeshop, Dallas
Best New Restaurant: Restaurant Beatrice, Dallas
Best New Restaurant: Don Artemio Mexican Heritage, Fort Worth
Outstanding Restaurant: Lucia, Dallas

The finalists for Best Chef: Texas are:

Reyna Duong, Sandwich Hag, Dallas
Benchawan Jabthong Painter, Street to Kitchen, Houston
Emiliano Marentes, ELEMI, El Paso
John Russ, Clementine, San Antonio, TX
Ernest Servantes and David Kirkland, Burnt Bean Co., Seguin, TX

Notably, all of this year’s finalists for both the national categories and Best Chef: Texas are new. None of them received nominations in 2022.

The finalists are drawn from a pool of semifinalists that included 10 nominations each for Houston and Dallas, seven for San Antonio, six for Austin, and two for Fort Worth.

Last year, Texans did well in the awards, with Houston cocktail bar Julep winning Outstanding Bar Program, Austin chef Edgar Rico (Nixta Taqueria) winning Emerging Chef, and Austin chef Iliana de la Vega (El Naranjo) winning the first ever Best Chef: Texas. In addition, two Texans won media awards — Austin chef Jesse Griffiths (Dai Due) for his cookbook, The Hog Book: A Chef’s Guide to Hunting, Butchering and Cooking Wild Pigs and Texas Monthly taco editor Jose Ralat for his Tex-Mexplainer columns.

The Foundation will reveal its Restaurant and Chef Award winners at an awards ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Media Award winners will be announced on June 3.

Courtesy of Street to Kitchen

Benchawan Jabthong Painter, Street to Kitchen.

Shop for spring at Houston's top charity fundraisers

SHOP FOR A CAUSE

As spring shopping fever surges, two upcoming events will help inspire a thoughtful approach to seasonal fashion and home décor. The Houston Junior Forum and The American Heart Association invite Houstonians to shop for a cause at their charitable affairs.

Photo by Painted Peacock Photography

April Salazar at the 'Shop With Heart" launch at Kuhl-Linscomb in 2022.

During both shopping events, customers can purchase high-end frocks, fun trends, gourmet food, and everything in between from notable retailers. Here are all the details to inspire an elite spring shopping list.

The City Market Benefitting The Houston Junior Forum

Kick off the spring season by perusing more than 65 retailers at the second annual The City Market. The two-day shopping event, held at the Bayou City Event Center on March 30-31, will benefit The Houston Junior Forum, a women's non-profit organization committed to providing charitable services for children, youth, women, and senior adults in the greater Houston area.

The event is the primary fundraiser for the 77-year-old charitable organization. Savvy shoppers will find everything from fashion and accessories to home décor, unique gifts, and gourmet food. Retailers include Boots & Bows Smocking Co, Creek Road Designs, Brenham Kitchens, Freida Rothman, Hila, One Hip Mom, and more. A complete list of retailers is available here.

The City Market has several ticket packages, making it easy to shop for a cause. Shoppers can participate in everything from a preview party to shopping and lunch or a general admission ticket. Prices range from $20 to $275 for the two-day event.

Shop With Heart Card Benefitting the American Heart Association

Prepare for fabulous discounts during a ten-day premier shopping event benefiting the American Heart Association. The Shop with Heart Card runs April 21 through 30, and cards are available to purchase online or for pre-order before they go on sale on March 31. Shoppers looking for a 20-percent discount on regularly priced merchandise and services at many of Houston's premier retailers can purchase a card for a minimum donation of $50.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the American Heart Association. Retailers include Abejas Boutique, Bering's Hardware, The Container Store, Christy Lynn, David Peck, Frock Shop, Intermix, Kuhl-Linscomb, Tootsies, Weidner Hasou & Co, and so many more – a complete list of participating retailers is available here.

The American Heart Association will host an after-hours soiree at Kuhl-Linscomb to launch the ten-day event. The Shop with Heart Card Kickoff event will be Thursday, April 20, from 6-8 pm. Everyone is invited to purchase a Shop With Heart Card to receive discounts at an extensive list of local retailers and restaurants, with a $50 minimum donation. At the event, shoppers will enjoy light bites, drinks, door prizes, and a DJ.

Florence Pugh proves her stardom yet again in A Good Person

Movie review

The rise of Florence Pugh has been pretty astonishing to witness. After gaining acclaim for her film debut in 2016’s Lady Macbeth, the actor has gone back-and-forth between mainstream and art fare, starring in films as disparate as Fighting with My Family, Midsommar, Black Widow, and Little Women, for which she earned an Oscar nomination.

Now, thanks to her former romantic partner Zach Braff, she has another intense leading part to add to her filmography in A Good Person. Pugh plays Allison, a young, music-loving pharmaceutical rep who’s engaged to be married to Nathan (Chinaza Uche). One day, however, she’s involved in a car accident that winds up killing Molly (Nichelle Hines) and Jesse (Onwumere), her would-be sister- and brother-in-law.

The bulk of the film takes place a year after the accident, as Allison is still struggling with pain resulting from the crash and the grief/guilt over the deaths. Simultaneously, Daniel (Morgan Freeman) is doing his best to raise Molly and Jesse’s daughter, Ryan (Celeste O’Connor), and deal with his long estrangement from Nathan. A search for help with addiction for both Allison and Daniel leads them into a tentative friendship.

Written and directed by Braff (Garden State), the film touches on its serious issues in a deft manner. While Allison’s depressive state sends her down a bunch of tough roads for both her and the audience, the film is balanced with lighter moments, many of them courtesy of Allison’s mom, Diane (Molly Shannon). As much as the film is a meditation on how – and how not – to handle grief, it thrives on Allison’s various relationships, and scenes with each of the main co-stars build those bonds nicely.

Smaller details, like Allison riding her bike everywhere because she’s afraid to drive, pay dividends as well. Riding her bike causes her to show up sweaty and out-of-breath in multiple scenes, adding to the haggard and withdrawn look she maintains for most of the film. There can be a certain cliché in how someone acts when they’re trying to portray the state Allison is in, but Pugh, Braff, and the filmmaking team are able to subvert that trope with their choices.

If there’s one fault to the film, it’s that Braff can’t quite land the plane on each of the characters’ stories. All of the stories are related to one another, so it’s difficult to untangle them. After spending most of the film keeping them relatively separate, a decision to bring them all together in a late scene feels rushed and unsatisfying. It doesn’t ruin the film, but it does lessen it to a degree.

Written for Pugh by Braff when they were still a couple, the film hinges on Pugh carrying most of emotional weight of the story, and she delivers in a big way. She eschews histrionics in favor of more subtle acting, and the result is powerful. The 85-year-old Freeman hasn’t had a meaty dramatic role like this in a long time, so it’s nice to see he still has it. Shannon, O’Connor, and Zoe Lister-Jones also elevate the story.

Though it’s early in the year, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Pugh could snag an Oscar nomination for her performance in A Good Person. You could call it a star-making turn if she weren’t already a star; this just solidifies her place in Hollywood for years to come.

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A Good Person opened in theaters on March 24.

Photo by Jeong Park / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Florence Pugh in A Good Person.

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