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: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

BRETT MILLER WAS just 10 years old when his parents took him to a screening of the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney as “The Phantom” of the Paris Opera House, with an accompanying soundtrack played live by an organist. The film contains one of the most famous “reveals” on celluloid (We won’t give it away!) and is all the more shocking when accompanied by live music played on the Phantom’s favorite instrument.

Keep Reading Show less