Style & Shopping

Reality Reckoning

What America’s Next Top Model Taught Me—After I Made It Onto the Show

After Netflix’s Reality Check, Houstonia’s editor in chief revisits her time as a Cycle 14 semifinalist and what the modeling dream really cost.

02/20/2026 By Brittany Britto Garley

Cowboy Couture

Inside Houston’s Rodeo-Fueled Cowboy Boot Boom

As Western fashion goes global, Houston’s Rodeo culture keeps cowboy boots rooted in comfort, craftsmanship, and tradition.

02/19/2026 By Erica Cheng

Self-Care

The Best Day Spas and Massage Spots in Houston

These Houston-area spas offer massages, facials, saunas, and full-day escapes designed to help you truly unplug.

01/09/2026 By Uvie Bikomo, Brittany Britto Garley, and Houstonia Staff

Season’s Readings

Houston Bookstores’ Best Holiday Book Recommendations

Independent bookstores recommend their favorite holiday reads, including romance, thrillers, cookbooks, and books by local authors.

12/18/2025 By Holly Beretto

Touch of Gray

These Houston Photographers Honor the Dignity, Beauty of Gray Hair

Artists Masha Glebova and Cressandra Thibodeaux place older women front and center in their works, challenging viewers to acknowledge individual people as well as broader social issues.

12/17/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Closet Crush

How Hunter Bell Built a Loyal Fashion Following in Houston

After a move from New York, the contemporary label has built a steady following through warehouse events, seasonal collections, and a shift to direct-to-consumer sales.

12/16/2025 By Layne Van Vranken

Good Gifts Grown Here

Holiday Gift Guide for Shopping Local: From Texas, with Love

Shop small, shop Southern. Our editors rounded up the best Texas-made gifts for food lovers, coffee nerds, and artsy homebodies.

12/10/2025 By Erica Cheng, Meredith Nudo, and Houstonia Staff

Giving Season

Houston's Best Holiday Markets for Gift-Giving

Houston’s holiday markets serve up local makers, festive bites, Santa sightings, and unexpected finds for every name on your list.

12/03/2025 By Erica Cheng and Houstonia Staff

Goin’ to the Chapel

The Texas Renaissance Festival Might Be One of the State’s Most Magical (and Affordable) Wedding Venues

Couples can tie the knot amid castles, carriages, and costumed revelry—no stress required.

11/11/2025 By Jef Rouner

Look Up

Houston Designers Say the Ceiling Is Your Room’s 'Fifth Wall'—Here’s How to Style It

Houston interior pros reveal how to transform your ceiling from an afterthought to a design centerpiece.

08/01/2025 By Diane Cowen

Fun in the Sun

The Best Pool and Patio Trends to Entertain in Summery Style

From tech that keeps your pool the perfect temp to patio furniture that won’t go brittle under the sun, there’s plenty of options to welcome guests in comfort.

06/25/2025 By Diane Cowen

On the Record

Physical Music Is More Popular Than Ever in Houston

Even in the digital age, independent record stores like Cactus Music and Vinal Edge are thriving thanks to music fans wanting to support their favorite artists.

02/28/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Bayougraphy

Meet Jennifer Ford, Game-Changing Sneaker Retailer

Houston-based Premium Goods, the only Black woman–owned sneaker retailer in the country, turned 20 this year.

12/10/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

'Tis the Season

Houstonia’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to Shopping Local

Holiday shopping can be a hassle. But don't worry—we’ve got your back with a some of our local faves.

11/11/2024 By Uvie Bikomo and Meredith Nudo

Houstorian

The Funky Rice Village History You Didn’t Know

Houston’s shopping mecca wasn’t always home to fancy boutiques and eateries.

11/11/2024 By James Glassman

Good Stitch

Houston Hosts the Largest Quilt Festival in the World

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the International Quilt Festival brings the art form to the masses.

10/28/2024 By Diane Cowen

Vintage Playground

A Pro's Shopping Guide to the Round Top Antiques Show

Get your walking shoes on and measuring tape ready.

10/04/2024 By Diane Cowen

Crowning Glory

Black Hair Salons in Houston to Pamper Yourself

Getting your hair done should not have to be stressful.

08/21/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

Shop ’Til You Drop

Where to Spend a Fun Day of Shopping in Houston

From historic streets to new shopping centers, here's where to go for retail therapy.

07/24/2024 By Claire Anderson and Sofia Gonzalez

Bayougraphy

Danny Nguyen Is Taking Houston Fashion Global

The local designer’s creations are already putting the city on the map.

06/20/2024 By Uvie Bikomo