The Antiquarium

This paper-focused gallery holds a treasure trove of antiques, such as ancient maps and sea charts, and delicately rendered biographical portraits, old animal drawings, and original manuscripts. Fully embracing Houston’s legacy as the early government seat of the Republic of Texas (we like to claim we were the first capital, but technically that was the town of Columbia) the store also carries a plethora of historical Texas documents, maps, and currency, including Republic of Texas dollar bills. theantiquarium.com

William Ahad Oriental Rugs

Ahad Atabala first began working with oriental rugs back in 1958 in Tehran, Iran, opening his Houston rug cleaning, restoration, and sales shop in 1980. He and his son can flip through rugs like pages of a book, reading the story of each piece by interpreting the weave, the fabric type, the color patterns, and the dyes employed to create the vivid shades in each carpet. williamahadorientalrugs.com/houston

The Cotton Club

Visiting this little gray house in River Oaks is a must for the upscale Houstonian on the hunt for European brands like Sarah Pacini and Ilse Jacobsen. cottonclubcollection.com

Joan Pillow Bridal

Whether you’re searching for your wedding dress or debutante gown, you’re in good hands here—owner Joan Pillow trained under Lawrence Marcus (yes, from Neiman Marcus). joanpillowbridal.com 

Plants n’ Petals

Spruce up your living room with a weekly floral or plant subscription from this decades-old flower shop or explore the 30,000-square-foot showroom for wedding inspo. pnpflowers.com