HO2007 – Houston Shopping - Haute Stuff

Houston is a power-shopper’s paradise. From the high-end choices at the famed Galleria to discount discoveries on Harwin Drive, there are plenty of places to pick up anything and everything on your list. Houston is a land of malls. In fact, every pocket of the city is home to a mall where shoppers will find anchor stores such as Macy’s and Dillard’s as well as other smaller, national retailers.

The Galleria is a one-stop shopping destination for luxury purchases as well as the everyday must-haves. Fresh new stores such as the Barney’s Co-op, Michael Kors, and Borders bookstore keep The Galleria an exciting shopping domain, while classic retailers Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue offer designer choices and dedicated service. No mall would be complete without a food court, but the recent addition of eateries Bice, Kona Grill, and Oceanaire Seafood Room add a dose of sophisticated dining to the mall.

Out west, discount shopping has never looked as good as it does at Katy Mills Mall. An upscale shopping trip without the high prices, Katy Mills is a collection of outlet stores such as Banana Republic, Cole Haan, Brooks Brothers, and the luxury discounters Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Saks Off 5th. An AMC movie theater and restaurants such as Rainforest Café enhance your shopping experience.

Just across Houston’s famous Westheimer Road from the grand Galleria lies the easily accessible Centre at Post Oak. The center offers a nice mix. Browse bargain retailers such as Old Navy and Marshall’s, boutiques bursting with luxury wares such as chocolates, cigars, and fine china, and replenish with fine dining at Arcodoro, Grand Luxe, or Morton’s of Chicago.

A short drive up gleaming Post Oak Boulevard reveals charming Uptown Park. This well-groomed shopping destination emulates a European village. Stroll along stone walkways dotted with elegant lampposts and always-lush landscaping. Be sure to pause or even pose near the soothing fountains while you shop familiar names such as Ann Taylor and Fitgues, European lines such as Veneoto Collection and Naturino and don’t miss fabulous local boutiques such as Lucho, Top Drawer Lingerie, and M Penner. Dining options include coffee and breakfast spots, casual cafés, and upscale restaurants.

Many Houstonians comb the area in southwest Houston along Harwin Drive between Gessner and Fondren roads for discount deals on luggage, purses, perfume, and jewelry. The no-frills shopping district is a collection of strip centers filled from floor to ceiling with wholesale items from around the world. Harwin isn’t fancy, but it is inexpensive. Charming Charlie and Accessory Plaza make great stops.

Houston’s boutique scene offers something decidedly different from mall fare. The charming and eclectic 19th Street in The Heights is a chic, bohemian spot with stores such as Jubilee, Harold’s in the Heights, and resale wonderland Retropolis.

There’s a cozy collection of shops on Persa off Westheimer Road. Shoppers can walk to Willow for men’s and women’s clothing and accessories as well as home goods, and then pop next door to Frock for upscale women’s clothing and shoes. Around the corner is The Noble Lady, a gem of a jewelry shop that wows with low prices. Around another corner and up the stairs is Marnie Rocks studio, owned by Marnie Greenwood. The nationally acclaimed jewelry designer sells not only jewelry, but stationery, T-shirts, and candles.

The Rice Village area is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that brims with character and plenty of shopping choices. National chain stores such as The Gap and Pier 1 are friendly neighbors with boutiques Raspberry Rose, Brown Eyes Blue, and the authentic Variety Fair 5 and 10.

Don’t Miss— Museum-Quality Gifts

By Heather Staible

While fascinating fossils and precious paintings draw us in, it is often in museum gift shops where the real treasures are stashed away. Forget cheesy knickknacks and bumper stickers. Think fine jewelry, handcrafted decorative objects, and fascinating coffee table books, not to mention incredible art re-creations.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science may be crawling with dinosaurs, but the gift shops are modern-day marvels. The Discovery Shop is a wonderland for inquisitive kids where fun and educational toys, books, and puzzles appeal to parents and children. For more refined shopping, stop by the Collectors Shop adjacent to the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Great gifts and eye-catching jewelry appeal to a range of budgets. There is no charge to enter the museum gift shops.

You’ll find no ancient relics at Contemporary Art Museum Houston, where the art is decidedly forward thinking. The same can be said for the museum’s lower-level gift shop, where the selection of eclectic and affordable wearable art, home accessories, and toys shines with a modern flair. CAMH is free, although donations are encouraged, and there is no charge to pop by the gift shop.

Nearby at Museum of Fine Arts, the light woods and warm lighting of the gift shop attract shoppers searching for a beloved print or poster or exquisite piece of jewelry. An extensive selection of glossy books reflects artwork featured at the museum.