No Banjos, Please: a Sunday Shoe Story

Just kidding, banjos are just fine if they’re not of the “twang twang, my dog gone and got hisself shot and mah woman she left me” variety. That being said, the list of country songs on my iPod is rather short. Well, more like “country-lite” anyways…

My second tape (after The Beatles Greatest Hits) was Garth Brooks, and it became a quick staple in our house. Thinking back, this might have been the first tape that Andria (of Anchors and Freedom) and I first made up dance routines to. And yes, they were line dance routines. I’ve drunk away all knowledge of when to step, turn, and kick up my heel to my hand, but I feel no shame in remembering those good old days!

Shania Twain became the big country music star of my high school years, with such memorable tracks as “Man! I feel like a Woman!” and “Honey, I’m Home,” but the one track that’s stuck with me to this day is “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” I guess I was always a feminist with extremely high standards in men!

These days the only semblance of country music that’s on my rotation is more pop rock than actual country, since I don’t mind the occasional influence of country-style guitars. After all, music isn’t really clear cut into genres anymore!

Shoes by ZiGi New York "She's a Rockstar"

Pasturizing: 2014 Trend-Spotting

Western style has always been something that I have disliked. The over-abundance of denim, false-virginity of prairie skirts, and the shameful misuse of glitter (sorry Dolly Parton, but too much is too much) makes me physically ill, so I was loath to discover that the Wild West seemed to be cropping up again and again on style blogs recently. Thankfully, the old clichés seem to be largely gone and the trend seems to be more for Western influences and accessories than an all out cow-town revolution. Praise the shoe gods for that, since my city-girl mind can totally handle the interesting contrast between the Wild Wild West and urbanity! In particular there are four trends that I’m getting behind whole-heartedly: feminine fringe, snakeskin footwear, unexpected bandanna paisley, and (of course) repurposed denim.

Depending on the material, fringe can cross some interesting borders. Leather and lace fringes were common in the clothing of the Roma (gypsy) populations of Europe and the native peoples of North America, but most modern viewpoints are reminiscent of cowboys as well. I’ve always loved fringed purses (I have a signature silver fringed tote), but I’m also really starting to like the fringed lace shawls that I’m seeing kicking around. They might have become popular again due to the Stevie Nicks and American Horror Story influence, but the style definitely screams vintage American bohemian.

In their live form, I am absolutely terrified of snakes, but maybe that’s what makes snakeskin footwear (the fake stuff – jeez) so satisfying: I have those suckers in a place where they’re harmless. Whether it’s Louboutin pumps, sneakers, loafers, or ballet flats, snakeskin seems to be the animal shoe graphic of 2014.

Paisley is a rather odd print. In its more psychedelic hues it can be identified with the 1960s, and bandannas seem to have become more associated with gangs than cowboys. But when it’s classic white on red or blue, once again my brain thinks of Ralph Lauren, classic America, and ranches. Banana paisley seems to be making a comeback specifically in menswear – and in very surprising places. From bow ties to dress shirts, or city-slicker men are taking it back to the Wild Wild West. (Will Smith reference very much intended).

It wouldn’t be possible to post about Western fashion without including a mention of denim. Ever-practical, denim long ago moved away from being simply a working Joe’s staple and became a couture commodity. I figure as long as we steer clear of denim overalls (or any overalls in general…) and the Brittney+Justin couples’ outfits then let the denim trend reign free. 

images from Tumblr

Going West

If last year was the year of nostalgia (while moving recklessly forward) then this year is shaping up to be the year of forward thinking (while trying to stay rooted). I read lots of my old books and reconnected with people from my past, but ultimately left everything that I’ve known behind for the greener pastures of the prairies. They may be covered in a mixture of snow and ice right now, but I’m told that all changes in June.

Maybe it’s the reckless and constant moving about last year, but my attitude towards being uprooted again has done a complete 180. I actually want to STAY somewhere for longer than a month. More than a year. In fact my head is so convinced that I like it here that I’ve started cruising the humane society and real estate websites in earnest. Clear signs of an urge to “nest” if I ever saw them, since dogs and property are rather permanent commitments.

Of course, wanting to have a dog and a house means that I’m having to rethink some of my priorities. Things like the instinct to shop have to be curbed, anything purchased must be a long-term investment, and I have to be pretty positive so that I don’t burn any bridges. Ironically, it’s only the first two of these that I have issues with – I like spending my money obviously – since I’m absolutely loving my job and the city in general. Even the cold weather doesn’t really bother me anymore. I would be lying if I said I liked the average of -25°C temps, but we’ve only had one -50°C day and the city carried on as usual.

Apparently I’m not the only one who will start to feel more stability this year, since last week we entered the Year of the Horse on Chinese New Years. According to this brand of astrology the year will be filled with lots of oats (abundance), trots rather than gallops (a steady pace forward), and greener pastures (being content). Normally I am not at all into horses (they’re the most boring adolescent cliché in Kamloops ever), but if this transition from the restlessness of the Snake and Dragon Years (2013 and 2012, respectively) to something a bit more mundane is inevitable then I’m going with it. Bring on my “home on the range,” as long as it means I can afford to keep it! Just don’t ask me to rope any cows…

*image from Tumblr