Western Jewelry is Big News this Summer

Summer jewelry in 2008 is definitely going to make any outfit.  Summer 2008 is here in full force and so are the summer trends for western jewelry.  This summer, jewelry is all about big and colorful, with the color blue being the leader of the pack.

Summer Jewelry’s Got the Blues

Colorful jewelry is one of the hottest trends this summer and anything that is blue seems to be the hottest.  One of the coolest blues going this year happens to be turquoise; and we at Allens Boots know turquoise.  For years, turquoise jewelry has been a popular staple of western wear and we carry a large selection of some of the turquoise around.

Check out our line from Vogt jewelry, especially the turquoise cross necklace, its individually crafted and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Summer Jewelry is a Big Deal

The other trend in jewelry this summer is big, and we definitely know the meaning of big in Texas.  Let me tell you, nothing says big and bold and beautiful in jewelry than Montana Silversmith’s Bold and Beautiful Bracelet.  Silver and gold electroplated with precision engraving and measuring 2” at its widest point, Montana Silversmith’s cuff bracelets are sure to capture the eye of any fashionista.

Our line of Montana Silversmith and Vogt necklaces also fit the trend of big summer jewelry.  The Montana Silversmith Bold Round Silver Concho Necklace features a pendant with a hammered silver finish and cubic zirconium accents, as well as a chain made up of three different styles of beaded chains.  Our chunky necklaces will make an excellent accessory to your favorite summer dress.

Summer Jewelry is the Star of the Show

Celestial designs also take a front seat in jewelry trends this summer; so put away your necklaces and bracelets with your name on it and put on ones with your horoscope sign, stars and moons on them.  Now, while we can’t help you out with the horoscope signs, we definitely have your stars covered.  I mean, Texas is the Lone Star State after all.

Straw Cowboy Hats are a Summer Favorite

Straw cowboy hats are useful for more than just wrangling cattle.  They are the perfect hat for when the weather gets warm.  Not only are straw cowboy hats very functional in the summer; they are also quite fashionable.

Straw Cowboy Hats Keep You Cool

Straw cowboy hats provide a great way to protect your face and your head and keep you cool during in the strong summer sun.  The wide brim of a straw cowboy hat provides for ample shade from the hot summer sun to your face and neck; while the loose weave of a straw cowboy assists in keeping your head cool by letting air flow freely throughout the hat.

The Fashion of Straw Cowboy Hats

As far as the fashion side of straw cowboy hats goes; let’s break it down into genders.  For men, the straw cowboy hat looks good on the golf course (just ask “the shark,” Greg Norman, about that); as well as on the lake or beach.  Not to mention that many country music stars where straw cowboy hats, such as Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, and Kenny Chesney.  And, finally, if your horse steps on your hat during a summer ride never fear.  Just reshape your hat and go.

Women and the Straw Cowboy Hat

Now for the women, straw cowboy hats are a wonderful addition to the summer wardrobe.  Straw cowboy hats go with everything from your favorite sundress to your best pair of jeans and other western attire.  Straw cowboy hats also look fantastic while you are riding on a boat or lounging on the beach in your favorite swimsuit.

Straw Cowboy Hats in all Shapes and Sizes

At Allens Boots, you will find a large selection of straw cowboy hats to fit your summer wardrobe needs.  You will find pink hats, black hats, natural hats, hats with elaborate bands, and simple straw hats.  We carry only the highest quality of straw cowboy hats from top brands like Stetson and Montecarlo.

Come on down to the store and let us outfit your head for summer.

Purses Go on a Diet

Purse trends this summer are all about the size.  According to all the fashionistas out there, the purse is shrinking this year.  It is all going back to the smaller purse versus the larger purse of past seasons.  Even though in the Lone Star State, we believe that everything should be bigger, we actually have given in to the purse trend and have taken them down a size or two.

Purses, Purses Everywhere

As the distinguished purse shopper that you are, you will find a variety of designer purses, leather purses, and our personal favorite, western purses, when you walk down the aisles of Allens Boots.  We also did a little research on the purse and found out that purse is derived from the Greek word for oxhide; so it is fitting that we have more leather purses than anything else, don’t you think?

Purses by Ariat

Ariat, a manufacturer of the most advanced boots and leather goods, carries a large selection of leather purses perfect for this year’s summer trend.  From the Ariat Saddle Flap purse made of full-grain leather with printed leather accents with credit cards slots and pockets for your cell phone and cosmetics; to the Ariat Rodeo Round Up Mini Hobo bag with detailed embroidery and rhinestone appliqués as well as an internal leather snap key ring holder; there is a small Ariat purse to fit your unique style.

Matching your purses to your footwear is another big trend this summer; and Ariat has that covered as well.  All Ariat purses are made to coordinate with Ariat boots, such as the Fatbaby and the Heritage Western styles.  What more could you ask for?

Purses:  Stock up for Summer

Now that you know where to find all of your purses for summer, head on down to Allens Boots and start stocking up.

Summer Camp for Summer Break

Summer Camp is the perfect way for you little cowboys and cowgirls to spend all that free time during their favorite break … summer break. There are several cowboy and cowgirl summer camps throughout the country. One of the cowboy summer camps that we know about isn’t too far down the road in Humble, Texas.

Cowboy City Texas, founded by Mike and Mary Wall, is home to six cowboy and cowgirl summer camps a year. The summer camps are offered to boys and girls ages seven to fourteen and are chocked full of cowboy boot wearing activities.

Summer Camp Teaches Horsemanship

Summer camp at Cowboy City Texas is all about fun for the beginner and immediate horse riders. But don’t you worry; Cowboy City Texas provides the horses for all summer camp participants.

Cowboy and cowgirl summer camp is centered on horsemanship. Summer campers will learn and work on horse grooming, riding, barreling, cutting, roping and many other rodeo type activities. In fact, there is a summer camp rodeo at then of the summer.

Summer Camp Chocked Full of Western Fun

Other activities summer campers will enjoy while at summer camp are western theater, nature awareness trails, mud fights (be prepared to wash camper’s jeans every night), archery and more.

Attendees of cowboy and cowgirl summer camp also have the opportunity to learn western arts and crafts, play sports with other cowboys and cowgirls, go swimming (make sure you take off your cowboy boots and cowboy hats first), and even go shovel surfing. Now, we aren’t quite sure what shovel surfing is, but it sounds pretty fun.

Western Gear for Summer Camp

Before you take your little cowboy or cowgirl off to summer camp, whether at Cowboy City Texas or another western summer camp, swing by Allens Boots and we will make sure your summer campers have all the western gear they need.

*Photo by Cowboy City Texas

Mules in the Hot Sun

So it’s hot outside and you really want to wear your cowboy boots with your new jeans or your new skirt or dress; although the mere thought of having all that leather on your legs in 90 degree weather causes you to instantly break out into a sweat.

There is an answer to having the boot look without all of the boot … Mules! And we aren’t talking about the four-legged kind.

These Mules Were Made for Walking

Mules, by definition, are backless and very often close-toed shoes. The open-toe version is called a slide. They are very popular among women and are believed to have gotten their start back in the 18th century. Mules gained popularity in the 1970’s as clogs, but re-emerged in the 1990’s and haven’t looked back.

Mules, Mules, Mules

Mules come in all sorts of colors and styles, they can be dressy or casual and they are extremely comfortable. In fact, Allens Boots has yellow mules, red mules, black mules, multi-color mules made by Charlie 1, Old Gringo, Frye and Ariat. You name it; we have it to go with all your summer styles.

Mule Rules

Now before you run off with your mules, there are a few things you should know about proper mule fit.

• You need to make sure that your heel fits on the back of the mule properly. Take care that your heel isn’t hanging over the edge, sitting right on the edge or not close enough to the edge. Just a little edge showing is perfect.
• Make sure you get up and walk around in the mules you are interested in buying. That way you know they stay on your feet and that they look right with your legs.
• If you are planning on wearing socks or hosiery with your mules, make sure you bring them with you when you try them on.