Whether you call it 'Southwest Style', 'Santa Fe Style', 'New Mexico Style' or Albuquerque Chic this style is inspired by blending the traditional Native Amercian and Hispanic dress with a romanticizd western style! The Santa Fe Style's key elements include: broomstick skirts, fitted blouses, Native American jewellry, woven jackets, cowboy boots and cowboy hats.

When the American West was colonized the native people began trading furs for imported cotton to make these lighter weight skirts which were often worn with their heavier weight handwoven jackets. The gathered, three-tiered skirts worn by Navaho women were first copied by fashion designers in the 1940's. The bottom tier of this skirt has a large circumference which gives this unique ankle-length skirt its graceful movement. When the skirt is washed it is wrapped around a broomstick to dry so that it retains the traditional crinkly appearance, hence the name 'broomstick' skirt. It is said that broomstick skirts, like cowboy boots, improve with age. The older skirt becomes softer, more mellow and very graceful!

For a drop dead gorgeous 'fiesta' look - layer the red skirt I have up for auction beneath a black one and pull both of them up at one side (attach to your belt). This sexy look covers everything but once in a while a demure flash of leg and cowboy boot will delight your admirers. Add a black bodysuit and a large cut velvet fringed shawl tied just below the bust and you will most certainly be the seniorita of the 'fiesta'. I wore this outfit in Texas at the Houston Rodeo and Stock Show - it rocked!

Happy Trails

5. she is delighted that thongs were designed because she couldn't wear undies berfore this 'little bit' appeared!

6. friends and relatives from the east tell her that "everyone" in the west wears their jeans so-o-o tight!

7.  the seams are still imprinted on her skin the next morning!

8. she worries whether tight jeans cause sterility in women!

9. she plans ahead to sit down and it's even better if there is a stand-up bar!

10. her legs go to sleep if she is sitting for too long!

Happy Trails