Reality TV Star Secrets

Real Housewife of New York dishes on return to show and her Houston obsessions

Cakewalk Style Shop owners Gina Cartwright and Jennifer Grigsby have a knack for keeping the fashion front interesting. The duo has perfected fun apparel and accessories, fantastic parties and a steady stream of famous faces to their shop on Westheimer.

Real Housewivcs of New York City co-star Kelly Bensimon is the latest boldface name to touch down in their airy shop, promoting her new beach-inspired fragrance, “In The Spirit Of,” to a style-savvy group of fans. Tall, tan and clad in jeans and heels, Bensimon put to rest those returning to Real Housewives rumors, her summer playlist and what she uncovered about Houston.

CultureMap: Reality celeb sites are abuzz about you returning to Bravo’s Real Housewives show. What’s the latest?

Kelly Bensimon : I did film with LuAnn and it was fun. It’s nice people want me to come back, but I’m not going back on the show. There’s a new breed of women on the show and a strong representation of what New York women are really like. I love LuAnn, I think Carole is cool and I like Heather. Before, it was more about women who wanted to be on a reality show. It showed the good, bad and really ugly side of female interaction.

CM: Tell us about your fragrance, “In the Spirit Of.”

KB: I love the beach and the Hamptons and I wanted a fragrance that captured that essence. Fragrance triggers so many memories and “In the Spirit Of,” reminds me of a sophisticated beach scent. If I’m not wearing my fragrance though, I like Jo Malone and Bobbie Brown’s Beach scent.

CM: I’m sensing trend here, so let’s talk summer suits.

KB: I know bikinis are intimidating, but God gave you curves so show them off! I love Melissa Odabash swimsuits, but there’s also the MiracleSuit. I bought one for my mom and it creates miracles. If you feel good, it shows. It’s all about being confident, not about being picture perfect.

CM: If you’re at the beach, you need music. What’s on your playlist?

KB: Right now I’m loving Beck’s new album. It’s so good. I’m also really into Zero 7 and Rhythms Del Mundo. I get into a car and plug my phone in and the drivers are always surprised this is what I’m listing to. It’s all Latin and I love it.

CM: Thoughts about Houston? Have you been here before?

KB: This is my first time in Houston and I love it. I flew in and stayed at ZaZa. I went to the pool and then walked over to the MFAH. It’s incredible. What John Singer Sargent did with watercolors was amazing. I walked all around Rice Village too. The shops and the houses are so charming. And then I discovered Torchy’s Tacos. I’m obsessed!

Gina Cartwright, Kelly Bensimon, Jennifer Grigsby.

Photo by Kennon Evett

Gina Cartwright, Kelly Bensimon, Jennifer Grigsby.

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Beyond Jewelry

Texas designer Kendra Scott steps up with first-ever boot collection

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Boot Collection

Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

The collection only includes three silhouettes, but colors widen the choices.

One of Texas's most prominent fashion designers is stepping into a new realm: Western boots. Kendra Scott, known primarily for her relatively affordable, casual jewelry, is launching her first-ever footwear collection under the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott brand.

Yellow Rose, a "lifestyle extension" of the more general Kendra Scott brand, focuses on Western aesthetics and personalization. The company opened a Houston location in the Heights in February. The boot collection will be available there as well as locations in Dallas and Austin. Customers from farther afield can also order online.

A press release says the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Boot Collection "deepens [the brand's] authentic connection to Kendra Scott’s Texas roots." It also cites a focus on "accessibility and color innovation" for the "modern cowgirl."

“When we set out to create Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, I wanted it to honor the timeless spirit of Texas while also reflecting my admiration for iconic women like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn,” said founder and chief creative officer Kendra Scott in the release.

“Their influence, alongside our customers’ desire for versatile and authentic footwear, led us to envision Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott as a Western-inspired lifestyle brand offering everything from head to toe," she continued. "Footwear felt like a natural progression toward that goal, bringing everyday style to the modern cowgirl and cowboy in a way that’s familiar to us—through unique shapes, colors, and timeless design.”

The collection encompasses three different styles: two in women's cuts, and one for men. Although this is the first time Kendra Scott is offering boots, it's not the first time shoppers have seen some of the design elements in the embroidery, which echoes some jewelry designs. All three styles are made of cow leather and come in different colors.

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Boot Collection Abbie The boldest style is the Abbie Boot, which has an extended and scalloped front. According to the release, the embroidery is inspired by bluebonnets.Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Boot Collection Sarah The Sarah Boot moves the scalloping to the embroidery and features the same moon phase designs over the foot.Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Boot Collection men's boot The men's boots are simpler and look more work-ready, although this suede begs to differ.Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Shoppers can pick up pieces from this collection for $298-$398. Styles are available in men's sizes 7.5-13 and women's 5-12.

boots kendra scott western wear