March 8th, 2010 Clementine
So ol’ Clementine here was hooting and hollering during the Academy Awards last night when Jeff Bridges won for Best Actor for Crazy Heart. His performance was worthy of that golden statuette, and his acceptance speech made me tear up. (Did you see my review of Crazy Heart from last week? It would make make this cowgirl’s heart real happy if you left a comment on that post if you’ve seen the movie.)
Anyhow, I was having an interesting conversation last week with a friend who had seen the film. And she wanted to know what it was about an almost 60-something washed-up alcoholic (the character Bridges plays) that was so attractive to Maggie Gyllenhaal’s character?
And what can I say? There’s just something about cowboy charm and style that’s alluring. Bridges’s look during the movie was simple, classic cowboy: jeans, cowboy hat, rugged shirt.
If I’d been in charge of outfitting “Bad Blake,” here’s what I would have chosen from the wardrobe at AJ’s Western Wear:
1. Appaloosa Western Shirt:
This shirt would have been a great look on Bad Blake as he sat on his front porch and was penning “The Weary Kind” (which won Best Original Song) last night.
Here’s the shirt’s description: Classic white (with a little western flair) and blue jeans. There should be a law saying every cowboy is required to have easy access to this ensemble. Why? Because you can’t go wrong with this look. It’s rugged, yet simple; classic, yet perfect for today; western, yet subtle. Details include spread collar, black-stitched yokes, and diamond-shaped pearl snaps. Shirt by Scully.
2. Black Stallion
I would have chosen this western shirt for the show he puts on when he’s opening up for Colin Farrell’s character, Tommy Sweet.
This just has country music star written all over it, don’t you think? But not in an over-the-top sort of way.
Here’s the product description: Wear this shirt, and make a statement: you will not be tamed. You’re wild at heart, full of grit and gut, and you live according to your own rules. Which is why this shirt, with its fashion forward lines and dollop of traditional flare, is perfect for you. Details include a black base and white trim, diamond-shaped pearl snaps, and a spread collar. Shirt by Scully.
3. Sunset Trails Western Shirt
And when he was romancing Jeanne Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal), we think he would have scored BIG in this cowboy shirt.
Here’s the product description: The soft oranges and blues are reminiscent of a sunset in April and May, which is one of the reasons this western shirt is perfect for spring. The other reasons? The sharp looking front and back Rancher’s Crease, the 100% cotton plaid fabric, and the fact it’s machine washable.
So what did you think? Did the clothes in the movie Crazy Heart feel authentic to you? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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March 1st, 2010 Clementine
So some of our Sassy Saloon readers took umbrage with the headline in the LA Times article I linked to in my blog post last Monday about Jet and Cord McCoy, the two cowboy brothers who are fan favorites in the TV reality show The Amazing Race. The article headline said, “The Amazing Race: Don’t Let the Cowboy Hats Fool You.”
The general consensus around the Saloon was that this headline was a slight, a slap in the face for all of us who know and love not only western fashion, but also the western lifestyle. The headline suggests that if someone wears a cowboy hat, he can’t be taken seriously, that it’s just a “get-up,” that he’s, well, only a cowboy (note: I realize that the person who wrote the headline is unlikely the same person who wrote the article, which was quite glowing in regards to my future husband, Jet, and my future brother-in-law, Cord).
But no doubt, many of us have probably encountered the same type of ignorance that this headline seems to suggest. So, here at AJ’s, we’ve been brainstorming comebacks to this narrow-minded way of looking at cowboys, cowgirls, and the fashion we wear. We came up with a list, a sort of Cowboy/Cowgirl Fashion Credo, if you will. Feel free to quote from it.
Why Western? Top 10 Reasons
10. Rugged
9. Three words: Wrangler, Scully, Roper
8. Fun with fringe, pearl snaps, yokes, darts, smile pockets, and lace
7. Comfort
6. Embroidery at its always-tasteful best
5. Attitude
4. Equal opportunity–great looks for cowboys, cowgirls, and the littlest buckaroos
3. Think “classic” celebrities: John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Loretta Lynn, the Marlboro Man
2. Think modern-day talent: Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Jet & Cord McCoy
1. Nothing is more American.
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February 22nd, 2010 Clementine
Watch out, Mr. Chesney. You, too, Mr. Urban. Because Clementine here has a new love, and his name is Jet McCoy. (No, that’s not him pictured, although it’s close…I’ll be talking more about this pic below.)
He’s part of the cowboy-brother team taking part in this season’s The Amazing Race (the other brother is Cord McCoy. Yes, THAT Cord McCoy, a fairly well known bull rider). And while there’ve only been two episodes so far (including the brothers’ first place finish last night), I can say this: these cowboys are a force to reckon with. And according to this LA Times article, they’ve quickly become the fan favorite.
So what is it about Jet I adore? Aside from the fact he’s a hot cowboy, he’s a lover of words. According to his official bio on The Amazing Race website, his favorite hobby is reading. He says he reads every day.
Be still this cowgirl-writer’s heart.
Both these brothers also got the whole western style thing happening. I was talking with SuzyB, the Chief Filly over at AJ’s, and asked her what shirts she thought these two cowboys would like. She’s thinking the Subtle Cowboy Western Shirt for Jet (pictured above) and this show shirt for Cord, called The Saddle Tooled Western Shirt.
Methinks they’d look great in just about anything.
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February 20th, 2010 Clementine
I’m aware that many of y’all are either coming off school vacation week or heading into it (that is, for those of you who have some little buckaroos running around…Clementine does not, as she’s still waiting for a proposal from Mr. Chesney).
Vacation time often means extended family time, so I thought this was an appropriate quote for your weekend wisdom.
“Don’t judge people by their relatives.”
Have a good weekend, everyone. For those of you coming off of vacation week, congrats! And for those of you heading into it, well…you have my condolences. 
Perhaps a little shop therapy would help? Remember, the folks at AJ’s have this free shipping thingy going on. Enjoy.
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February 17th, 2010 Clementine
Here’s the second part in my “what to wear to a rodeo” series. I talked about cowgirl style yesterday. And now, I’m turning my attention to all you studdly cowboys. (Yes, that’s drool coming out of the monitor…what of it?) Here are three of my favorite show shirts for the boys.
1. “Night Hawk” – Scully Western Shirt
Like the name suggests, this sharp-looking western shirt is perfect for those nighttime events when you’re hoping to garner a little extra attention.
Think show arenas, weddings, and line dancing at the local roadhouse.
After all, who could resist the diamond pearl snaps, embroidered front and back yokes, accent piping, and spread collar with metal collar tips?
This shirt will look great with your favorite Wrangler jeans or dress pants. Shoot, versatility never looked so hot, cowboy.
2. Tone-on-Tone Western Shirt – comes in three colors
Whether you’re off to a summer wedding or enjoying a little summer romance with a special someone over a candlelight dinner, this western shirt is ideal for those occasions when a cowboy needs to be looking his best.
With a slight tone-on-tone fabric, front and back yokes, and two front snap pockets, this piece is a must-have for any cowboy who wants an easy way to clean up nicely.
3. Eagle Pass Western Shirt
Eagle Pass was the first U.S. settlement on the Rio Grande, so we like to think of this eagle screen print as a way to commemorate the storied history behind this still-gutsy-as-ever city in Texas.
The green and tan background is reminiscent of the southwestern landscape, too.
Features include shoulder epaulets and pearl snaps, and the shirt has been garment washed for softness, and comfort. This shirt is relaxed enough for added comfort, but fancy enough for the arena.
So what do you think? Has Clementine chosen well? What do you like to wear to the rodeo or in the arena? Share in the comments.
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February 16th, 2010 Clementine
So rodeo season is here, and the big one–the Houston Rodeo–kicks off on 3/2. Clementine (that’s me–I like referring to myself in the third person sometimes) thinks that what you wear to the big event is just as important as the skills you’re showing off (and perhaps even more so…hell, you might as well look good getting thrown off that bucking bronco, right?).
Anyhow, the chief fillies at AJ’s have some great new looks for all your show and rodeo needs, and I thought I’d take this opportunity to show you three of my favorites for cowgirls in this post and then three of my faves for the studly cowboy in tomorrow’s post. Sound good? Here we go.
1. Silver Fox – Ladies Western Show Shirt
Strut your stuff in style, cowgirl. The silver floral print overlay on this white shirt gives off just the right amount of sparkle.
Whether you wear it under the arena lights or by candlelight with a special someone, you’re guaranteed to shine. Goes great with jeans, dressy pants, or a flowing skirt.
Made by Roper.
2. Midnight Run – Ladies Western Show Shirt
Where Hollywood meets western. Where Vegas showgirl meets cowgirl. Where…okay, you get the idea.
This fabulous holographic swirl print shirt will be the talk of the arena…or the talk of the town (no matter what town you’re in!).
Why?
Well, this poly knit fabric really sparkles under light. Shirt details include scalloped yokes, slightly puffed sleeves, pearl snaps, and an extra dose of sassiness.
3. Show Stopper “Ponderosa” – Women’s Show Shirt by Scully
Ready to stop ‘em in their tracks? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
This Shirt by Scully is for cowgirls who like being noticed (and let’s face it, ladies…there’s a little bit of that in all of us, right?).
So what will people notice first? The embroidered front and back yokes? The embroidered pockets? The form fit? The pearl snaps? The extended tails? The spread collar? The embroidery up and down the sleeves? (Okay, you probably get the picture.)
This shirt won’t last long, so get it while you can.
So what are some “must haves” that you wear on show day? We’d love to hear about the things cowgirls and cowboys wear as they head to the arena. Leave ‘em in the comments.
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February 9th, 2010 Clementine
Wrangler® Zippered Cross Satchel with Crocodile Trim
Ol’ Clementine here is lusting after this Wrangler® purse from AJ’s. Wrangler is such a fabulous brand. Even the name itself–let it roll of your tongue: WRANGLER–suggests rugged, strong, cowboy/girl sex appeal.
Okay, so maybe ol’ Clementine needs to get out more. But you get the idea.
Of course, as I was staring longingly at this handbag, I said, “Wait, just how much do I know about Wrangler, anyway? I bet I can impress all my blog readers with some fun facts.”
And so, here you have it…
5 fun facts about one of America’s favorite brands: Wrangler®
1. Wrangler authentic western jeans were introduced to the American consumer in 1947, and they were designed by a celebrity tailor named Rodeo Ben (who knew?).
2. The company behind this introduction was Blue Bell, which acquired the Casey Jones Company (a manufacturer of work clothes) in 1943 and, with it, the rights to the (then) rarely-used Wrangler brand.
3. The Wrangler brand was launched in Europe in 1962 upon the opening of a plant in Belgium.
4. According to the Wrangler® official website, in 1996, “one out of every five pairs of jeans sold in America features a Wrangler label.”
5. The longest sports licensing endorsement in the history of professional sports ended in 2007 with the death of Wrangler endorsee James A. “Jim” Shoulders, a World Champion Cowboy who started his endorsement of Wrangler back in 1948.
Now you know! What’s your favorite piece of Wrangler apparel?
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January 27th, 2010 admin
We love the folks over at Cactus Creek: “Your guide to rustic, western, and vintage style.” Fancy T. Smith is the owner and one smart and stylish gal. We asked her about the Top 8 Fashion Trends for Spring 2010. Here’s what she wrote:
Top 8 Fashion Trends for Spring
By Fancy T. Smith, Cactus Creek
With the New Year, there are lots of predictions and statements about the top trends for the months ahead, both in fashion and also on the home front. Much of what is popular in mainstream fashion can be paralleled to the Western market. With that, here is what is on the horizon for Cactus Creek and our Western * Rustic * Vintage spin on style.
1. Best color for spring TURQUOISE. Always a cowgirl’s best friend for fashion, at least according to the 2010 Pantone report, which says turquoise is indeed the number one color for spring.
So pull out your best turquoise jewelry, throw some turquoise on the walls in the living room, and make sure you have a few pieces of this bold color to throw into your spring style.
2. Rocker Glam. Everywhere you look people are adding black, hot pink, and bling. Just when you think that all things shiny are finally going away, here comes the hottest new flip flops for summer 2010.
3. Vintage LOVE. There is nothing better than a pair of cowboy boots already broken in. Check out local garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets for pre-LOVED boots, pearl snap shirts, and even jeans. Nothing new can replace the patina of Vintage LOVE.
4. Bohemian Funk. Gypsy skirts & sling bags are perfect for a run into town. They’re easy to thrown on, easy to wash, and easy on the eyes when paired with a tight little tee & a few strands of turquoise.
5. Going GREEN. No matter who you are or where you live, we are all fully immersed in the trend to go GREEN. For us here at Cactus Creek, that has meant a lot of discussion about “Upcycling”–taking what could be trash or junk and making into something new and fun. Earrings and bracelets made out of everything from bullets to bottle caps look great on the dance floor!
6. BIG Patterns. Time to get out of your box & go BIG. Big patterns, like the Turquoise Canyon Snap Blouse featured on the right, are going to be hot on everything from your favorite pearl snaps to sundresses paired with boots this spring.
7. DIY. Farm girls have been doing it themselves for all time, but now even we urban cowgirls are getting in on the act. Crochet your own baby boots, make a lamp out of a milk can, or use old lariats to decorate a store bought picture frame.
8. Made in the USA. This has never meant more than it does right now. To regenerate the USA, economy we must invest in one another.
So whatever is on your shopping list, from new jewelry to tonight’s vegetables for dinner, do your best to keep it local and always buy Made in the USA when given an option. Learn more about the 3/50 Project to get started.
What are some trends you’ve spotted and are excited about? We’d love to hear about them. Share your thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to subscribe to this blog if you like what you’ve read.
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