10 To-Dos in Houston This Season

By The Inside Source
December 4, 2009

The ice skaters are circling the towering tree at the Galleria and the city is finally experiencing cooler temps, so it must be time for season’s greetings. Shop and sip to your heart’s content; it’s a ho-ho-haute holiday season in Houston. Here are ten things to do there right now.

1. Coquette

1848 Westheimer, 713-527-7377

This brand new shop in Montrose combines your favorite activities: shopping, eating and imbibing. The stylish boutique stocks hard-to-find flirty labels in a range of price points, like LNA and Wildfox. We love the ode to international style setters (like Karl and Kate) in the fitting room and restroom as well as the chance to grab a snack freshly baked by Krafts’men Bakery right on the sales floor. Coming soon: The shop will morph into a speakeasy for an invited few by nightfall and will house a pair of psychics in the back room to read fortunes during regular shopping hours. Coquette is all decked out for the holidays with festive trees out front and a pretty red front door.

2. Fabergé Exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

1 Hermann Circle Dr., 713-639-4600 www.hmns.org

Known worldwide for his intricate designs on decorative eggs, jeweler Carl Fabergé spent his career creating extravagant pieces for royal and wealthy patrons. Some of his most impressive bling is on display until next spring at The Houston Museum of Natural Science. “Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars” includes jaw-dropping jewelry, boxes, a tiara, picture frames and, of course, the iconic eggs. Faberge created colors that have never again been duplicated in jewels, and this is the first time this private collection has been on display to the public.

3. Abejas

5600 Kirby S-4, 713-522-3025 www.abejasboutique.com

Hit Abejas Boutique Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a trunk show featuring affordable jewelry designed by local fashionista (and former Abejas shop girl) Lindley Bertin. The stunning gold line, Korcula, is inspired by exotic island locales and has been spotted on celebs like eBay fan Kim Kardashian. The event features wine, in-store promotions and appearances by the designer.

4. Elaine Turner

2437 University Boulevard, 713-521-2645 www.elaineturner.com

Local accessories queen Elaine Turner is doing her part to spread cheer this season. Donate a gently used handbag or pair of shoes to The Women's Home by bringing it to her Rice Village flagship boutique through December 16th and exchange your donation for an in-store coupon. Feeling festive? Hit the shop’s cocktail party on Thursday, December 8th, from 6 - 8 p.m. A portion of sales of sparklers like sequin flats and clutches and Hazel Smyth jewelry that night also benefit The Women’s Home. There will be raffles prizes, plus bubbles, baubles and bites. Let them know you’re coming at rsvphouston@elaineturner.com.

5. Heights Holiday Home Tour

www.houstonheights.org

The historic Heights neighborhood is all lit up Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5. This weekend marks the annual Holiday Home Tour, so grab a hot chocolate and take in festive displays in pristine bungalows and Victorian mansions by way of a guided tour. On Friday from 6 – 9 p.m., the boutiques and restaurants along nearby 19th Street are celebrating with Holiday on 19^th. Stroll the block until you find your way to the new home of Sew Crafty (pictured above), the chic sewing lounge and craft studio where the hipster owners are getting in the spirit with all day crafts, snacks and sips. For $5, you can make all the holiday cards you want with their fun supplies. The celebrations continue on Saturday with the neighborhood’s Mistletoe Madness from noon to 5 p.m.

6. Rachelle Thiewes Exhibit at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

4848 Main St., 713-529-5858 www.crafthouston.org

Through December 24th, you can get a dose of culture and shopping at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. “Texas Masters Series: Rachelle Thiewes” is an exhibition of jewelry by the El Paso metal artist, and all the works are for sale. The stunning pieces include a steel bracelet decorated with automobile paint, kinetic earrings and magnetic brooches. Free admission.www.crafthouston.org 4848 Main St., (713) 529-4848

7."The Santaland Diaries" at The Alley Theater

615 Texas Avenue, 713-220-5700 www.alleytheatre.org

He nearly made you pee your pants, and now can see his adaptation on stage. The Alley Theatre presents a one-man show based on American novelist David Sedaris’ book, “The Santaland Diaries.” The uproarious show, through December 27, tells of Sedaris’ real-life experiences working as an elf in Manhattan’s Macy’s flagship store during the holiday season. The one-hour show takes place on the Neuhaus StageTuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Friday evenings at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49.

8. pHDesign Shop

3306 South Shepherd, 713-522-8861 www.phdesignshop.com

Raise a glass each Wednesday for Hot Cocoa Happy Hours at pH Design Shop, a wonderland of pretty paper and gift items. The series of events kick off on December 9th from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy kir royales, an informal gift wrapping workshop, holiday bites, kid-friendly cider, and 15 percent off selected goodies. The remaining Wednesday events in December take place from 4 to 6 p.m.

8. Couture Blowout

1621 Westheimer Rd., 713-520-7585 www.couture-blowout.com

Couture Blowout is arguably the best consignment shop for high-end labels in all of Houston, and owner Fatou Fall has recently beefed up her holiday selection. Fall rescues discarded Birkin bags from socialite’s clients and merchandise from shuttered boutiques, marking them at least 50 percent off retail. That means shelves and racks in this Lower Westheimer shop are regularly stocked with never-worn Chanel, Gucci, Christian Louboutin and YSL, at crazy low prices. Fall's well-edited boutique is a regular stop for traveling fashionistas, who call her up from the East and West Coasts to get first dibs on her amazing finds.

10. History Through Clothing Exhibit at The Heritage Society

1100 Bagby, 713-655-1912 www.heritagesociety.org

The Heritage Society is currently showcasing Houston’s historic fashion in an exhibition called “Spinning a Yarn: Houston History Through Clothing” through January 3rd. See the fashions of 19^th century socialites, and learn how clothes made the woman at a time of evolving hemlines and heels. The tour takes place through historic houses in downtown’s Sam Houston Park. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays.

**Fabergé photo provided by C&M Photography. All other photos provided by featured locations.**

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