OOTD: at the rodeo

I had an absolute blast at Rodeo Austin yesterday!  I knew next to nothing about professional rodeo sports prior to the event, but now I feel like I could identify some of the competitions if I happened to see them on television or something.  I mean, everyone knows about bull riding and 8 seconds and danger and all – but there were loads of events I’d never even heard of.  (I did a quick post about my rodeo experience on my everyday blog, here.)

My group of friends had a long, LONG last day and night of SXSW on Saturday so even though we didn’t leave until about 2 o’clock to travel to the rodeo – I got dressed and ready in short order.  I think I slept until noon on Sunday.  Thankfully, I was already committed to wearing my cowboy boots and a green blouse.  Initially I had thought that the green blouse might be too dressy for the event, but my friends and date were all fancy with their pearl snap shirts, shiny buckles and well-worn boots.  I stood out a little bit, but not too much.  We thought about stopping by Cavender’s or Allen’s to get an obnoxious appropriately festive belt for me, but I decided it was silly to spend that much money on something I will probably never wear again (unless we go back to the rodeo next year).

I debated back and forth whether to wear my shirt tucked in or out, and finally wore it mostly out but with a smidge tucked in to reveal that, yes, I was actually wearing a belt.  The men in our group went back and forth about their shirts too, which was kind of funny for me.  There was great debate about whether or not the plaid shirts should be tucked in or out.  Final verdict: tucked in is Truly County, tucked out is Just Posing.  (Interestingly enough, my date is the only person in the group who actually grew up on a ranch and he always wears button down shirts tucked out, though he didn’t seem to mind being labeled a poseur).

It was great people watching at the event.  There were tons of cowboys and cowboy types, lots of fringe and rhinestones – plus some regular old-fashioned jeans and St. Patrick’s Day tee shirts as well.  (That’s why I insisted on the green blouse).  Initially I felt weird about carrying a designer bag with me to the rodeo, but it was all that I had with me so I just had to make due.  Much to my surprise, the arena was full of TX ladies with Prada bags and Celine and Chloe – not to mention all of the huge jewelry and the expensive hats.  It was a different kind of fashion show, but a fashion show nonetheless.

After the rodeo we ended the night, and the weekend, with dinner on the lake at Hula Hut which was also fantastic.

Today I’m leaving sunny Austin (80F this afternoon) for Long Island where there is going to be snow and ice.  I will be spending the week at various locations in the NYC area and hope to get in some quick shopping in Manhattan.  I still have one clothing item left for March as part of my shopping plan, plus several “essentials” to cross off my list.  We’ll see what happens!

Blouse: Banana Republic, Belt: Banana Republic, Jeans: Hudson, Boots: Old Gringo, Bag:: Givenchy