Mad at Kendra Scott

I’m mad at Kendra Scott.

I don’t know the woman personally and am usually not prone to getting worked up about much.  I will, however, raise a confident voice when I feel like I’m being taken advantage of, which is precisely what caused me to get amped up today.  Her pricing policy or lack thereof is the source of my dissention.  The lack of any logical response by the boutique added Red Bull to my fire.

For those unfamiliar, Kendra Scott is a local girl gone good.  (The good native Texan in me just clarify that her website says she hails from Wisconsin, however.)  Regardless, she is the designer and purveyor of stylish fashion jewelry and her pieces are carried around town in cool boutiques.  A year or so ago, she opened a flagship store on South Congress.  Her price point is a tad higher than I’d like…I am very comfortable paying $50 for a pair of earrings to go with a given outfit; Kendra Scott’s generally run around $75 - $90.  I'm not a one-accessory girl, so that means to have a set of anything is going to run me between $200 and $300.  I have gulped as I have shelled out hundreds of dollars over the years to buy her accessories, telling myself that I’m supporting local artists and designers with my purchase.

This year was a banner year for Kendra, as Nordstrom picked up her line.  I was genuinely happy as I perused the Dallas Galleria Nordy’s and saw her items, even making a point to tell the sales girl that I was a huge fan of hers and delighted to see her make the big time.

My enthusiasm for her promptly ended today.  Shopping in my local Nordstrom, I cruised by the accessories counter to find a couple of items to go with a new sundress I’d just purchased.  I did indeed buy some Kendra Scott pieces…for about 30% less than what Kendra is charging at her flagship store.  Upon calling the boutique for clarification on pricing, I was told that they are not matching Nordstrom prices.  Excuse me, WHAT?

So I guess I’m just mad in general.  Mad that I’ve obviously overpaid for her accessories for so long, mad that I bought anything of hers today, and mad that no one from Kendra Scott was visionary enough to see this coming. 

Jude the Obscure and Allison

April and May are two key reasons that Texans love Texas.  Bluebonnets (yes, Brooke, the random little blue flowers) and wildflowers and wisteria spring forth with new life and belie the fact that, come August, we'll be cussing the sun and ready for a good arctic wind to blast us back to 90 degrees.

My first English roses bloomed today.  Jude the Obscure sprung forth with promises of splendor for the season.  Ah, and alas, the Dillo dirt is settling into the ground.  Fortuitous and late by a day, since Allison's shower was at the house yesterday.  Never have I tried so hard to appear effortless.  And I guess the good thing that comes with age is that we do, indeed, get better at roses, parties, and life.  The shower was scheduled to begin at 1:30, and at 1:17, the last food was in the serving dishes, the last flower arrangement had been placed, and the final candle was lit.  I had not barked at anyone nor was unsettled in the least.  By 1:45, the house was filled with beautiful women ranging in age from 6 to 84, all of whom have nothing but love and wish nothing but the best for Allison.  I believe she felt that, and I am privileged to have been a part of it.