Great Gingham: Summer May Be Nearly Over, But the Season’s Favorite Fabric Is Suddenly Everywhere!

Great Gingham: Summer May Be Nearly Over, But the Season’s Favorite Fabric Is Suddenly Everywhere!

GINGHAM IS A classic fabric that will never go out of style. The timeless, breathable material has certainly evolved since it gained popularity in the 18th century, going from utilitarian to preppy chic. The playful "picnic blanket" pattern can now be seen across apparel, accessories, shoes, home decor and tabletop accessories.


SLEEVES PLEASE Long sleeves in August are typically a no-go in Houston's heat, but Hunter Bell's Hayes Blouse can be your next wardrobe staple as we head into cooler temps this fall. Wear the silhouette on its own or pair it with the Bridget Pants to really get people staring. $365, hunterbellnyc.com

OH, BABY August and September in Houston are summer's hottest months. Protect your little one with a neutral gingham bucket hat for some fun in the sun — from a great Houston-based operation. $26, www.shopsunchild.com

CHECKERED PAST For men, gingham can be worn on the golf course, at a dinner party, or while leading a meeting at the office. For those who will continue working remotely, bring some personality to Zoom meetings with this classic check. $245, 5700 Richmond Ave., shop.hamiltonshirts.com

CUTE SUIT! Exude retro vibes in a ruffled plunging v-neck one-piece in navy for your next pool day. $87.99, www.jcrew.com

TABLE THE DISCUSSION Gingham cocktail napkins are a sure way to liven up a tabletop. This set of four, machine washable napkins from Houston's Paloma & Co. are also a great hostess gift. $30, shoppalomaandco.com

Style

Októ will have a lively bar like the one at Doris Metropolitan, pictured here. (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

AFTER YEARS OF operating solid, Israeli-influenced concepts — Doris Metropolitan on Shepherd, and Badolina and Hamsa in Rice Village — Sof Hospitality is set to debut its latest concept in Montrose Collective this summer. Surprise, this time it’s Mediterranean cuisine!

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Food

“DO YOU KNOW how a river forms?” is the question that begins Houston author Vaishnavi Patel’s new book, Goddess of the River. The voice belongs to Ganga, goddess of India’s Ganges river, who has been transformed against her will by Lord Shiva from “a tributary of the cosmic ocean” into the physical form of a mere winding river, with no path to the heavens, only the sea. Later, Ganga runs afoul of a powerful sage who transforms her yet again into a human, and as it happens in myths, things get complicated.

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Art + Entertainment