Spring Shopping at River Oaks Shopping Center
It's no secret that I love to shop and I've mentioned before that I much prefer shopping in stores to shopping online. There's something about getting to try on an item before you actually purchase it, having the help of an associate, and the satisfaction of walking out with a bag in hand right after buying (instead of waiting 2 weeks on shipping) that makes shopping locally so much more appealing to me. And my favorite place to do just that? River Oaks Shopping Center here in the heart of Houston.
I took my Mom to the Center last week- mostly because she had to chauffeur Boone and me around and I wanted to treat her to lunch on the patio at Brasserie 19. But what I didn't expect was just how much my Mom would fall in love with River Oaks Shopping Center. I've become spoiled to having all my favorite stores in one beautiful, convenient spot, but my Mom couldn't get over the iconic palm tree-lined W. Gray Street, affordable yet trendy shopping, and the incredible history behind the historic district. River Oaks Shopping Center is one of the oldest shopping centers in the United States, with it's first commercial structures having been built in the 1930s. With a nod to it's original splendor, River Oaks Shopping Center is now a modern and sophisticated area that's inviting for anyone wanting to enjoy a tasty bite, day of pampering, wedding dress shopping, and lots in between.
photos by Ban Avenue Photography
Spring is my favorite season to shop because I'm excited to put away the sweaters and pull out all the shorts, sun dresses, and sandals. I'm even more eager this year because I've been in maternity clothes for months and couldn't wait to hit some of my favorite stores in ROSC last week: Atrium Ready to Wear, francesca's, Ann Taylor, GAP, & Sunglass Hut. GAP was having a huge sale and I picked up some of the cutest sundresses that will be perfect for all the spring festivities we have coming up. And yes, I was only 10 days postpartum and out shopping...that should tell y'all how ready I was!
We then headed to GAP Kids where we found Easter outfits for the boys (they're so precious- can't wait to show y'all!) and a few cozy sleepers for Boone. I've always been a huge GAP fan for baby and kids clothes- the quality is amazing for the price. Mom and I walked down to Barnes & Noble from there and grabbed some books for the boys Easter baskets since they have such a huge selection of books for all ages. Bear also loves their toys so we were able to grab him a surprise before heading across the street and getting a Starbucks pick-me-up for ourselves. Life with a newborn means not a lot of sleep but it's worth it for all the sweet snuggles that come along with it.
A few more stores later (Mom LOVED Hemline and it's one of my favorites, too), and we finished with the most delicious lunch at Brasserie 19 before heading home. Of the whole 11 days my Mom was here, this had to be my favorite. I loved showing her my favorite shopping spot and the weather was so perfect, we could've walked around the Center all day just enjoying the sunshine and sipping our Iced Caramel Macchiatos. Mom has already informed me that when she visits again we are going back to River Oaks Shopping Center and I will happily oblige! Next time we're bringing Bear because the Cheeseburger Quesadillas from Fuzzy's Taco Shop are his favorite and he wants to pick out another toy from Barnes & Noble, which his "Duke" (my Mom) will definitely make happen.
I never dreamed that this soon after having a new baby I'd be able to venture out and grab so many of our spring necessities like Easter outfits and basket fillers, but River Oaks Shopping Center made it easy and fun. Now we're ready for all the egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and warm weather to come!
xo, Britt
*This post is sponsored by River Oaks Shopping Center, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.