Billy Reid

Billy Reid Houston is welcoming and cool. It is a predominantly Men’s brand with a traditional but fresh take. (I know there is Women’s clothing but I think it is ⁸⁰⁄₂₀ Men’s.) Reid gets lots of good press about being the rising star of Men’s fashion and props for authenticity because he does pig roasts at his stores. I had been in the prior Galleria location which was charming but it was still «the mall.» I really enjoyed the comfortable old house vibe in the new location and was made to feel welcome by Lauren who gave me a tour of the place as well as suggested some items. I didn’t buy anything except for a «make cornbread not war» ball cap but the seeds were planted. The plaid shirts are nice but a little pricey. The one I wanted was sized only for tiny slim people. The bigger items (outer-​wear, jackets, shoes) seem like a good value as luxury brands go and I think would pay for themselves as wardrobe staples. Next time in Houston I’m going back for a jacket. Hope they fit. Bottom line — don’t be shy, go into the store, you’ll be glad you did.

I rate Billy Reid as the best men’s boutique in Houston — which unfortunately is not a totally unqualified remark. The paucity of quality men’s boutiques in the fourth-​largest American city never ceases to stun me, and while I like most aspects of Billy Reid, overall it’s a little preppier than I generally go for.
That said … the service here is amazing, and that *is* an unqualified remark. I’ve encountered few men’s stores where the staff is so incredibly helpful and solicitous, and who apparently remembers their regulars’ names and styles with ease. Also quite impressive is walking in on an unseasonably warm winter’s day to encounter a big container of iced Karbach wheat beer ready and waiting (and gratis)!
As for Reid’s style — and I speak only regarding the menswear; they have a smaller collection of women’s attire as well — think «Southern with an edge.» The prints on his shirts may not be unusual, but the quality of the fit certainly is; you’ll probably never wear Ralph Lauren again after trying on one of Reid’s fantastic sport shirts (which happen to be ½−2/3^rd off at this moment during their winter closeout). Better still, they offer three different fits for button-​downs (slim, regular and «generous»), so it’s difficult not to find at least *something* that fits.
The store also offers a variety of über-​preppy sportcoats (some with actual arm patches!) and a small collection of suits, and in the winter at least they have a fantastic (albeit pricey) selection of beautifully fitting sweaters (which unfortunately somewhat go to waste here, since our winters are generally balmy).
Btw an earlier review here noted that the store was marooned on the third level of the Galleria; that’s no longer the case (and I completely understand why). It’s now housed in an old, very charming house on Westheimer, albeit one with a frighteningly narrow and steep entrance (best leave the Ferrari at home unless you want a nasty front-​end scrape). MUCH better locale on every level.
I’m a Billy Reid newbie but will soon count myself as a regular.

Here you will find:
–amazing southern inspired designs
–great tailoring
–intimate yet not small shopping experience
–most exquisite interior design ever.
–offers of beer, burbon or homemade eggnog
–super non sales (y) associates (we met Lauren and he couldn’t have been more charming)
Go here!
The prices are what you would expect for this level of design. We were both sick and will be back for the next event and to support this business.
Love it!

So, I had to write a review for this store, because frankly it is awesome. Billy Reid is one of those stores where I could send my wife to pick something out for me and I wouldn’t worry if I was going to like it. You know you are in a store of style and class when all your purchases get wrapped in paper and a cotton shopping bag. I agree their prices are a bit high, but I am certain the quality is outstanding and in certain cases made in America; a great store to pick up a few key pieces every season.
I was also incredibly impressed with the service. Stacy the store manager was not only helpful with helping me pick out a couple of new wardrobe staples, but she hunted down the white Alabama Seafood hat that I saw on the website a couple of months back. They will ship anything in from the website at no cost and no commitments, so I can try the things on and don’t have to worry about sending them back. I am certainly looking forward to the end of the season sales, as I love a good bargain, but will certainly be back as the seasons change here in Houston.

Too often, in the winter, when I try to pull off a casual look without too much effort, people tell me I look like I just jumped off a horse in the English countryside.
I blame this on the fact that I own more riding boots than I have fingers, but mostly, I blame it on Billy Reid.
I am obsessed with menswear: The fabrics, the cut, the stitching, the lining, and its simplicity. A man with well tailored shirt and a well fitting pair of pants displays confidence and control, and I think this can be carried over to women’s fashion. So did, Coco Chanel.
Billy Reid makes perfect menswear, but few people know the brand has superb quality womenswear as well.
They carry perfectly fitting shirts, and shirt dresses, and suiting as well as sports jackets and coats. .. and just in case you don’t find something that fits perfectly, the brand offers bespoke clothing. They’ll measure you, and you can pick the fabrics. Perfection.
I love buying bow ties and regular ties for Eric here, as well as fashionable plaid tops for him and for myself. I most recently purchased a Stetson, made especially for Billy Reid.
The service is beyond your imagination. They welcome you with Bourbon. Neat, but you can ask for ice. The salespeople don’t feel like salespeople, but rather friends welcoming you into their home. They will work with you until you find just what you are looking for. Even if this takes a couple of hours.
I recently had a hard time making up my mind about a few shirts for myself, and Alex, one of the people there, took my mind off it by teaching me the proper way to tie a bow tie. After this, I went back to the dressing room, and picked out what I wanted, with a clear mind.
I ended up buying more shirts than I anticipated, but I know they were a great purchase, and their quality is so great, I am sure I will wear them for years to come.
I have also bought some amazing coats for myself and for Eric at this store– heavy and durable, but too heavy for me to carry out to my car. .. so the kind people at Billy Reid will walk all the way from their store in Galleria I to the valet at Saks for me.
Their clothes can be a bit pricey, but they do have amazing sales from time to time, and their quality is undeniable.
I can’t wait until their new store opens next month on Westheimer @ Kirby. There is going to be a Pig Roast party to celebrate, and I am sure lots of music and other libations. I’m looking forward to it.

today at the galleria, i saw that houston now has an ed hardy and true religion store. .. .…
and another elipse of concern. .. .. .
then i went into billy reid. i had been into the previous location where tacky logo burch is now, i mean tory burch, my bad, and really liked their collection of classic and more sophisticated (but not old man) stuff.
this place is like the sartorialist southern edition. it’s southern but it’s not fratty/​super preppy tent of a polo shirt/​pleated khakis. it’s sophistcated and dapper, but waaaaaaaay younger than brooks brothers. it’s somewhere between polo ralph lauren and john varvatos. it’s like if barney’s co-​op turned into a southern gentleman and was sitting on the porch of a plantation home with a mint julep.
i liked it. the people were friendly even though i didn’t buy anything, and you could tell if i actually was wanting to drop some serious money they would be extremely helpful in a genuine, non sale people-​ish kind of way. glad to see this place is still around. that being said, i think they would do really great in austin. ..

Pros:
— Great selection of dress shirts
— Cool t-​shirts
— Good selection of ties and bow ties (if you’re into that)
— Great sales
— Periodic store event (if you’re in their mailing or e-​mail list)
Cons:
— A bit pricey
— Pants style tend to be on the skinny, can’t move much in it style
Overall:
A cool, small, southern influenced men’s (and women’s) boutique store. A great find at the galleria (3^rd floor). Prices tend to be on the high side because most clothes are made in Europe, but if you time it correctly you can’t beat the 75% off season sales.