Shop offers high fashion options for women

Many Houston-area residents might first think of Uptown Park or the Galleria as the place to find fashion-forward clothing and accessories, but Rhonda Sandel is dedicated to offering such items through her boutique, To the Nines.

"We want people to know you don't have to drive into the Galleria or Willowbrook or Memorial City if you need that special piece for work or going out or for fun, because we have it," Sandel said.

To the Nines opened in mid-2011 after Sandel—who first entered the fashion world in college when she worked as a buyer for Dillards—discussed the possibility with her now 20-year-old daughter.

"It was really her who said, 'Mom, we love this and we're always out shopping, so why don't we open a boutique,'" Sandel said. "When we opened the store we wanted to do something different that Cypress didn't already have. We wanted to go to more of the high fashion side."

To the Nines is stocked with women's and children's apparel, shoes, jewelry, accessories, handbags, swimwear, gift items and cosmetics. Sandel carries several high-end fashion lines, including Lilly Pulitzer, Nanette Lepore, Milly NY and Houston-based Elaine Turner.

"We try to find things that are fashionable, but fit every budget," Sandel said. "We could have things in here that are $35 or $600, but it's all fashion-forward."

Additionally, To the Nines has a stage area on which training for pageants, fashion shows and etiquette training classes take place.

In the future, Sandel hopes to look into additional store locations and continue to grow brand awareness for Lilly Pulitzer—To the Nines is the only Lilly signature store in Texas—and Elaine Turner.

"We're trying to get it out there that we're the people to come to if you need special orders and that we're a one-of-a-kind stop," Sandel said.

Makeup bar

To the Nines added a makeup bar to the boutique earlier this year, hosted by Chelsea B. Cosmetics. The new addition gives women a place to come in preparation for various types of events:

• Weddings
• Prom
• Fashion photo shoots
• Social events
• Date night
• Makeovers
• Clients can call Chelsea B. Cosmetics at 832-314-1266 to set up an appointment at the boutique's makeup bar.

Special deals

Owner Rhonda Sandel offers various deals for customers at To the Nines, specifically through the boutique's Facebook page:www.facebook.com/totheninesboutique

"So many people use social media to look for deals or things going on in the community, so we just embrace it," Sandel said.

Additionally, on the 9th of every month, the boutique stays open until 9 p.m., and customers receive 20 percent off their entire purchase.

High-fashion brands

To the Nines carries several high-end brands that are not easily found throughout the Houston area.

Lilly Pulitzer: This brand offers dresses in colorful prints for a variety of occasions—parties, weddings or the beach. Shoppers can also find tops, shorts, skirts, swimwear and accessories at the boutique.

Elaine Turner: Founded by a local Houston businesswoman, Elaine Turner creates custom handbags and shoes based from Turner's love for travel and bright spaces.

Milly NY: This brand offers women's apparel such as dresses, tops, pants, accessories and jewelry.

To the Nines

25282 Hwy. 290, Ste. 155

Cypress 832-220-1529

www.tothenines.com

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sun. 1–5 p.m.