Spring Style Guide

SPRING STYLE GUIDE

BY MACKENZIE KIMBRO

Springtime in agriculture is a beautiful mix of new growth and discovery! Being a sixth-generation cattle rancher has afforded me opportunities to see this all first hand – with a personal affinity, of course, going to new calves on the ground. But today I’d like to take you through a few of my other favorite things – pieces sure to be true on the ranch or the runway. Some turquoise, fringe and lots of denim have helped build this cowgirl’s style on the ranch and as a fashion and lifestyle influencer and blogger. My endeavors, including a coffee table cookbook, blog and social media presence, and other adventures, stem from a passion for ranching, hunting, cooking, preserving the way of life we hold dear, showcasing western heritage and the evolution of western fashion, photography, and living a wonderfully crazy life. I think of it as having grit, glam and grace: mixing old with new, vintage and previously loved with current trends, and classy with some sass allows us to put a personal, unique spin on things. Add in some turquoise and silver, shades of the southwest and some touches of cowboy culture, and you’ve got the “roots run deep” flair. Follow along on Instagram @kenziegk and blog www.colablancaproductions.com

Wild Stylin’: Embellishing Wild Rags These long-loved staples of cowboy culture, adorned with new patterns and ways to style, have been highlighted by the fashion scene, too. There are hundreds of ways to accessorize with a wild rag, whether you’re dressing for work (spring is branding season for many ranches) or play, it is the first step or final touch to adding zest and personality to your look. Tie them many different ways, mix and match colors and patterns for a monochromatic or complimentary… or even zany combination! Embellishing with your favorite jewels can add an extra element of glam. I like to jazz them up by layering on necklaces and squash blossoms, using found objects and pins on the knots, and even tying in found objects as slides – leather, conchos, oversized rings and belt buckles serve the purpose. Shop with my friend Sharon at Buck Wild Rags on social media or buckwildrags.com.

Not so rough around the edges: Martineau Rasp Designs Horseshoeing rasps take on a whole new life in the hands of husband and wife team Bryan and Melanie Martineau. From jewelry – pendants, rings and cuffs – to working wares like spurs – and home accents like wine bottle stoppers and money clips, Rasp Designs come in all shapes and sizes for every aspect of your life. Their website is stocked with goods but they also welcome custom orders. A crowd favorite when it comes to custom work is the addition of a cut-out ranch brand or an engraving on the backside of your piece. It’s all down to the details and these folks can’t be beat for quality and originality. Shop via social media or www.raspdesigns.com.

Wrangled and Ranch-y: Tees for Cowboy Sweethearts Raquel, the owner and creative mind behind Ranch Gypsy Trading Co., came up with the idea for her company via her “married-to-a-working-ranch-cowboy and coming-from-a-6th-generation-ranch-family lifestyle. “She has a passion for western fashion, western art and remains inspired by Arizona ranches. Many of my items feature artwork from working ranch cowboys and ranch wives. Ranch Gypsy tees tell a story. Check her out for the coolest, relatable and unique designs. Shop on social media or www.ranchgypsytradingco.com

Fast 5 Favorites: Turquoise! Hundreds of varieties, sources, styles...turquoise and sterling silver jewelry have always been a favorite throughout the Southwest. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. Some are lucky, with treasures handed down from generation to generation. For others, searching for those beautifully-crafted pieces can be challenging – which is why I’m giving you a few of my favorite, most trusted sources. Look for these friends on Instagram and Facebook: Cholla’s Turquoise, Flatland Trading Company, Rodeo Van Trading Post, Heritage Style and Kotah Bear. Each of these friends can help you find just what you’re looking for – tell them I sent ya! You can also check out a local source, such as Mac’s Indian Jewelry in Tucson. And don’t forget, some of the best pieces come from pawn shops, in AZ, we have those across the state!