Well, nothing but a good ‘ol “howdy!” seems appropriate this afternoon! A few weeks back I received the sweetest email from reader Stephanie. Just to let you know how awesome Stephanie is, the subject line of her email read “YEEHAW! Cowboy boots!” Here’s what she wrote:
Just an idea for a blog section, perhaps? I can’t be the only Southern girl with a real hankering to break out my dancing boots at the reception, can I?! Although my traditionally Southern mother will probably have a heart attack, for my reception I plan on switching out the Manolos for a stylishly Southern pair of cowboy boots. Only problem is that I haven’t yet found the perfect pair… I’m wanting tall brown boots, with a square or round toe, preferably with purple embroidery. Maybe you could do a feature on some good options? Just a suggestion… Honestly, your blog/magazine/etc are my favorite thing about the wedding planning process thus far! My wedding is Southern-themed in Virginia, and I can’t wait to incorporate your ideas!
A “Southern-themed reception?” I’m not sure what, exactly, that means, but it sounds fabulous!
In order to help Stephanie out, Katharine and I set to work rounding up a plethora of options. I’m not sure we found her perfect pair with purple embroidery, but I hope she’ll find something to love! Since KTW is the more expert half of our cowboy boot duo, I thought I’d let her introduce our selections.
From Katharine: My Virginia-based father owns seven (yes, seven!) pairs of cowboy boots, ranging from his classic, tried and true Justins to his favorite UVA-orange ostrich kicks. (He’s currently enamored with a snazzy pair of green eel skin boots, though the verdict’s still out on where, exactly, one wears green eel skin.)
For those of us who can’t lay claim to such an enviable collection but still itch for a pair of cowboy boots to call our own, you’ll probably want to steer clear of boots made of unusual materials or with flashy coloring and designs. For first-time boot-buyers, brown and tan are your best bet. Hands-down. They’ll match anything (really, anything!) and will be a subtle foray into the Western look. Added bonus: get the right pair and they’ll almost certainly top the list of your go-to kicks. Next to my running shoes and flip-flops, my first pair of cowboy boots is what I wear most frequently.
Where to find these lovelies:
A. Lucchese L4611, B. Laredo Timekeeper, C. Durango Western Boot, D. Roper Madison, F. Bruce Pull On from Frye, G. Durango Crush, H. Ariat Legend, I. Carson Pull On from Frye, J. Justin Vintage Goat, K. Lucchese N4710, L. Justin Bay Apache
For a classic, sophisticated look that you can dress down with jeans or spruce up with a sundress, opt for a tall base (at least 11″, though I personally prefer 13″+) and either a traditional pointed (sometimes termed “narrow rounded”) or “fashion” square toe. Avoid a true rounded toe to keep the look of your boot modern and stylish without becoming costume-y. First-timers often cringe at the thought of the classic pointed toe, but the non-rounded toes are classics for a reason. Trust me: nothing looks better under a pair of jeans than a narrow rounded or square toe!
With some help from the expert (thanks, Dad!), I settled on the Justin Bay Apaches (Letter L, above). I’ve had – and loved – them for the past four years, and only now am thinking about adding to my collection. The more luxe and less rugged Lucchesse tan “Mad Dog Goats” have my name all over them (Letter E)! (Or how about these for a fun twist on the basic boot?)
While you’ll always love your first pair of boots best of all, branching out from basic brown to black, white, turquoise or even – gasp! – red with skull + crossbones is where the fun really begins! Think bright, bold colors, varying heel and base heights, fun stitching, funky patterns and kick-butt embellishments. There really is no limit to the cowboy craze, made fashionable by celebs like Taylor Swift, Hilary Duff and Jessica Biel, just to name a few. The craziest I’ve gotten with my c’boots so far is black + white snakeskin, courtesy of Dad, but boy, do I love me some vintage turquoise (check out Option F above)! Sure, you won’t get nearly as much mileage out of your fun + funky boots, but you’ll absolutely make a statement.
Where to find these lovelies:
A. Old Gringo Leigh Anne, B. Liberty The Cutie, C. Liberty Spider, D. Durango Fringe Suede, E. Liberty Flor Chale, F. Lucchese NV4005, G. Dan Post Alice II, H. Liberty Luna, I. Liberty Morning Lilly, J. Lucchese Alexia Stitch, K. Liberty Love and Peace, L. Durango White Leather, M. Liberty Santa Fe
A final note? Great boots can also be found vintage — try searching eBay, antique or consignment stores, or your neighbor’s garage sale. Happy hunting!
Weigh-In: Do you own cowboy boots? What’s your favorite brand? Are you wearing or would you wear them on your wedding day? Care to share a photo of you – or your ‘maids – in your favorite pair of boots? Email us!
Top photo by Our Labor of Love and bottom photo by Meghan McSweeney
Are any other Southern Weddings readers obsessed with the show “How I Met Your Mother”? I saw the red cowboy boots and thought to myself, “Pulling…them…off” (a line from the show about red cowboy boots!) and cracked up.
Great post, and fun boots!
Also, I got a pair of brown faux-leather cowgirl boots from Journeys a few years back that feature rouching down the side seams, which I think makes them a little more girly!
Erin: Mr. Kyle and I are diehard HIMYM fans! It’s kind of getting out of control. If Ted can rock the red cowboy boots, Southern gals can totally pair boots with couture on their wedding day. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it :)
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Brittany Williams, Emily Ayer and Southern Weddings , Katharine Waterman. Katharine Waterman said: Yee-haw! @EmilyAyer + I have teamed up for our first joint post since my wedding. This week: Cowboy Boot Round-Up! http://bit.ly/hnZaes […]
LOVE THIS! My plan is to wear a fun pair of heels for the ceremony and pull on my comfy but cute cowboy boots for the reception. After all, we are tying the knot at a historic plantation in Nashville, TN at which horses were once housed and trained- so it’s completely appropriate!
My mom definitely thought I was crazy initially but the idea has grown on her. As I was trying on dresses last weekend she commented that she could really picture the dress with boots for the reception.
For any readers new to the world of boots- if you don’t mind a little higher price tag, Frye boots are my absolute favorite! Stylish and VERY comfortable.
Lori — I LOVE Frye! I’ve been salivating over the Carson Pull On boots for multiple years :)
Yeee Hawww! Growing up in a small farm town, we appreciate this great (and informative!) post today! Em’s favorite pair are ones that were passed down from our mom- she bought them when we were 6 months old. 30+ years later, now she rocks them! Amber’s new favorite pair are a fun purple color & were purchased at the Santa Monica Flea Market over the summer while scouring antiques during a So Cal visit from DC! -Amber & Emily, Amber Karson Events
I LOVE this post so much! KTW and EAA – you are awesome times infinity! YEEHAW!!
Oh and Mr. Waterman is awesome, too. Maybe more awesome than you two. Maybe.
I wear cowboy boots alllllll the time. My favorites are my first ones by Ariat. Brown with teal stitching. <3 them!! I have already warned my best friends that when I do get married the bridal party will be in boots.
For Stephanie,
Double H boots are supposed to be awesome and I saw a pair in a western store recently that were brown with purple stitching…
Laredo Boots has a boot called the Madison in purple … which I am going to buy with my next paycheck. =)
http://www.cowboyway.info/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1979&zenid=rn33os4fc2e7ki1r35qv3icri5
Maybe that helps?
AH! I loved reading this post! I am a southern girl from Atlanta,Georgia and wore my cowboy boots not only at my reception but also down the aisle in a traditional church ceremony! :) I wore the Ariat Legend with blue stiching. I have owned them for years, but i loved that they also satisfied my something blue. I have some family from New Jersey that were more than APPALLED about my shoe decision, as well as my mother, but hey it was my day! I don’t regret that decision for a second!
i would die for a pair of those turquoise boots (f)…i may have to beg for these as an anniversary gift!!
Christina, I love, love, LOVE the turquoise boots! And I love the way you think: anniversary gift all the way :)
YEA!!!! for Katherine’s VA dad. I live in Newport News and people are constantly challenging our claim to be the South. Nice to see the hometown getting some love.
Dad W. is awesome. The end :) Williamsburg (where I’m originally from) and Newport News (where I went to high school!) are also awesome. I’m all kinds of thrilled there’s another 757 gal reading the blog. P.S. If you see a snazzy older gent rocking the blazer, boots + bowtie look, it’s most likely my dad. Make sure you say hi!
[…] y’all! We’re back, brimming with inspiration from another reader email! (Did you catch our answer to Stephanie’s boot query yesterday?) This time the reader is Lori, and she’s got a slightly different fashion […]
I absolutely love cowboy boots! I constantly put cowboy boot inspiration photos in my wedding portfolio. I have 6 pairs (and yes, I do live in the SF Bay Area) and my favorites are my narrow-square toe Frye Daisy Dukes (brown with blue “F’s”). I wear them with everything from denim to sundresses. They’re really comfy and the more worn they get, the better they look! I also have Durango Roper’s, a pair of Vintage boots from Great-grandma (think 1970’s style) and a Tony Lama black pair to name a few. Can’t get enough of cowboy boots!!
Just in case anyone is looking for another pair – these ones have a nice soft (not pointy) toe on the front and are TOTALLY comfortable !
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/coconuts+nelson+leather+western+boot?prodId=192974&productRef=SEARCH
Got these to go with my wedding dress!
I am a diehard Ariat fan! I have numerous pairs or paddock and cowboy boots- all Ariat. Of course, they’re great at the barn, mine have always had that broken in feel, and they last forever. Definitely my favorite shoes and mine are brown and green :)
I am wearing my vintage cowboy boots at my reception! My boots were passed down to me by my mother – they were her first big purchase after she graduated college. They are so special to me and I couldn’t imagine my big day without them!
Thanks so much for featuring this post. I too am from VA and am on the hunt for the perfect boots to wear to my July reception. Thanks for all the great boot options and brands, and thanks for your constant feed of southern wedding inspiration on your blog!
L-O-V-E this post :) I think Frye makes the best cowgirl boots ever :)
When my grandfather passed away nearly over a year ago, I was given his tried and true boots. Absolutely heartbroken that he would not be physical present for my wedding, I decided to incorporate the boots. Yes, I wore them with my dress along with a broach from my grandmother. I knew carrying their memory on my wedding day was symbolic of bringing pieces of me into my marriage. My bridesmaids joined me in wearing their boots. One pair of boots was worn as equestrian princess, another as a teacher in Texas, and yet another was just bought and beginning its new legacy. I adored and still cherish that each of us brought pieces of our lives with those boots to that day, creating new memories and loving the old ones we had been a part of.
Cheers to a married life!
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