TEXAS TREASURES

Iconic Texas brands James Avery and Consuela unveil handcrafted collab

Two of Texas's most popular lifestyle brands have teamed up for a new collaboration that combines fashion, art, and craftsmanship. Consuela and James Avery Artisan Jewelry have joined forces for the first time to create a collection of jewelry charms, handbags, and accessories.

Both brands share storied roots in handcrafted design and a focus on personal expression. The collaboration shows their dedication to creating pieces that inspire self-expression, while also carrying a personal meaning.

Consuela founder, CEO, and chief creative officer Conni Reed says the brand's designs always begin with art rather than trends or themes. "Through our Art of the Unmatched design philosophy, we create layered stories of texture, color, pattern, and iconography shaped by curiosity, craft, and soul. Growing up in Texas, James Avery has always been close to my heart and part of my life story. Collaborating with a brand that shares our love for meaningful, handcrafted design and seeing Consuela's spirit captured in James Avery jewelry is truly an honor and a dream come true."

Consuela x James Avery The jewelry collection includes sterling silver and enamel charms featuring Consuela’s signature motifs.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The James Avery x Consuela jewelry collection reinterprets Consuela's signature designs as detailed sterling silver and enamel charms. The pieces include a miniature version of the bestselling Consuela Classic Tote, complete with a tiny sunflower bag charm, and an alphabet of letter charms inspired by Consuela's embroidered felt bag charms. Reed also curated a selection of her favorite James Avery pieces, which will be available alongside the collection at all Consuela retail stores and online.

The handbag and accessories line introduces new designs featuring Consuela's signature ConsuelaCloth, known for its durability and bold colors. A signature "Avery" print appears on Consuela's Classic Tote, Downtown and Uptown Crossbody bags, and Jewelry Keeper.

Karina Dolgin, James Avery's chief product and revenue officer, says the collaboration represents shared values. "James Avery and Consuela are rooted in community, craft, and respect for the artisans who bring our visions to life. We're united by our commitment to thoughtful design and authentic storytelling."

Consuela x James Avery The collection also includes James Avery’s popular motifs, including the Wild Sunflower and Mariposa, are reimagined as handcrafted handbag charms.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Some of James Avery's most popular jewelry styles, including the Wild Sunflower, Festive Turtle, Mariposa, and Margarita Cross, have also been transformed into handcrafted handbag charms made in Mexico from wood, papier-mâché, and textiles.

The Consuela x James Avery collaboration launches October 6, online at consuelastyle.com and jamesavery.com, as well as in Consuela's three boutiques and select James Avery retail locations. Prices range from $19 to $175 for Consuela handbags and bag charms, and $79 to $89 for James Avery jewelry charms.

Photo courtesy of Consuela

The Consuela x James Avery collection features jewelry, handbags, and accessories inspired by creativity and craftsmanship.

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POSH PICKS

Irish retailer Primark brings discount clothing to first Houston store

Photo courtesy of Primark

U.K. retailer Primark, brings its low priced, trend heavy fashion to the Houston market for the first time.

European import Primark is finally landing in the Houston area. Shoppers will be able to score budget-friendly finds at Katy Mills Mall when the fast-fashion giant, known for leaning into trend-forward clothing, opens its doors on Thursday, November 20.

The brand started in Dublin in 1969 under the name Penney's before switching to Primark to avoid competition with U.S. heavyweight J.C. Penny's as it expanded outside Ireland. Today, it operates in 11 countries with 470 stores worldwide, including over 175 in the United Kingdom. Its largest outpost in Birmingham is a massive 161,000 square feet covering five floors.

While the store can't compete with the U.K. version's size, coming in at 30,000 square feet, the prices more than make up for it. Shoppers can expect women's denim starting at $12, men's t-shirts at $5, and kids' sweatshirts at $8. For about the price of a family meal at the food court, shoppers can pull together looks for the whole crew. In terms of quality, price, and style, its biggest competitors are H&M and Zara.

primark Shoppers will line up at Katy Mills Mall as Primark opens its first Houston area store on November 20.Photo courtesy of Primark/Instagram

The Katy opening is Primark's third Texas location, following McAllen and El Paso, and is part of the company's expansion across the United States. New stores are rolling out in Illinois and in Grapevine next month. In a statement, Primark U.S. President Kevin Tulip said, "These vibrant retail destinations in Texas reflect the incredible demand we're seeing across the country for affordability without sacrifice. As we continue to grow, we remain laser-focused on delivering unbeatable value and fashion that fits every family's lifestyle."

To celebrate the grand opening, Primark will offer a weekend of fun, family-friendly activities, including live music, giveaways, and delicious treats for early-bird arrivals. Shoppers will find a full mix of women's and men's fashion, kids' clothing, accessories, homeware, and beauty once the doors open at Katy Mills on November 20.

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