Couture Blowout

Shopping at Couture Blowout is like sneaking a peek into some of Houston’s most coveted closets. Owner Fatou Fall honed her designer eye at the progressive (and sadly, closed) Mix Boutique and brought her expertise and contacts to her cozy shop on Westheimer. Don't be put off by the dingy strip shopping center location, the boutique is filled with major luxury labels. To drop a few names: Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Armani, Balenciaga—all for much less. Most of the clothing, shoes and accessories have only been worn a smattering of times and it’s not unusual to see the season’s current “it” bag on the shelves with the tags still attached. In this economy, it's so nice to save money.

No European shopping trips in your travel plans? Visit Couture Blowout instead and find pieces released only across the pond.