ArizonaRealCountry.com 23 January 2019 By Kimmie Dillon For competitive rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, Cowboy Christmas refers to the numerous rodeos that take place over the 4th of July. Huge prize money is up for grabs so contestants enter as many rodeos as they possibly can. But for the fashion conscious rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, Cowboy Christmas refers to a shop-till-you-drop experience only found during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Every year in December, western shoppers descend onto Sin City to enter as many shopping booths as they can. Sound fun? If you’ve never attended-you’re missing out! The 2019 dates are already set and fans are booking their hotels for December 5th through the 14th. This season’s western looks are bright, fun and plenty punchy. There’s no shortage of style when traditional western is combined with some distinct trends. I walked for 4 days and saw just about everything. Here’s a look at what’s hot now in the western world: RODEO TIME When he ain’t spurrin’ fat Bramer necks for big money checks, Dale Brisby is the founder of Rodeo Time. The wildly popular bull riding gypsy soul has a cult following with his “You Ain’t No Cowboy” videos. Onto the Next One…‘Ol Son… complete with some 12 Valve Vibes! dalebrisby.com SERAPE STRIPE JEANS BY RANCH DRESSIN’ Serape stripes are everywhere! World Champion Barrel Racer Fallon Taylor is making a splash with her western jeans in trendy prints. Her t-shirts with sassy sayings are equally popular. Like Dale, Fallon has a huge following and fans gather in her booth in hopes of meeting the rodeo athlete-turned fashionista in person. ranchdressn.com THIS JUST IN! AZTEC BUTTON COLLAR PONCHO BY RHONDA STARK DESIGN It’s clear that bold patterns and colors will dominate in 2019. Just like the serape stripe, Aztec prints are abundant! This gorgeous ladies poncho was recently featured in Cowboys & Indians Magazine. RhondaStark.com AZTEC PRINT BAGS BY RITZY GYPSY BOUTIQUE The bright Aztec patterns are vivid and fabulous. These bags are a perfect accessory and can be dressed up or paired comfortably with your favorite jeans. ritzygypsyboutique.com BELTS WITH BLING They’re baaaack! Or should I say, they’re stillllll in style? Belts with lots of bling continue to wrap around the waistlines of cowgirls young and young-at-heart. My prediction: this will be the last big year of blingy belts as they will lose their luster to some less-loud accessories. bbsimononline.com EMBELLISHED HANDBAGS Leather handbags with fringe, studs, calf hide, and stitching have crossover style. Catalina’s Originals is just one of the many lines of stylish purses, fashion bags, and clutches that are oh-so- cowgirl chic! catalinasoriginals.com BALL CAPS WITH A MESSAGE Everyone needs a ball cap or two. While you can always go with a sports team or favorite brand, these caps let others know how you REALLY feel. You can make a fashionable first impression and show some cowgirl attitude from the get-go. facebook.com/ rockinpranchouray NOSTALGIC WITH A TWIST I loooove Rodeo Quincy because this line incorporates western nostalgia with a twist. The look features Spanish embroidery with vivid florals and extraordinary details. What’s just as impressive is founder Quincy Freeman is a 4-time Collegiate National Finals Rodeo Qualifier. Quincy is a real rodeo cowgirl with a unique sense of fashion that is behind her creative designs. rodeoquincy.com PLAID EVERYTHING! There’s always that one trend which stays for more than a season. This year it’s plaid. Also known as checks, flannels and tartan print, this pattern is fun and versatile in the western world. howcuteonline.com DECORATIVE SPUR STRAPS Yup-these spur straps are made for walkin’-and they are definitely made for showing off as well. While a closet full might be a stretch, a pair of bold straps will put something special in your western swagger. raftertranchco.com FANCY FLORAL STITCHED BOOTS Cowboy boots are the accessory that distinctly defines a look as “western.” These fancy stitched kickers will help you walk a funky, flowery path while adding a frisky swing to your swagger. Dare ya to say that 3x! facebook.com/Sheilahs-Classy- to-Whimsy SEQUIN PANTS This boutique always brings adorable, vintage-inspired items to Cowboy Christmas. They’re known for their GYpsY style and this year: their SEQUIN PANTS! Ok, I admit I donated mine many moons ago. But sequin pants are back and hot, hot, hot! Add a bell bottom flair and you will rock the latest cowgirl trend. Facebook.com/Msbhavin More ranch and rodeo news next month! Western Fashion Trends From Cowboy Christmas