Sunday’s Super Bowl may be a face-off between teams from Atlanta and New England. But when you stop to consider it, it’s actually Houston—the host city for the 51st NFL championship game—that’s the geographic star of the show. After all, the city is expecting some 140,000 out-of-town visitors for the big game, most of whom will be dining at its restaurants, drinking at its bars, staying at its hotels, attending its parties, and shopping its stores.
Here to fill us in on the best of what her city has to offer (and to style a Draper James game-day outfit) is Carrie Colbert, the ultra-chic fashion and lifestyle blogger behind Houston-based Wear + Where + Well.
We hear you are a football fan. Tell us more!
I grew up in the small town of Perryton, TX, where football was life. The entire town looked forward to Friday Night Lights as we rallied together to root for the Perryton Rangers.
Now, I should note that I grew up so far north in Texas that we were much closer to Denver than we were to Houston. Texas is a big state, after all! So, my pro allegiances were always with the Denver Broncos. We used to decorate our home with orange-and-blue crepe paper and host neighborhood Super Bowl watching parties.
On the college front, I’ve always been a fan of UT (the University of Texas). I grew up watching and cheering for the Longhorns. Then, as a college student at UT Austin, I faithfully attended every game.
How are Houston locals feeling about playing host to the Super Bowl?
Excited! We are a friendly city. And, in true Southern fashion, we are more than ready to welcome the many visitors who will be descending on the city for the Super Bowl.
What drew you to the Draper James items you are wearing and how would you style them for the game?
Well, here in Houston, where I’ve lived for over 17 years, our team colors are red and navy blue. And although the Houston Texans didn’t make it to the Super Bowl this year, these colors still seem very all-American to me—perfect for enjoying the country’s favorite pastime.
I love how the subtle floral print and flutter sleeves of the Draper James Meadow Garden Lightweight Terry Tee keep it totally feminine. But with some denim in the form of jeans and a jacket, the look becomes totally appropriate for some football watching.
What are your Super Bowl weekend plans?
Given the number of parties planned all over the city, you could say the Super Bowl is a week-long party that happens to involve a football game. My calendar is full, with parties each day from Wednesday through Super Bowl Sunday.
For folks in Houston who don’t get to go to the game, what are your favorite local places for watching?
For good sports watching in Houston, I’d recommend some of the fun bars in the Shepherd/Washington area or the Midtown area. Specifically, I’d recommend Plucker’s, a really great wings spot, or Little Woodrow’s, a great Texas-style bar.
Now, for locals who might be hosting their own Super Bowl parties, I can’t say enough about Lee’s Fried Chicken and Donuts. Really, doesn’t the name alone convince you?
What should visitors do during the “off” hours of Super Bowl weekend?
I think visitors and observers alike will be pleasantly surprised with what they see here in Houston. America’s fourth largest city is a thriving metropolis full of some of the best restaurants, arts, and shopping in the country. Furthermore, so many improvements have been made to the city’s green spaces, museums, and more since Houston last hosted the Super Bowl in 2004. I would also recommend checking Wear + Where + Well’s series of Houston city guides. We’ve covered everything from where to eat brunch to where to get your nails done to where to find Houston’s best colorful walls.
