Holiday Shops: This Fashion Power Couple’s Sleek River Oaks Boutique Offers Clutter-Free Shopping

For many, the holiday gifting period is a frenzied affair. What will satisfy the girl who has everything, the guy who wants nothing, and the children who want it all? And more importantly, where are those perfect gifts hiding? PaperCity has selected a range of Houston shops brimming with Yuletide treasures, and we’re letting you in on the bounty, our way of making your shopping a little easier and a lot more fun.

We’ll tell you about some of our favorite merchants, and share gift recommendations from the people who make the stores special. First up, Sid and Ann Mashburn. 

Tucked away in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center is Atlanta-transport Sid and Ann Mashburn. Its facade — like its interior space — is simple, yet classic. After 50 combined years in the fashion industry (Sid worked for names like J.Crew, Lands’ End, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, while Ann had stints at Vogue and Glamour), the husband-and-wife duo behind the sleek boutique opened their first shop in 2007, on Atlanta’s west side, focusing on classic, rare and iconic men’s and women’s pieces.

In Houston, the connected shops (Sid Mashburn houses the menswear and Ann Mashburn the women’s) display a mix of the duo’s own designed and produced clothing line alongside a selection of their favorite recherché brands. But what makes it one of our favorite go-tos for holiday gifts? For starters, its less-is-more approach offers a clutter-free shopping experience full of unique finds. Combine that with the festive mood boards (also perfect for gift inspiration) and the refined ambience, and we never want to leave.

Now let’s see what the Sid and Ann Mashburn staff have on their wish lists for you:

JUSTIN LEITCH
“I’m going to go with the flannel suit. It’s great for the upcoming cold weather. Full canvas construction, super soft shoulder, high arm hole, Bemberg lining and horned buttons. It’s just a great gift idea because it’s timeless, and any age group can wear it. It’s great for a 17-year-old graduating high school all the way up to someone who is 75.”

JIM BRUCE
“I’m going to use the Sid Mashburn library for gifts this year. These coffee table-sized books are informative, but they’re also decorative and educational. It saves you a trip to the book store. From a lifestyle perspective, this section just covers so many things. There’s books about Linda McCartney and David Bowie. To go along with that, I also like these classic record albums as gifts. It’s sort of off the path, but it’s still a really neat gift that can also be decorative.”

JIMMY SNOW
“My pick — Edward Green Galway Boots. They’re great for giving and receiving. They’re amazing. All handmade in England, and the company is 120 years old.”

CHRIS FOX
“Our Pro-Ject record player is awesome. This is actually the one we listen to in the store, and it’s top of the line. I love the light woodgrain finish on it. You can pair it with John Cale’s ‘Vintage Violence.’ It’s a great record to go with it if you’re a fan of the Velvet Underground, and if you’re just getting into records it’s a good start.”

TERRI MENCHACA
“Cashmere sweaters! The Outsiders cashmere hoodie is very cool, and also the Teddy sweaters. We’ve done so many sweaters this year, and they’re all great. Our white jeans also make a great gift … the trend is so huge this fall.”

KRISSY JACKSON 
“I’m picking our leather fringe triangle scarf. It’s made of silk, cashmere and leather, so it’s all of these luxe fabrics blended into one item. It’s so cute, and fringe is so in right now. The chocolate brown is neutral, so it really goes with everything, and it comes in two other colors — camel and ivory.”

LIBBYE MORRELL 
“The lambswool cape is a great gift. It’s a good piece to just throw on whenever you need to run around.”

AMANDA HELLMAN
“Hint, hint: I really want this Herno double-faced cashmere fur coat for Christmas. I love the double zipper. It’s just beautifully made. It’s lightweight for Houston, and has a fox-fur collar. I’d describe it as elegant and classic with a little pizzazz.”

Like these gift picks? You can also view The Mashburn’s online gift guide here.