You might already know Mary Zurn as our event coordinator for all the fun activities hosted in our store and around the Erie area at fundraisers, trade shows, and conventions. But, what you might not know is that Mary has a long history in wedding planning and uses her talents to help brides make their country wedding dreams come true!

Be sure to review our Western Wedding FAQ at the bottom of the blog post for helpful tips!

Mary – Designer Wedding Planner

Mary grew up right here in Erie, PA, but she moved to Toronto, Ontario in high school. Mary began her career in wedding planning at her first job at a flower shop in Toronto. Mary moved back to Erie to open her own florist and wedding shop where she became well-known for planning large and unusual weddings and events. Eventually, Mary’s interest in wedding planning exceeded her desire to be a florist, and she left her florist shop to plan mall bridal shows.

Mary’s experience extended well beyond church weddings; she has planned weddings at the Plaza and Four Seasons! Some of her work consisted of glamorous weddings with Gucci and Oscar de le Rente wedding gowns and Versace shoes!

Mary still has ties to big city weddings. She attends Fashion Week in NYC every year where she gets updates on the latest wedding trends and meets new designers. Many of Mary’s ideas for our local brides incorporate mainstream fashion with western flair.

Not Much Of A Country Girl

Mary will tell you she was not all that country. A self-proclaimed “big city girl,” Mary got on her first horse at the age of 45, and she was instantly addicted! With her favorite horse, Lightning, Mary now spends some of her free time playing around with barrel racing. Her newly discovered hobby also includes trail riding and chasing cows.

Mary’s interest in horses grew from riding to volunteering at a therapeutic riding center where she is the only western cowgirl among a bunch of English riders. Despite their differences in riding styles, their love of horses brings them all together for one great cause.

How We Can Help YOU!

While working in retail, Mary realized the desperate need for someone to help brides coordinate the details of their own weddings. Mary began her career with Head West Outfitters and was immediately able to use her wedding planning experience to aide customers with country weddings. It was a match made at the western altar!

Customers receive a variety of assistance from Mary and the team at Head West Outfitters – whether you are in the Erie area or even live outside the United States. Mary can work with customers in the store or by email and phone to help make arrangements and offer advice.

If you just need help selecting boots for your bridesmaids, Mary can help! If you have questions about tying western elements into a traditional wedding, Mary can help! Besides offering help with your wedding attire, Mary helps brides find horses for photo shoots, venues, florists, DJs, cakes, western accessories, and can even help create country table decorations. She can also help you find the perfect pair of cowgirl boots to match your designer wedding gown.

One of Mary’s greatest wedding skills is in matching cowboy boots, dresses, wedding gowns, cowboy hats, and accessories for the bridal party, parents of the bride and groom, and even wedding guests.

Mary’s experience helps her walk brides through the planning process and gives advice on how to make each bride’s own style show through. The country wedding trend is growing, and we have just the gal to help you pull off your own!

Contact Mary For Your Own Wedding

As you can see, Mary has an abundance of experience with many aspects of wedding planning. Not only can she help you pick out a straw hat for your next country music concert, she’s your best choice for designing table arrangements for your country wedding reception, cowgirl boots for the bride and bridesmaids, and western wedding attire for the groomsmen.

If you are planning a western wedding, give Mary a shout. She will be happy to assist you in the store. If you’re not in the Erie, PA area, send an email to mary@headwestoutfitters to see how she can help.

WESTERN WEDDING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do I have to wear a western dress for my country wedding?

No, not necessarily. Just because you have a “country” theme doesn’t mean every aspect of your wedding has to be western. I recommend you find the dress that you fall in love with at first sight, and then start adding in western accessories and cowgirl boots to give it country wedding style.

I just had a bride pick out the most beautiful strapless, pink, all-lace wedding gown. On its own, it didn’t have country flair at all. We paired the traditional dress with brown Ariat cowgirl boots with pink stitching and a brown Bullhide cowgirl hat with pink flowers. The end result was gorgeous with just enough western accents to not be over the top or “costumey.”

If I wear cowgirl boots with my wedding dress, should my husband wear cowboy boots with his tux?

If he wants to sport a little western attitude of his own – yes! It’s not a requirement that you both wear cowboy boots for the wedding. It would offer some fun photo opportunities if you did, but if the groom is more comfortable in dress shoes, find another accessory for him to wear to match your country theme – perhaps a bolo tie!

Do my bridesmaids’ boots have to match?

Absolutely not! This choice is entirely up to you. If your wedding is traditional, formal, or you prefer a clean-cut, coordinated look, do match your bridesmaids’ cowgirl boots. However, if you prefer a funky, wild, or casual style, allow your girlfriends to wear different boots. The resulting look is unique, fun, and visually interesting.

Check out these examples of weddings I’ve helped plan!

Should I require my guests to wear cowboy hats or western wear?

There’s no hard rule that says guests must arrive in western wear just because you’re having a western wedding. If you are having a formal wedding, guests might prefer to know that western dress is preferred. If your wedding is more casual, let the guests choose their attire.

The best way to handle the announcement is by including a note on the invitation informing invitees of your preference. Make the statement a simple suggestion to allow guests to get caught up in the theme with you, but not to discourage those who aren’t comfortable in western dress.

We have some inexpensive cowboy hats available that some brides have placed on the table as decorations for the reception. Brides then extend the offer for guests to wear them if they choose. Usually, they do! Imagine the amazing photos you’ll get with a party full of guests sporting western hats!

Do you have a question we’ve not answered? Leave a comment for personal assistance! We appreciate your feedback and look forward to helping you with your dream wedding!

Did you have a western wedding? We’d love to see your pictures on Facebook!

Shorts

Warm weather calls for shorts, and we have some really fun options online and in our store! Wrangler has just debuted their Booty Up shorts that are designed to give your backside a visual boost and wow the crowds in a beautiful and feminine pastel teal hue.

For the daring crowd, Miss Me Jeans has some must-have denim shorts with camo and bling accents. Typical of your fave Miss Me Jean styles, these shorts feature eye-catching denim colors, fancy embroidery, and killer style that makes you want to strut your stuff!

Sandals

Spring and summer style should be stress-free, so choose footwear that’s simple and casual without giving up style. Justin sandals help you pull off the look with fashionable comfort! One of the greatest things about warm weather has to be sandals, and as a bonus, Justin sandals represent all that you love about cowgirl charm. From wild animal prints to fancy beaded designs, the Justin sandal collection offers something for everyone.

Hats

What’s in a hat? Well…sun protection, most importantly! Cover up and protect your skin with a stylish hat – it’s a fashion statement and shade, all in one! Warm weather begs you to put on a straw cowboy hat. The breezy and relaxed styling is perfect on the ranch, in the city, at the park, on the beach – anywhere you want to show off unique style and stay cool. If you’re not entirely sold on the cowboy hat craze just yet, consider a casual cap to finish off your laid-back look with a touch of sun shade.

Shirts

Ladies, do you ever dig through your closet desperately searching for an outfit that’s the perfect blend of dressy and casual? You know, sexy but not over doing? Stop digging and check out these new women’s shirts! The latest collections of cowgirl T-shirts could not be a better balance of fashionable and easy-going! Cutout shoulders, bling embellishments, screen printed designs, bright colors, and slimming fits…are all part of this season’s must-have look.  Pair your new top with a pair of jean shorts or capri pants for the ultimate warm weather outfit!

Fashion Confession!

What’s the one item you love to wear when it’s warm outside?

My personal fave is flip flops. For the sake of full disclosure, I have to admit that I actually wear them pretty much year-round. I’ve been known to slip them on to make a quick run to the store in the winter. I know; it’s awful. But since we’re opening up, I had to share.

(When I’m not showing off my Justin flip flops in the rain, sleet, snow, sun, and occasionally mud, I’m rocking Justin Bent Rail cowgirl boots – so give me a break on the flip flop faux pas! )

Share your confession by leaving a comment!

Hey, we warned you! Tin Haul Boots are now available at Head West Outfitters, and we are so excited to show them off! Tin Haul cowboy boots are made for men and women in some of the flashiest styles you’ve ever seen. The fun designs come from the surfer and skater edge that Tin Haul incorporates into their fashion western boots.

Western Boot Style

Tin Haul cowboy boots showcase traditional western square toes and easy-wearing walking heels. The look is a tip of the hat to classic roper cowboy boots. Each pair of boots also sports pull straps and dipped shaft collars, both authentic western elements. Cowboys and cowgirls will appreciate the western styling beneath the risque demeanor.

Fancy Leathers

The foundation of Tin Haul boot designs is important, that’s where wild and wacky color combinations and treated leathers come into play. We’re all use to seeing sleek and smooth leather boots in the western line-up. Distressed leathers have been a popular choice for many years. Suede leather is a handsome choice. But you’ve perhaps not seen leather done like this before!

Tin Haul takes premium leathers and beats them into vintage submission with treatments that add wrinkling, heavily distressed marks, and scuffs that show off your edgy side. Check out the Gnarly Shark, Tiger, and Pool Hall styles for a sample of this look.

On the other end of the spectrum, sleek and smooth leather Tin Haul boots shine and gleam to show off your high-roller status. Polka dots, panda bears, diamond patterns, dollar signs, checker boards, dice, skulls, flames, and mudflap girl designs all adorn these leathers.

Lying Low

Yes, the leathers are intriguing. And the overlays, inlays, embroidery, and colors are brilliant. But what is the most interesting design element on Tin Haul cowboy boots? The outsoles, oddly enough! Beneath your foot, just waiting for you to take a step and wow the world around you is a unique outsole design. With each step of your stunning boots, you kick up dazzling style with outrageous and eye-catching outsole designs in vibrant colors.

Each pair of boots has its own outsole design. Some coordinate exceptionally, like the Benjamin Franklin, Lucky Clover, and Pirate Skull boots. Others have absolutely nothing in common from top to bottom, and that’s the beauty and brilliance of it all!

What is Tin Haul all about?

Tin Haul boots demand that you “Wear Your Metal Out!” OK, no arguing from us. Tin Haul is the offspring of a team of entrepreneurs who were looking to shake things up. And, boy howdy, they did! The brand was founded in 2008 with influences from surfers and urban culture. Blend that with chic cowboy boot style, and you have one irresistible Tin Haul collection.

Do you own a pair of Tin Haul boots?

Tell us which pair in the comments below. Then post a pic on our Facebook page! If you’re reppin’ Tin Haul, the world should know!

1 – Choose Quality

Invest in a quality pair of cowgirl boots. It’s tempting to start out with a super cheap pair, but you’ll be paying for it in the end – with blisters and dissatisfaction. Justin cowboy boots are quality crafted with the utmost attention to detail, durability, comfort, and premium quality materials. Justin Boot Company has been crafting boots in the U.S. since 1879, so they know a thing or two about boots!

KEEP READING! We’re giving away a pair of Justin cowgirl boots. Click the link below to enter for a chance to win.

2 – Pick A Pair That Matches Your Personality

Are you fun and full of spunky energy? Is your look cute and super girly? Do you “glam up” every outfit with a few dozen just-right accessories? For every answer, there’s a different pair of boots that’s just right for you!

For high-style pizzazz, look for fancy embroidery, high heels, pointed toes, and vibrant colors. Fun and funky types will enjoy wild animal prints, square toes, and unique leathers. Sweet and feminine calls for Justin Gypsy cowgirl boots with a chunky toe and short boot shaft, or any Justin cowgirl boot in pink!

Look for Justin cowgirl boots that match your attitude, and you will easily be able to build outfits around them – with items already in your closet!

3 – To Tuck Or Not To Tuck?

The long-debated question: Should I tuck my jeans into my boots, or wear my jeans covering my boots? Hmm, good question. Traditional cowboy folk will tell you that real cowboys don’t tuck in their jeans. But cowgirl fashionistas around the world will tell you to tuck in those jeans and show off your boots!!

4 – What Can I Wear With Cowgirl Boots?

Jeans? Dresses? Skirts? Shorts? Leggings? Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! If you’re riding, you obviously should stick with jeans to protect your legs, but if you’re wearing cowgirl boots hoping to show off your western side, try them all!

Jean shorts are adorable paired with Justin Gypsy cowgirl boots. Justin Bent Rail cowgirl boots add a boost of romance when worn with a summer dress. Just about any pair of Justin cowgirl boots will work with a denim skirt. And leggings, oh how we love leggings and boots! Try leggings with a long sweater, or leggings with a dress, or leggings with a skirt to pull off the leggings + boots look.

5 – Good To Know!

When wearing dresses and skirts with cowgirl boots, if you have short legs, wear a boot that has a shaft height of 10” or less, such as Justin classic red cowgirl boots. Shorter boots will elongate your legs since you will see more leg between the top of the boot and your hemline.

For the very best fit, always wear boot socks with your cowgirl boots. If you don’t have boot socks, you can substitute athletic socks. They won’t give you exactly the same comfort and moisture control, but they help.

When wearing leggings or tights with boots, your feet might feel like they are slipping around in the boots since you aren’t wearing regular socks. Fix this by slipping on a pair of ankle socks over your leggings. The socks won’t be visible, but they will make your feet much more comfortable.

Most importantly, make sure you are wearing the right size boot! Click here to read more about how to find your perfect fit.

Want your own pair of super cute, easy-wearing Justin Gypsy cowgirl boots?

Here’s your chance to win a pair, courtesy of Head West Outfitters and Justin Boot Company! Click the image below to go directly to the giveaway entry page. After you enter, be sure to visit us on Facebook for additional entry opportunities.

Good luck!

Fashion Trend #1 – Bling

MORE BLING!! Wow, after several years of dominating the fashion market, bling continues to thrive, and we are LOVING it! Rhinestones are still shimmering away on shirts, jackets, handbags, and jeans. To keep this fashion trend alive, western wear brands are constantly pushing out new and innovative ideas.

Wait until you see the “saddle-ready” bling Cowgirl Tuff jeans! They will knock your boots off! Rhinestones cascade along the sides of the jeans, so you will shimmer and shine while in the saddle (or strutting your cowgirl stuff). So if your goal in life is to sparkle every day as much as possible, you’re in for a treat!

Fashion Trend #2 – Animal Prints

Think “wildly classic” when ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the animal prints that will hit shelves this year. Animal prints really never go entirely out of style, so it’s no surprise to us that these exciting prints are back in a big way. Animal prints are a funky and fun outfit choice for all ages.

What could be better than animal print tops? Only animal print tops combined with BLING! How could you not love that?! Also watch for zebra and leopard print designs on belts, handbags, and even cowgirl boots. You might even see your favorite animal print accessories sporting a little bling.

A hugely popular cowgirl boot that will be available in March is the Women’s Roper Chunk boot with a glittery zebra print foot. This is a great boot for cowgirls who want something a little different that will stand out and make any outfit sparkle.

Our newest cowboy hat brand, Bullhide Hats, has just released a cheetah print straw cowboy hat that is purrfect for western dance clubs and concerts. We’re looking forward to seeing pictures of our customers wearing this new hat!

Fashion Trend #3 – Fringe

Are you just not entirely sold on fringe? Yeah, we totally understand. Fringe has been a western wear staple since… well, the beginning of western wear, but it’s never been as sexy and exciting as it is this year. Trust us. We are really convinced about fringe this year, and we’re pretty tough critics!

Fringe will be frolicking along a lot of western apparel. It is expected to be a huge hit, and it doesn’t look like it will be going away anytime soon. Vests are always a popular choice for fringe accents, and it will be a really fashionable style this year. Tony Lama and Dan Post boots will both debut cowboy boots with attention-grabbing fringe detailing.

Fashion Trend #4 – Lace

Lace can be classy, fun, sexy, and sophisticated, and that’s what makes it so interesting. You can add a lace piece to your outfit, and it completely changes the vibe of your look. Lace is so versatile!

There will be a lot of lace variations coming up this year, and you can expect the lace trend to peak during the summer months. There are a few lace accented apparel items coming to Head West Outfitters at that time that we are REALLY excited to share with you!

Fashion Trend #5 – Camo

Camo is a HUGE fashion trend! It can be flirty, fancy, or powerful, just depending on how it is accented and presented. We love camo, and we know you do, too!

Camo Ariat Fatbabies and pink camo Justin Gypsy boots have been wildly popular for the last year, so we are bringing in three new Justin camo boots the will be equally stylish. We were thrilled to see the new designs, and we can’t wait for them to arrive.

Nocona and Blazin Roxx are offering new camo accessories this spring that will pair well with your western tops, bling jeans, and camo cowgirl boots. We’ve also purchased even more Ariat Mossy Oak Fatbaby and Blazin Roxx camo bling belts to keep up with customer requests. These two belts have been extremely popular in our store and online, so we want to make sure we have enough to go around!

Camo will also be showcased on western tops from a bunch of different brands. You’ll be able to outfit from head to toe in camo! One item we’re especially excited to get our hands on this spring is the sequined camo Miss Me shorts. These shorts will bling, flatter, and wow!

Which of these fashion trends is your fave? Share with a comment!

Stay up-to-date on new product arrivals by following us on Facebook and signing up to receive our emails. Besides knowing when new products are available, you’ll also receive special discounts and sale notices.

While it really is loads of fun, we take this event very seriously since we are choosing the very best products to bring to you in our store and online. And, boy, did we find some great new stuff!

Cowboy boots, cowgirl boots, and more boots!

We all need more boots, right? Well, let the shopping begin! We’re proud to announce that we have added Dan Post, Laredo, and Dingo boots to our western boot selection for flirty cowgirl styles, traditional cowboy styles, and all the fun stuff in between. Look for these brand new items to arrive in our store and online within the next month.

Do you wear your metal as a proud badge of honor? Then you might want to take a look at Tin Haul boots and western clothing! Tin Haul brings edgy urban details to authentic western boots and apparel. This is going to be a really fun line of products for our customers. Keep following us on Facebook, and we will let you know when the hot Tin Haul boots and shirts are ready for purchase!

In addition to these new cowboy boot brands, we also expanded our selection of brands we already carry, including Corral (read more below), Ariat, Justin, Tony Lama, and Anderson Bean. New styles will be arriving soon!

Corral Boots – more to love & faster shipping!

There’s nothing new about offering Corral boots. We’ve been a huge fan of Corral since day 1 here at Head West Outfitters. We also know you don’t want to wait for your Corral boots to ship from their warehouse, so we are now going to keep a supply of our most popular Corral cowboy boots and cowgirl boots available for immediate shipping.

Plus, we have picked up a few really sexy Corral styles for this year. If our current selection of Corral boots makes your heart do flips, brace yourself for what’s yet to come!

Miss Me Jeans – more than jeans!

The hottest brand in jeans is undoubtedly Miss Me Jeans. They are sexy all the way from denim wash to bling bedecked pockets. Now, you can get your Miss Me fix in the form of capris, shorts, shirts, denim jackets, and belts! Miss Me jean shorts have already arrived, so keep an eye on our website for your chance to snag a pair in time for spring weather!

Cowgirl Tuff – get it while it’s sizzling hot!

Our customers sure love Cowgirl Tuff jeans and shirts! Customer demand has urged us to offer even more of this best-selling brand of women’s jeans and western tops. Our expanded selection will continue to provide comfortable and fashionable riding jeans for casual and rodeo activities. You love ‘em, and we’ve got ‘em!

Justin Boots – always a favorite!

From a cowboy boot brand known for quality, durability, comfort, and tradition – Justin Boot Company – comes some really fun camo boots for women! Camo was a really big hit last year, and Justin Boots decided to give you an oh-so-adorable collection of Justin camo boots to keep that trend going strong. Our customers have continued to ask for more camo, so we went out and found it!

We will definitely bring you more of the traditional Justin cowboy boots that you know and love, too! Whether it’s classic cowboy boots you’re after or something a little more fashion focused, you just can’t go wrong with Justin boots.

Accessorize in western style!

Don’t step out the door without your western wear! We’ve got you covered – literally – with Bullhide Hats. Bullhide cowboy hats will be a brand new line for us, and it’s also the official hat of Justin Moore and Terri Clark. You can’t argue with that! We’re excited to bring you a selection of traditional western hats and concert-ready cowboy hats with trendy details! This will be a thrilling addition to Head West Outfitters!

Ladies, we are now carrying Savana handbags! Fit all your cowgirl needs into these posh purses, and you’re set for a stylish day. We will even have camo handbags, just in case you want to coordinate your new camo boots with a camo purse!

We’ll let you know when they are here!

We are very excited for all the new cowboy boots, jeans, shirts, cowboy hats, and accessories that will be available on our site and in our store this year! We will be sure to let you know as soon as they are ready for purchase.

Follow us on Facebook, and join our mailing list to stay informed on product release dates. You’ll be the first to know when all these items are available for purchase; you’ll see sneak peeks on styles that are coming soon, and we’ll let you know when we have special sales and discounts.

What’s on your western wear wish list this year? Share with a comment!

If you’re in Australia or Canada, so are we! Head West Outfitters is excited to announce that we are now shipping our online western wear products to Australia and Canada. You are a persistent group! After many requests and inquiries on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and email, we have expanded our shipping services to Australia and Canada – shipping you the products you want!

We are thrilled for your interest in our products, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect cowboy boots, denim jeans, western shirts, cowboy hats, western belts, wallets, handbags – or whatever western fashion you desire!

Fashionable western wear to your doorstep

Customers here in the United States have helped us brand our signature style – trendy, western fashion. Interest from customers in Australia and Canada proves Americana western wear is a popular look! We plan to continue to search the markets to bring all of our customers more high fashion western wear that incorporates easily into your ranch wear, everyday wardrobe, and concert attire.

Western fashion continues to evolve with mainstream fashion styles, so something new is always on the horizon. New products are added to our website daily, so there are always fresh styles from which to choose.

Just another store? No way!

Are you new to Head West Outfitters? Then you might not realize this is more than just another store. Western wear is our way of life. Our staff does more than sell western clothes, we wear them daily, and not just while at work because it’s our uniform. We live the western lifestyle, and in doing so, we test our products every single day.

Not only do we know western wear products inside and out, we are also very picky about the products we offer online and in our store. We don’t choose clothes because of how they will look on our store rack. We choose western clothing and cowboy boots for our store and website that offer customers value, the latest fashion trends, and superior quality. We would never sell products that we wouldn’t personally use or wear.

We are here for YOU!

Another vital part of the services Head West Outfitters offers customers is an outstanding shopping experience and incomparable customer service. We want our customers to enjoy every step of the shopping process, from browsing the selection to wearing the products. We are always here to help – contact us on Facebook, Twitter, through email, by phone, or in our store.  We also offer live chat on our website during office hours.

Our customer service “department” is our entire staff. Every employee of our store and corporate office is here to answer customer questions. If you need help, our team will jump at the opportunity to offer assistance. That’s just our way. We are all here for you. So give us a shout!

Do you ship to my location?

Head West Outfitters currently ships within the United States and now to Australia and Canada. If you are outside of these locations and are interested in shopping with us, you can email giddyup@headwestoutfitters.com for more information. We will take all requests into consideration with future service expansions.

Leave a comment if you need more help!

What size cowboy boots should I order?

Most of the time, you should order your normal shoe size when buying cowboy boots. However, many of our customers end up wearing about a ½ size smaller cowboy boot than their athletic shoe size. So if you are used to wearing tennis shoes, you probably need to choose a ½ size smaller.

Don’t worry about the shape of the toe or the height of the heel. Cowboy boots are designed with a footbed that fits your size, taking into consideration the shape of the toe. So don’t go up a size just because the toe of the boot is pointed. The height and design of the heel will also not affect your boot size.

Try on your cowboy boots

Always try on cowboy boots with socks that you will actually wear with the boots. Boot socks are ideal, but if you don’t own a pair, try athletic socks.

Sit down to try on your cowboy boots. Since the cowboy boots are new, they will seem a bit snug, so you will need to pull them on by holding onto the pull straps or pull holes and pushing your foot into the shaft of the boot. If your boots don’t have pull straps or pull holes, hold firmly onto the top of the boot shafts.

When trying on cowboy boots, always walk around in them to check the appropriate fit. Be sure to stay on a carpeted surface to avoid damaging the soles of the boots.

The boots feel too tight

If you feel pinching at the widest part of your foot – between the arch and toes – you might need to go up a size. Before making that decision, are your regular street shoes often snug on the sides of your feet, but you have plenty of room in the toe? If so, you might need a wide width size cowboy boot. If you don’t typically need a wide width, you probably just need to try one size larger.

Keep in mind that leather will stretch after repeated wearing, so new boots will feel snug at first. After you have worn them in a bit, they will stretch to your foot shape, and they will feel custom made!

The boots feel too loose

There are several signs that your boots are too big. They might seem comfortable now, but after wearing the cowboy boots many times, the leather will become “worn in,” and the boots will only continue to feel looser.

If your foot easily slides from side to side in the boot, or if your foot shifts around when you put pressure on your foot or stop quickly, the boots are too big. Also check the vamp of the boot – the area at the top of your foot – if it is loose and baggy, that cowboy boot is too big.

My heel slips around in the cowboy boot

This is actually perfectly normal for new boots. Cowboy boots are designed so that your heel will slip up and down in the boot when they are very new. This is because the leather is not yet worn in, and the heel is the only area that has any give. After you’ve worn the boots more, the leather will become softer and conform to your foot shape, and you will no longer have any slippage in the heel. The more you wear them, the better they will feel!

A little slippage in the heel indicates that your boots are the correct size. If your heel doesn’t move at all, your boots could be too small. If the boot practically falls off your foot when you take a step, it is probably too big.

What if they still seem too tight or loose later?

If you are still not getting exactly the fit you want from your cowboy boots after wearing them many times, you have a few options.

A boot cobbler can stretch cowboy boots, usually for a fairly inexpensive fee. Stretching will not increase the size of the boot, but it should give you a bit more room in the foot area for a more comfortable fit. Check your local listings for cowboy boot repair shops or shoe cobblers.

Thicker socks or boot socks can help if your boots seem too loose. You can also try adding a removable insole to the foot of the boot.

Speak to one of our store employees if you need any assistance. All of our employees are trained on proper cowboy boot fitting, and we want you to be completely satisfied with your new cowboy boots!

Have a boot fit question that we didn’t cover? Leave a comment and we will gladly help!

You can also reach us on Facebook, Twitter, or in our Erie, PA store. Click here to chat live with our customer service team!

Do you have a celebrity style icon? We have many! A lot of people model their own “look” after that of an adored celebrity. This Sunday, several of our favorite country music stars will be on stage at the American Music Awards, so we thought it might be fun to show you how to get their signature styles.

You’re probably very familiar with the music of the talented artists nominated for Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Female Artist in the AMA country music category: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood. Besides their musical talents, they all know how to make western wear look its best – and now you can, too!

For the guys!

Jason Aldean has an edgy farm boy look. This guy is right at home in a plaid shirt, Wrangler jeans, square toe boots, and a cattleman cowboy hat. His style is pure country.

Get his look here:

Luke Bryan has a look that shows off his boy-next-door charm. Plaid western shirts, tees, and denim jeans probably take up most of his closet space. Complete this easy and comfortable look with a pair of casual cowboy boots.

Get his look here:

Eric Church owns the casual cowboy look! While you sometimes see him in a plaid western shirt, he mostly wears T-shirts and a ball cap. If you want country casual, this is the look for you. Pair your fitted tee with denim jeans, pointed toe cowboy boots, and a casual cap.

Get his look here:

For the gals!

Miranda Lambert is a vixen in her sassy country attire. Miranda’s style is fairly casual, yet she sure can pull off wearing a simple tee and jeans and make it look stunning. The trick to looking sexy – not frumpy – in casual clothing is accessories. Miranda rocks her look in casual tees or tanks with slim fit jeans, fancy cowgirl boots, and lots of accessories. Chunky necklaces, fancy earrings, and belts complete every outfit she wears.

Get her look here:

Taylor Swift is sophisticated and romantic. Get Taylor’s look with a simple top or feminine dress with few accessories. Simple doesn’t mean boring – give your outfit an interesting twist with a fun silhouette or flowing material. Finish with cowgirl flair in a pair of glamorous Corral boots.

Get her look here:

Carrie Underwood is America’s sweetheart, but her country style has a sexy and glamorous edge. Carrie likes form-fitting clothing and stunning boots. Get her style in curve-hugging skinny jeans, a sexy top, and jaw-dropping boots with flirty details.

Get her look here:

It’s really easy to copy a celebrity’s style – without the expense of your own stylist! If you see an outfit you like, determine your favorite part of the outfit – layers, colors, textures – and see if you can find clothing with similar details. You might not find the exact same top or jacket, but you can find one in the same color, length, or with the same design elements.

Who is your celebrity style icon and why?

We will post some of your answers on Facebook, so be sure to follow us to keep up with the conversation.

It all revolves around the fashion!

We can’t have an open house without showcasing a few western outfits. We will unveil brand new clothing styles from some of your favorite brands – Ariat, Miss Me Jeans, Cowgirl Tuff, Panhandle Slim, Roper, and Macie Bean Boots. Now is your chance to snag these brand new styles and show them off over the holidays!

To get you in the festive mood, we will also offer a wine tasting from Mazza Winery and host live music during our store-wide sale. How could we make this event any better? We’re also giving away a $250 shopping spree! It is sure to be a great time! Bring the spouse or a group of friends for a fun night out.

Sharing our night with a good cause

As you might have heard, Northstar, a horse from our area, was tragically injured earlier this year.  Many of us here at Head West Outfitters hold animals very dear to our hearts, so we were immediately moved to help. We will be collecting donations for Northstar during the open house, as well as donating a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the Northstar Equine Foundation. This organization is working to raise money to cover veterinary care expenses, as well as working to change animal cruelty laws in Pennsylvania. Representatives from Head West Outfitters will present a check to the organization on November 10^th at the “Rally for Northstar” event at Mound Grove Golf Course. We encourage you to help care for Northstar and stand up against animal cruelty.

Way back when (in 2010)

It wasn’t all that long ago that we opened for business at Head West Outfitters, but a lot sure has changed since. When we opened for business on November 1, 2010, our retail store in Erie, PA offered a modest selection of jeans, shirts, hats, boots, and accessories that were mostly focused toward the western crowd – barrel racers, ropers, team penners, and line dancers. Our clothing was a collection of traditional western wear from Wrangler, Cinch, and Cruel Girl. If you’re a cowboy or cowgirl at heart, you know and love these brands well! And we do, too!

It quickly became clear that we needed to offer more than classic riding jeans and button down shirts. With a large following of customers who were used to shopping at the mall and incorporating western into their more mainstream style, we began to expand our clothing selection to more of the trendy, modern western wear styles that are as much fashion as they are function. Our customers – the traditional and the mainstream – fell in love! We could not keep the blingy Wrangler Rock 47 and Rock and Roll Cowgirl jeans and shirts on the shelves! Now our selection is a fantastic mix of classic western wear and night-on-the-town outfits, and everything in between.

It all changed in Denver

Denver is a mecca to the western wear world! Every January, hundreds of western wear companies flock upon the “Denver market,” a convention filled to the brim with every sort of western apparel, décor, and accessories imaginable. This is where retailers get the first glimpse at new products and styles. Our buyers prep for this trip like football players for the Super Bowl! It’s hard not to get carried away in such a fun and fashionable setting.

Our planning paid off! At Denver market in 2011, we signed up to offer Cowgirl Tuff products in our Head West Outfitters store. This has turned out to be one of our best-selling brands! Not surprisingly, with a variety of fits, styles, cuts, and designs to make your jaw drop. We also started carrying Corral and Anderson Bean boots based on the expansive styles and eye-catching details that we just knew our customers would love. Charlie 1 Horse also debuted at Head West Outfitters thanks to that fateful Denver market trip, and our customers continue to rave about these amazing hats.

Proud to sponsor country music

Shortly after our grand opening, we signed on to sponsor two local country bands: Next of Kin, an established and very popular band, and American Ride, a brand new country band. It wasn’t long before we were growing our support of the local country music scene; Small Town Revolution and Refuge joined our country music crew. Head West Outfitters also serves as personal stylists for all the band members, and we proudly support their events by attending or donating goods as event prizes. Our support of these bands is invaluable to the reputation of our company, and they also look pretty darn good sporting our clothes!

We’re blazing a new trail – online!

Our Head West Outfitters online store – www.headwestoutfitters.com – debuted in January of 2011. It was a decision that was more than just expanding our store. We were looking to offer our products and services to customers, wherever they might be. It was a choice of customer service as much as expansion. Our online business has grown to the point that we hired full-time staff to maintain our website this year. We have a very talented crew, and we are really looking forward to what they will bring to the site in the years to come. It is our driving force to make your shopping experience the best you’ve ever had, so we are constantly making improvements to our online store and the shopping process.

THANK YOU!

We greatly appreciate your patronage and support! We wouldn’t be celebrating our two-year anniversary without you, so from all of us at Head West Outfitters – THANK YOU! Be sure to stop by our store on November 9^th to help us celebrate. We look forward to seeing you!

Do you have a memory to share of Head West Outfitters? Let us know on our Facebook page or send us an email! We love receiving your feedback.

If there’s ever anything we can do to help you with your western wear needs, just contact us, and we’ll be here to help!