Hip & Cool
Funky Montrose and posh River Oaks converge at the corner of Westheimer and Dunlavy. Here, Domy Bookstore, Raye Boutique, and Brasil coffeehouse anchor one of Houston’s most vibrant shopping areas. Peruse the contemporary art and cultural books, then gush over cuttingedge fashion at Raye. Venture down lower Westheimer for antiques with attitude, resale clothing stores, such as Buffalo Exchange and Taxi Taxi, and boutiques for every budget including American Apparel, Duo, and Pixie & Ivy.
Posh & Pretty
If hipster chic isn’t quite your thing, you might prefer Uptown Park in the Galleria area, where European elegance meets Texas hospitality. Catering to life’s indulgences, the center is lined with shops, boutiques, and cafés that create an intimate atmosphere with an emphasis on charm. Lush with fountains, detailed architecture, and lavish landscaping, the surroundings are warm and inviting. Browse the 30 exquisite shops for clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. The collection includes many one-of-a-kind retailers offering unique merchandise. Rejeuvenate at one of four spas and refuel at one of 11 dining options. Elegant and refined, the European-inspired village setting is home to upscale shopping spots such as M Penner, BB1 Classics, Mint Beverly Hills, and Elizabeth Anthony Esther Wolf.
Retro Charm
Locals are fiercely loyal to the Houston Heights and with good reason. The preserved Victorian homes are charming and so is the shopping, especially along 19th Street. Go old school with something from Retropolis, a co-op resale store or pick up a quick wardrobe update at Jubilee or something more refined at Harolds in the Heights. The laidback street is brimming with possibilities.
Old School Cool
Near its ritzy namesake, the Art Deco-era River Oaks Shopping Center on West Gray isn’t stuffy. Window shop from the wide sidewalks at shops such as Events and Telfair at Home, where the offerings inside are just as fabulous. Gap, Talbot’s, Ann Taylor, and others are here as well, but don’t miss locally owned Em & Lee, Paula Fridkin Designs, and 310 Rosemont.
Rice Village area is a close-knit area brimming with character and plenty of shopping. Chain stores like Express and American Outfi tters within the Village Arcade are friendly neighbors with boutiques Raspberry Rose, Brown Eyes Blue, and Hemline.
Malls To Marvel
Set beneath spectacular glass atriums, The Galleria features more than 375 fine stores and restaurants, an impressive ice rink, and two Westin hotels. This world-class shopping complex showcases some of the chicest names in retailing including Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Gucci, Macy’s, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Apple, Tory Burch, Intimacy, Ralph Lauren Collection, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Dior, Chanel, Versace, Ferragamo, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, and Houston’s only Nordstrom. The Galleria is also home to household names such as The Gap, Banana Republic, Zara, A/X Armani Exchange, Guess, Abercrombie & Fitch, Brighton Collectibles, Pumpkin Patch and Hanna Andersson. The Galleria celebrates restaurants with choices like Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar, Oceanaire, Kona Grill, Cheesecake Factory, and Fox Sports Grill. Ready to chill out? Grab lunch or a latte and watch the skaters zip around the ice rink.
Throughout the year, The Galleria holds signature events which bring travelers in from all over the world. Springtime brings lush garden landscapes placed throughout the property, as the freshest looks of the season are paraded through fashion shows and live mannequin modeling. Fall’s fabulous trends are showcased with four days of exclusive luxury fashion shows and beauty demos. And the lighting of the 55-foot Christmas tree on the ice rink is a rich local tradition.
Set in the center of Uptown Houston, The Galleria is located at 5085 Westheimer Road at the intersection of Post Oak Boulevard just off of Loop 610. For more information, call (713) 966-3500.
Venture out to the colorful and expansive Katy Mills Mall, which feels like a carnival, sans shouting carnies and smell of funnel cake. Outlet stores abound, including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Off Fifth, Kenneth Cole, J. Crew, Nike Factory Store and Juicy Couture. Stop by the information desks located throughout mall for a discount booklet full of savings.
The Houston area’s latest outlet destination is the dazzling Houston Premium Outlets, 30 miles northwest of downtown, off U.S. 290. From designer duds to casual clothing, there are 120 stores to explore.
