Deutsch on the Holiday Shopping Season’s Challenges — and How to Score Great Gifts on a Time Crunch!

Deutsch on the Holiday Shopping Season’s Challenges — and How to Score Great Gifts on a Time Crunch!

Lauren K necklaces and Lance Deutsch (photo by Jhane Hoang)

EACH OF THE last few holiday seasons has brought with it unique circumstances. Increasingly many have selected to do a bulk of their shopping online — but at this point, the supply-chain debacle has made it nearly impossible for people to get their goods on time. Houston retailers are noticing a shift in shopping trends.


“A difference from holiday shoppers this year compared to last is they started shopping early,” says Lance Deutsch of Deutsch Fine Jewelry, located in Highland Village. “We had people shopping as early as October.”

But no worries, last-minute folks. It’s not too late to get your hands on a great gift. Houston’s brick-and-mortar retail scene is experiencing a resurgence, as specialty shops open in developments from Spring Branch to Rice Village and the Heights, making it easier to browse and purchase gifts on the spot.

Deutsch has a few tips for those who will be shopping on a time crunch. “People have been more specific on what they’re looking for. Most have an idea of what they want,” he says, noting that at his boutique, yellow-gold pieces, paperclip chains and bracelet, stretch and stacking bracelets, and classic pieces like tennis necklaces and diamond studs have noticeably been the most popular items. “One-size-fits-all pieces” make it easy to accommodate a short timeline, and the timeless ones “can be passed down from generation to generation, and never go out of style.”

He also recommends keeping an eye out for trunk shows, which offer a wider selection of products than a store may typically carry. Specifically, this weekend brings Vincent Peach to Deutsch Fine Jewelry on Friday, Pichiotti on Saturday and Rahaminov on Sunday.

Happy gifting!

Bracelet by Mikimoto, $1,800

Earrings by Kwiat, $4,300

Ring by Kwiat, $7,400

Bracelet by Picchiotti, $76,000

Earrings by Deutsch Designs, $7,000

Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep ReadingShow less

A rendering of Hotel Saint Augustine (courtesy of Lake Flato Architects and Ten Eyck Landscape Architect)

CELEBRATED CHEF Aaron Bludorn is on a roll. After successfully opening three Houston restaurants including the recent Bar Bludorn, he has set his sights on the boutique Hotel Saint Augustine to open this fall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

Curried Mussels

JASON GOULD IS best known as the chef behind Common Bond, one of Houston’s go-to spots for easy French-inspired bites and pastries. But now, Gould has created a comfort-food menu for another locally-owned resto — 1891 American Eatery & Bar in the Heights. It’s part of a partnership with Garza Management Group that has recently taken over Common Bond. Boasting an expansive patio, the new resto describes itself as having a “family-friendly pub atmosphere."

Keep ReadingShow less
Food