When a Belt is More Than a Belt...

My students recently wrote "20 Before 20" lists for their end-of-the-year portfolios. In almost every one, there was at least one mention of shooting an elk, breaking a horse, winning a buckle, or fishing in a particular fishing hole. When I say that I live in a small town in Colorado, please believe me. I have learned so much from my kids in the last few years - they have wonderful stories and fascinating lives.

I am from California. I grew up with horses and raised sheep for 4-H, and I thought I was "a little bit country" until I moved here. These guys put me to shame. They ARE country. So when my track girls gave me this belt last night as a thank-you for being their coach, I nearly died. I've been coveting the Nocona and Atlas belts for years, but never really felt cowgirl enough to buy one.

I still ride on the weekends, but have never barrel raced. (It's on my list.) But when a couple of real cowgirls give you a belt that screams bling, you feel a little bit awesome wearing it. Proud doesn't even describe it. It may be gaudy to some, and over-the-top to others...but it is perfect to me.

Shirt: GAP, Skirt: Karen (from NZ), Belt: Atlas, Boots: Born (best boots ever!)

It was hard for me to add any accesories to this...the belt is bling enough!

Keep It Light

I had planned to wear much cuter shoes with this outfit, but when your husband scrapes ice off of your car window before you leave for work, you know it's not going to be a "cute shoes" kind of day. Bummer.

Nevertheless, I still managed to wear this silk skirt to work and stay warm enough. (If you live in a state that gets below freezing, you should own a slip in every color.) I love this skirt because it was cheap (goooo, thrifting!) and I adore the print. I think it's mis-sized, too, because the tag says that it's a much larger size than I normally wear.

I told my brother that once and his response was, "Uh huh, sure." Boys.

Cardigan: Old Navy (thrifted), Shirt: GAP body, Belt: n/l (thrifted), Shoes: Born, Necklace: Sundance, Skirt: Banana Republic (thrifted), Slip: Vanity Fair (not shown, for obvious reasons)