Editors Note: This blog/story is one I’ve been waiting to write……you see, my friend Elaine Turner is back and I am thrilled, as I know many of you are, but I want to share with you all, just why for me, it’s more than just a story of the newest retail store opening! Elaine is not just a talented designer with a great eye for all things fashion but she is also an ’empowered woman’ with a heart the size of Texas! She is someone who can show us all that you have to be smart and decisive in business, and make those tough decisions when needed. She definitely was, in knowing when to just say ENOUGH or as we Italians say, BASTA! She saw the retail world changing before her eyes, the in-store traffic was slowing as online was raging, and she knew she needed to react quickly to her business and its many locations. She was also a caretaker for seriously ill parents, a precious autistic daughter, Marley, who after struggling with the proper care for her, she realized a significant change for her was apparent and needed to happen quickly. I am sharing this, with Elaine’s permission, because I’ve known her so long and lived some of this with her. Also, there is a lot to be learned from her and her approach to her life experience! It’s bigger than ‘Elaine’s back and she has lots of great-looking bags’…….she’s a success story of how strong we women can be and can tackle difficult times and most importantly make a difference not just for ourselves but for the people around us that we care for. As all things Elaine has tackled, her return is a combo of planned to perfection and being flexible enough to just let it happen. Please read on, there’s a lot to say about Elaine’s re-entry in the Houston retail scene……
So here I am with that exciting news to share! Elaine Turner, a name synonymous with stylish handbags and a remarkable journey in fashion, that started back in 2000, is BACK in Houston with her new store! She is making a grand reentry into the fashion world with her latest concept, Edit by Elaine Turner. This upscale, advanced contemporary boutique promises a curated collection of handbags, small leather goods, unique clothing brands, and jewelry from around the world. We discussed our joint reflection of retail today and see it as headed back into a more balanced direction……..shoppers certainly love the ease of online browsing and shopping but there are those purchases that are just better when you can see, touch and feel! Because of this more hybrid approach, she has also opened an online store, EditbyElaineTurner.com at the same time as the brick and mortar store was opening, emphasizing her desire to reach her customers in whatever way they are most comfortable.
In a world where the fashion industry is constantly evolving, Elaine Turner has embarked on a rebranding journey to reintroduce herself. After nearly 20 years of the Elaine Turner brand and a series of transformative life events, she’s embracing her creative roots with a fresh perspective. As Elaine said to me, “the Crown is gone (her original logo), I no longer am that person/company that is all things to all people, not looking to run 12 stores again but have learned to simplify my life and pair down to those things that I now find to be essential!” This journey better reflects the person she is today – a more intentional version of herself who values every detail.
Stepping into the 1,400-square-foot boutique feels like stepping into a lavish closet, inspired by the warmth and charm of Santa Fe. A striking pink feature wall highlights Elaine Turner handbags, while arched dressing rooms and delicate blush curtains create a sense of luxury. The overall aesthetic is a testament to a thoughtful and artistic approach to design.
About the ET product: Elaine Turner’s newest collection showcases an edited collection of the designers celebrated handbags inspired by empowering women whom she greatly admires. Her bags, manufactured in New York City with Italian-sourced leather, the collection includes three bag styles in multiple textures and colors, each lined with the brand’s signature blush pink sued interior. The “Ali Tote” designed for Elaine’s style icon, Ali MacGraw, is an every day carry-all using european craftsmanship and light as a feather. For those of us that had wardrobes of Elaine’s Bella Bag (stay tuned I will share an update on that one!?), Elaine’s 2023 version is the “Aerin Envelope Clutch” named for Aerin Lauder, known for her timeless elegance. Lastly inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who appreciated fashion, photography and travel, Elaine designed the “Jackie Camera Bag“. There are also two small leather goods items for the boutique, the “Holley Card Holder” and the “Gigi Zip Pouch”.
The heart of this new venture is the belief in bringing exclusive, unique collections to the Houston market, offering timeless, luxurious designs that clients won’t find elsewhere in our vibrant city. It’s about celebrating the strength, courage, and unity of the community.
As Elaine expressed in her own words to me on what EDIT means to her…..
“I want to be your editor here in Tanglewood. To be here for you to just be able to drop in. I want to find and curate collections for you that take away the noise and are worth your time. Edit reflects how I’ve edited my life……about simplifying and letting go of what no longer serves for me and for my customers……bringing you only what’s essential!”
The Ali Tote named for actress Ali MacGraw, priced at $750
It should be noted that Edit is not just about handbags; it’s a treasure trove of hard-to-find apparel and jewelry from all over the world. The boutique offers custom printed silks from Copenhagen, unique Italian brands, artistic designs from Spain, and handcrafted jewelry from Navajo artists in New Mexico, among many other beautiful finds.
Elaine Turner’s journey has always been about making women feel beautiful inside and out, and this new venture promises to carry that tradition forward. So, let’s celebrate her return and rediscover elegance, luxury, and community at Edit by Elaine Turner.
The Edit by Elaine Turner boutique is now open and ready to welcome you, from Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can also explore their latest offerings and connect with the community on Instagram. and through her online store by clicking on EditbyElaineTurner.com. Here we are on one of Elaine’s first days sitting and greeting many customers delighted to be visiting an ET Boutique once again!!
P.S. Happy Holidays from Elaine……she is bringing back the Bella Bag that we all own several of for Holiday in many festive ways…….watch for it, you will love it like you always have and she promised that no matter how many you own, you won’t have these, they are all coming in many new ways!!
