"ManReady Mercantile, an independent boutique, is truly one of a kind, with the first candle bar in Houston. You'll also find locally made leather goods, baseball hats, a whiskey bar, perfumes, T-shirts, and many other quirky, whimsical, and high-quality items. Started by Travis Weaver, the shop feels like an endless Pandora's Box of goodies. If money is no object, pick up a Coronado Leather Bison Duffel ($799), a men's solid cologne by Alfred Lane, a hand-poured, bespoke candle, or a pair of polarized Shwood sunglasses. Also, ask the cashier on the second floor to mix you an Old Fashioned—it's a perk of shopping here." - Charu Suri