On a Whim

WHO DOESN’T REMEMBER Cindy Reich’s stylish fashion boutique Wink? Reich closed up her beloved shop in 2008 to focus on family, but during its prime Wink was renowned for introducing such emerging designers to Houston as Nanette Lepore, Alice & Olivia and Rebecca Taylor, all of whom are boldface names on the floors of Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom these days. Now she’s back with a new shop, Whim (3636 W. Alabama St., Ste. 160, shopwhimhouston.com).


And while the lines are different, her knack for finding stylish looks that no one else knows about returns. Think lots of day dresses, great tops and timeless pieces for the office from Jason Wu’s newly launched contemporary line Grey, plus perfectly cut bohemian pieces from the recently resurfaced dress designer Tracy Feith — and exclusive to Whim, cult fashion favorite Jenni Kayne’s relaxed line of California cool staples.

Business+Innovation
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

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How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.

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ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

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