I’ve got all sorts of good things to tell you about today! An event (with an offer for a free ticket!) + a favorite Houston retailer + a discount + a giveaway! Read on for all the details…

Event : CultureMap Pop Up Shop

I’m so glad to be partnering with Houston’s CultureMap as an ambassador for their Holiday Pop Up Shop presented by Lexus this upcoming Sunday, December 7th. The event will feature 25 of Houston’s best local retailers.

Are you interested in attending? Good news! You are invited to be our guest. Visit here and enter the code wearwhere to receive your complimentary ticket. (Limited availability.)

CC: When did you open Baanou, and what led you to do so?

MA: I opened in June of this year. Mostly I wanted to run my own business. After realizing the need for a boutique in Houston, I decided that it was the perfect match for me. I made the decision one night to go for it, quit my accounting job the very next day, and I never looked back!

CC: Tell us more about what you did prior to Baanou.

MA: After graduating from SMU with a Masters in Accounting, I worked for KPMG for a long time before deciding I needed a change. I specialized in Exempt Organization Taxation.

CC: How did you come up with the name Baanou?

MA: Growing up, I was called Maryam Baanou, meaning Lady Maryam in Farsi. I had been thinking of names for months and after visiting with a cousin of mine who calls me Baanou, it just hit me all of a sudden!

CC: Tell us about the designers you carry.

MA: I focus more on the art of fashion than designer labels, and I pride myself on finding new designers to the Houston market with a focus on style and quality. Lines like SUNO, Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel, Cameo, Keepsake, Finder’s Keepers, 12st St. Cynthia Vincent are all perfect for cocktail attire. I’m also a bit of a hippie in style, so you will find a lot of West Coast inspired pieces from designers like Stone Cold Fox, Flynn Skye, Myne LA, and Zimmermann from Australia. The list is extensive. And then of course we have more formal attire from Honor, Lover the Label, Amir Taghi Atelier, and others for formal galas and parties.

CC: What distinguishes you from other shops in town?

MA: I think it’s not just the clothes, but the experience that keeps people coming back. I have worked hard to create the right balance between luxury and comfort so that all my customers feel right at home when they walk in. We offer the highest level of customer service and pride ourselves on the relationships that we build with our customers.

CC: What will you be featuring at the CultureMap Pop Up Shop on Sunday?

MA: I’ll be bringing lots of jewelry and accessories, plus statement cocktail dresses from designers such as Honor and Suno.

(Discount offer and giveaway below these photos…)

Discount : 20% off at Baanou (in-store + online!)

Do you still need to do some holiday shopping? Or maybe you still need to find the perfect holiday dress? Well, you’re in luck! Maryam has graciously offered 20% off to all Wear + Where + Well readers. This offer is good in-store and online. Just mention this site, or enter the code wearwherewell at check out.

Giveaway : $100 gift card to Baanou

And last but certainly not least, we also have a giveaway – $100 gift card to Baanou! This too is open to all readers. To enter, here’s what you need to do:

1. Follow Baanou on Instagram (@baanou)

2. Leave a comment here.

And that’s it! You’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Drawing to be held Sunday.

Be sure to attend the Holiday Pop Up Shop on Sunday if you are in Houston! And big thanks to Culture Map and Baanou for the special offer, discount, and giveaway!

Update: Congrats to Brooke for winning the $100 gift card to Baanou! (Check your email, Brooke!)