Craftex - The Coolest Store in Houston Tucked onto a side…read morestreet in Bellaire, just off of Bellaire Boulevard near Hillcroft, is the amazing Craftex. I discovered the place through my friend, Greg Buchold. I had been admiring a Mardi Gras mask and wreath that he had put on his door and he told me about the place. I went looking for Mardi Gras stuff but was blown away by the extensive collection of cookbooks and design books that they sell, all discounted from retail list prices. But there was much much more. Just when I think I've seen everything there is to see in Houston, something new pops up on my radar. Check out the photos.

My expectations were met with the merchandise and choices-ribbons and coffee table books were…read morewildly extensive however the prices were a HUGE disappointment. Crazy expensive. Will not be going back.

Best way to describe this place is a thrift store for crafting. Discovered this place while looking…read morefor somewhere to buy yarn near downtown, and we were surprised by the variety of items on sale and the pricing. You can find almost anything in here: yarn, fabric, kids books, cookbooks, misc cards, seashells, school supplies, cds, stickers, ink pads, and a lot more. It's organized in sections but it's a lot to take in. Most things were sold by weight or number of items which was very affordable. Most expensive thing was the yarn which was $12/pound, but everything else we bought was less than $2 each. If you took the time, you could find some steals. I got a brand new jacket for my dog for $1. I'll definitely be coming back here.

Found some really neat things here!! If you're ever looking for a button you can't seem to match to…read moreyour broken cardigan, this place is where you'd find it!!! And free stuff for teachers!!

I love it here. As an artist myself I thoroughly am thrilled to walk through their doors. It's my…read morefavorite place to shop in Houston!

This is a great place to get interesting, reasonably priced gifts (for yourself and others!)…read moreespecially if you are looking for housewares. It's located in a brick building in a predominately residential area of Sunset Blvd, so it's a bit off the beaten path, but very close to Rice Village if you're planning a shopping trip. The store uses its setting well, with each room in the house featuring a different type of product (jewelry, scarves, plates, whatever) though they all have furniture and larger items displayed. It's really fun to make your way through the house and explore. Many items have a Mexican or Latin American twist, but there's a lot of variety: I bought a beautiful hand-blown vase and some funky wrought-iron coat hooks here. They also have some really cute kids' items like hand-sewn bibs and puzzles. For the most part, prices are more reasonable than comparable stores in Rice Village and 19th Street--it's pretty easy to get a nice gift for under $50. As the holidays approach, I'm sure I'll be visiting Surroundings again. PS: Be warned, the store is closed on Sundays except during the Christmas shopping season.

Happened to be visitng Houston and came by this store after lunch. It is a perfect spot for finding…read moreunique home furnishings. It was interesting hearing some of the stories behind the vintage puppet heads and the handmade cups! My wife thought the blankets were of really nice quality and quite soft. We ended up getting one for a gift but went back for one ourselves!

This place is such a gem. Why is it is gem? Several reasons, the first being the actual…read moremerchandise so lovingly procured by the charming & delightful proprietor, Courtney B. The second reason? Why Courtney of course. She has done an amazing job of displaying her gorgeous textiles and worldly goods from jewelry, robes, bedding, books and more. With a keen eye for what is in, trendy and yet classic, it would be a challenge to leave here without purchasing at least one item you've fallen in love with.

GREAT selection of fun tops, dresses, clutches and more. The clutches are really well priced and so…read morefun!! The store is so convenient with easy free parking. The store is spacious and no pushy sales people. I'll be back again and again!

Just another boutique that doesn't operate like an actual business and seems to just be some hobby…read moreproject. They close whenever they want-- very unprofessional! I placed an online order and arrived at the store around 5:40 (they supposedly close at 6) and they already closed up shop. If you are going to go as far as setting up a real website with functional online ordering and collect customer payment, at least abide by your posted hours! Very frustrating when you think you can swing by a store to pick up your order (a gift for someone) on the way to a birthday party then have to scramble to go buy an alternative gift at another store. Totally ridiculous and who knows if I'll even get my money back since this is barely a real establishment apparently. Thanks for making me late to a birthday party without a proper gift

I think Houston is such an interesting city in terms of location since you can find high-end…read morerestaurants in strip malls, and wonderful antiques and one-of-a-kind item stores between chains. Enter, Mecox. As K.K. mentions, I'd love to live in this store. It's so well set up and has a lot of natural light so you don't feel like you're in a giant warehouse of found objects and furniture. The staff including Leslye were incredibly kind offering a bit of background on the store (the largest of the 8 stores nationwide) and never making my friend and I feel pressured to buy anything or leave. I think a place like this is an interior designer's dream with antique camel rocking chairs, geod paperweights, various sizes of painting and elaborate wall decor, and unique furniture from lucite to lush fabrics. While the prices were a little higher, I think they understand who they're marketing to, and the quality seems really great on many of their larger ticket items. Their website also shows a lot of their inventory with dimensions (so incredibly smart) so I may scope for a fancy wedding present. If I had the money, I'd definitely love to deck out a house with Mecox goods!

i love the woodlands!…read more that being said, there is a dearth of decent interior design retail in my beloved woodlands. ......... at mecox, you'll discover interesting one of kind pieces, great finds, cutting edge design, transitional and timeless furnishings for home, garden and gifts. the buyers here are on point and current. the highland village location fronts westheimer and is in between west elm and z gallerie.....both of which pale in comparison. my friend and i had great fun visiting with the staff: very friendly, unpretentious....which, unfortunately, makes me want to spend money. (rumour has it that persons calling themselves interior designers in the woodlands are coming to places such as this, harvesting great ideas, and selling them as their own. note to self: skip the self-styled suburban interior designers and chat up the boys at MECOX.)

Great hidden secret in the Memorial Area that offers cute seasonal gift items and more…read more The owner Sarah started this whimsical gift place named Iris after her great grandmother who remembers in her youth how she would pick up Iris flowers . As a homage to her, she chose to offer baby items from newborn to 24 months and some larger sizes for older kiddos as enter on the right in the store . They even offer monogramming and etching to personalize your gifts and purchases. As you walk through the spacious area to the left of the store you will find fall items, holiday items ,things that smell delicious, spices and more . As a female owned business, she even has pop-up businesses in her store to help other females have a space that may not have a brick and mortar . Check them out for their amazing customer service , great holiday gifts and smiles.

This store is conveniently located in a small shopping strip by a delicious bakery. I am often in…read morethis area as I frequent the UPS store a few doors down. Today I decided to check this place out since I had some extra time. Iris Gifts is very much a boutique store. I was immediately greeted with a smile. I told the store associate I was just looking and we left it at that. I love not being bothered, so I am completely fine after the initial greeting/offer of help until I ask for help later. They have all the cute and festive items for the seasons, adorable clothes for children, fun jewelry, amazing candles and more! I enjoy browsing stores like this when I have some free time to get ideas for later when birthdays and/or special occasions arise. In this area of town, you will find several boutique shops, but this one is very convenient and there is plenty of parking available. Some of my favorite items are the El Arroyo collection, the fun cocktail napkins and the decorative styrofoam cups. On the higher end, they sell beautiful, lovely smelling candles (one brand in particular is $115.00 - I don't know anything about the brand, so I can't give feedback on the price - maybe it lights itself - Lol), pretty costume jewelry, home decor pieces and alluring bath items that function as both decorative and useful. I was surprised to see the reviews are not higher for this shop. It's cute, it's friendly and it is full! What's not to love?!

An eclectic shop full interesting objects. The owner is very helpful and friendly located next…read moreflying saucer pie company in Garden Oaks more than worthy of your time

Always great deals! If you're looking for vintage pieces for a good price this is your place! The…read moreowner is super friendly and is very easy to talk to. Would recommend again and again!