Back in the Saddle, Part II

I recently got a western-inspired fix in a very unexpected place: JC Penney's!? I have to admit I probably hadn't stepped foot in that store since middle school, but on a recent therapeutic shopping excursion to the mall with my sister and stepmother, I came across several surprisingly cute tops in JCPenney's American Living collection. The line is sort of a cross between 70's Ralph Lauren and a dressy cowgirl -- I purchased the top below, and it looks great with my riding boots and a long cardigan:


American Living Ruffle Front Shirt, $41.25.

Many of the American Living tops remind me of the latest Built by Wendy collection, but without the heftier price-tag. Here are some other cute tops from the collection (obviously I'm loving the plaid right now!)


American Living puff-sleeve shirt, $55


American Living ruffle-front shirt, $48.75


American Living tie-neck shirt, $60

Here are some of my favorite western pieces that I already own and love --

My perfectly worn-in boots from Nashville:


A vintage western blouse from the 40's...even better, handed down by my grandmother:


My suede vest that just screams "Young Guns":


My garish red cowgirl hat -- given to me by my boyfriend:


(Don't worry. I don't wear them all at the same time.)

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying the emergence of fall weather -- now is the time to throw on your western digs and have a backyard bingo party. Or if you'd rather stay cozy indoors, pop in one of these amazing westerns:

One of my childhood favorites -- Young Guns!


Lonesome Dove:


Bonnie and Clyde:


Deadwood (pretty much the best show ever!):


And of course, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (no two more handsome men to be found in Hollywood):

Back in the Saddle Again

I'm back!! Thanks for your patience with me everyone. Things have been a bit tough over the past few weeks, but I am trying to get back in the swing of things -- studying for exams while still trying to have some fun and keep my blog updated. I hope you are all well and thanks for your kind comments while I was away. I've been working on a two-part post in an attempt to make up for my tardiness...hope you enjoy!

I feel like so much has happened over the past few weeks, both in my own little world and the world at large. First, my poor little pug Olive is no longer with me -- she was only 4 years old, but became ill last month from a heart defect, and was not able to recover. On the positive side, I am going to a pug fundraiser this weekend in Oklahoma City, sponsored by Homeward Bound Pug Rescue. I hope to adopt a rescued pug! I am very excited!

As you undoubtedly know, the very handsome, kind, talented, and generous Paul Newman passed away. This got me thinking about the film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (one of my favorite Newman movies), which, in turn, got me thinking about other Westerns I like...

Have you noticed over the past few years the Western is really making a big-time comeback? (Deadwood, There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men, etc.) My theory is that when people begin to feel the U.S. is in a downward spiral -- which I think many people have been feeling lately with the economic crisis, war, presidential elections --that nostalgia begins to set in, and the western genre suddenly seems appealing again -- perhaps because it represents a younger, more hopeful America, or maybe people just like to fantasize about taking the law into their own hands, ala Bonnie and Clyde.

Fashion also seems to be heading West in a big way, and I have to admit I'm loving it. Of course, in these parts, cowboy boots never go out of style, but I'm noticing the trend in accessories, dresses, and outerwear too. Here are a few things I'm craving right now, all inspired by resurgence of nostalgia for the American West:

[All from Urban Outfitters: Pocket Watch necklace, $28.00, Silence and Noise Tapestry vest, $34.99, Suede Stitched Gloves, $38,We Who See Field Bootie, $128, Cocktail Hair Clip, $24, Quetzal Patterned Cape, $48, ]