Houston Shopping guide

The Houston Heights

Balinskas Imports

Search for earthy furniture, textiles, architectural accents, and religious art from the 16th to 19th centuries, with imports from China, India, Indonesia, Peru, and Mexico. Also find new jewelry made with antique beads and pendants from all over the globe.
242 W. 19th St., 713-880-4774

Products: Jewelry, Antique, Decorative/Lighting, Furniture, Linens, Gifts/Design
Type of Store: Boutique

Penzey's Spices

Every chef worth her fleur de sel buys seasonings at the local outpost of this world-famous gourmet mail-order company. Score various kinds of peppercorns, and spices as obscure as mahlab (made from sour cherry pits) or as common as cinnamon, all reasonably priced.
516 W. 19th St., 713-862-6777, penzeys.com

Products: Gifts/Design
Type of Store: Boutique

Retropolis

This amazing vintage resource houses 25 dealers under one roof. Look for '50s housewares and loads of clothing and accessories from the '40s to the '70s.
321 W. 19th St., 713-861-1950

Products: Denim, Women's Clothing, Vintage, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry, Antique, Decorative/Lighting, Furniture, Linens, Outdoor, Tabletop, Books/Stationary, Gifts/Design
Type of Store: Fair/Flea Market

Tansu

The aisles of this Asian-influenced gift and furniture store are filled with beautiful handmade wrapping papers and cards, lacquered Japanese tea sets, decorating books, and sleek tabletop items.
321B W. 19th St., 713-880-5100

Products: Tabletop, Books/Stationary, Gifts/Design
Type of Store: Boutique