Yellowstone Fashion
Embodying the "Yellowstone" Style: A Western Wardrobe
Now, before you Montanans start rolling your eyes at the mere mention of the show, hear me out. Sure, some locals might turn their noses up at the drama, but even they've got to admit—the fashion on "Yellowstone" can be appreciated!
Beth Dutton from "Yellowstone" isn't just a character—she's an icon. Strong, smart, witty, and oh boy, does she rock some killer outfits! Remember that turquoise-blue hooded poncho coat-thing from season 3, episode 6? It was ahhhhmazing, and I was smitten from the start. I scoured Facebook groups, Instagram stories—every nook and cranny—for a hint of that coat. Lo and behold, I found it: the Lindsey Thornburg CHIEF JOSEPH TURQUOISE CLASSIC CLOAK. Stunning, right? But hold your horses—the price tag read $1,600.00!
There are coats out there, similar in style, ready to bring out your inner Beth Dutton, without the price shock. Heres a few options that won't break the bank but will surely make you feel like you just stepped off the ranch.
So, whether you're a fan of "Yellowstone" or just looking to embody the essence of Montana, these budget-friendly options will help you curate a Western wardrobe that's both stylish and authentic!
Turquoise for Beginners
Understanding Turquoise
For centuries, its distinctive blue-green hue has captured hearts, adorning jewelry and weaving through cultural narratives. It might seem like common sense, but the various colors originate from different mines around the world! I truly fell in love with this gem when I moved to Arizona at 22, and I've been collecting ever since. Hey, it's cheaper than diamonds, right? Unless we're talking about Squash Blossoms... which I've been saving up for!
Types of Turquoise
1. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise: Known for its pure, robin's egg blue color, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is prized for its smooth, even texture and vibrant shade. Named after the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona, this gemstone is highly sought after for its striking appearance.
2. Kingman Turquoise: Hailing from Arizona's Kingman Mine, this turquoise displays a range of hues, from sky blue to rich greens, often featuring matrix patterns. Its versatility makes it a favorite among artisans for both contemporary and traditional jewelry designs!
3. Persian Turquoise: Revered for its deep blue color with minimal matrix, Persian Turquoise has a rich history dating back centuries. Mined in Iran (formerly Persia), this type is known for its intense blue hue and is often used in high-end jewelry.
4. Bisbee Turquoise: Once mined in Arizona's Bisbee Mine, this type is celebrated for its deep blue color and unique matrix patterns. Considered rare and collectible due to the mine's closure, Bisbee Turquoise remains highly coveted.
5. I heard they discovered a new mine in Iran that is a light baby blue so i’m excited to see the pieces that come out of there! Keeping my eyes peeled!
Turquoise Gem: Origins and Mining
Turquoise, formed around 30 million years ago, gets its striking blue and green hues from copper, zinc, and iron deposits. This gemstone is a product of minerals trickling through host rocks, resulting in varied colors and unique matrix patterns. Found primarily in dry, arid lands, turquoise mines span countries like Egypt, China, Chile, Mexico, and the United States! These mines, have been previously used for trade, art, and personal adornment across ancient cultures. The Maghara Wadi mines in Egypt, active for over two millennia, catered to the pharaohs' love for turquoise until their rediscovery in the 19th century. This gem's influence spanned continents, adorning art and jewelry from South America to North America, where Native American tribes mined and fashioned it into exquisite pieces that continue to influence modern turquoise craftsmanship.
Native American Heritage
Turquoise holds deep significance in Native American culture. Believed to bring protection, luck, and healing properties, it's been used in ceremonial attire, adornments, and tribal art for centuries. For centuries, these tribes have mined, traded, and utilized turquoise in various forms, creating iconic pieces like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. The distinctive use of turquoise in Native American jewelry reflects the cultural richness, spiritual significance, and artistic expressions of these indigenous communities. The term "Native American jewelry" acknowledges the unique style and craftsmanship specific to these tribes and their enduring connection to turquoise as a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. It's a symbol of harmony, friendship, and spiritual well-being for many tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Pueblo people!
In Conclusion, buying turquoise in Montana comes with a hefty price tag. I've found better deals in places like Prescott, Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona! If you have some good spots, send them my way so I can add them! When it comes to western wear for women, turquoise is an absolute must-have. It doesn't matter if it's a cowgirl's hatband, a bold belt buckle, or a chunky necklace—turquoise is an essential piece western fashion!
Cowgirl Boots
Cowgirl boots are practically my second skin—I've got about 13 pairs and counting. If you ask my husband, he'll tell you they claim quite a chunk of space! Back when I moved to Arizona at 21, I hustled at BootBarn just to snag those boots at a 60% discount. It was there that I soaked in a ton of boot knowledge, and I'm here to share what I know!
Let me tell you, cowboy boots aren't just footwear—they're a whole vibe! Now, let's break it down into tiers: you've got your "shit kickers" (aka riding boots), the casual ones (super comfy), and then there's the fancy AF range.
1. How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Cowboy Boots
Style Considerations:
When selecting cowboy boots, consider where and how you'll wear them. For everyday use or with formal attire, classic black, tan or brown works best… they will match anything! For making a statement, go for vibrant, colorful, flashy boots, when you buy a pair of colored boots- make sure you have some outfits or accessories to go with them!
Leather Selection:
Your personality shines through your leather choice—cowhide for durability and flexibility, exotic options like alligator, ostrich, or snakeskin for a distinctive touch. For a basic pair, cowhide will do just fine!
Budget:
Consider your budget—off-the-rack options are budget-friendly, while custom-made pairs come with a higher price tag. Shout out to Carter Boots (in Bozeman) they make the best! Some of my favorite boots are my moms vintage boots or I found an amazing python pair at the Dillion Prison Thrift Store for $40!
2. Types of Cowboy Boots and Styles
Toe Shape Selection:
Choose toe shapes based on various factors like foot width, intended use (riding or standing), and occasion (formal or casual). Square toes offer more room for wider feet (I only ride in these), while pointed ones elevate formal or concert looks!
Leather Types:
Explore different leather types—cowhide remains a classic for its durability. Exotic options like ostrich, snake, lizard, or caiman alligator offer unique aesthetics but need extra care. You will NEED to buy some leather conditioner. I lather my boots up about twice a year! Buy something like this- https://www.bootbarn.com/boot-barn-all-purpose-leather-conditioner/
Finding the Perfect Fit
Prioritize fit—the ideal boot should be comfortably snug while allowing toe movement without any discomfort. A tip: Break in your new boots at home before wearing them for a lengthy event. Try this trick—wear them with socks, soak them in the bathtub or with a hose, and walk around for a while. It helps the insoles mold to your feet. However, avoid leaving your boots in direct sunlight as it may cause them to shrink. Trust me on this!
Cowhide Leather:
Strength: Known for toughness and tear-resistance, ideal for work boots.
Flexibility: Maintains comfort and movement despite its sturdiness.
Affordability: More budget-friendly than exotic leathers, widely used.
Ostrich Leather:
Luxury Material: Rare and luxurious due to its production process.
Softness and Durability: Offers comfort and long-lasting quality.
Unique Patterns: Diverse design options with distinct patterns.
Breathability: Natural oils prevent cracking and dryness.
Snake Leather:
Exotic Appearance: Unique patterns from pythons or rattlesnakes.
Maintenance: Regular care needed to retain suppleness.
Rising Popularity: Increasingly used in boots and accessories.
Lizard and Caiman Alligator Leather:
Distinctive Look: Tile-like patterns with glossy finishes.
Care: Requires regular maintenance to prevent cracks.
Popularity: Highly sought-after for visual appeal in boot aesthetics.
Top Cowboy Boot Brands: Based on pricing
Justin Boots https://www.justinboots.com/en/women/
Ariat Boots https://www.ariat.com/womens-cowgirl-boots
Tony Lama Boots https://www.tonylama.com/en/womens-western/
Lucchese (Lu-Casey) https://www.lucchese.com/collections/women-boots-shop-all
Cowgirl Hats
Cowboy hats are not just accessories; they're an essential part of Western fashion and culture. As you delve into the world of cowboy hats, understanding the seasons for different materials is crucial. Fall and Spring hats cater to weather variations, ensuring you stay comfortable while looking stylish. Don't forget the golden rule: the bow inside your hat should always find its place in the back!
Felt Hats: Felt hats are often crafted from fur, typically rabbit or beaver. The quality of felt hats is determined by the fur's density, as higher-quality hats have a smoother and tighter finish. They are more resilient, offering better water resistance and shape retention. The "X" rating on cowboy hats is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't directly mean the quality or material used in the hat. Instead, it's a traditional way to indicate the hat's quality based on the density and fur content in felt hats. Hats made of material rated below 5X generally contained a poorer grade of fur like rabbit and little or no beaver fur. 100X=Beaver Blend. 200X=100% Pure Beaver. 500X = 100% Pure Belly Hair Beaver. Mink = Pure Fur that nice, nice and ranges from anywhere from 2k-5k.
The Summer Hat-
Straw Hats: Straw hats are woven from various natural materials, like toquilla palm or raffia. The quality of straw hats varies based on the type of straw used and the craftsmanship. Higher-quality straw hats are tightly woven, sturdy, and most importantly are very breathable.
So, whether it's felt for the cooler seasons or straw for warmer days, your cowboy hat choices can reflect both style and practicality. Happy hat-wearing!