Texas-Centric Shopping Guide

Diehard locals know that Texas is more than just a state, it's a lifestyle, too. From cowboy approved fashion and accessories to rustic furniture and Lone Star-sourced edibles, Texas is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Celebrate your time in H-Town with finds from these area retailers. 

FASHION

Think of Cavender's Boot City as your one-stop-shop for the western look. From a huge selection of men's and women's boots, to cowboy hats and bejeweled belt buckles, Cavender’s is the place to find it all. Plus, the store has several locations around town to check out, including one near Reliant Park that is perfectly situated for pre-Rodeo excursions.

At Pinto Ranch guests will find authentic furnishings and Indian rugs, handcrafted tack, chaps and saddles, as well as beautifully designed boots, belts, buckles and apparel. Don’t miss Pinto Ranch’s jewelry cases, too, as they showcase an eye-catching array of handcrafted turquoise, coral, ruby and citrine pieces.

Looking for the perfect pair of broken-in boots? How about some interesting pieces of Texas history? You'll discover a lot of fun items along resale row on Lower Westheimer. The stretch of Westheimer from Woodhead Street to Windsor is home to a number of high-quality resale shops likely to have just what you're looking for (and a little of what you never knew you needed).

GIFTS

Remember your time in H-Town with an eclectic array of gifts from The Gift Store. Owner Bob Siegrist stocks his shop, which is tucked in a Westchase-area strip center, with everything from snow globes and homemade jams to Texas-themed wind chimes and Lone Star oven mitts. As a bonus, Siegrist owns the UPS store next door, which makes it easy to mail off finds to out-of-town friends.

The Houston Visitors Center is a great place to find Texas souvenirs and a wide variety of clothing and accessories, from cowboy hats and belt buckles to rodeo jewelry and shirts. Customers can also pick up their favorite made-in-Texas BBQ sauces, collectibles and much more.

Immerse yourself in all things Lone Star at Texas Treasures. The shop, with three area locations and an online store, is chock full of locally-sourced souvenirs and gifts. Expect to find plenty of unusual items like Armadillo bottle holders and Texas towels, along with standard post cards, mugs and keyrings. 

Not sure where to snag a Lone Star waffle maker or bluebonnet-covered blanket? Check out Y’alls Texas Store—the quintessential Texan retailer. Since 1985, the business has offered proud Texans and visitors a wide range of authentic Texas memorabilia and souvenirs. Shop online or visit one of Y’alls three Houston area locations.

CUSTOM FINDS

Gary and Liz Cohen founded The Hat Store in 1981, but the family tradition dates back to 1915 when Cohen’s grandfather, Sam Silver, opened the American Hat Company in H-Town. The business continues to thrive, customizing hats for a diverse range of clients that include everyone from President George H. Bush to Shaquille O’Neal. Find well-known brands there including American Hat Company, Bailey, Stetson, Milano and Resistol hats in most shapes and materials. 

Customers at Max Lang Belts and Buckles find a variety of handcrafted, elegantly-simple accessories that are built-to-last. Peruse the company’s collection in the online store or visit the brick-and-mortar shop, located near The Galleria. Max Lang’s buckle collection ranges from contemporary classics to authentic old west reproductions. Clients can also design their own, one-of-a-kind buckles.

A pair of custom boots from Jose Gonzales and his team at Tejas Custom Boots are always a work of art. The Houston institution has outfitted businessmen, oilmen, professional athletes, world dignitaries and a few of our own presidents and governors, as seen in photos on the store walls. If you're looking to invest in the kind of boots you'll want to hang on to forever, this is the place.

Inside, Republic Boot Co. is a shrine to Texas history complete with the custom boot shop in back, a permanent live music stage, and leather workers hand-tooling products in the retail space. Beyond boots, the store boasts a huge selection of handmade products that are shipped all over the world. In addition to boots, you'll also find a variety of Texas-inspired goodies like clothing, home decor and even wine and whiskey barrels so you can brew up your very own Texas spirits.

More than 50 years after its launch, Wheeler Boot Company continues to enjoy a cult following from shoe aficionados. Dave Wheeler and his wife Janis run the operation alongside lifelong boot maker, Jorge Amaro, and have been known to turn out custom styles that fetch more than $20,000. When it comes to cowboy footwear, if the customer can dream it, Wheeler can make it.

HOME GOODS

Impart distinctive Texas style in your house with handcrafted finds from The Arrangement. The Galleria-area showroom spotlights rustic and Western pieces, perfect for ranch or cosmopolitan living. Find a mix of furniture, art and accessories including custom paintings that depict everything from ten-gallon cowboy hats to the Texas state seal.

Though Cierra Interiors got its start in Austin, the rustic furniture store has since expanded its retail footprint to the Houston market. Located in the Montrose area, the store carries a wide range of rustic furniture and accessories, including pieces made by local artisans. Customers can outfit their abodes in everything from cowhide covered chairs to beautifully framed Texas flags.
 

By Natalie Bogan Morgan