When Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch opens on August 20, 2026, it will bring a curated selection of national contemporary designers to the Texas Hill Country—a feat made possible by the collective buying power of a franchise network. Owner Kelli Hull, a veteran, identified a gap in her own shopping experience: the need to drive 45 minutes into San Antonio for contemporary designer clothing. By joining the Monkee's franchise, a North Carolina-based collective of locally owned women's boutiques, Hull gains access to showrooms and designers typically reserved for much larger retailers.
"Because we're a franchise, the buying power that the collective franchisees have is fairly significant," Hull said. "It's amazing that someone like myself—my store's not even open yet—was able to walk into the Farm Rio showroom in Manhattan and buy for 2027. Without that buying power, none of this would be possible."
Hull recently returned from a buying trip in New York City, where she secured inventory from top contemporary brands for the store's opening and forward assortments. Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch is store #8 in Texas and #70 nationwide, placing Hull early in a growing brand while providing access to the group's full designer roster from day one.
The store's brand list includes household names like Paige denim, described as a "cult classic," and FRAME for contemporary denim and ready-to-wear. Aviator Nation, the brightly colored Malibu, California sweat-and-swimwear label, appeals to younger shoppers. Dresses and elevated pieces from Milly, Shoshanna, and Marie Oliver round out an assortment designed to take customers "from day to night." Krewe, Oncept, perfectwhitetee, and Pistola provide a mix of accessories and apparel, alongside the artisanal craftsmanship of Texas jeweler Christina Greene.
"If you want to wear a basic top, a pair of denim and sneakers during the day, but then you have an event in the evening and you need to put on a cocktail dress, we're your one-stop shop to do all of that," Hull said.
Just as important to Hull is the discovery of emerging designers. Alongside recognizable labels, Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch will carry lesser-known brands at a range of price points, encouraging customers to explore new favorites. "You're probably going to come in for Paige, which is kind of a cult classic," Hull said. "But I have a feeling you're going to discover other brands as well that you've never heard of—and I think you're going to love them just as much."
That curation is hands-on. Recently, a sales rep drove from Dallas to Hull's home to preview merchandise arriving for late-fall holiday and into January 2027. "We just started rolling racks of clothes and I started picking pieces out for the future," Hull said. "It was personal shopping."
Data also guides decisions. "In fashion, we get emotional about it—I have this feeling, and it's so beautiful, and I love it, and maybe the data doesn't support that," Hull said. "To have a buyer say, 'That's good—let's tiptoe into the water on this brand, make some safe bets, and if everybody loves it, we can get more,' has been phenomenal."
The result is an assortment that is broad enough to serve women of all ages yet curated enough to feel personal—a distinction from the limited contemporary options currently available in the area. Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch will hold its grand opening at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in the Lemon Creek Ranch development near Fair Oaks Ranch and Boerne. Customers can follow along on Instagram at @monkeesoffairoaks for the latest brands and arrivals. The store's website, monkeesoffairoaks.com, launches about 30 days ahead of opening, with online shopping planned for 2027.
