Right about now, Las Vegas has gone completely cowboy crazy with the National Finals Rodeo and all that it brings with it in full swing. Take a look around, this town is full up to rim with brims.
Thankfully, that means a whole lot of extra emphasis is placed on buying Western-inspired products, both local and imported.
The most notable shopping import is Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, free to the public until December 11. Not only does this shopping extravaganza include authentic apparel for the whole family, but it also includes housewares, gift items and quality home furnishings, along with fantastic equestrian accessories.
Cowboy Christmas' product focus is on quality, ranch-style living where the phrases "hand-crafted" and "made in America" take a purchase to a whole new level. Boot sellers have plenty of stock on hand. And expert hat benders can create the perfect lid with a little steam and a whole lot of skill. The perfectly bent hat is a must for cowboys both real and imagined.
Sure, a few of the items sold at Cowboy Christmas will be a bit much for most city dwellers, but if quality leather goods with a Western flair appeal to you, then run, don't walk, to this fantastic shopping experience.
Over on the far east side of the Valley, at Sam's Town on Boulder Highway, Sheplers Western Wear (a dominant chain store for those in the country/western apparel shopping circuit) has set up a massive retail emporium of its own. Look for thousands of square feet dedicated to boots, jeans, belts, shirts and other accessories such as bandanas and bolo ties.
Of course, this time of year, it's always nice to remind Las Vegas about David's Western Wear, our Valley's locally operated treasure.
After all, being a real cowboy means doing it your own way. With this in mind, David's sells custom boots and belts along with better quality Western wear for him and her. That's right: custom boots made to fit you in the hide of your choice, and the choices include the more traditional cow leather and ostrich over to Teju lizard, Hornback alligator and Caiman crocodile.
Sure, David's receives a bit more attention when the rodeo is in town, but those who hanker for custom kicks can go there any ol' time. No need to wait for the rodeo.
See you around the stables.
Anne Kellogg is a native Las Vegan with a thing for purchasing stuff. E-mail her at
[email protected].