It feels like Texas didn't get the message, but spring is, in fact, on the horizon. And with a new season comes a slew of anticipated store openings—plus forthcoming beauty destinations, crowdfunding for a Houston-based/French-made footwear brand, and pop-ups just in time for Valentine's Day.

Coming Soon to Rice Village

• tasc Performance: The New Orleans-based, family-owned-and-operated brand will open early this year on Morningside Drive near Tecovas and Black Walnut Cafe. Tasc's activewear is made from natural materials like bamboo and organic cotton, and its special "Bamboo Performance Technology" is moisture-wicking, guards against odor, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection. The Rice Village store will be tasc's second location, and its first outside the Big Easy.
• MYX Blend Bar: Staff "MYXologists" will help customers create their own lipsticks and glosses personalized with shimmer, glitter, custom fragrances, SPF, vitamins, anti-aging treatments, and more at this interactive beauty brand's first Houston location, opening on Amherst St. next to Prego in early spring. "When we were scouting locations in Houston, our team was incredibly impressed with Rice Village's strong sense of community, as well as its unique ability to appeal to all Houstonians," said MYX founder Rebekah Reedy Miller. "We're all about celebrating diversity and encouraging people to embrace their personal styles—so Rice Village felt like a natural fit from the beginning."
• Face Haus: Facials that don't break the bank are coming to the Bayou City thanks to this L.A.-based spot with a mission of making quality skincare accessible to everyone—think spa-grade skincare at wallet-friendly price-points (the Haus Special signature facial is $65). Founded in 2013 with locations in California, New York City, and Dallas, the Haus will debut in Houston next to Sunglass Hut in early spring.
• Madison Reed Color Bar: We sang the praises of this non-toxic, salon-quality hair color last month after it opened two Houston locations in Katy and The Woodlands. Now, Inner Loopers rejoice: The beauty subscription service's signature color-only salon concept rolls into Rice Village (next to Face Haus) in early spring.
• Paddywax Candle Bar: The DIY-craze comes to candles via this Nashville-based pour-your-own purveyor, where customers can also pick their own fragrance and vessel for their soy creation. Paddywax will serve drinks (alcoholic and non) on a limited basis and cater to individuals, groups, and private events. The concept will open this summer on Morningside Drive next to Tecovas.

And elsewhere...

Aritizia

Today—Feb 6—marks the upscale women's brand's Galleria store opening—its first Houston location and fourth in Texas, joining two existing stores in Dallas and one in Austin that debuted yesterday. The Canadian-based design house develops and primarily sells its own in-store brands, like Wilfred, Babaton, and Sunday Best, though it also carries brands like Levi's, Citizens of Humanity, and Ksubi. Founded in 1984, Aritzia now has more than 95 locations across North America, with each boutique designed individually. The Houston store is feminine and spacious, featuring lush plants, eclectic vintage furniture, curated artworks, and luxe finishes like a pink quartz wall and cash desk.

Manor

Poised to become Valentine's Day gift central, Manor Home Decor celebrated its grand opening Feb 4 at Redemption Square in Generation Park. The Houston-based, woman-owned e-tailer of home goods, cheeky gifts, and sweets is popping up IRL with a collection of decor, jewelry, candles, mugs, and more—all perfectly giftable for that special someone. 250 Assay St.; open Tues–Sat 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m., closed Mon.

Pop-Up Shop at Emmaline

Come for the Cacio e pepe and sparkling rosé, stay for the curated pop-up shop happening Feb 12 in the Montrose eatery's darling sunroom. Sip (specially priced cocktails and wine) and shop V-Day gifts (including for yourself, no shame) from local designers including Lindsey Leigh Jewelry, GoldenStrand Jewelry, Carla Valencia Designs, and Sessy's Sweets. The fun lasts from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., so it'd be wise to coordinate your shopping trip with brunch or HH—book a reservation on OpenTable or at 713-523-3210. 3210 W. Dallas St.; Wed, Feb 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cherry Blow Dry Bar

Good hair is coming to Cypress in the form of the community's first dedicated salon for blowouts. Cherry Blow Dry Bar, a national chain offering blowouts; hair extensions and treatments; makeup applications; lash extensions, and more through a membership model will celebrate its Cypress location grand opening on Feb 10. Franchise owners and Cypress residents Shazia and Hamza Darugar were drawn to Cherry's membership-based business model and offering an affordable salon experience for time-pressed customers. Memberships start at around $70 a month for two monthly blowouts, and customers can choose from Cherry's menu of nine different hairstyles, including updos, braids, beachy waves, and voluminous curls. The Cypress salon will also offer four lash styles.

The Darugars moved to the U.S. in 2012 from Tanzania, where they ran a successful business. They chose to sacrifice that for a shot at a better life for their family—and better education for their three children. "It has been a rewarding experience for us during these seven years in the U.S., and we cannot wait to open our first business in our hometown of Cypress," said Shazia. 25712 Northwest Freeway, Suite C, Cypress; grand opening Monday, Feb 10.

Atelier Aliénor

Fans of this Houston-based brand for authentic French espadrilles have a unique opportunity to show their support: Now through Mar 1, Atelier Aliénor is running a crowdfunding campaign in hopes of raising $15,000 on Indiegogo. At the time of this writing, 35 backers had pledged more than $4,000, making them eligible for perks like discounted and customized sandal styles.

Launched in 2017 by French expat Laurie Cazaux—who moved from Paris to Houston the year prior—Atelier Aliénor is dedicated to preserving the traditional craft of espadrilles, part of the cultural heritage of the South of France where only one-percent of the world's espadrilles are currently handmade. The breezy, summery shoe is a mainstay in France, and Cazaux is on a mission to spread the love stateside with durable jute soles, super-soft canvas or leather, and lace-up linen ribbons in closed-toe, slide, and crossover styles—all eco-friendly and pitch-perfect for Houston's warm weather months on the horizon.