I grew up in San Angelo and remember when this store was down the road from the current location (they've had three moves in my lifetime). There was a mystique and truly unique quality about the original J Wilde that is absent from the current store, frankly. In the 1980s, J Wilde was an antique furniture store and gift shop (and a rather beautiful, breathtaking one at that). However, back then, there was entire room dedicated to antique smiling fat Mammy figurines and reproduced "pickaninny" and "golliwogg" dolls. I'm certain the owners are not racist or bigoted people at all, but rather, just products of their time and place. Therefore, I'll attribute the store selling these items as a result of ignorance and unintentional cultural insensitivity (which I further assume has now been remedied). I'll also note these items have not been for sale at J. Wilde in over 20 years. However, it truly shocked me as a child and is something I'll never forget.
As per J Wilde now, the current location is so impressive, but I'm not enamored with the "Sassy Grandma" style of clothing they sell here (i.e. bedazzled, leopard-printed items that flatter "fuller" figures, often adored with a neon-hued feather boa, a souvenir shop cowboy hat, and gobs of cheesy costume jewelry). Nobody over the age of 5 and under the age of 50 finds all that appealing, sorry.
I would stay away from the vintage-style western wear they have at the current J Wilde store, as well. Joyce Wilde (the owner, who I've only met once and was so sweet) is open about the fact that she buys from markets in San Antonio, San Marcos, and Austin, and resells it. However, she does so for two to three times the original cost. I feel that's very insulting to the local patrons who have kept this place in business. I'm sure that used to fly back before the advent of the internet, lol, but not now! Get it from the source is my suggestion (for example - San Marcos outlet malls, El Mercado in San Antonio, Allen's Boots in Austin, Texas).
Additionally, I do wish they would spruce up the materials section. It doesn't match the decor of the rest of the store, for one thing. It also smells so musty and dank, which is off-putting and honestly it's pretty gross. it just seems like the materials portion of the store is just an after-thought and whomever was in charge of minding that section has been permanently out to lunch.
However, I'll always have a soft spot for this store and I hope it continues to evolve (in a positive, inclusive manner) and remain as an asset to San Angelo. I think it would be great if J Wilde could showcase and sell the fashions, home decor, and artwork of regionally-relevant artists and designers. There's a lot of talent in the Concho Valley and the West Texas region that J Wilde could tap! Anyway, I just hope this place stays in business - whether anyone likes it or not, it is a San Angelo institution! read more
