Houston, TX with Katie McClure

Hi! I’m Katie, the co-founder of Mirth, a line of textile-driven, ethically made apparel and accessories. The word Mirth means amusement, joy & laughter, which is the backbone of our brand, and what we aim to spread to our community. My sister and I founded Mirth almost 10 years ago, and while my sister still helps on projects, I now run the business and travel to India and Peru, where we produce our line, several times a year. I’m inspired by the vibrant communities, rich culture and heritage textiles in these countries, so my work trips are important not only for operations and management, but for design reasons, and remembering why we started Mirth. And I always try to sneak in a day or two to explore and feel freshly inspired! It’s always an incredible experience to visit our artisan partners. We work with artisan groups to create most of our own fabric, in addition to designing and manufacturing from the ground up Our pieces are made using  traditional techniques, like handloom weaving & hand block printing, and we put our own aesthetic spin on design. It’s important to us to contribute to sustaining and celebrating these crafts, and to provide opportunity and meaningful employment to artists we work with. Our small but mighty team is based in Houston’s museum district, my favorite area in the city. I’m excited to share my favorite spots in H-town!

Five Quick Tips:

Go-to coffee spot

Blacksmith: I started Mirth at this coffee shop. I came every day for about 2 years. Their coffee is legit, and I owe the baristas there during those years credit for their support when I started the brand, whether they realize it or not!

Best place for a cocktail

I can’t get enough of Japanese food and culture since going last year and the Kanpai Club reminds me of those special cocktail bars in Tokyo. The Sweet Gin Music is just wow. The Marigold Club opens tomorrow as I write this, and I’m pretty sure I’ll find a favorite at this gorgeous new spot once I go.

Kid-Friendly Activity

I take nieces and nephews to the Post downtown. (Bonus to ride bikes along the bayou to get there.) It’s a huge, old post office, converted to a food hall with a rooftop deck. There are games and views and a bar and it’s a fun way to experience Houston.

Favorite place to get pampered

Paloma for a mani/pedi: the beautiful interiors and staff who really know their stuff (I swear a normal mani lasts 2 weeks)– I can’t go anywhere else since coming here.

Favorite spot for a Scenic Stroll

North and South Boulevard near our studio has huge old trees that arch over the street, with a path in the middle. It’s a peaceful spot to walk and ogle the beautiful homes on these shady streets.

What makes Houston special to you?

I grew up between West Virginia and Connecticut, but our family is Texan, so we visited each year. Houston was the most exciting place to me– huge freeways, Tex Mex, an ice skating rink IN THE MALL, Astro World– and I often remember coming here in awe and wish I could tell myself then I’d be driving on those 8 lane freeways some day. Houston is a little less shiny than other cities, which I think makes it cool. The art here is outstanding, and I don’t realize how many incredible restaurants we have until I travel elsewhere. We are spoiled with the variety and quality.

What are your go-to lunch spots in Houston?

Vibrant : probably my favorite spot in Houston. Kelly Barnhart, the owner, has incredible taste and the vibe makes me feel good just being there. The food is interesting and healthy, and it is home to an incredible iced matcha made with homemade nut milk. Plus, they have a new location in Memorial Park, a great escape from city life. 

Cafe Brasil: It’s been a Montrose institution for decades and the food is still yummy, plus they have a great patio.

Pondicheri: The Bake Lab upstairs is great for Madras coffee and some of the most flavorful, inventive baked goods and snack items (sweet and savory) I’ve ever had. Lunch downstairs is great for a healthier and modern take on Indian food.

Elro: this tiny spot in an old house has just the feel I love in a restaurant, with delish apps and pizza.

Favorite dinner restaurants?

Squable: I love everything about this small & cool resto in the Heights.

Tiny Champions: It’s fun to venture over to EaDo and hang in this restaurant’s garden– good cocktails, small plates & pizza in a pretty garden setting.

Theodore Rex: I feel like I’m in Copenhagen in this tiny place in a cool nook of downtown. The food is incredible.

Himalaya: the best spicy food I’ve had outside of India. This Indian/Pakistani spot has mastered spices and the food is next level.

What are your top hotel recommendations?

La Colombe d’Or: After a renovation a few years ago, this is hands down the best place to stay in Houston. The bar is great, each bedroom is homey and unique, and the owner’s art collection adorning the walls is wonderful. The location, walkable to Hermann Park and the museums, can’t be beat.

Favorite local boutiques, vintage stores, etc.? 

All the Feels: I love this quirky store in midtown for gifts and random, unique things you didn’t know you needed.

The Guild Shop: I’m lucky to live a few blocks from this institution. This is the best thrift store, and I’ve furnished half of my home from here. We source a lot of vintage jewelry for shoots from here, too.

Courtney Barton: Courtney has such an eye and her curated store with treasures from around the world, including her blockprinted linens, is stunning.

Flaming Heat to get your vintage boots and ‘70s Western gear

Sixteen Ten, our showroom, of course! We share an old house in the  Museum District with our friends, Freya– you can pop in M-F to shop both brands.

What are your can’t-miss recommendations for friends visiting from out of town?

The Menil: we have so many great museums, but this private modern art collection is spectacular. The building is as incredible as the art. You can picnic in the park around it. The Rothko Chapel is nearby and worth a visit, too..

Tex Mex! There are so many great ones, but I like to take visitors to the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation.

A touristy attraction that you’d actually suggest?

The Houston Rodeo! It’s a big deal, our rodeo, and no better way to immerse yourself in Texas culture. The trail riders who ride into town on wagons and horses from all over the state is a very cool, only-in-Houston tradition. At the rodeo grounds, you can spend the day watching pig races, seeing chickens hatch, riding rides, eating alligator on a stick– and the rodeo itself is thrilling (almost as thrilling as the kids’ mutton busting– which is the best). It’s all topped off with a concert at night.

Favorite activities for an ideal day in the sun?

Eleanor Tinsley Park trails: I run here a few times a week to get in nature. It’s a beautifully done park along the bayou, with pedestrian bridges and small paths to make you forget you’re in the middle of the city. Then, sitting outside at Henderson & Cane market for a sammy or bbq, and maybe heading to Better Luck Tomorrow for a drink. At sunset, The James Turrell Skyscape on the Rice Campus is very cool.

Any other Houston hidden gems you’d be willing to share?

It’s fun to go downtown for a drink at La Carafe, the oldest bar in Houston. My parents came here in the ‘60s when they were dating and my husband and I took them back recently for a nostalgic double date.

Heights Grocer: my go-to for natural wine

How would you style Sunshine Tienda for a day in Houston?

I loved wearing around my ST wrap skirt with a white Mirth top and ST earrings– I love this pair because they are more neutral but still a fun statement. If it’s sunny, I’d throw on the new Birdie Bucket hat. 

And finally, tell us what makes you “Vacation Happy"?

This might be a strange answer, but being a little bit out of my element! I love the feeling of exploring a new place, hyper aware of my surroundings, getting outside of my routine and daily life, seeing things I’ve never seen before. I’m not a sit on the beach person– I like to explore and experience something new.