“When the Cowboys Come to Town”

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: the culmination of a long season on the rodeo road, wrapping up in 10 days of action from the top 15 PRCA cowboys and cowgirls competing for those coveted Gold Buckles in Las Vegas…. The excitement leading up to the main event is undeniable and thousands of people head to Sin City not just to watch the rounds and root for their favorite athletes, but also to see old friends and have fun times…. Oh, and to have to SHOP at all of the Cowboy Christmas Marketplaces!

 Which brings us to our topic for this blog post… 2016 WNFR fashion! (This is a tad lengthy but I promise it’s worth it! Tons of photos and insight on my fave places to shop!)
If you follow me on social media or through my blog, you have probably gathered that I am pretty much obsessed with western heritage and lifestyle, and really love talking about what’s going on in the western fashion world… Let me give a little more background on why this passion has come to a forefront for me in the past year.

I am part of the 2016 Bleacher Babe Squad, a stylish group of women from all over the country, who are passionate about fashion, rodeo and the western way of life. I must say it has been such an honor to be on the original BBS with these 12 lovely gals, they are all absolutely incredible, driven, stunningly beautiful (inside and out), courageous go-getters who build each other up and strive to build everyone else up in the process of sharing our loves for fashion and fun and the various cowboy ways of life (ranch, rodeo, etc). We primarily post on Instagram (you can follow us @bleacherbabesquad), sharing about our lives, things we love, current trends and classic looks, tips and tricks we’ve picked up along the way, and so much more! MAJOR bonus, though? Most of us gals were able to make it out to Vegas for the WNFR this year, and had so many amazing opportunities while we were there! More about those adventures in just a bit…

Now diving into the fashion and shopping scene at the National Finals… There are a few things you need to know…

– During the WNFR, there are multiple shopping venues catering specifically to our cowboy crowd. 2016 hot spots included the tried and true Cowboy Christmas (at the Las Vegas Convention Center), plus the Roper Cowboy Marketplace Gift Show (at Mandalay Bay), Stetson Country Christmas Downtown (at the World Market Pavilions), and South Point Western Gift Show. Needless to say, there are plenty of options for shopping, entertainment, demonstrations, arena events and other activities to pass the time.

– Pretty much anything goes for the fashion scene, as long as you remember to keep it classy and sassy. Wear clothes that you make you feel good about yourself, not clothes you think are “right” to try to impress others.

– You should feel encouraged to wear what you feel confidently beautiful in, whether that means classic starched Wranglers and a button up or an outfit that leans a bit more toward the wild side (after all, it is Vegas… Of all the times and places to rock something a bit more edgy, this is the time and place to do it!).

– As far as trends this year… We saw a LOT (and I do mean A LOT) of fringe… Tons of Turquoise (no complaints here!)… Denim for daysss (props to all of the companies catering to classic denim and those branching out with new styles of denim jeans, jackets, tops, etc)… Sequins on everything, from heels and cowboy boots to pants, skirts short and long, blazers, dresses, handbags and headbands… A good amount of fur jackets and vests… and kimonos of all lengths (dusters included!), colors, patterns, textures, with and without fringe, we saw them all. Bonus pieces in some of my favorite looks included squash blossoms, conchos, flared pants, fabulous hats of all shapes and sizes, chokers and velvet (pants, tops, jackets, just love how people uniquely styled velvet!).

*For full fashionable feed of WNFR fashion and some of our own favorite looks, check us out on Instagram @bleacherbabesquad and on my personal page @kenziegk*

In regards to shopping… We all know that I am all about supporting small businesses and businesses that have grown so much and are run by really awesome people!!! With that in mind, here are a FEW of my fave places to shop (some of which had AMAZING booths in Vegas! MAJOR heads up: all of the social media sites and websites for these folks will be at the end of this post!!!) …

– Rail Three Ranch, Sammi Jo and Pecas Sonora Beebe (check out the Grit and Glam Inspired post about them from a short while back)… Pecas also has her own line of Quarter Circle Eleven tees, which are cute and super comfy!
– Kotah Bear jewelry and Cholla’s Turquoise
– ShopBleacherBabe.com aka The Bleacher Babe’s Closet, Ross Dress for Less, Buffalo Exchange in Tucson, AZ, and the occasional thrift store… These places have some AMAZING finds at really affordable prices.
– AND a special shoutout to the Bleacher Babe Squad sponsors who help us all look our best… Wrangler, Anderson Bean (and Macie Bean) Boots, J. Forks Designs, Redford Ranch Style, Retro West, Woolies (see above), Hazels Fashion Wagon, The Desert Rose, Ritzy Gypsy, Pink Panache and Safari Girl.

Without a doubt, the WNFR fashion scene is always one to beat! Here’s a look at a few of my favorite outfits from my 12 day Vegas escapade! *Please excuse the fact that most of my photos were taken on my iPhone and are not the best quality… Note to self and to all of you: Be sure to make ten thousand sticky note reminders so you take a good camera on any trip EVER!!! And another good thing to remember… A tripod for that camera!*

Hey Baby Let’s Go To Vegas! Traveling to Sin City
• Super cute turquoise fringe top from Wrangler**
• Beaded hoop earrings from J. Forks Designs**
• (Photo Credit: My Sweet Momma)

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After unpacking and getting settled into the hotel, I went to the Round 1 Watch Party at the South Point Hotel and Casino with a few of the Squad gals! Here’s my outfit details:
• AWESOME turquoise slab and leather choker from Redford Ranch Style**
• Perfect brown stone and braided leather layered necklace from Retro West**
• Fun graphic tee from Hazels Fashion Wagon**
• Tan lightweight jacket from Buffalo Exchange
• Skinny Jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Cowhide Boot Rugs (and layered multicolor bracelets) that I scored on The Bleacher Babe’s Closet
• Black Caimen Belly Boots by Ferrini
• Vintage tooled leather clutch from Jesses Jewelz on Facebook

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First full day of shopping attire consisted of:
• Orange cross graphic tee from Cato Fashions
• Cream crochet kimono from Retro West**
• Turquoise slab bolo from Redford Ranch Style**
• Purple beaded necklace made by yours truly
• Earrings snagged off The Bleacher Babe’s Closet
• To finish this outfit, I was wearing light blue skinny jeans by Alloy Apparel and super cute tan fringe heels from Cato Fashions, along with a beautiful Bed Stu bag purchased at Envie Boutique in Visalia, CA

And what’s better after a full day of getting your feet wet in the shopping scene than going to dinner and a concert with a best friend??? Hannah (BBS member) had the BEST dinner at a nearby California Pizza Kitchen, then sung our hearts out at the Kacey Musgraves and George Strait concert! (And yes, we were both so excited that we took a billion low quality pictures and videos, to the point that our phones died….). Here’s a glimpse at the concert and what I wore!
• Cream blouse from Cato Fashions
• Coulee Creek fur and leather vest from Boot Barn
• Multicolor squash blossom pendant on wood beads from BBS Sponsor Rusty Rose**
• Flare Jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Floral boots from Anderson Bean**
• Bronc Bustin vintage leather bag from RhinestonesNRodeo on Facebook

Kacey Musgraves is so beautiful and SO talented, here’s a clip of her harmonica skills!

George Strait’s entrance! Please excuse all of the shotty camera work and crowd screaming!

First song of the night: Here for a Good Time

Short clip of the video screen

While these are definitely not the best quality videos, they give a little taste of how absolutely amazing the concert was!!

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The first Saturday in Vegas consisted of more shopping, watching a few of the BBS gals shoot some awesome clips with Wrangler, and a fun burger dinner at Holsteins (at the Cosmopolitan) to top the night off.
• Turquoise faux suede cutout fringe kimono by Wrangler**
• Mulitcolor saguaro tank by Turquoise Haven, purchased from The Rowdy Buckaroo Boutique
• Red leather braided necklace with turquoise slab accent from The Desert Rose**
• Silver cowboy boot earrings were a gift from my momma
• Mae relaxed fit jeans from Wrangler**
• Floral Boots by Anderson Bean**

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Sunday brought a unique opportunity for me… I helped a good friend who works with equine chiropractics and massage therapy as his secretary at South Point. Finished the day with some shopping and hit the hay early! And sadly, I did not get any pictures of my outfit of the day today! Just means I’ll recreate it sometime soon!

Monday was my day to post on the Bleacher Babe Squad pages, so I took to the halls at South Point again! (I seriously loved being around there this year… between the world series team roping, the friendly faces and fantastic booths, it was my favorite destination!).

I decided to feature BBS Sponsor Warbonnet Hatworks, run by our friends Dan & Brooklyn (two of the coolest, sweetest people you’ll ever meet!). Here’s a look at their special highlights from that day…

Warbonnet also has fun tees, hoodies, caps, hat patches and more!

Want to order your own custom Warbonnet Hat? Here’s Brooklyn with some insight on that! And in case you missed them in Vegas, get in touch with them and they’ll get you all set up!

Show of hands… how many of us put our lids up on the dash board and have to either sacrifice their shape leavin up sittin up there far enough to not fall, or have to work to keep em up there? Perfect solution… the Dash Rack at Warbonnet! Perfect gift for every hat-wearin person in your life! Here’s Dan to tell you more…

Here’s my daytime outfit details (left photo below)…
• Pearl ruffled tank from Cato Fashions
• Leopard kimono/duster by Turquoise Haven, purchased on The Bleacher Babe’s Closet
• Light blue skinny jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Brown faux suede booties with fringe tassel accent by Cato Fashions
• Vintage turquoise cuff bracelet from a personal collection
• Bag by Bed Stu, purchased at Envie Boutique in Visalia, CA

To finish the day, I went to the 5th round with one of my newest and best gal pals, Mkenzee Renae (more about her in a bit, we spent a lot of time together on this trip!). Had to dress up a bit more for the rodeo performance! (right photo above)
• Long sleeve black shirt from Cinch
• Fun shimmery jacket found at Buffalo Exchange
• Multiple turquoise necklaces picked up among my travels, including a squash blossom purchased from Cholla’s Turquoise
• Vintage turquoise cuff from a personal collection
• Earrings borrowed from my momma
• Black skinny jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Black fringe booties from Cato Fashions
• Purse was an amazing gift from a really sweet someone
• Beautiful bright pink wild rag from Buck Wild Custom Rags (It was Tough Enough To Wear Pink night and I had a very short amount of time to find something wonderful and pink… not exactly a staple in my closet!)

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My day 6 in Vegas brought me back to helping with a few things for Rene Noriega (Equistride) in the South Point barns, then led me to more shopping upstairs (bought myself a big squash blossom necklace and some other beautiful pieces at Kotah Bear and spent lots of time in the Rail Three Ranch booth!) and watching the night’s round around the casino as well.

Day 6 Daytime outfit:
• Cozy plaid “Honky Tonk Sweetheart” top from Redford Ranch Style**
• White faux fur vest found at a Ross Dress for Less store
• Bolo necklace from Ritzy Gypsy (top left photo)**
• Turquoise Ring found on The Bleacher Babe’s Closet
• Vintage turquoise cuff from a personal collection
• Flare jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Fun vintage handbag borrowed from my momma

Sassy but semi-casual nighttime outfit:
• Super soft tee by Pecas Sonora Beebe (Rail Three Ranch and Quarter Circle Eleven)
• Leopard kimono found on The Bleacher Babe’s Closet
• Stunner Squash Blossom and Earrings from Kotah Bear
• Flare jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Floral square toe boots by Anderson Bean**
• Vintage tooled leather clutch from Jesses Jewelz Facebook group

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Sometimes you just need a little break, especially when spending this much time around Vegas! Day 7 called for a casual time, including some perusing at the Roper Cowboy Marketplace and a fabulous dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill in the MGM Grand.

Side note… While shopping, we swung by BBS Sponsor booth Woolies Quality Clothier and my oh my was it full of cuteness!!! Including the expectant mommy Alisha, who I snapped a quick pic with! Congrats pretty lady!

We also stopped in at the Holy Cow Couture booth and were floored by the stunning products and the even more incredible group of gals that all happened to be there! See below for the group shot, from left to right we have Brittany Pillars (owner, Holy Cow Couture), Bobbi Tryan (superstar fashion icon, roper, and wife to team roping header Clay Tryan), Jill Skinner (owner, The Classy Trailer-also a BBS sponsor!), Mkenzee Renae (fashionista, 2017 BBS member and Southern Sass Hippie on IG), myself and Courtney Motes (another go-gettin’ fashionista in the rodeo wives world, married to team roping heeler Ryan Motes).
• Ocean Front Property graphic tank from Texas Rose Designs
• Duster shirt by Tasha Polizzi, bought off The Bleacher Babe’s Closet
• Turquoise layered necklace and leather purse snagged off TBBC
• Vintage turquoise cuff from a personal collection
• Jeans by Cowgirl Tuff
• Floral square toe boots by Anderson Bean**

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Thursday the 8th proved to be one for the books… I attended the Pro Rodeo League of Women’s Style Show and Luncheon, which benefits the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund… Talk about a fun group of stylish people coming together for a good time and supporting a heck of a cause. This event called for a sequin maxi skirt (snagged off TBBC) and stunning Ella Peters massive turquoise squash blossom (thanks to my friend over at Cholla’s Turquoise for helping me find the perfect one!), with the sophistication of a simple white blazer (off TBBC), silver painted clutch (off TBBC) and elegant updo, and accented by two large beautiful rings from Kotah Bear. This look was so well received and made me feel so amazing that after the luncheon, I kept it on for some fun conversations in the South Point shopping halls and a good night going to watch Round 8 of the NFR! Started the morning off right by running into old family friend Red Steagall, then continued to come across awesome folks throughout the day… Starting at the Style Show: Miss Rodeo America 2016 Katherine Merck, MRA 2017 Lisa Lageschaar, Rodeo Fashion icon Alexis Bloomer and her man (and bull riding champ) Sage Kimzey. I also got to hang with gal pals and 2016 BBS members Tara Trask and Hannah Hogner, and also chatted it up with the beautiful ladies of Buck Wild Custom Rags and The Pink Bulldog (who turned out to be connected to some dear friends in a very-small-world kind of way!). That night I ran into the stunning soon-to-be rodeo wife (to Trevor Knowles) Jena Venturacci.

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I finally made it down to the Stetson shopping area on day 9 of the trip, and spent the majority of my day hanging out there. Outfit of the day included:
• Lightweight sweatshirt tee by Wrangler**
• Blazer from Cato Fashions
• Silver layered necklaces and long turquoise slab necklace both found on The Bleacher Babe’s Closet
• Long black rhinestone cross necklace, oval pendant choker and large oval rhinestone earrings all from Pink Panache
• 1 Ring from Kotah Bear & 1 Ring from Backwoods Barbie Couture on Instagram
• Vintage silver cuff from a personal collection
• Flare jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Black Caimen Belly Square Toe Boots from Ferrini

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On the final day in Vegas, I made the rounds with Hannah (BBS member, plus a few of her awesome family members!) to say thanks to some of our Bleacher Babe Squad sponsors at the convention center, and was also honored to be part of an interview (including myself, Hannah Hogner and Danielle Keighley from the BBS), along with the beautiful Amy Wilson, by RFD-TV. We had a great time chatting about the Squad and our goals, current trends and our predictions for western fashion in the future. Bonus… Hang out by the main stage long enough, and you get to meet some more really amazing people, like Flint Rasmussen (PBR clown and all around great guy) and Easton Corbin (one of my favorite singers!!). Final day fabulous outfit details:
• Graphic tank from Redford Ranch Style**
• Red faux leather jacket from Ross Dress for Less
• Gorgeous layering necklaces from J. Forks Designs**
• Earrings bought on TBBC
• Black skinny jeans by Alloy Apparel
• Black high heeled booties from Payless (love me a good deal on shoes, especially when I find them in my size! It’s not easy!)

BBS gals as we were so excited to get filming. Thank you to RFD-TV for having us!

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My last night in Vegas was well spent, packing and resting for the 10-hour drive home! And I’m thankful for this cute cap from Safari Girl as a trip this long in Vegas and a drive that far by myself can do a number on a gal’s hair!

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Wrapping up I have just a few more things to say….

THANK YOU to the sweetheart of a gal pal Miss Mkenzee Renae, aka Southern Sass Hippie on Instagram, for doing my hair and makeup to help me get through this trip and for being the awesome person you are!! I am so excited that we will both be on the 2017 Bleacher Babe Squad together! Love ya girly.

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Another huge THANK YOU to all of the gals on the 2016 OG Bleacher Babe Squad, for all of the continued love, support, laughs, and friendships we have. Y’all are so absolutely incredible and I’m lucky to be part of this big tribe of empowering women! I cannot wait to continue to support you all and see what lies ahead for each of you!

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A repeat THANK YOU to all of the BBS sponsors for reaching out and helping us all to look fabulous at the WNFR and in our day to day lives!! Love to you all!!!

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And lastly, THANK YOU to everyone who has and continues to support this crazy fashion dream of mine (and for interacting on social media and reading my long-winded blogs!)…. I never put much thought into blogging about western fashion until this year, and boy am I blessed by how much I have been able to do and be a part of in 2016. I am so looking forward to what 2017 and the future holds!!

Here’s to good friends, fun times and fabulous western fashion,
~Kenzie

P.S. For collaborations or other communications, please email me colablancaproductions@yahoo.com. Thanks!

P.P.S. Here’s a full list of social media and websites for all of the folks mentioned above! Check ’em out!

*Bleacher Babe Squad: Instagram @bleacherbabesquad

*Hannah Hogner: Instagram @hannahhogner – Blog Living in Grace and Style

*Mkenzee Renae: Instagram @southernsasshippie

*Tara Trask: Instagram @tktrask and @mollyandgidget – Website mollyandgidget.com

*Danielle Keighley: Instagram @thewanderingroseco

*Geena Marcuzzo: Instagram @fit_on_the_farm

*Jessie Jarvis: Instagram @mrsjjarv

*Janzen Jackson: Instagram @jypsyjanzen & @rodeovogue – Website www.rodeovogue.com

*Wrangler: Instagram @wrangler – Website www.wrangler.com

*Redford Ranch Style: Instagram @redfordranchstyle – Website www.redfordranchstyle.com

*Desert Rose: Instagram @theofficialdesertrose – Website www.theofficialdesertrose.com

*Ritzy Gypsy: Instagram @ritzygypsyoriginals – Website www.ritzygypsyboutique.com

*Woolies: Instagram @wearwoolies – Website www.wearwoolies.com

*J. Forks Designs: Instagram @jforksdesigns – Website www.jforksdesigns.bigcartel.com

*The Classy Trailer: Instagram @theclassytrailer – Website the-classy-trailer

*Retro West: Instagram @retrowest

*Anderson Bean Boot Co (and Macie Bean Boot Co): Instagram @andersonbean & @maciebeanboots – Websites andersonbean.com & maciebean.com

*Hazel’s Fashion Wagon: Instagram @hazelsfashionwagon

*Pink Panache: Instagram @pinkpanachetx – Website www.pinkpanache.net

*Safari Girl: Instagram @safarigirldesigns – Website safarigirldesign.com

*Rail Three Ranch: Instagram @railthreeranch

*Quarter Circle Eleven Designs: Instagram @quartercircleeleven

*Holy Cow Couture: Instagram @holycowcouture – Website holycowco.com

*Kotah Bear: Instagram @kotah.bear – Website kotahbear.com

*Cholla’s Turquoise: Instagram @chollas_turquoise

*Warbonnet Hat Works: Instagram @warbonnet_hat_works – Website warbonnethatworks.com

*The Bleacher Babe’s Closet: Instagram @shopbleacherbabe – Website www.shopbleacherbabe.com

*Buffalo Exchange: Instagram @buffaloexchange – Website www.buffaloexchange.com

*Cato Fashions: Instagram @catofashions – Website www.catofashions.com

*Alloy Apparel: Instagram @alloyapparel – Website www.alloyapparel.com

*Buck Wild Custom Rags: Instagram @buck_wild_custom_wild_rags – Website www.buckwildrags.com

*The Pink Bulldog: Instagram @thepinkbulldogboutique

*Envie Boutique: Instagram @envieboutiquevisalia – Website www.envieonline.net

*Miss Rodeo America 2017 Lisa Lageschaar, Miss Rodeo America 2016 Katherine Merck, Alexis Bloomer, Sage Kimzey, Jena Venturacci, Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, Pro Rodeo League of Women-see in text links