The new Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection welcomes guests through a decadent entryway with a grand white marble staircase, rich gold accents and elegant furnishings. The 223-room hotel’s spacious guest rooms feature art deco–inspired décor with modern touches and the bathrooms boast deep soaking bathtubs. The onsite restaurant, Hull & Oak Southern Kitchen, showcases interior design mimicking the hull of a ship, with details like dimensional archways and circular mirrors inspired by portholes.

The pool at the Laura Hotel

Hotel Lulu

Halfway between Houston and Austin, Hotel Lulu is a boutique hotel in Round Top designed as a retreat for urban dwellers looking to indulge. The first full-service hotel in the small Texas town (population 90) features 14 rooms across six restored bungalows, a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. The hotel and restaurant, Lulu’s, are named after the owner and CEO of Palacios Murphy hospitality group, Cinda Murphy de Palacios. The rooms feature dramatic canopied beds, custom upholstery, a modern mix of furniture and original cedar walls. Il Cuculo, the bar, features a wraparound mural on the plaster walls created by Houston-based artist Andrea Condara. “I have always been interested in creating spaces that encourage community and inspire the people who have everything,” says Murphy de Palacios. “We want to forge our own path in everything we do—ignoring trends and embracing the experiences and things that truly inspire our team. Round Top is going to explode, and it is truly a 40-year dream in the making to see a hotel of this caliber finally open.”

A guest room at Hotel Lulu

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Houston has a new high-profile dining concept joining the ranks: Italian chophouse Marmo in River Oaks. The menu features hand-rolled pastas, veal chop Milanese and seafood like oysters on the half shell. Interior designer Patrick Sutton has created an elegant and modern atmosphere for guests, incorporating texture and natural accents like organic jute chandeliers. With an inviting U-shaped marble bar and a large, covered patio for outdoor dining, Marmo is sure to be a neighborhood staple.

Pastas at Marmo (Photography by Kirsten Gilliam)

Patton’s

Sneak away to a sophisticated speakeasy-style cocktail bar and steakhouse in Houston Heights. The 1,500-square-foot Patton’s features a six-seat bar and 38-seat dining space hidden neatly behind Savoir restaurant. With moody, ornate chandeliers, plush leather banquettes and live jazz music, guests are immediately transported. Patton’s comes from Brian Doke, owner/operator of Savoir, who teamed up with executive chef Eric Johnson to create a menu showcasing classic steakhouse staples like beef carpaccio and ribeye wagyu, coupled with speakeasy-inspired cocktails like The Bandit, a fig-infused mule. “Houston has always had an affinity for steakhouses, and the city has no shortage of premiere steakhouses,” said Doke. “At Patton’s, we will offer the prime cuts of steak that Houstonians love and serve them up in a one-of-a-kind, intimate space that is wholly unique.”

A bone-in ribeye at Patton’s

Rare Restaurant & Lounge

Rare Restaurant & Lounge has been brought to life in an 8,000-square-foot standalone building by celebrated restaurateur/chef Don Bowie. The 62-seat dining room features marble floors, dazzling chandeliers and a large stage for nightly entertainment. The two-level space boasts a large bar, high-top tables for large parties and Sip, an indoor/outdoor lounge. Guests can savor flavorful prime steaks, fresh seafood and southern-inspired dishes including bourbon glazed pork chops and truffle-topped mac and cheese.

The Sip lounge at Rare

Golfstrømmen

Norwegian chef Christopher Haatuft is no stranger to making waves in the global culinary world. Haatuft, known as the Punk-Chef Godfather of Neo-Fjordic cuisine, may have ditched his mohawk in Norway, but his innovative and boundary-pushing twists on Nordic cuisine continue to bring him success in Houston. Haatuft has worked in the kitchens at high-end farm-to-table restaurants around the world such as Blue Hill at Stone Barns and three-Michelin-starred Per Se in New York, and runs his own restaurant, Lysverket, in Norway. Haatuft and James Beard Award winner Paul Qui have teamed up to create a sustainable seafood market and restaurant, Golfstrømmen, in Qui’s food hall at Post Houston, an eclectic new space inside Houston’s historic Barbara Jordan Post Office. “Although it’s impossible in today’s world for a restaurant to be fully sustainable, I have always tried to make my restaurants back in Norway as sustainable as possible. I’m excited to bring sustainably sourced seafood to Houston and work with local seafood suppliers to increase sustainability efforts in the region,” Haatuft says. Standout menu items include gulf-caught red fish ceviche with tart bergen leche and dressed with dill oil, apples and celery. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s raw bar menu includes items like gulf- and Maine-sourced oysters, salmon tartare, golden kaluga caviar and gulf stone crab claws. With fresh offerings and sustainable practices, Houston will certainly be hooked on Golfstrømmen.

Jonah crab toast with potato chips at Golfstrømmen

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Downtown Austin’s The Driskill has unveiled 14 newly renovated guest suites as part of an ongoing refresh of the legendary 1886 hotel. Led by award-winning architecture firm Clayton Korte, along with interior design firm Rottet Studio, the upgrade includes enhancements to each of the suites’ already charming characteristics while providing modern comforts (think updated bathrooms featuring new fixtures, clawfoot soaking tubs and walk-in showers).

Downtown Austin’s The Driskill Hotel

Where to Eat in Houston:

​Railway Heights Market by Nomad’s Hospitality is the area’s newest foodie and retail haven. Inside the rustic, two-story building, Houstonians can score tasty bites at local vendor stalls and restaurants including Mac & Twist, Greedy Chicken, Peaky Grinders and Pierogi Queen, among others. Visitors can also enjoy Analogue Coffee Bar for a pick-me-up, as well as Rhizome Beer Garden or Puncheon Wine Bar for a gathering with friends. At market hotspots such as Legacy Meats, Purum Nut Butters, Migaloo Chocolatier, Hive Bee Farms, Collar City Sauce and Brew Chew, shoppers can find an endless variety of culinary treats. Keep an eye out for a dog park bar and a grocery store in the coming months.

​Railway Heights Market

Concura, meaning “with care” in Italian, transports diners to the Adriatic Coast with its vibrant coastal fare and sleek aesthetics. Owner Jessica Biondi, who grew up in Italy, designed the contemporary restaurant’s space to resemble a private residence, incorporating artistic influences from the likes of Gio Ponti, Ferrari and Lucio Fontana. Eye-catching elements include an open kitchen and photography by Ferdinando Scianna and Sebastian Weiss, in addition to a breezeblock installation used to help air prosciutto and cure salami. Chef Angelo Cuppone’s rotating menu takes diners on a journey through the less-traveled regions of Italy with charcuterie, fish tartare, vitello tonnato, seafood carbonara and marinated octopus dishes, accompanied by Italian wines, spritzes and amaro-based libations.

Tucked inside Downtown’s C. Baldwin Hotel, chef Chris Cosentino’s 145-seat Rosalie restaurant has reopened. Beloved for both its Italian-American cuisine and its ’70s-inspired interior boasting terrazzo-striped flooring, Murano glass chandeliers and Hollywood booths, the eatery introduces a refreshed menu incorporating familiar flavors with a playful edge. Under the leadership of newly appointed and highly acclaimed executive chef Jacob Coronado, guests can expect dishes like rigatoni with Texas wild boar ragu, blue crab manicotti and a wild mushroom pizza with mozzarella and pecorino. Don’t forget to try the new cocktails on draft, including a Negroni featuring gin, Campari, Cinzano 1757 and grapefruit bitters.

The dining room at Rosalie

Where to Shop in Houston:

Whimsical New York–based fashion and lifestyle brand Frances Valentine has opened its first-ever Texas boutique in the River Oaks District shopping center. The beautiful storefront showcases a spirited collection of women’s apparel, shoes and accessories, highlighting colorful caftans, soft cashmere sweaters, vibrant ballet flats and bold baubles. Designer Steven Sclaroff, a frequent collaborator of the brand’s co-founder and CEO Elyce Arons, used his eclectic approach to decorate the space with hand-selected vintage furnishings, a curated art collection of bold colorful pieces and a striking mid-century chandelier.

Frances Valentine (Daniel Ortiz Photography)

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At Houston Heights’ newly opened mixed-use destination M-K-T, visitors can explore a range of retail offerings. The walkable, adaptive-reuse property, thoughtfully designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, consists of five buildings housing creative boutiques, wellness spots and delicious culinary options surrounded by ample green space. Shoppers can peruse fashionable stores including Chloe Dao, Common Assembly and activewear brand DYI, along with other unique offerings such as bike retailer Pedego Electric Bikes and health optimization concept Huemn. Foodies can savor meals at restaurants including Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Anglo-Indian eatery Da Gama Canteen, all-day brunch and lunch spot Homestead Kitchen & Bar and noodle shop Rakkan Ramen, in addition to dessert at frozen custard joint Honeychild’s Sweet Creams.

M-K-T in Houston

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton has opened a men’s store at The Galleria, marking the brand’s first Texas boutique dedicated to showcasing a diverse array of menswear, including ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, accessories, watches, travel and fragrance. Outfitted with archival photography and contemporary artwork by Japanese artist Kenta Cobayashi, as well as vintage furniture from Parisian designers Mado Jolain, Pierre Paulin and Joseph-André Motte, the space is a visual representation of the French fashion house’s heritage and craftsmanship. Shop artistic director Virgil Abloh’s latest ready-to-wear collection and special kicks like the new LV Trainer Sneaker, embossed with the brand’s signature monogram pattern—inspired by basketball sneakers, the new style features an elaborately constructed upper that takes seven hours to stitch.

Louis Vuitton LV Trainer Sneaker, $1,260

Valentino

Italian fashion house Valentino expands its footprint at The Galleria with a new location. Boasting romantic and classical influences, the interior of the 4,000-square-foot boutique is embellished with opulent materials, including gray Venetian terrazzo, walnut, velvet and wool to complement the collections on display, while the fitting rooms feature lavish textures accented with green and blush velvet. In this latest global store concept for Valentino, patrons can enjoy a personalized atmosphere as they shop for a larger selection of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear pieces, accessories and fragrances.

The new Valentino boutique at The Galleria

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Niki de Saint Phalle’s “Lili ou Tony” (1965)

Visitors can also see her early “Nana” sculptures, which served as a vehicle for the artist to explore women’s freedom and gender identity through the liberated female form.

Main image: Niki de Saint Phalle’s “Photo de la Hon repeinte” (1979)

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Immersive Van Gogh, the original digital art event that has captivated audiences around the globe, will be open to Houstonians on August 12. Designed by famed creative director and Italian film producer Massimiliano Siccardi and featuring a soundtrack by Italian multimedia composer Luca Longobardi, the imaginative showcase allows visitors to step inside the legendary masterpieces of the post-impressionist painter to view his art from an entirely new and groundbreaking perspective. Using state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling and world-class animation, van Gogh’s dreams vividly come to life with moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail and color.

Immersive Van Gogh

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

On view from June 27 through September 19 at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the exhibition Monet to Matisse: Impressionism to Modernism from the Bemberg Foundation honors the extraordinary art collection of late philanthropist Georges Bemberg, which is housed in the South of France at the Renaissance Hôtel d’Assézat in Toulouse. Visitors can expect to see nearly 90 paintings and works on paper illustrating the progression of French painting movements ranging from impressionism and post-impressionism to symbolism and fauvism. The greatest French artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries will be on display, including Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, Henri Fantin-Latour and Paul Gauguin. “Georges Bemberg followed his keen eye and personal enthusiasm for French painting when assembling this magnificent collection,” says the museum’s director, Gary Tinterow. “It’s a privilege to be one of the few venues in the world to share these exceptional works and introduce visitors to Mr. Bemberg’s artistic approach to collecting.”

Henri Fantin-Latour, “Still Life with Apples,” (1878) at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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Palace Social breathes new life into the former location of Palace Bowling Lanes, the beloved Houston landmark on Bellaire Boulevard. The 27,000-square-foot retro-perfect space features eight elegant bowling lanes, 50 arcade games, multi-sport simulators, an immersive dark ride theater, VR stations and bars and lounges. Drawing on elements of nostalgia, Palace Social is destined to become an attraction for Houstonians of all ages.

The bowling alley at Palace Social

Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse

Along storied Montrose Boulevard near the Houston Museum District sits the new Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse. A color palette of marbled black and gold accented with red leather booths, ornate chandeliers and sexy lighting sets the mood for a memorable evening. “I’ve been thinking about opening a steakhouse for years, as it’s a cuisine and environment I gravitate to,” says owner Luis Rangel. “What really appealed to me was the opportunity to downsize from a typically meaty steakhouse footprint and infuse a more boutique, European-style ambience that played off the patina of the venue.”

Raw bar offerings at Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse

Degust

Degust, short for degustación, meaning to taste carefully and fully appreciate flavor, is a new restaurant by chef Brandon Silva and partner Steven Salazar. At the off-white quartz stone bar shaped like two half-moons, guests sit on either side watching the chef and his team as they plate food in the center. Highlights of the tasting menu include king trumpet mushrooms with citrus, cauliflower with caviar and garlic and a horchata-and-rice pudding dessert.

Herb bread at Degust

Diversión

The duo’s other concept, Diversión, isn’t your typical bar. Here, every ingredient is made from scratch, and the produce determines what’s on the menu. The menu, inspired by Salazar’s Spanish heritage and his love of Japanese culture, features creative libations including the bubbly Espumante and Caviar, the tiki-inspired Day at the Beach and Cereal Milk. With only a small number of seats, this watering hole caters to guests looking for a personal cocktail experience.

The Day at the Beach cocktail at Diversión

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Fresh off a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa’s reimagined Trellis Spa, the largest spa in Texas, welcomes guests with enhanced spaces for rejuvenation. The soaking pools and garden, totaling 6,500 square feet of space, feature a hot tub, ambient pool and cold shower to benefit circulation, cardiovascular strength, stress relief and immune health. Open-air cabanas, fireplaces and a meditation garden overlooking an art installation of butterflies serve as the ultimate outdoor retreat. At the tranquility room and reflection pool area, guests can relax before or after treatments and explore an expanded menu of services with new product lines, a couple’s suite and touchless therapies.

Double Cabana at Trellis Spa

OKA

British interiors brand OKA has opened its first United States outpost in Houston’s historic Upper Kirby neighborhood. Offering a collection of original furniture and décor designed for practical living and effortless entertaining, the one-story space features an immersive greenhouse experience flourishing with faux blooms from the Bunched by OKA floral collection, along with a must-see medley of pillows, textiles and dinnerware including an exclusive collection with American designer Adam Lippes. Shoppers can look forward to new design launches each season, including their delightfully quirky lamps and shades crafted for mixing and matching.

OKA in Houston

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March Restaurant

Inside the Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, hungry art enthusiasts can choose between two swanky new restaurants. Cafe Leonelli, an extension of Leonelli Bakery in New York City, serves up approachable Italian fare by chef Jonathan Benno, who has worked alongside boldface names such as Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller. Italian pastries by decorated pastry chef Salvatore Martone are also up for grabs. French restaurant Le Jardinier (with outposts in New York City and Miami), under the leadership of chef Alain Verzeroli, offers vegetable-focused dishes made with local organic produce and meats. From its open-air patio, diners can enjoy views of the sculpture garden at the Museum of Fine Arts.

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A nod to Houston’s aerospace industry, the Blossom Hotel welcomes guests with a zen, lunar-themed aesthetic at every turn. Located in the Texas Medical Center district, the boutique property houses 267 guest rooms finished with calming cool tones. Guests can enjoy multiple eateries (including fine-dining establishment Estrella), take in the view at an expansive pool deck and belt out their favorite songs in private karaoke rooms.

A guest room at the Blossom Hotel

The iconic Four Seasons Hotel Houston downtown has unveiled a new lobby, spa, fitness center and guest rooms, offering visitors a taste of both Southern charm and urban sophistication. Referred to as Houston’s Living Room, the hotel’s accommodations are designed as residential escapes, featuring beautifully custom-made furniture paired with a refined Texas vibe. At chef/restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s chic Bayou & Bottle, craft bourbon cocktails are flowing and savory dishes are served. “Our hotel redesign captures the essence of Houston, connecting guests to everything that makes our city so unique,” says the hotel’s general manager, Tom Segesta. “Our new look combined with our team’s inviting energy and warm Texas hospitality offers an authentic luxury experience unlike any other.”

A guest room at Four Seasons Hotel Houston

Where to Shop

Ermenegildo Zegna has opened the doors to its new boutique at The Galleria. The brand’s in-house architects brought the sophisticated world of the Italian tailoring house to life with contemporary furniture like Pierre Jeanneret armchairs and a mix of materials such as woods, metals and stones. The spacious boutique offers a selection of sportswear, tailored suiting, shoes and leather accessories and an entire area dedicated to a made-to-measure customization experience.

Ermenegildo Zegna in Houston

What to Do

For the first time ever, legendary painters David Hockney and Vincent van Gogh are paired side-by-side in an American museum exhibition titled Hockney-Van Gogh: The Joy of Nature, which is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston through June 20. Organized in partnership with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the presentation explores van Gogh’s influence on Hockney’s work, highlighting the duo’s shared love of nature, bold colors and perspective play through a carefully curated collection of 57 landscape paintings and drawings by both artists.

David Hockney, “The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire in 2011 (twenty eleven)” (2011) at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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The Menil Drawing Institute is showcasing the first large-scale survey of 20th-century Italian drawings organized in the United States. Presenting artworks selected mainly from the Collezione Ramo in Milan, Silent Revolutions: Italian Drawings from the Twentieth Century features 70 drawings rooted in futurism, spatialism, arte povera and beyond by artists such as Alighiero Boetti, Giorgio de Chirico and Lucio Fontana. Silent Revolutions: Italian Drawings from the Twentieth Century will run until April 11.

Manlio Rho “Untitled” (1937–38) at the Menil Drawing Institute

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which recently completed a decade-long expansion with the debut of the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, featuring two floors of gallery space, a theater, café and a restaurant, is hosting its first exhibition exclusively dedicated to world-renowned Cuban American artist Carmen Herrera. Carmen Herrera: Structuring Surfaces uncovers 105-year-old Herrera’s complex artistic process through which she structures the surfaces of her supports to produce dynamic spatial tension. Museumgoers can view over 30 works spanning the artist’s prolific career from the 1960s to the present, including paintings, drawings, prints, wall structures and objects. Carmen Herrera: Structuring Surfaces will run until April 25.

Carmen Herrera “Untitled” (2017)

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Sydenham Clinic (photo by Julie Soefer)

“We essentially serve as a family office for health, managing the full continuum of our client’s health and medical matters,” says the clinic’s founder and CEO, Aanchal Bhatia. “Our scope of services extend beyond primary care to also encompass medical record management, specialist appointments, medical chaperoning and personalized nutritional planning, among other services. We identify our client’s best medical options, navigate them through the healthcare system and serve as their unwavering health advocate.” But its members aren’t just local residents. “Our clients are busy executives, celebrities and their families who travel globally, for whom time is a valuable commodity, and who are accustomed to personalized service and best-in-class access,” explains co-founder Shaheed Kajani. This high-level, customized approach is something that is increasingly in demand, especially during the current health crisis.

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A plate from Lippes’ tabletop line for OKA

Lippes, who honed his skills designing for Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta, first rose to prominence in the New York fashion world with the basics brand Adam+Eve. Then he set his sights on a more upscale, ready-to-wear fashion brand under his own name, which is now sold at Bergdorf Goodman and Net-a-Porter. The American sportswear brand offers great glamour in sequined pieces for a night out as well as updated classics like the perfect trench coat, a silk crepe dress or smart suiting. “I’m always running around between work, charitable commitments and taking care of our children, and Adam makes the perfect pieces for that lifestyle,” says Sarofim. “I always feel-well dressed and unfussy in his beautiful clothes.”

A look from Adam Lippes’ fall collection

So what drew Sarofim to the collection and made her eager to invest in the brand? “Adam is making wearable, beautiful clothes,” says Sarofim. “This seems like a no-brainer, but I think it’s rare out there. He understands his customer as he spends a lot of time with her, and listens to and understands what she wants.” Recently, Lippes partnered with English brand OKA on a chic tabletop collection—perfect for his customer base. Sarofim wasn’t looking to invest in a fashion brand; she’d explored other opportunities but nothing was a fit. “It wasn’t until meeting Adam and really understanding him and his desires for the brand that I jumped in,” says Sarofim.

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Jenny Laird’s Texas Caviar recipe

“Marfa is this unique convergence of complete isolation yet complete connectivity and sophistication,” says Laird. Marfa is definitely a study in contradictions; it’s in the middle of the desert but connected to any number of important cultural happenings. “Donald Judd was just so visionary to take art out of a museum setting and make it an experience that’s connected to nature.” Devotees love the purity and authenticity that exists there. “It hasn’t been totally redesigned,” says Laird, who’s a Chinati Foundation board member. “It’s really a special group of like-minded people who have a connection to art and to the region.”

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The four-piece collection, in development for two years, features products like the Wild Marula Tangle Spray detangling mist, which uses plant oils and amino acid blends to strengthen and protect the hair cuticle without harmful silicones. The Cocomino Glossing Shampoo is a universal, color-safe cleanser made of coconut-based surfactants that gently clean. And because you need to wash more than just your hair when you’re in the shower, the brand is also launching Kamili Cream Body Cleanser, a complementary Sili Body Lotion and the aluminum- and baking soda-free Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream to keep you smelling your best all day without irritating your sensitive underarm area. We talked to Masterson about these launches and more.

Drunk Elephant’s new hair and body products.

What’s the secret to Drunk Elephant’s success?

What makes us different is that our ingredients respect and support the healthy function of skin when they are applied externally. They won’t cause irritation or harm, and they keep the acid mantle intact. The external health of the skin itself matters a lot if you are going to make and sell skincare. Think the Whole30 for the skin!

Do these four haircare products serve all hair types?

I launched with the core collection, much like I did with my skincare line. That way, people can use the products all together. Other products will roll out later over the years. Everyone can absolutely use this line; it’s for all hair types. Like our skincare formulas, our hair care is designed to be flexible and customizable to your specific concerns.

Did these launches feel like a natural progression for the brand?

Yes, very much so. It’s a natural step for us to make toward taking care of the scalp, which is skin, and the skin on the body. I’m not sure where these products have been all my life!

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Hamilton shirts are available in both classically tailored silhouettes (in more than 500 fabrics) and Western styles with local flair, and with fourth-generation family members and siblings David and Kelly Hamilton at the helm, the brand is evolving with the launch of its first women’s collection. “I’ve wanted to have a women’s collection ever since I can remember,” says Kelly Hamilton, who oversaw the collection.

“I won’t lie: It hasn’t been easy, and we’ve tried and failed a few times. But we learned an extraordinary amount from what didn’t work, and I can now say with total confidence that we offer women shirts with the best fit, fabric selections, and styling options in the market.”

Two of the brand’s new women’s shirts.

What was it like growing up in such a sartorial family?

My dad is always impeccably dressed and has a deep knowledge of quality craftsmanship. That’s had a large influence on me; I really do love a handmade garment.

What stamp have you left on the company?

One of the things I’ve focused on is the overall experience our customers have—whether it’s in our store and factory or online. I want people to walk in and feel comfortable asking questions about the process, and leave feeling like they’ve had a truly unique experience.

What’s your favorite piece from the women’s line?

You can’t go wrong with a great-fitting white shirt. It’s versatile and will always be in style, not to mention it’s flattering on everyone.

What audience are you trying to reach with this launch?

I want women to know that this level of customization, which has historically only been available to men, is now available to them…and, frankly, that’s pretty awesome.

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What sets Paloma apart from its contemporaries is the brand’s commitment to using only clean beauty products free of toxic chemicals. The idea was born out of Naderi’s frustrations with the beauty offerings in Houston. As she says: “After a long day, I wanted to be able to go to a clean, consistently great, aesthetically pleasing nail salon and just relax—one that I could book online and show up at knowing my appointment would start and finish on time. There were so many things I wanted out of my bimonthly nail habit that just didn’t exist. So I created it.” Below, Naderi shares what to expect from the newest salon and for the future of the brand. paloma-beauty.com

Paloma Salon

Can you tell us a little about the new store?

The look will feel very Paloma-like. However, we’ve put careful thought into ensuring that the space feels appropriate to the C. Baldwin and the female-forward legacy the hotel represents. It will be stunning, luxurious, and a refuge for the downtown woman looking for a place to relax at the end of a hard day’s work.

How would you describe the Paloma experience?

Our team of nail techs and aestheticians love what they do, and that really shines during the nail and facial services. Our space and products are free of harmful chemicals that are commonly found in nail salons, so many times the feedback is simply “the air smelled so clean,” because I think people are so conditioned to noxious fumes. We offer great beverages options, seasonal polish colors, and safe yet results-oriented facial care products in a calm and inviting space.

RMS Beauty nail polish in Killer Red

What are your hopes for the future of the salon?

Our goal is to be able to offer the Paloma experience to many more clients. A personal ambition of mine is to have a teaching facility where we can train and educate nail technicians, because I’ve come to respect and admire how hard people in the beauty service industry work. It no longer holds true that you have to do 10 acrylic sets in a day to make a decent living. At Paloma, our team earns a fair income doing what they love in a clean and beautiful environment. That, in addition to having clients tell us that they can’t even imagine going to a strip mall nail salon, is more rewarding than I could ever explain to anyone.

Maryam’s Must-Have Clean Beauty Products

1. Skin and Senses Fearless Body Butter
“Can be applied head to toe if you are in a rush.”

2. Joanna Vargas Rejuvenating Serum
“It smells and feels divine.”

3. One Love Organics Vitamin E Eye Balm
“Super restorative for the delicate eye area.”

4. Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
“A product I’ve been using for over 10 years that can really do everything!”

5. Joon Saffron Hair Elixir
“A great, locally founded product that’s perfect for my frizzy hair, especially in the hot and humid Houston weather.”

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Dinner bookings available at handiesdouzo.com.

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“When we talk about colorful living, we certainly mean ‘colorful’ in a literal sense much of the time. But it goes deeper than that. Colorful living carries with it a connotation of empowered, bold, vibrant living. And that’s what we want to inspire in our community,” says Colbert, describing the mission geared toward not just the Houston community, but women across the country. “Particularly in today’s environment, we feel a special responsibility to aid women in their quests to live empowered lives.” Content ranges from shoppable styles (fashion and life) to city guides (highlighting Houston), and finally, business.

One of Houston’s eye-catching murals, by street artist GONZO247.

Fusing Colbert’s interests, she says, “I also actively invest in female-founded and female-run businesses. Furthermore, I serve on the executive advisory board for the University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering. That’s another way that I get to give back, by hopefully passing on some of the lessons I’ve learned.”

It’s clear Colbert nurtures a passion for community, especially within her city. “Given the tremendous success of our Houston mural guide, we’ve set out on a mission to document (through original photography, details, and other helpful hints) colorful walls all over America,” Colbert says, describing the site’s most current project, expanding well beyond Houston. “Anyone and everyone can go enjoy the art, take a photo, and spend quality time with loved ones. These walls are bringing people together.” Plus, Colbert will elevate your Instagram feed with more color by way of @carriec.

Main photo credit: Maritere Rice

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That’s when Enav, a Harvard Business School graduate whose family has held real estate in Houston since the 1980s, started reimagining the boundaries of one property in the heart of downtown to fill a void with his soon-to-launch Lyric Market—a 31,000-square-foot chef-driven culinary marketplace at Smith and Prairie Streets. “A big bazaar is kind of missing in the States, and this can be one of the most visited places,” he says. “The food is slightly selfish… I have an office in the building, and we go to the Alley Theatre and ballet a lot, but we were always starved for places to dine because everything shuts down before the shows even end.”

By June 2015, Enav had a team of notable architects, including James Beard Award-winning designer Jimi Yui of YuiDesign, in place to create the $58-million glass-enclosed project from the ground up—complete with an 800-spot parking garage and the same LED technology as the Empire State Building so the entire structure changes color. “I worked really hard to make it not look like a parking garage,” he says. To help traffic flow and “activate” its sidewalk, Lyric Market purchased a lane of traffic from City of Houston.

As for what’s inside, Enav tapped Houston restaurant group Clark Cooper Concepts (known for local favorites Brasserie 19, Ibiza Food & Wine Bar and Coppa Osteria) to recruit the roster of restaurants and shops, which includes its own cocktail and tapas bar. “The bar is right in the middle, and the design circles around that,” Enav says, “so you get a feel for night during the day.” Visitors will also get to taste the world when they step into the market—think New York City pizza and German kolaches, plus local barbecue, tacos and a steakhouse. The crown jewel is the rooftop terrace with a pop-up stage for live music and fire pits while the basement is home to a hidden speakeasy inspired by a Tel Aviv hotspot with world-renowned mixologists, and every mix is made by hand. “We like people who have a great story, and some are local, some are not,” he says, adding that there’s also an oyster bar, a ramen house, a burger joint a patisserie with bread and macarons and retailers with fresh produce, specialty vinegars, oils, spices, sliced cheese and meats to take home by the pound. Not unlike the feeling he and his wife felt back in Sarona Market, Enav wants his grand new market to be “a destination, not just an item of convenience,” he says. “The emphasis is on the experience.”

Main photo courtesy of Neezo Studios

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Along with all the newness comes the closing of beloved Underbelly, which Shepherd says “got too big and had too many restrictions.” It will be home to the 180-seat Georgia James, which will get a slick interior redesign with a lot of glass and steel, as well as room for table side carts, but no wood-burning oven. Steaks cook in cast-iron, and the restaurant will be open for dinner only, seven days a week.

Photo credit: Lucy Hewett

One Fifth’s second concept, Romance Languages, closes at July’s end to make way for Mediterranean, the third variation of Shepherd’s brainchild to push himself as a cook and learn new cuisines and techniques. “Our eating experiences are better for it, not to mention our empathy and understanding for those who are different than us,” says Shepherd, a Tulsa native who grew up going to Lebanese steakhouses. “As a kid, it was normal to eat tabouli alongside a rib-eye, and it wasn’t until later that I realized it was a result of the Lebanese population in Tulsa. Looking back, it was my first time experiencing the merging of cultures.”

And that’s exactly what his chef de cuisine, Nick Wong, formerly of Momofuku Ssäm Bar, is doing at the 80-seat UB Preserv, with a menu that mirrors the diversity of the city. “Houston doesn’t limit itself, and neither do we,” says Shepherd. He, Wong and Underbelly Hospitality culinary director, Nick Fine, designed dishes that they, as cooks and students of H-Town culture, want to eat. Think crawfish and noodles made with garlic, crawfish tails and crispy rice noodles from Vietnamese shop Van Loi—and don’t miss Dim Sum-style brunch on Sundays.

The changing culinary scene is a positive step as the city continues to recover from 2017’s Hurricane Harvey. Says Shepherd, “We got kicked in the knees a year ago, but this is a city that’s thriving…and it’s ever-evolving.”

Main photo by Julie Soefer

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“We own a Bentley and Bugatti dealership right out front,” says Fertitta, describing the future site of Post Oak. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2018, the megaplex will house a 38-story hotel offices, restaurants, retail and, yes, Bentley, Bugatti and Rolls-Royce showrooms. Once complete, says Fertitta, the luxury fleet will adorn the hotel interior. “We’re actually moving the dealerships [inside] so the cars will be in the hotel,” he says. “It’s something really special; I don’t have to have any in my fleet because I can go grab them whenever I want.”

Besides the luxury cars a la carte, the hospitality-meets-retail concept is poised to resemble the mixed-use developments popping up across luxury markets, from Miami’s Faena District to New York’s Hudson Yards. Indeed, Post Oak, which derives its name from the old-growth oak trees that surround the area, will include Texas’s first Mastro’s Steakhouse – a New York institution that Fertitta added to his restaurant portfolio five years ago.

Despite his status as a business leader and kingmaker (he deploys his Midas touch as the host of CNBC’s entrepreneur competition Billion Dollar Buyer), it’s clear Fertitta’s heart lies in Houston. In late 2017, he legendarily bid a record-breaking $2.2 billion for the Houston Rockets – thus acquiring the team he’d cheered on courtside for decades. And through it all, he’s never lost perspective. “When one of my kids recently asked for money for Christmas shopping, I said, ‘When I was your age, I always had money.’ I always worked hard.”

Main image: Donna Ward/Getty Images

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Houston caftan makers Mirth will release a collection of tops for the first time this fall. Launched in 2016 by sisters Katie and Erin McClure, Mirth specializes in ethically sourced super-breathable cotton, “Made with handwoven fabric, [the tops] are meant to transition from summer into fall,” says Katie. The McClure sisters donate five percent of profits to education in Bagru, India.

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Newport Beach import Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is the latest addition to the Westheimer Road strip, sandwiched between the retail meccas of River Oaks District and Highland Village. Featuring nearly 100 whiskeys and potent cocktails like the bourbon-based 38 Special—to be paired with comforting seasonal dishes like bourbon chicken flatbread and Gulf shrimp and grits—the expansive, industrial-chic space’s highlight is a 2,000-square-foot patio just begging for toasts. The “Breakfast in Bed” shot is a must with brunch.

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Downtown Houston

Where to eat:

Cuisine is front and center in the city, as evidenced by its approximately 10,000 restaurants. One of 2017’s most anticipated openings is One Fifth Steak—the first of five new limited-edition eateries from chef Chris Shepherd, owner of the critically acclaimed Underbelly and 2014 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s award for best Southwestern chef. Debuting in January, the new spot shares Underbelly’s recipe for success: Shepherd’s use of all cuts of meat. “Even as a kid, I understood the importance of utilizing a whole animal,” he says. “It’s how I cook at home, and it’s how we’re going to cook at One Fifth.” Get it while it’s hot because, as part of the chef’s plan to open five restaurants over five years in the same building, Shepherd’s steakhouse will turn into One Fifth Romance Languages (featuring food from Spain, France and Italy) next September. 

One Fifth Romance Languages

Where to shop: 

In the year–and–change since it opened, the River Oaks District has quickly become one of the city’s top purveyors of all things luxe. Already home to outposts of Tom Ford, Jo Malone and Harry Winston, the indoor–outdoor mall recently welcomed branches of Indonesia–based jeweler John Hardy and Texas’ iconic Forty Five Ten boutique. 

Omni Houston Hotel

Where to party:

Whether your team wins or loses, Omni Houston Hotel’s iconic nightclub, Black Swan, is the place to celebrate (or forget) in style. Fresh off a $2 million  facelift, the 30-year-old haunt’s rebirth isn’t restricted to décor—behind the bar, expect new cocktails like the LeFleur (a sparkler made with fresh raspberries) and the Houston Sour (a whiskey sour with a dash of red wine). But longtime patrons needn’t fret: The club’s namesake drink, a mix of vodka, sparkling wine and lemon juice, hasn’t gone anywhere. 

One Fifth Romance Languages/Photo by Julie Soefer Photography. All other images courtesy.

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Fleurs d’Opales opal, sapphire, garnet, amethyst and white gold ring, CHOPARD, price upon request

Chopard
As the multi-use development River Oaks District evolves, stores like Chopard continue to fill the retail powerhouse. “Houston has become an epicenter for luxury,” says Ralph Simons, Chopard’s CEO for North America. “We’re thrilled to launch our first boutique in Texas, and we look forward to welcoming friends into our stunning new home.” The 1,230-square-foot store really does feel like home, with plush furniture and wood floors and walls. And there’s a special timepiece to celebrate the opening. The Happy Texas Limited Edition Sport watch features trios of sapphires and rubies with a diamond star—but there are only 25 to be had.

4444 Westheimer Road; us.chopard.com

Dress, $190; top, $125; skirt, $115, COS

COS
Inspired by art and design, Swedish fashion label COS (shorthand for Collection of Style) will unveil its first Texas outpost at River Oaks District—just a year after its U.S. debut. The 4,380-square-foot corner site “provided us with the ideal location,” says managing director Marie Honda, to highlight the brand’s “clean and understated” designs.

4444 Westheimer Road; cosstores.com

Vitrail Photophore and Oiseaux Photophore votives, each $160, DIPTYQUE

Diptyque
Meanwhile, Diptyque is burning up its River Oaks District jewel box with the La Collection 34 and Oud Palao scents. “This boutique in Houston’s new premier shopping destination will build the customer experience by allowing guests to explore our full range of offerings,” says Donna DiDonato, the brand’s U.S. managing director. That means those decadent designer candles (in glass that deserves repurposing after burning), parfums, soaps, body care and more. 

4444 Westheimer Road; diptyqueparis.com

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Grilled Gulf Fish, Grits, Pickled Shrimp, Roasted Carrots, and Fumet dish from Bernadine’s

Menu highlights include fish and chips tartare, a chocolate mice dessert and whiskey cocktails. Next-door neighbor Bernadine’s shares the same footprint—and emphasis on quality and hospitality. The newcomer has a fully stocked raw bar, a mean Bloody Mary and decadent dishes like New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp toast and duck breast glazed in Dr. Pepper. Meanwhile, about two miles away, Foreign Correspondents whips up standouts like lemongrass-and-tamarind fish soup and sticky rice with lightly salted and grilled mackerel, caramelized shallots and fresh cucumber. “It’s pretty amazing to have all three of the restaurants now open. Exhausting, challenging, yet ultimately very fulfilling,” says Treadsack co-owner Chris Cusack. “There’s nothing like inviting guests into a dining room to serve them for the first time. It’s what I live for.”

treadsack.com

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There are more than 100 steps that go into making a custom-designed pair of Lucchese’s boots, but the first step to actually owning a pair is making your way to the Texas-based brand’s new Highland Village store.

Inside the Lucchese store

Designed by Lucchese co-owner Lyn Muse (also of Lyn Muse Interiors in Dallas), the shop has warm western touches like a ceiling made of hand-hewn white oak beams reclaimed from barns built in the 1800s and matching hardwood floors and display fixtures. It’s chock-full of merchandise, including a footwear collection and equestrian-inspired bags; the store also stocks Lyle Lovett for Hamilton Shirts, Hudson Jeans and the largest selection of Clint Orms Silversmiths’ one-of-a-kind, hand-engraved belt buckles, made in Ingram, Texas.

“There are so many must-haves, it’s difficult to choose just one,” says retail director Jay Hamby.

Boot prices range from $595 to $12,995, for a men’s American alligator style.

Tod’s
5085 Westheimer Road

Houston marks the spot for Tod’s 10th U.S. boutique. The store, at the Galleria, showcases men’s and women’s collections and features walls made of mixed materials, like saddle-stitched leather boiseries, bright wood-coated panels and gray stone.

Tod’s denim espadrille, Cape bag and Secchiello Mini bag

“The idea was to make our clients feel at home,” says CEO Diego Della Valle. “A house built in a classic Italian style with thousands of fine details is always rare to find.”

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The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

At Hotel ZaZa, pictured above, the ZaSpa is always open to non-hotel guests, and anyone who’s booked a treatment is granted entry to the cabana-style pool for the day. “Poolside at Hotel ZaZa never fails to be an escape from the ordinary,” says Matthew Nuss, president of hotel operations for Z Resorts. Don’t sweat the heat index!

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Looking to create “a new experience in getting your hair done,” 20-something stylists and owners Travis Player and Roi Alan revealed TEASE Color & Style Bar in July. “We wanted a space where you can relax and disconnect from the world while getting beautified,” Player says of the newest addition to the Upper Kirby area. He and Alan designed it with the busy and fashion-forward in mind. Services include cuts, color, blowouts, conditioning treatments, extensions and makeup. The sleek salon, envisioned by Dennis Brackeen Design Group, features an inspired blue ombré wall, plus products by Bumble & Bumble, Kérastase, JK Cosmetics by Jentry Kelley and FORM, their in-house line developed using client feedback.

2828 Richmond Avenue
teasehairhouston.com

The Vanity Lounge

The Vanity Lounge

For flawlessly applied eyelashes and glamorous makeup—in the central location of Upper Kirby’s West Ave development—see Aubrie Layne, the principal makeup artist at The Vanity Lounge. A seasoned artist with a decade of training from Laura Mercier, she also started her own faux-lash company, Lucky Cat Beauty, and has worked with Molly Sims. The menu of services has just expanded with some of the most in-demand beauty experts and new concepts in town. These include makeup artist Tonya Riner, Glow Bar (organic spray-tan sculpting by the city’s best, Throwing Copper) and Facial Bar from esthetician Natalie Bolton, famous for her nonsurgical face-lift and express prep and peel facial treatments.

2800 Kirby Drive
vlhouston.com

Studio A Salon

The Beauty Brigade 

Nails, hair, makeup and waxing, oh my! Clients can check off their entire beauty to-do list with one stop by the neighboring Rice Village houses, home to Studio A Salon, Mai’s Nail Perfection and Svelte Waxing. “You can get a mani-pedi while you’re getting a blowout with me or makeup application with artist Bunmi Bush,” says Studio A owner David Armendariz, who has the Southwest exclusive on Italian makeup brand Lord & Berry cosmetics (best known for its Kajal Stick eyeliner). “We’ve got you covered.” Plus, Mai’s sells accessories like earrings and clutches if anyone needs some last-minute bling.

2405 Sunset Boulevard
studioahouston.com
maisnailperfection.com

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Discovery Green
1500 McKinney Street
discoverygreen.com
Dancing, exercise classes, shopping markets, water installations and more make this an oasis of fun for kids and adults alike. Don’t be intimidated to check out their evening classes. Kayaking in the summertime is a popular pick.

Hermann Park

Hermann Park
6001 Fannin Street
houstontx.gov/parks/ourparks/hermannpark.html
The extensive grounds include a Garden Center and mini train ride, making it ideal for kids. After they’ve tired of the park’s offerings, head over to the nearby Houston Zoo.

Houston Ballet
601 Preston Street
houstonballet.org
The Houston Ballet performs in both classical and contemporary styles of dance, pleasing even the most discerning audiences. And if you have kids interested in pursuing ballet themselves, you’ll have to check out the classes available at the Academy.

Houston Rodeo
8334 Fannin Street
rodeohouston.com
It wouldn’t be Texas without a rodeo, and Houston’s is top-notch. Cowboys take the sport very seriously, so come prepared for lots of action and intense competition. And if bull riding just isn’t your thing, check out the horse shows and concerts that also take place at the venue.

Music With Friends

Music With Friends
800 Bagby Street
musicwithfriends.com
This private club originated in North Carolina, worked its way to South Carolina, came to Tennessee and this fall lands in Houston. Started by Larry Farber, the concept is simple: listening to music is more fun when you’re with close friends instead of a massive audience. The exclusive membership gets you access to some of the best concerts in the country.

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Deer Lake Lodge

Deer Lake Lodge
10500 Deer Lake Lodge Road
deerlakelodge.com
Deer Lake Lodge is an eco-friendly destination spa set on 50 acres in a Lake Conroe resort community, minutes from Houston. It specializes in detoxification through natural spa treatments, yoga, juice fasting and colonics, and is the first wellness resort of its kind in the region.

Edward Sanchez Vanity Lounge
2800 Kirby Drive #110
escvanitylounge.com
Makeup maven Edward Sanchez brings unique beauty services from all around the world to his Houston salon, including lash dipping, couture eyebrow sculpting and makeup classes where clients are advised on how to best use the products in their makeup bags. Sanchez has worked with Joan Rivers, Queen Noor of Jordan and George Clooney.

Façade
1101 Uptown Park Boulevard
facadeuptown.com
When New Yorkers Anna Wintour and Vera Wang visit Houston, they come to Corinne Williams for specialty services that are in high demand. Along with eyebrow shaping and makeup application lessons, Williams specializes in creating the perfect party face.

Solution for Hair
1800 Westheimer Road
solutionforhair.com
Salon founder Brad Hensler prides himself on providing the best hair color in Houston. With more than 25 years of experience, you are in good hands as he’s colored the tresses of top models Coco Rocha and Alessandra Ambrosio.

Tre Spa

Tre Spa
2516 Sunset Boulevard
trespasalon.com
When Trey Gillen opened Tre Spa, the NYC-trained stylist wanted his salon to be an escape into a lovely, beauty-inspired bungalow. His spa menu features beauty products by Sachajuan, Jemma Kidd and a Texas exclusive on the sleekly packaged BRAD Biophotonic Skin Care line—a science-savvy, 15-piece collection for men and women.

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When it’s too hot to eat heavy, get six pounds of raw produce in a single bottle of cold-pressed green juice from Austin-based Daily Greens. Founder Shauna Martin, who created Daily Greens after her breast cancer diagnosis at age 33, credits her resilient health to daily green juicing. drinkdailygreens.com

Coolest Coffee

They take it Seattle-level serious at Blacksmith coffee bar and restaurant in Montrose, and you can have your handmade cup of joe any way you like it. We’ll take it iced and served up by dapper barista John Letoto. 1018 Westheimer Road, 832-360-7470

Creamiest Cone

Don’t just scream for ice cream, run out and get a scoop of the house-made stuff from Cloud 10 Creamery. Opened by pastry chef Chris Leung, the shop whips up small-batch flavors like buttermilk chai and lime-ceylon cinnamon with no artificial ingredients. 5216 Morningside Drive, cloud10creamery.com

Best Way to Get Around

Join the B-cycle bike-share program and feel the breeze while getting around downtown quickly. The program has expanded to 29 racks, and members can pick up and return a bike to any station. Bonus: It tracks your mileage and calories burned. houston.bcycle.com 

Boldest Jewelry

Boho-chic accessories made of glimmering agate and gold instantly elevate sundresses and shorts. “There’s no simpler way to dress up your look than with the right jewelry,” says Temple Street founder Ana Mae Holmes, who designs vibrant, easy-breezy pendants and other pieces. shoptemplestreet.com

Best Park to Visit

There’s never been a better time to visit Hermann Park, currently celebrating its 100th anniversary. The Centennial Art Project commemorates the milestone with a series of installations on the grounds by artists including Orly Genger (above) and Trenton Doyle Hancock. hermannpark.org

MORE:

All About 3 Up-And-Coming Houston Designers
Native Houstonian Lyle Lovett Gives the Shirt Off His Back
The Faces Behind Houston’s Most Coveted Beauty Brands

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“Houston is historically a bold, powerful, daring and entrepreneurial city, always forward-thinking—qualities that are exactly what Bulgari stands for in the world of jewelry,” said Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin.

After taking in the exhibit, guests were treated to an Italian dinner in a room outfitted to look like the Spanish Steps in Rome with flourishes like terra-cotta pots of azaleas, floral chandeliers and candlelit tables.

“Whatever you wear from Bulgari makes such a statement while managing to combine the old Italian heritage with a modern edge,” says actress Naomi Watts, who was in attendance. “The great thing about Bulgari is that it remains timeless and classic.”

Click through the gallery above to see photos from the event.

MORE:

A Look at Naomi Watts’ Bulgari Serpenti Watch
3 Insiders on Why Houston Fashion is On Fire
Eric Bana’s Bulgari Finissimo Octo

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“I’ve always been interested in fashion, and as a performer, you have to be conscious of it—or at least you should be,” he says with a chuckle. A loyal fan of the company, Lovett had been personalizing his Hamilton orders with different yokes, cuts, scalloping and more for more than a decade before approaching sibling owners David and Kelly Hamilton in January about partnering on a special collection. “I was going through my changes with David, and I asked, ‘Do you think anyone else would like these, that we could sell these?’ ” Lovett remembers. “He went for the idea.”

In a matter of months, the style-savvy crooner’s shirt specs—a trimmer fit, three-button cuffs, more than 23 different fabrics and distinctive, carved-horn buttons—became part of “the strongest product launch for us,” David Hamilton says. Indeed, the designer had a feeling Lovett’s customizations would appeal to a broader range of clients. “Lyle is sophisticated, local and unique, and that’s everything we’ve ever wanted Hamilton to be,” he says. “[The collaboration] needed to be authentic, and what Lyle designed feels very real to us.”

Lovett says he wears a Hamilton shirt every day, and he’s been known to pair a white button-down with a Prada suit onstage. “It’s kind of a luxury,” he says. The star says he still has every Hamilton shirt he’s ever bought, “because it’s such a classic design. I’ve never had anything happen to one.” So how many shirts does he own? “More than I can wear at once.”

MORE:

The Allure of the White Shirt
Gianluca Isaia on Personal Style
Rarefiedand Refined Collections from Young Designers

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Hotel Granduca
1080 Uptown Park Boulevard
granducahouston.com
For a taste of Old World charm in the Galleria district, Hotel Granduca offers 122 Italian-inspired guest rooms, poolside cabanas and a lush green garden that will make you want to spend an indulgent day outdoors.

Hotel Icon
220 Main Street
hotelicon.com
In a subtle nod to Texas style, interior designer Kimberly Miller outfitted Hotel Icon’s 135 rooms with fun wall art and belted leather drapes. Take advantage of the hotel’s premier pampering service, which offers in-room spa treatments and a butler who will draw your bath.

Hotel Zaza
5701 Main Street
hotelzaza.com
Hotel Zaza’s spacious guest suites start at more than 700 square feet and mix modern décor with Italian touches like-leopard print rugs, crystal chandeliers and red velvet drapes. For the most exceptional views and accommodations, we recommend the Rock Star Suite.

La Colombe D’Or
3410 Montrose Boulevard
lacolombedor.com
La Colombe D’Or’s surrounding area is hotter than ever. With just five suites and nine villas, the former Fondren mansion is just steps away from all the luxury shops and galleries along Houston’s Museum District.

Omni
Four Riverway
omnihotels.com
Omni hotel continues to wow visitors with French-inspired décor and on-site amenities. Guests in need of relaxation should spend a day in Mokara’s 7,100-square-foot spa before partaking of executive chef Enrique Perez’s pan-Asian cuisine.

St. Regis

The St. Regis
1919 Briar Oaks Lane
stregishoustonhotel.com
In the heart of Houston’s Galleria district, St. Regis offers a 24-hour butler service and in-room spa treatments where highly trained staff pamper guests with Ayurvedic Rituals and anti-aging facials.

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Caracol
2200 Post Oak Boulevard
caracol.net
For the best in coastal Mexican cuisine, this uptown restaurant features a massive seafood bar with oysters shucked-to-order. We recommend the mouthwatering wood-roasted batch drizzled in chipotle butter.

Da Marco
1520 Westheimer Road
damarcohouston.com
This Montrose Italian restaurant specializes in homemade pasta dishes and a number of truffle-infused delights from black-truffle risotto to white-truffle ice cream.

Goode Company BBQ
5109 Kirby Drive
goodecompany.com
One thing you’ll never find here: an electric grill. Since 1977, Goode Company BBQ has been slow cooking its meats over mesquite Texas wood to keep with family tradition. Its pecan pies are also a draw, so make room for dessert.

Killen’s Barbeque

Killen’s Barbeque
3613 East Broadway Street, Pearland
killensbarbecue.com
Chef Ronnie Killen, the Texas pit master behind his popular namesake steakhouse, has meat lovers queue up in Pearland for as long as two hours just to get a plate of his savory smoked ribs.

Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette
4224 San Felipe Street
libertykitchenoysterette.com
This American restaurant features fresh local seafood items like the 40- ounce Freedom Gumbo, which fills guests up with a generous portion of lobster, jumbo shrimp, oysters and lump crab—all in one delicious bite.

Oxheart Pass and Provisions
1302 Nance Street
oxhearthouston.com
A dual upscale-meets-casual restaurant concept from executive chefs Terrence Gallivan and Seth Siegel-Gardner serves dinner in a historic warehouse space. Menu items include 48-hour braised beef and for dessert, a pannacotta layered beet cake with yuzu sherbet, juniper, fresh cilantro and syrup.

Punk’s Simple Southern Food

Punk’s Simple Southern Food
5212 Morningside Drive
punkssimplesouthernfood.com
For classic Southern fare with a twist, come here for lunch and order Brandi Key’s buttermilk fried chicken served with horseradish mashed gravy and biscuits.

Sparrow Bar + Cookshop

Sparrow Bar + Cookshop
3701 Travis Street
sparrowhouston.com
Renowned chef Monica Pope’s restaurant is a retooled iteration of her 10-year success story t’afia. Housed in the same 1940s-era Midtown warehouse, Pope gets back to basics. Expect shiitake mushroom dumplings, pomegranate-marinated tofu and venison noisettes.

Tiny Boxwoods
3614 West Alabama Street
tinyboxwoods.com
Chef Baron Doke of Tiny Boxwoods offers his selection of cured meats, cheeses and seasonal pastries at his chic Highland Village hot spot, which also hosts Saturday night movies on the lawn.

Uchi
904 Westheimer Road
uchirestaurants.com/Houston
With Bravo’s Top Chef: Texas winner Paul Qui at the helm, this popular eatery has won over locals and was even named one of the Best New Sushi Restaurants in America by Bon Appétit. If you can’t get a dinner reservation, stop by the daily Sake Social at 5 P.M. for the small-plates menu and drinks specials.

Underbelly
1100 Westheimer Road
underbellyhouston.com
Chef Chris Shepherd takes visitors on a culinary journey with his own rendition of Creole cuisine. The local farm advocate prides himself in serving family-style dinner portions thanks to his restaurant’s whole animal program and in-house butcher shop.

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