As I perused my usual assemblage of fashion publications, i.e. Vogue, Lucky, PaperCity, 360 West, etc., I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of articles featuring a Texas staple- the cowboy boot.  Now my very first foray into the land of country chic (yes, there is such a thing) was at the TCU vs. SMU game last year.  Since then, cowboy boots have not only managed to stay on mind, but also find their way into my closet.  Following are excerpts from magazines or personal experiences of mine- all involving the beloved cowboy boot.  Y’all enjoy.

Lucky Magazine

This month’s Lucky Magazine did an excellent city-by-city guide to cowboy boots.  Guess who made several appearances on the list?  This great state Texas, of course!  But I have one bone to pick with Lucky…why isn’t Fort Worth on the list?!  Hello? Plano made it for goodness sake!

Cowboy Cool vs. Maverick

Ok, so I have one more bone to pick.  Because the overall tone of this blog is positive, and purposefully so, I’ll make my rant brief.  I was attending a charity event (more on that later) for which I needed cowboy boots.  So I wandered on over to Cowboy Cool in the West Village in north Dallas.  Though there was one other customer when I arrived, no one greeted me.  As they continued to ignore me I walked around looking for something suitable to purchase.  Once I approached the shelves near the checkout counter, the girl behind the counter finally looked up from whatever she was reading and said to let her know if I had any questions.  She was polite enough, but obviously inattentive and disengaged.  For a while, I had been the only customer in the store.  I suppose I was most annoyed at the fact that I saw a second employee helping a previous customer when I first arrived, but that employee was nowhere in sight. 

On to the good.  On recommendation from a friend, I went to Maverick in the Fort Worth Stockyards.  It was a 180° experience.  I was greeted upon arrival.  Though there were several customers shopping, employees (plural) personally assisted me with finding the perfect pair of boots and even offered me a beverage.  In sum, Maverick gives you exceptional customer service.  The staff was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable.  I walked away with my first pair of cowboy boots since childhood.

So when it comes to Cowboy Cool vs. Maverick, there is no contest.  Hands down, Maverick is the best!  The selection of boots is impressive and the vast inventory of apparel puts Cowboy Cool to shame.  When you get to Maverick, just ask for Katy or Sam, and tell ‘em Nik from Thread Conscious sent you.

Careity Foundation’s Celebrity Cutting Horse Competition

First, a little bit about the Foundation: “Careity Foundation is a Texas 501(c)3 with two initiatives. Careity is dedicated to providing on site support services in an oncology setting for economically challenged cancer patients and through early detection in North Texas. The pediatric palliative care program is directed at providing relief to children with devastating diseases and life threatening illnesses at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth.”

I attended the Celebrity Cutting Horse Competition and Concert in December.  I was unfamiliar with the sport until then, and I must say, I found it to be very interesting.  Equally interesting were the very fashionable women strutting around.  I never thought I’d be one to like the cowgirl look, but I’ll admit I was feeling it.  I spotted some gorgeous boots and an amazing leather jacket.  The jacket was purchased at Maverick.

Celebrity guests included Joey and Rory, with whom I was not familiar, but are kinda a big deal y’all!  I only know them from their sweet Overstock.com commercial and it was great to see them perform live.  The gorgeous Joe Nichols sang some song about “tequila making her clothes fall off”, and Randy Travis and Tanya Tucker closed the show.  Now I know who Randy Travis and Tanya Tucker are- I grew up listening to their music, along with other country greats like the Judds, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire.  I loved Tanya’s signature song, Texas When I Die:

When I die I may not go to heaven
I don’t know if they let cowboys in
If they don’t just let me go to Texas, Boy!
Texas is as close as I’ve been.

Right on, Tanya!

Joey and Rory

Randy Travis (L) and Joe Nichols

Tanya Tucker

TCU Cowboy Boots

If you’re a TCU fan, you can have your very own, custom-designed pair of Horned Frog cowboy boots.  I guess it’s all the craze; alumni are even getting married in them!

Cowboys & Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala

About the organization: “Since 1955, Sky Ranch has been a Christian organization that has provided nationally recognized summer camps, retreats, and conferences in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado; Champions Rodeo camps; as well as mission camps in Africa, France and Russia.  These programs have enabled youth and families to enjoy a positive and exciting camping experience combined with the truths of God’s Word, making a lasting impact on future generations.”

If you plan to attend the Cowboys & Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala on Saturday, February 26th and are in need of designer western gear, I highly recommend checking out stores in the Fort Worth Stockyards first.  Interestingly, this event is in Plano, so if you live or work over there, FYI, Lucky Magazine did recommend Cavender’s on I-75.

 Fashionably Yours,

Nik