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
Thrive & Inspire: Creating ’Something Bigger Than Ourselves’ Drives Gooch and Pappas of RYDE

Ashley Gooch and Andrew Pappas, Co-Founders

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Alex Au-Yeung (photo by Jenn Duncan)

WHEN IT OPENED a few months ago, The Woodlands outpost of acclaimed Katy restaurant Phat Eatery was billed as Alex Au-Yeung's dream restaurant. Unfortunately, Au-Yeung never got to see it come to fruition, as he passed away earlier this year. But the James Beared-nominated chef-owner certainly left his mark — and in honor of what would be his 53rd birthday, operating partners Kevin Lee and Marvin He have organized two pop-up tribute dinners.

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Food

WHAT DOES IT mean to be "rent-burdened"? The phrase describes those who spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, and it's become an increasingly relevant part of the larger conversation about the American economy in a post-Covid world.

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