Hey it’s Dakota and my “Must Haves” list for the Congress last year landed me a real job with GoHorseShow so I’m back again this year to bring you the hottest trends that you can’t leave the Congress without. Trust me, I have
scoured every corner of Congress Hall and the Annex to bring you my 2010 “Must
Haves” and I’ve got something for everyone and every price point. So all husbands boyfriends,
wives and girlfriends, I’ve taken the pain out of it all so take notes!!!
Did any of you realize that there are seven acres of indoor retail
shopping at Congress? Armed with my new Dubarry boots
for the ultimate comfort, and my trusty clipboard (yes, I’m actually getting
organized), I can attest that I have done my share to bring you the best of
Congress, while at the same time, personally stimulating the economy. The best news is that since I am a
official a working girl, I am actually packing my own credit card! Oh – maybe that’s the worst news. With my paychecks already blown through
the end of the year, I don’t think I’ll give up my Daddy – aka “Sugar Daddy”
just yet!
While there were too many amazing
items and vendors to mention each and every one of them, overall 2010 Congress trends
ended up driving my list. So
without further ado, let’s get started!
The Peace sign logo from last
year is still everywhere, but it was actually “hippy chic” that caught my
attention and was a fresh reinvention of my Must Have list from last year. Actually, I should have been all over
that when my Dad referred to fashionister Brian Cox’s flared bottom jeans at
the Youth World as a throw back to David Cassidy (I wish I’d had my camera with me!) Who knew Sid had fashion sense in his radar?
The “traditional” trend is also ruling with
what I have coined the “London Look”.
Who ever thought the “bling queen” (yes, that would be me) would embrace this? Maybe I’m growing up, or maybe I’m
inspired to look a little more Presidential – ha, ha! My Dubarry wardrobe fits
perfectly into this theme, and they have nailed this trend. Featuring regionally inspired Irish
plaids in their line this year, they even updated their famous waterproof tall
boots for men and women with fabric inserts. While traditional can be a little pricey, don’t despair I
found something in all price points.
Boots
Stingray rules for all sexes and ages! Even kids can get in on this trend
thanks to the amazing “painted” stingray at Pards. With an affordable price point of $89.95 the 13 and unders
won’t be left out of this fashion statement.
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My Congress topper is easily the Lucchese Rainbow Stingrays
which are out of this world. Even
with a price point of $629, buyers did not seem deterred.
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Babs of LaGrange hit the mark in her
signature boot this year with her 2010 version of “hippy chic” at $399. They always say you should decorate a
room starting with the foundation which is the “carpet”, and you should start
your horse show wardrobe from the bottom up too! Pull on a great pair of boots, and you can’t go wrong.
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As I mentioned earlier, Dubarry
rules with their traditional fashion staple, the tall boot line for men and
women. Look for me splashing
around like a duck in my Dubarry’s at
a water trough near you!
Yes, they really keep the water out!
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Scarves
No excuses for not donning the latest fashion accessory
from Congress – the scarf! Whether
you are trying to look cool, or actually showing, scarves RULE. Hannah Casper the beauty and brains behind Good Ride hit the mark with an
assortment of viscose scarves in about every color way to match most of your
logos! At a mere $38, don’t let me
hear any excuses for not being in style.
Look out, because they are going fast.
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[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2010/10/987e8ebc-bc79-3e9e-62b74d339c83ed96.jpg[/NPI]My best girl and sponsor
extraordinaire Tammy Benes of All That Show Clothing, is your resource for show
scarves ladies! Her booth, located in Congress Hall, has every pattern
and color combo imaginable, they are a bargain for men and women at $25. The best news is that they wash up
after a dirty day in the show pen like new! I felt like a regular network
anchor as I was fashionably and tastefully outfitted in one of Tammy’s great
tailored show shirts, perfectly accessorized by her beautiful neckwear! And
a special thank you to Tammy for the glorious bling
headbands that you said were inspired by a certain blond reporter A girl
could die and go to heaven
in this establishment. Separate
yourself from the pack, and like the name implies, you are sure to feel
like
“All That”!
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Don’t forget All That’s amazing
leopard patterned knit scarf which will be a “MUST HAVE” when the weather goes
from summer to winter overnight during the second week of Congress.
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It is also the perfect accessory to her
signature logo cropped “puff” jacket in trademark brown and pink.
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Attention All Men – LAYERED rules!
Don’t attend the Master’s night unless you come dressed
for success guys. No excuses
here! The look is layered with
T-Shirts, polos, and multiple button downs. Make sure you mix colors and patterns to really hit the mark
here. If you have an important
date with a big client, you can also top this off for a great casual evening
look with a distressed sweater. In
this case, more can be more – more layers that is. I’ve seen up to 5 layers which includes outerwear on this
trend.
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Monogram Jewelery
What’s old is new in 2010.
And yes, the 80’s are making a huge comeback in jewelry. Yellow gold rocks, but the biggest
statement here are single initials, or your monogram in a circle design! Hannah did it best in her custom piece
with pave diamonds, (around the $3900 range)…
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but Congress’ oldest vendor Wire
Works, can do it in 12K gold from $59 and up – the lariat pendant is
awesome! I loved the single
initial rings at Wire Works where anything can be made on average in 20-30
minutes.
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Can’t afford
diamonds? Don’t despair. Head to the Horn and Leather Shop
across from Dubarry for a cute rhinestone initial choker for around $24.95! Um, for the record, the one I want is the letter D and in this case that’s NOT for Diva!
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The London Look (a/k/a traditional)
To pull off “The London Look”, think Prince William and Kate Middleton, and head to
Dubarry if you want to look authentic.
Guys and girls pair your skinny jeans with tall boots topped off with
plaid jackets and neutrals. Love
the finish in a faux fur headband and scarf for a “royal” look at without
sacrificing any of our furry friends.
Modeled here by moi, hottie Josh Buchanan of Dubarry and my brother’s
model gf, Lyndsay, this is what London casual should look like!
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Head over to Stetson at Rods in Congress Hall for the perfect look at
a lower price point. Yes, I said
Stetson! Voted by moi (again) as
the most improved line for 2010, Stetson hit the mark in all fashion areas from
hippy to traditional to layered with the best overall price points.
The cotton plaid “London-look” jacket was only $59.99 which is a great
alternative to pricier look-alikes.
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Pull out your old 80’s “horse portrait” sweaters because believe it or not, they are back
in style! For only $75 Stetson
nailed it in one of my favorite items at the show!
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Costume Jewelry
Gotta love this one!
It’s O.K. to forego diamonds and gold if you simply don’t have the
budget, because costume rules.
You can look like a baseball player’s wife too (that’s you Brandy) in
Hannah’s signature “frog” ring.
Unlike Brandy’s real McCoy (a Hannah original), this great look-alike is a
mere $25!!! Don’t waste a minute,
because in the blink they will be gone!
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Brown stone bangles of all shapes and sizes are the must
have costume accessory to bling up your traditional looks a bit! Find them at Hannah’s for a great
value, or head over to Horn and Leather for ONLY $11.
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If you buy nothing at Congress this year – make sure you
find a pair of hoop earrings in the rhinestone/crystal/CZ versions. If you can spend a little more money –
you must find Randy’s in Congress Hall for one of their show stopping crystal
one of a kind buckles $275 and up!
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Ruffles….
I’m not saying look like “Prince” (the rock star version) here in a huge ruffled
shirt, but subtle ruffle detailing rocks for an ultra feminine look. Shown here $99 (cotton/elastic
shirt from Dubarry).
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Guns
Annie Oakley would wear the “gun” look proudly, and are
any of ya’ll surprised that I am her distant relative (true)? Find this “smoking hot” trend in a Tee
from Good Ride, or head over to Rods for leather accessories from an affordable
price starting at $59.95!
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Even
Christmas décor has a new twist with a sassy “blue” gun ornament from Christmas at the Blue Gem – only
$11.95.
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Randy’s creations wins the
prize here with their custom crossed gun buckle for a mere $235.
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Saving the best for last – ALL THAT!!!!!
My BFF, Tammy Benes and I were separated at birth – you
might remember I told you that in an earlier story? Whether you need to rock it out for the Masters (English and
Western), or simply look the part as a spectator, Tammy’s got you covered. From jeans to custom tees to anything
signature (love the AT logo – don’t you?), to men’s show shirts, bling,
outerwear, etc. she always hits the marks. Remember, it was Tammy who started the whole new
horsemanship show shirt trend.
Want to get on board? Her tailored show shirts start at only $45 which
is missing like two 0’s on the end from the older style bling shirts!
Guys, wanna make the cut on my 2010 Congress hottie list?
I know you do! Tammy’s custom men’s shirts are the ultimate in fit, fashion and forward =
fashionister!
My personal
favorites for ladies – the faux “sheared” beaver or shearling cropped jackets at only $75!
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I’m still in youth, but Tammy’s got me
looking like a pro in my very own custom black and ivory pinstripe hunt coat
piped in ivory!
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Well, I’m off to find my next story! At Congress, it’s only an aisle away. Great to see everyone. I know someone once said “It’s better to look good than to feel good” but my take on it is “You
can’t feel good if you don’t look GREAT!”
Xoxo Dakota!
