Cowgirls In Style MRA Pageant

In Style Magazine

Make Up Tips for the Holidays

Cowgirls Christmas

Taryn Hale Wrangler Ultimate Cowgirl For 2012 Winter 2012

$4.95 U.S.

www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

2011 Miss Rodeo America McKenzie Haley

Contents

Cowgirls In Style Magazine specials

On The Cover

20 The Designers

of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant

Read about the top designers in the industry as we go behind the scenes of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Meet Patricia Wolf, Meredith Lockhart, Jan FaulknerWagoner, Kristine Sampson, Donna Riva and Bob Kipperman

34 McKenzie

34

Haley One on one with Miss Rodeo America 2011

20 Latest Fashions from the MRA Designers

42 Taryn Hale

41 Bling Your Horse

Meet Wrangler’s Ultimate Cowgirl Next Door for 2012

55 Cowgirls

42

12 Make Up Tips for the Holidays

Christmas Holiday gift ideas

34 Meet Miss Rodeo 2011 McKenzie Haley.

42 Meet Wrangler Ultimate Cowgirl Next Door winner 55 Cowgirls Christmas Cover Credits: Miss Rodeo America McKenzie Haley Photographed by: John Shooter/ Shooter Enterprises Wrangler Ultimate Cowgirl Taryn Hale Photographed by: Steve Bonini

2011 MRA contestants and judges Photo By: John Shooter/Shooter Enterprises

In Every Issue Features In Beauty

12 Holiday Makeup Tips

In Fashion

14 Cowgirls Winter Fashion Forecast 16 Latest Styles from the Biggest Brands

In Equestrian

38 Horse Training 101 41 Bling Your Horse.

In Rodeo

46 Queen’s Corner

In Business

48 Business Holiday Marketing 50 Sliding Heart Horses

Spring Issue Coming March 2012

How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls

52 Behind the Chutes with Fallon Taylor 54 Making a Difference

In Travel

58 The Western Wanderer visits Chesterfield, Idaho

In Every Issue 7 Cowgirls Mailroom 8 A Cowgirl’s Voice 9 Country Buzz 10 E-Cowgirl 60 Barn Boutique

• • • •

Spring Fashions Country Weddings Celebrity Fashions Spring Clean and Organize your Tack Room and Barn • The Jean That Is Right For You • Much More!

Coming March 2012

2011 Miss Rodeo contestants pose outside of the Sams Town in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each dressed in designer clothing, these women come from all over the United States. CIS takes a look at the designers behind the fashions.

Photo by John Shooter

Miss Rodeo America Pageant Designers Written By Susan Gentry

E

very year in the month of December, cowboys and cowgirls descend upon the city of Las Vegas to compete in and enjoy the atmosphere of rodeo, warm weather, shopping and night life. One group of women who not only stand out because of their personalities, beauty and horsemanship, but also because of their fashionable clothing. They are the contestants of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

Meet the designers behind the MRA Fashions The Miss Rodeo America organization spans the country, bringing together rodeo enthusiasts for the yearly pageant and competition to select and crown Miss Rodeo America from among America’s state rodeo queens. For over 50 years, Miss Rodeo America has traveled the length and breadth of our country, promoting the sport of rodeo and the western way of life. We are going to introduce to you the designers behind the beautiful fashions of the MRA Pageant. Meet some of the biggest names in Cowgirl fashions. These designers not only design for the MRA Pageant, but for celebrities in the country entertainment world and more.

Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 21

Patricia Wolf

Patricia Wolf

MRA Pageant Designer (512) 237-3388 P.O. Box 807 | Smithville, TX www.PatriciaWolf.com

P

atricia Wolf is a “Made in America” company and has made everything in Smithville, Texas for 30 years. All Patricia Wolf labels proudly say “Made in Texas”. She makes a variety of western lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, and home décor. Her specialty is blending looks of contemporary and vintage Western, as well as Native American looks using leathers and textiles.

Many designs are embellished with copyrighted hand painted details, antique silver and turquoise studs, rhinestones, lacing, and fringe. Her products have that homey feel of quality and present an interesting visual mix that encourages customers to explore the intricate details of her beautiful creations.

Miss Rodeo Texas 2010 Celesta Harvey wearing a Patricia Wolf design 22 | Cowgirls In Style | Winter 2012

Celebrity customers include Alan Jackson (Frontier Jacket worn in the TV Ford commercial), Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Newton, Reba McEntire (cover of TV Guide), Mark Chestnutt, Dixie Chicks, Tanya Tucker, and Joan Baez. Patricia Wolf has received prominent exposure in Cowboys & Indians, Vogue, and Elle magazines and is currently featured in Crows Nest and Pendleton Home catalogs. She has been featured on TV and radio lifestyle programs and is known to give quite an entertaining interview. Patricia has performed

Patricia was commissioned to design Govenor Richards “White Hot Mama” motorcycle outfit on the cover of Texas Monthly July 1992.

Celebrity customers such as Alan Jackson, Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Newton, Reba McEntire, Mark Chestnutt, Dixie Chicks, Tanya Tucker, and Joan Baez have worn Patricia’s designs. costuming for feature length films Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock, Tree of Life with Brad Pitt, and Doonby the Movie with John Schneider (yet to be released). She has been the featured guest designer for the Miss Rodeo Texas Fashion Show Gala in 2010 and 2011, and is invited back to Miss Rodeo Texas again in 2012.

Patricia Wolf was commissioned to design the “Governor’s Vest” for Texas Governor Ann Richards’ birthday gift in 1991 and other special events apparel while Governor Richards was in office. Patricia was also commissioned to design Governor Richards’ “White Hot Mama” motorcycle outfit on the cover of Texas Monthly July 1992 issue. Patricia’s hus-

band Sam presented current Texas Governor Rick Perry with a custom Sam Wolf “Made in Texas” leather vest in 2011.

Patricia Wolf won Best of Show honors in March 2011 at the Dallas Market Western Apparel show. She was honored with the 2000 Fashion Award for Textile and Costume Institute of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX. And she received the 1998 Natural Fiber Designer of the Year from the Texas Department of Agriculture honoring home grown Texas designers.

Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 23

Meredith Lockhart M

24 | Cowgirls In Style | Winter 2012

Meredith Lockhart MRA Pageant Designer (913) 886-2247 www.thistleswest.com www.merezia.com www.couturecowgirl.com

Bobbi Jeen Olson (2011 Face of Thistles West) of Arizona Country TV, wears Pure Elegance Lambsuede outfit

Photo by: Joseph Saadeh

eredith recalls, “When I was a child, I could hardly wait for Christmas to see what kind of clothes my mother had made for my dolls. I think that was the beginning of my interest in sewing and design. I played with an amazing set of paper dolls that my aunt and mother had made when they were teenagers. These were beautifully hand water colored dolls with these wonderful dresses that dated from the late 1800’s thru the 30’s. When I was in the seventh grade, I made my first dress that I could wear to school, and my teachers complimented me on it and I was hooked! Coming from a family of talented artists and musicians probably sealed my destiny. After many years of work in interior design and art related work, in 1989, I created Thistles West, to produce and market high end western and crossover fashions.

In 1997, I decided to give something back to the community and went to work for an arts organization in Kansas City, Missouri that did programs for inner city, at-risk and adjudicated youth. During that time, we continued to make clothing for major country music artists for TV award shows, videos and CD covers. I was drawn back into the fashion business because of so many requests for my fashions, thus the Merezia Custom label was created for the designs made and worn by rodeo queens for state and national pageants.

Inspiration for my designs comes from the love of the western culture. I have had horses since I was a teenager. I married a farmer and live where I am surrounded by horses, cattle and beautiful countryside. Yes, Kansas is not all flat with wheat fields for miles and miles.

Embellishment ideas come from the rodeo queen wear and she adds them to the accessories. I strive to make a high quality product and like creating things that women feel good about wearing. My love of the western way of life has driven me to design bags, belts and fashions with western flair.”

White/coral dress: Photo by: Xiao Li Tan | Brown jacket Photo by: Doyle Saddler

Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008 in a Lambskin and Cowhide jacket

Silk cascade skirt with Rustic Elegance Buckskin bustier shot in Central Park, NYC

M

eredith won the Best Colection at the 2009 Cody High Style Show in Cody, Wyoming. In 2010 Meredith was one of nine women inducted into the Stetson Craftsmans Alliance. She has two labels, Merezia, which is dedicated to fine rodeo queen wear, and Thistles West, which is fashions and accessories for the descriminating buyer of high fashion western goods.

She also has a company called Couture Cowgirl and her partner in that company is Missy Unruh from Okeene, Oklahoma. It is a company with midrange priced items for the cowgirl or one who has dreamed of being a cowgirl.

Meredith will be holding a trunk show Location: South Point Hotel Date: Dec. 8-9 Time: 10:00am to 8:00pm.

It is by invitation and appointment, so to get an invitation, go to Thistles West on Facebook and ask for one.

Tony Barnett wears the Rustic Elegance Buckskin Jacket Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 25

Jan

Faulkner-

Wagoner

Jan designs for stores as well as Rodeo Queens and only designs in leather and suedes

Jan Faulkner- Wagoner MRA Pageant Designer Ramseur, NC (336) 879-4814 jan@janfaulknerleather.com www.janfaulknerleather.com

J

an is an artist designing, she designs and makes every garment. Her business is just her husband Eric and herself, they do not have a factory. Everything is custom order or limited designs. Jan has master degree in Fashion Design and Illustration from The Maryland Institute College of Art. She has been designing in leather for over forty years. She does designs for stores as well as for Rodeo Queens.

Jan only design in leather and suedes. She uses embellishment techniques with beads, studding, appliquĂŠ, and punched lace design. She sells to stores all over the country. She sells direct to customers, as well as to Rodeo Queens, where each design is a one of a kind.

26 | Cowgirls In Style | Winter 2012

Nicole Ray, Miss Rodeo Washington 2009 is wearing a white Lamb skin with crystals and nailhead embellishments.

Photos by John Shooter | Bright Coral outfit Photo by: Eric D. Wagoner

Lesli Furness, Miss Rodeo Montana 2009 is in a sleeveless dress and jacket in Pig suede with Purple and Turquoise embellishments

Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo America 2009 is in a three piece Lamb Suede outfit with silver western motif embellishment.

Anna Carter. is in a bright coral deerskin jacket and skirt with Turquoise stones and silver nailhead Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 27

Kristine

Sampson

“I know how expensive Rodeo Queening is, so I keep my prices reasonably low”

K

~Kristine Sampson

risti Q Sampson was raised in the small town of Scipio, Utah with full intentions of being a country music singer. Kristi and her husband Darin Sampson, now live in Glenwood, Utah and were married in 1983. They quickly started their family. Two daughters, Kasey Lee and Kenzey and their son Shayne, have traveled the Rodeo trail enjoying 4-H, High School Rodeo, AQHYA and the PRCA. The mother of invention was created when Kristi promised to buy her daughter Kasey a leather dress at the NFR Cowboy Christmas. She was heartbroken to tell her daughter she couldn’t afford to buy the dress she tried on and fell in love with. They went back to Utah with heads hung low. On Christmas morning Kristi opened a gift from her husband, Darin and there it was. A brand new shiny Bernina Sewing Machine! Just days later, Kristi ordered her first hides and taught herself how to sew.

Kasey had 5 dresses her freshman year of High School Rodeo. After Kasey was finished with high school, friends started asking her to sew for their daughters and so it began Kristi Q Designs. She is an artist first and a seamstress second. “I have always loved to sketch and can see things already finished when buying fabric,” says Kristine.

The one thing I keep in mind is that I know how expensive Rodeo Queening is. So I keep my prices reasonably low.

Kristi has been a sponsor of Miss Rodeo America for 6 years and donates an outfit auctioned off at Cowboy Christmas to the winner of the Miss Rodeo America Appearance 28 | Cowgirls In Style | Winter 2012

Kristine Sampson MRA Pageant Designer Custom Order: 435-896-3949 Kristi Q Designs on Facebook JudyDAntonLeather.com RodeoQueenCentral.com

Scholarship. She is also a sponsor for Miss Rodeo USA, Miss Rodeo Tennessee and Miss Rodeo Utah.

She speaks at Queen Clinics on fashion and design and has judged PRCA Queen Contests. “I am one of the designers that has my hand in all aspects of Queening. I create and design beautiful leather dresses for Fashion Show, Interview and Speech. I also make jackets and vest for Horsemanship Interview and appearances. I enjoy making Horsemanship and Arena outfits that sparkle and shine. Creative State shirts for Chap Awards to rockin jeans covered in embroidery for every one to wear. “I do it all!”

Her designs have been worn and are being worn by Miss Rodeo America Mckenzie Haley, Miss Rodeo USA Katie Barger, National Little Britches Queen Katie Rasmussen, National Little Britches Princess Lindsie Perkins, NHSRA Queens, State High School Queens, PRCA Barrel Racer P.J. Burger, Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2012 Kimberly Kuhn, Miss Rodeo Texas Lauren Graham and so many more...

Her new 2012 designs include silk, stretch shirts in many colors, they finish a vest and or jacket, and as always, her fun, embroidered jeans.

Photos by: Christal Anderson

Chenae' Shiner in a olive green Custom Leather Jacket with embroidered appliques and antique gold nail heads

Katie Rasmussen is wearing a Black Lamb Skin Leather Vest and Skirt reflecting her style with Zebra stripes and stones

Katie Rasmussen in the green top, Chenae’ Shiner in the black vest and pants, and Carlie Brotherson is in the denim jacket and pink cowboy boots Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 29

Donna Riva

Donna’s designs are elegant with a western flair. They can be worn now and several years down the road and still be in style

A

Donna Riva MRA Pageant Designer Western Reflections Originals (805) 467-3032 donnariva@tcsn.net

s a young girl, Donna liked paper dolls. “I would throw the printed dress away and design my own, I also started sewing by making doll clothes for my dolls. My aunt and grandmother had a great influence in my chosen career,” says Donna.

Donna is the President of Miss Rodeo California, Inc., the pageant director of the Miss Rodeo California Pageant and she is also a member of the National Advisory Council for Miss Rodeo America, Inc. “My clothes have been displayed at The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Ft Worth, TX and I now have a dress on display at the PRCA Cowboy Hall of Fame, in Colorado Springs, CO,” says Donna.

Donna designs exclusively for Rodeo Queens and her designs have become very well known in the Rodeo Queen industry. She has had the pleasure of designing and making clothes for 14 Miss Rodeo America titleholders, and 17 Miss Rodeo California titleholders, as well as other numerous state titleholders. Donna made the dress that McKenzie Haley wore for her coronation last year at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, and she also designed and made the denim dress she wore to the inductions to the PRCA Hall of Fame. Donna says that she likes to describe her designs as elegant with a western flair. They can be worn now, and several years down the road still be in style.

Donna resides in Paso Robles, CA. 30 | Cowgirls In Style | Winter 2012

Darci Robertson, Miss Rodeo America 2004 wearing a Donna Riva vintaage outfit.

2011 Miss Rodeo America McKenzie Haley in a Donna Riva design.

Photo By John Shooter

Bob Kipperman

Bob Kipperman MRA Pageant Designer Kippys Coronado, CA (619) 435-6218 www.Kippys.com

Kippys produces full ready-to-wear collections for men and women along with one-of-a-kind custom pieces for entertainers.

B

ob Kipperman’s designs are well known in the entertainment industry. Kippys is a San Diego based design house led by owner Robert Kipperman.

Born in 1948, Kippys began as a luxe-retail store in Coronado importing celebrated fashions from abroad. Today Kippys produces full ready-to-wear collections for men and women along with ornate one-of-a-kind custom pieces for entertainers such as: Madonna, Beyonce Knowels, Elizabeth Hurley, Z Z Top, and Stephen Tyler of Aerosmith to name a few.

Kippys flagship storefront remains today in the heart of downtown Coronado, California, supplying all who enter with unique vision and creativity.

32 | Cowgirls In Style | Winter 2012

This is Kippys newest, most popular jacket. It is the Tattoo Elastica Marionette cuff shirt jacket.

Its made of Italian leather and embellished with Swarvovski crystals.

Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 33

Winter 2012

To read the full Cowgirls In Style magazine, please go to www.CowgirlsInStyle.com