Cowboy's Sweetheart

This week – on Wild West Wednesday – I shared some of my favorite Cowgirl Christmas Gifts for 2010.

Well, it’s Friday – and I’m back, just as I promised – to finalize the list of some of the season’s best goodies for all Cowgirls and Cowgirls At Heart.

There were just too many fabulous items to list in one post. So, here we go, pardners.

Cowgirl Handbags

I’m going to tell you right now – if you’re going to spend a lot of money on a handbag, purchase one in fine leather. It will last forever – and if you know your stuff and choose wisely – that bag will never go out of style.

I collect handbags – they are one of my weaknesses – alongside jewelry and cowgirl boots. And I have never regretted having saved my money in order to purchase a soft, supple leather bag.

Here’s are two bags from talented Etsy artist, Stacy Leigh that fit the bill …

Palomino Elk Leather Fringe Hobo Bag

Olive Green Fringe Mag Bag

The fringe on these bags hint at “Cowgirl” – but once again, in my favorite lingo – they don’t SCREAM. So any stylish woman can wear them, stuff them, and use them to the hilt. Ten years from now, that woman will still treasure one of these purses.

And I love being able to support independent artists while satisfying my craving for a fine leather purse.

One more Etsy bag shop is calling my name … Rubyzaar, owned by sisters Sarah and Molly Rubin.

Did you notice I referred to the Rubin sisters’ products as ‘bags’ and not ‘handbags?’ That’s because they make Hipbags out of fine leather. (Hip – as in resting on your hip – although these bags are pretty hip in style as well.)

Here’s my favorite – and we’re talking a little loudly now – not screaming – yet. Because this bag is totally Cowgirl cool!

Westwood Fringe Hip Bag

I have a handmade Cowgirl hip bag very similar to this one. I used it often – either attending the rodeo, shopping at an arts and crafts show – or when I go out to take photos and don’t want to carry a handbag around. Seriously – consider this as a great gift for any Cowgirl. She will love you for it!

Crocodile Creek Set by Double J Saddlery

Several years ago hubby John gave me this exact same handbag and matching wallet. To this day it remains a favorite. And it will always be a classic…

The bag is so timeless that it’s still selling like hotcakes. Beautiful muted turquoise leather that resembles crocodile skin. Just the right size for the wallet, as well as my phone, car keys, ipad, and a tube of lipstick. What’s not to love?

Buy it for yourself or that special cowgirl or cowgirl at heart – just head over to Crows Nest Trading Company. They have plenty more beautiful leather bags to tempt you.

I’d be downright stupid not to plug Buckaroo Bags – the handbag line I share with my pardner, Karna Morton. We have an Etsy store called Textile Whimsy where you can find plenty of Cowgirl-Vintage themed bags that would make perfect Christmas gifts for stylin’ Cowgirls.

This bag – Bunk Down With A Real Cowboy – is one of my personal favorites. I’m having a hard time not paying Karna her half and purchasing it for myself. Love!

And who’s the lovely cowgirl “bunking down” with – why Buffalo Bill Cody, of course! Perhaps that’s why it’s one of my faves – I dig western history – especially when it has to do with our Cody, Wyoming, namesake – William F Cody. Besides – I think this bag looks like something a Saloon Girl would wear. Don’t you agree?

Cowgirl Home Decor

We’re heading back to Crows Nest Trading Company – but this time, imagine kickin’ off your Cowgirl boots and snuggling up – all cozy-like – in a bed decked out like this.

Highland Rose Bedding

This bedding has the feel and class of Ralph Lauren – if you changed the Indian pillows to something more mainstream, you’d have more of a cabin feel than western – but heck! Why would you want to DO that? Isn’t this perfect just the way it is?

Cowgirl Lighting

Then, we’ll add two of these Roaming Buffalo Lamps – one on each side of the bed.

And we’d be doing a Cowgirl a huge disservice if we didn’t add this fabulous Campana Chandelier right in the middle of the room.

Cowgirl Mirror

And just when you thought I was done – how about this Cowgirls At Heart Mirror - hung above a lovely rustic dresser?

All of the above items are available at Crows Nest Trading Company – they send out a wonderful catalog, so get yourself on that mailing list.

Cowgirl Rugs & Flootcloths

Here are just a few rugs to tickle your Wild West Cowgirl spirit …

Western Rose from Skyhawk Rugs

Order this baby from Reindeer Ranch, Cody, Wyoming!

Peruvian Wool “Many Masks” Rug by Novica

Find this beauty – along with other ‘steals’ – at Overstock.com

Here are a few alternative treatments for your Cowgirl floor or artist studio -

Handmade floorcloths from my talented artist friend, Susan Tatlinger.

I purchased these two from Susan at Cody’s Christmas Arts & Crafts show. I just couldn’t decide between the two. As a matter of fact – in true Cowgirl style – I’m makin’ my own set of rules – and am hanging the Bear floorcloth on the wall. I love it that much.

Here’s Susan at the show. Yep. She makes jewelry too – not to mention one of a kind Teddy Bears. She’s also a painter. And she works at the DUMP part time just so she can search for new trash to transform into treasure.

You may purchase some of Susan’s floorcloths and other goodies here on her Etsy Shop. Go visit Susan Tatlinger here at her blog – she’s a talent and a hoot!

Cowgirl Gifts For Under The Tree, Stocking Stuffers, and Inexpensive Treats

Here are my picks (see the corresponding numbers & links below)

1.“Vera” Jewelry Tray – featuring Cowgirl Vera McGinnis – at Crows Nest Trading Company

2.Meteetse Chocolatier Gourmet Chocolates made by real working Cowboy & Bronc Rider – Tim Kellogg

3.Annie Oakley Ladies Colognes from Cultured Cowboy Presents

4.Cowgirl Angel Skeleton Christmas Ornament at Skeletons In My Closet

5.Cowgirl’s Sticky Note Pad at National Cowgirl Museum Cowgirl Gift Shop

6.Turquoise Star Dinnerware at Lone Star Western Decor

7.Turquoise Cross Glass Containers at Lone Star Western Decor

Deserving of mention all by itself is my friend Shirley Morris’s wonderful documentary film – “Oh, You Cowgirl!” If you don’t already know many of the unsung female heroes of the West – now’s your chance. You are gonna LOVE it! And what a steal at only $20! Click here to purchase.

And finally – there’s this … YEE HAW!

Studs And Spurs Calendar 2011

Gallop – don’t trot – to Horseloversgifts.com! Need I say more?

Now – go shopping for your friend, girlfriend, or yourself. Just be sure there’s at least one cool Cowgirl Christmas Gift under the tree this year.

Happy Trails!

Deb Trotter – Cowboy’s Sweetheart Artist

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Disclaimer ~ I have no affiliation with any of the manufacturers or artists mentioned in this article. I recommend them to you because I believe in them – and because I know you, or anyone you know- who celebrates the wonderful, wild spirit and sassy attitude of a Cowgirl – will enjoy them as well.
So – no free Wild West Decor in any form. No free chocolate from our darling local Cowboy – the Meteetse Chocolatier. Not EVEN a free Studs and Spurs Calendar.
But that’s ok … remember – I have Sam Elliott in my Art Studio … and my own Bird Hunting Stud Hubby.