The Mommy Stylist

Keep your edge with 10 punky pieces for fall

Punk is back. But don't worry; we're not talking mohawks and torn hosiery. Let's leave that to the kids. We're older now. And more refined — which makes today's subtler, more mainstream punk-influenced styles mom-friendly.

The fall 2013 runways were rife with studs, spikes, zippers, buckles, plaid and leather. Wear them all at once, and your kids might pretend they don't know you. But just a touch of the trend — on clothes or accessories — will make you the coolest mom in the school parking lot.

Flat lace-up boots aren't just for teenagers; they can look mature and stylish when worn with skinny pants, long sweater and scarf. ($59.99 Famous Footwear [http://www.famousfootwear.com/en-US/Product/35137-1030237/White+Mountain/Black/Womens+Fido.aspx?])

Photo courtesy of Famous Footwear

Flat lace-up boots aren't just for teenagers; they can look mature and stylish when worn with skinny pants, long sweater and scarf. ($59.99 Famous Footwear [https://www.famousfootwear.com/en-US/Product/35137-1030237/White+Mountain/Black/Womens+Fido.aspx?])

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BOOTS TO THE GROUND

Luxe Houston boot brand expands into Hill Country castle

Photo courtesy of Republic Boot Company

This isn't exactly a typical location for a boot store.

When most stores want to expand into a new town, they look at strip malls. Houston-based Republic Boot Company bought an entire castle. The Houston outfit is turning Johnson City’s famous 290 Wine Castle (10191 W. US-290) into its newest outpost, though exactly what will happen behind the stone walls remains to be seen.

Republic is known for its high-end artisan cowboy boots and celebrity clients like Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and rapper Paul Wall. Although the flagship is housed in a 100-year-old building in Houston’s hip Heights neighborhood, the branding hasn’t exactly embraced turrets and drawbridges.

“We’ve always said that Republic isn’t just about making boots; it’s about preserving the soul of Texas,” explained CEO and founder Chris Conrad in a release. “Acquiring this castle allows us to create a legendary destination where our customers can immerse themselves in the craft and make bucket-list memories. It’s bold, it’s unique, and it’s exactly where the Republic belongs. We have some wild plans for this property that the world hasn't seen before.”

For now, the company is keeping most details a secret, but Conrad told the Houston Business Journal that the bootmaker plans to continue the winemaking and hotel business on the property. The castle compound has plenty of room to grow with 14 guest rooms, a tasting room, a cigar lounge, a covered deck, and a full commercial kitchen. Oh, it also has a full dungeon.

Republic is no stranger to unique shopping opportunities. Its $6,000 Gator Hunt Experience allows clients to shoot their own alligator hide and make it into a pair of custom boots. Hunters also get a taxidermy mount, 10 pounds of alligator meat, and hopefully a few recipes on how to cook it.

The brand’s expansion comes as the Texas Hill Country transforms from a well-kept secret to an international tourist destination. Among the upcoming attractions are The Meuse, a luxury retail center with a Lucchese store and a Waldorf Astoria hotel with a new restaurant from acclaimed chef Dominique Crenn.

Republic Boot Company hasn’t shared any renovation details for the Medieval-style castle, built in 2019. The brand promises to reveal more details and a grand opening date in the coming weeks.

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