Kendra Scott’s Beaded Beauties and Television Triumphs

Kendra Scott Jewelry invited me to attend its watch party celebrating owner Kendra Scott’s debut as co-host on CNBC’s new show, “Crowd Rules,” Tuesday evening. Although mounds of swag bags, canapés and dazzling accessories made for a memorable event, Kendra’s strong determination, success and personality shone brighter than any one of the jewels seen throughout the evening. I mean, she flew to New York that morning to appear on the “Today” show, returned to Austin, changed in the airport, and drove straight to the venue to celebrate with her Austin family, friends and customers. She looked flawless, too, and we all know what airplanes can do to our hair…clearly, Kendra’s exempt. Those gems must hold some secret powers!

A fanciful pirate who fancies jewels, jewels and more jewels would have shivered their timbers if he, or she, secured an invitation to the extravaganza last night at Star Bar on 6th Street. Resplendent, riveting, refined – I can’t think of any other ways to describe Kendra, her jewelry and the event she hosted.

You see, Kendra, one of Texas’s top jewelry designers, now serves as co-host for “Crowd Rules.” Aired on CNBC Tuesday nights 9/8 p.m. central, the national hour-long spectacle provides one of three small businesses $50,000 to advance their work in this tough economy. As an entrepreneur and business owner herself, the producers thought Kendra fit the role as co-host perfectly.

So, the night was dedicated to watching the premiere and celebrating one of Austin’s own fashion trailblazer’s achievement. Perhaps one of the most stimulating aspects was that Kendra presented products from each of the three small businesses competing on the episode to those of us in attendance. Yes, Kendra had pickles, hot sauce and green tea ice cream sent to Austin so we could test the food on our own tongues while the program played. It was as if we were on the show, too! Check out photos I took at the fete, and see what Kendra had to say when I interviewed her!

I heard you were traveling this morning, how are you balancing being around the country for filming and in Austin?

Austin is my home base – I’m so thankful we have nonstop flights to cities like Los Angeles and New York, which makes it possible. I can fly up to New York, do TV interviews, and fly back and be at my premier party tonight. All I can say is thank goodness for United today and no delays!

Can you tell me about your jewelry today?

Today I’m wearing our new summer collection, which is my Bali-inspired line. I went to Bali last summer and got lots of inspiration while there. Some pieces I’m wearing tonight have this intricate filigree, that kind of looks like some of the archways and architecture that I saw there, and this vibrant turquoise. I love turquoise! And I just threw everything together, and changed in the airport bathroom before arriving!

What are you hoping to achieve with this premiere party?

I wanted to celebrate here in Austin. I think it’s so exciting that we’re a fashion brand out of this city. I have so many great supporters and people who stood by me for so many years, believed in me while growing this business, and it’s as much a celebration to them as to the show premiering tonight. They gave me the opportunity to do this show and it’s an honor. I want to thank my community and the best way to do that was having a party here in Austin.

What do you see in the future of you being in “Crowd Rules”?

I’m hoping it’s going to be well-received. So far, we’ve had great reviews. The New York Post gave a great review and they’re tough. I’m excited for the future and I hope this is just the beginning of a show that’ll last  for a while and that I can continue being a part of it!

Kendra Scott being interviewed by YNN before the TV premiere of “Crowd Rules.”

Gorgeous!

Look at all the people at Star Bar enjoying cocktails, appetizers and each other’s company. This was before the event even officially began!

Cake balls from…Cake Ball. The red velvet ones were divine…so moist and so worth the calories.

How much cuter could M&M’s be? Check out the Kendra Scott design on them!

A pork slider served as an appetizer.

Aromatic florals and Kendra Scott koozies….a match made in heaven?

Look who’s on TV!

Guests rushed to sample the green tea ice cream…it tasted quite nice.

Guests standing, conversing and watching the show.

One of the servers posed for a shot holding the hot sauce…it tasted a little too spicy for my personal taste!

Chip and hot sauce…I couldn’t tell if the fire itself was hotter (;

The Mr. Green Tea ice cream.

Smizing with my lovely and dear friend, Kylee, who accompanied me at the event.

Of course the food pleased our palates, but when the servers appeared with complimentary Kendra Scott jewelry, a fashion frenzy ensued! I think my mother would appreciate the goldstone bracelet – it somewhat resembles burnt orange, the University of Texas’s official colors. Thanks, Kendra!

Thanks again for the superb party, decadent food and accessories, and contributing to Austin’s reputation as one of the best cities for local businesses. Hats off – no, jewelry off – to you!

Make sure to check out Kendra Scott’s boutique on South Congress or online to sift through some tastefully attention-grabbing accessories, and be sure to watch Kendra on “Crowd Rules” every Tuesday on CNBC 9/8 p.m. central.

Yours truly,

Jonathan

Posing and Reposing with University Fashion Group

Salutations, my spring sunshines,

Yes, I have been incognito in the blogosphere for the past few weeks. I blame school, final exams and an unforgiving cold. I’m back, though, and hopefully it’ll be a while before life decides to take me for another unpleasant stroll down a belaboring lane. I managed to maintain my style despite all the stress, however…I think I did my blog title justice (;

While overcoming a revolting fusion of allergies/cold/studying, I attended University Fashion Group’s annual officer transition social. As the new vice president for the upcoming school year, I practically had no choice but attend. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to go, but my sniffling, sneezing and teary eyes made for a ghastly exterior.

So, I stopped acting like a triple-frosted strawberry cupcake and sucked it up. I told myself to go. You know, giving yourself a little pep talk truly works if you use the perfect words. “You can do it!” won’t cut it. It’s too basic, too expected, and, well, lame. “You betta werk,” “You gonna rock it and look FINE,” and “Imma serve some Gone with the Wind fabulous flawlessness” work like a charm. Try it. Try it while dressing yourself, sipping espresso for ever-so-needed energy, painting your face, etcetera etcetera. You just might surprise yourself.

After talking to myself like a real housewife of Atlanta, I managed to look somewhat presentable for the evening event held at a high rise in downtown Austin. My lack of cognitive power led me to forming an ensemble consisting of clothing from the same retailer…H&M. I didn’t look Swedish, though. I think I served some ’50s/white picket fence/Brady Brunch realness. White pants and a polo possess that effect…and shaggy hair.

Feast your eyes, babes.

Posing with Natalie Poche, the lovely new president of University Fashion Group. Photo courtesy of Natalie Poche.

Standing on the complex’s terrace overlooking South Austin with Natalie and public relations director, Brandon McDaniel. Photo courtesy of Natalie Poche.

What better way to recover from a little cold than reposing on a lawn chair? Photo courtesy of Angeli Aguilera,

Smizing with former UFG president, Angeli Aguilera. Photo courtesy of Angeli Aguilera.

The lesson of this rendezvous? There’s nothing a little concealer can’t hide, and hey, even sick people can work white pants and bare feet, too.

Ensemble: H&M
Shoes: Consigned

Yours truly,

Jonathan

Speak with your Eyes, Baby…and Transcend Above All!

Good morning, fashion show goers,

For those of you already hampered by this obtrusive week, today is Tuesday. That means Transcend, 2013′s University of Texas at Austin senior textiles and apparel fashion show organized by University Fashion Group, took place five days ago.

Backstage with my friend Jenny before walking onto the runway. Photo by LifeLife ToTheFullest.

After overcoming a sickness thanks to last week’s weather that relentlessly drenched me in cold rain, those five days seem like forever ago. However, being part of the show seems like yesterday – both in handling my public relations duties, modeling, and dancing the night away at the after party.

Thursday, April 18 began early – I rose at 7 a.m. to get ready, shower and make it to my 9:30 a.m. class in time. After the teacher released us from my last class at 2 p.m., I rushed to the Frank Erwin Center to make the model’s meeting. Interestingly enough, the model coach couldn’t decide on a runway walk for me, so I took the matter into my own hands and devised one myself. After showing the coach my moves, she commented on how my “eyes can speak.” I suppose that’s a variation from Tyra Banks’ infamous “smile with your eyes…SMIZE” catchphrase, but hey, I prefer eyes that can speak than eyes that can’t.

Then, it was time to get my face painted and hair done up. Out of the four male models, I sat in the makeup room the longest. Normally, I’d be concerned about my face taking longer to perfect than my peers, but alas, a face such as mine requires precision…that’s a good excuse, right? Mhmm…

Then, I rushed to the VIP check-in table to check up on my committee members to ensure they were fine on their own. Thankfully, most of the VIP guests checked in, including Bravo TV star Cameron Silver from “Dukes of Melrose,” and Project Runway’s Daniel Esquivel. The press gathered their passes, and everything went swimmingly.

Then, around 6:30 p.m., I headed backstage to prepare for my walk. It commenced promptly at 7:15 p.m., and around 8 p.m., I stomped down the runway wearing Irene Carter’s scarlet blazer with a black fur trim. She was inspired by music – rock music, in particular – and as such, rock music played overhead as I presented her look to more than 5,000 pairs of eyes.

Me walking on the runway in Irene Carter’s design. Photo by Keep Austin Stylish.

Working it with designer Irene Carter after the show! Photo by Clark Patterson Photography.

The show was a great success; tons of people attended, and by the growling of my stomach,  we clearly worked diligently. So, I headed to Gloria’s downtown and gorged a combination plate featuring an enchilada, tostada, quesadilla and rice and beans. So worth the fat and carbs.

Later, my friends and I marched to the Madison on 5th Street for the after party and danced, danced, danced. When I got home, I set my alarm for 6 a.m. to prepare for the private fashion show especially for UT president Bill Powers the next morning…

Posing at the Madison with my fellow UFG friends. Photo by Shelby Smith.

That’s not all, folks, but you get the gist of it. Best of luck to you all this assiduous week, and work it like a rock star.

Yours truly,

Jonathan