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!