You might know Kyle Richards best from starring on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but this Cali native has taken on the Hamptons with her Southampton store, Kyle by Alene Too. The stunning brunette, who also has a store in LA along with co-founder Lizzy Schwartz, caught up with us while she visited the East End this weekend.
Welcome back to the Hamptons! What are you up to this weekend?
Thanks! I’m here to check on the store and say hi to everybody. I wanted to meet customers and be here for a book signing that we’re having in the store on Monday night. We also just happen to be shooting the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Who’s your Hamptons crew?
Bethenny Frankel, who’s been a good friend of mine for the past 20 years. And my sister Kathy [Hilton], who has a house here.
What made you open a store in the Hamptons?
The number one question I was constantly getting in Beverly Hills is, ‘When are you going to open in New York?’ We all kind of felt it would be the next best logical place. So we decided to check it out and it’s doing really well. The store is constantly packed and is a big success. I love hearing all of the complements. People tell me they love the merchandise and the staff, so it’s exciting!
How has the “Kyle by Alene Too” brand evolved since you launched in 2012?
It’s constantly changing. We have certain brands who have been with us since the beginning and others who’ve we changed in order to evolve with the customer. I always try to keep it what my partner Lizzy and I love and what we want to wear. I think we’re pretty in touch with what our customer wants.
What brands and designers are you loving right now?
I always love Camilla. Ramy Brooke does really well in the store. Torn by Ronny Kobo, too. All of those brands do really well.
What’s your summer style?
I like the fresh, light and colorful look. I love flowy pieces. Anything that just feels light and bright. But in the fall, I love getting into all of those dark and heavy pieces, so I get excited to be a little more bohemian and light in the summer.
Do you have plans to open more stores?
You never know! I get asked a lot about Las Vegas. There are also a lot of requests for Dallas, so you never know. My partner Lizzy has a store in Boca. I’m in New York at least once a month. But New York for now…I’m here almost once a month!
