Know Your Size

Unlike other types of footwear that rely on laces to hold the foot in place, a cowboy boot depends on the instep to hold the shoe in place. For those who don’t know, the instep is the area between the heel and ball of the foot. When you try on the boot, the instep should fit snugly into place. Likewise, the ball of the foot should be on the ball of the boot. If the ball of your foot can’t reach the ball of the boot, your instep area is too small and you need a smaller size boot.

Also, take note that most cowboy boots, not just the fashionable ones, have a narrow heel. In new boots you might feel a little slip in the heel as you walk. This is due to the stiffness of the heel material, but once the boot gets broken in, the stiffness will wear away and you won’t slip at all.

Leg Fits are Important

When was the last time you thought about the size of your calves? The calf muscle is the back of the lower part of your leg, between your knee and your ankle. While some boots, mainly those designed for women, are no higher than the ankle, most cover some part of the calves. This could be a problem for people with very large calf muscles, since the boot won’t fit right if it’s too tight around the calves. Those with wider legs should select a style with a looser top fit.

Care for Your Boots

Once you’ve purchased boots with the perfect fit, you need to care for them. Knowing what they are made of helps you maintain them properly. Most boots are made from cowhide leather, which needs to be conditioned with polish from time to time using a rag. Some boots, however, are made out of suede, a specially treated type of leather. Do not use leather conditioner on suede as this will actually discolor the boot. Also, if your boots are made out of a more exotic leather, like crocodile skin, be sure to buy reptile conditioner, not cowhide leather conditioner.

Take your time to explore all the styles and brands of cowboy boots. Many types, like Old Gringo boots, combine fashionable designs with functional elements, making each pair unique. By choosing a proper fit and treating the boots with care, they can last for years.

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Who doesn’t love a good Dingo Boot? Dingo boots was established in the 1970s promising to offer durability and comfort.  Since, they have grown to be one of the top brands in the boot industry.  If you like to be expressive in your style and think outside the box, these are the boots for you!

Sterling Leather has teamed up with the Already Pretty blog by Sally McGraw to give you the chance to win a free pair of Dingo Boots! The winner will get the chance to choose one pair of Dingo Boots from the Sterling Leather site. If you’d like to enter, just follow the contest guidelines. Contest closes April 28th, 2013 at midnight EST so don’t wait too long!

Small Heart Bag

One ridiculously cute and charming bag is the Small Heart Bag. With a colorful butterfly design and long strap that affords one with either single shoulder or cross-body wearability, the Small Heart Bag is a perfect accent to a summer outfit! This bag has one zipper which allows for entry into the purse from the top, and also has a rear zippered pocket where one can put whatever they please! For such a small bag it really packs a punch!

Another great bag is the Flap Accordion Bag. Keep in mind that all Anuschka bags come in a variety of designs for each style and that there is literally a design and style combination that will fit everyone’s fashion needs. This particular design on the Flap Accordion Bag is called Karmic Koi. This may be the perfect design for all the Zen lovers out there! What’s great about this bag is that under the flap, which closes with a clasp, is that there are four gusseted compartments and a couple of zippered side pockets which allow for maximum storage and organization.

Anuschka constantly designs out-of-the-box handbags. They come in all shapes and sizes and are

made of high quality, resilient leather that will last a lifetime. Many consumers worry that over time, the hand painted designs will chip or flake off. Fear not! Though they look delicate, Anuschka are far from it. They are guaranteed not to flake or deteriorate.On the smaller side, Anuschka also makes a

Flap Accordion Bag

plethora of wallets and small clutches perfectly suited for a fancy night out. These feminine pieces have zip closure and credit card space. You won’t have to worry about anything falling out of their clutches and in addition the clutch has a wrist strap so you can be hands-free! Doesn’t get much better than that.

One great clutch is this Clutch Wristlet with crystal detail. The pink and orange design really gives a pop of color. And as always, a little bling never hurt! Swarovski crystals accent the retro bloom design. With spring underway and summer right around the corner, this is perfect for a day of shopping or even a cocktail at happy hour!

Clutch Wristlet

Be sure to take a look at all of the other styles and designs Anuschka has to offer for this spring and summer fashion season!

1)    Jessica Simpson

Self-confessed shoe addict Jessica loves her favorite footwear so much that she even sang a song about her beloved boots. Even if you’re not blessed with her long limbs, you can still take inspiration from her style. For Jessica, it’s all about the glitz and glam, so it’s no wonder she’s a big fan of a higher heel for her Western boots. Look for added bling to really echo Jessica’s look. Check out the Smoky Mountain Boots Western Leather Slouch for a pair that won’t break the bank but will guarantee you turn heads, whether you’re hanging in the mall or off on a girls’ night out. Also worth checking out are the Smoky Mountain Boots Western Leather Magnolia, which are eye-catching enough to add that sultry Simpson touch to even the most subdued outfit. If you’re not quite confident enough to try a pair of Jessica’s miniscule hot pants, opt for skinny jeans instead.

2)    Britney Spears

Despite living a rollercoaster life of ups and downs, one of Britney’s constants is her cherished boot collection. Copy her cute cowgirl looks with a new pair of western boots. Britney’s boot style tends to be fairly bold. She favors bright patterns and sleek, slim designs. Have a look at the Corral Boots Yellow/Red/Turquoise Butterfly for boots that are so beautiful you’re bound to leave a trail of love-struck suitors even if you don’t possess Britney’s looks. She also knows the bonuses of something more subtle, though, and is often snapped in a neutral shade of boot such as brown, but with interesting embellishments to keep things different. Try Star Boots Cowboy with Flower Inlay for your own take on this look. If you’re anything like Britney, nothing is out of bounds in terms of the rest of your outfit. But, as a guide, you can’t go wrong with a mid-thigh flower-print dress. Pair with leggings for chillier days or if you’re not in the mood to flash the flesh.

3)    Alicia Keys

Classy and polished Alicia’s red-carpet style proves cowboy boots don’t always have to be rugged. Follow in her footsteps by choosing boots that will take you from treading the sidewalks to a trendy new restaurant. Again, high heels are worth considering, and darker is better for adding a dramatic yet smart twist to evening wear. Star Boots Fashion Rocco Leather would look suitably stylish teamed with tight-fitting pants, while their Metallic Stingray Triad are just begging to be matched with a gray, fitted evening dress for a sophisticated evening ‘do. It’s key to keep the rest of your outfit streamlined if you want to take cowboy boots out somewhere elegant after dusk. Don’t get tempted by big, billowing frocks or frilly styles. Keep it simple, with straight lines and slim fits.

4)    Miley Cyrus

Miley looks so at home wearing cowboy boots, you’d think she was born in them. You may not be the offspring of a country singer, but you can still steal her style when it comes to which boots to buy. Miley’s such a fan, there’s not many a variation on the Western theme that she’s not tried. For those new to the cowgirl theme, make like an A-lister on a day off and go for a classic pair of brown boots such as Frye’s Billy Pull On, which will go with so much in your closet that you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. Like Miley, pair them with blue jeans and a trendy tee for a cool but casual look. Another of her favorite looks is a pair of bright, look-at-me boots with an otherwise simple ensemble. You can’t go wrong with a pair of red Nocona Boots Competitor Slouch with black skinny jeans and a vest top.

5)    Taylor Swift

Taylor heralded a new era for Western boots by teaming them with a pretty dress. Since then, where Swift has led, shoppers have followed. There have even been a few brides who’ve been brave enough to don their favorite boots with their bridal gowns. Expand your horizons by teaming your footwear with something more daring than denim and checked shirts. Reach for a muted pair of boots in brown or black, and you’re good to go. Keep your dress either plain or with a small print, but don’t be afraid to consider flouncy styles. This look is all about having fun and not taking yourself too seriously. Stetson Boots Fashion Leather in Ficcini Tan are about as versatile as they come for daytime casual; the black version are smart enough for dressier occasions but would look equally at home with a demure peasant-style dress and cardigan.

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Image Credit: www.myfacehunter.com

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Want to do something special for that certain someone in your life? Osgoode Marley has an answer for you! Known for their quality wallets, handbags, briefcases, and accessories, Osgoode Marley manufactures a plethora of affordable styles for both men and women. Treat yourself to a new iPad holder, saddle bag, or shave kit. Indulge in a new purse for spring which now comes in Osgoode’s new spring colors! Reward yourself for all your hard work!

One of the trendy new spring bags Osgoode Marley has released this year is called the Carley Convertible. What’s amazing about this purse is that it comes with both a short strap for over the shoulder and a longer removable strap. The removable strap clips onto the same metal hoops that permanent straps are attached to and is adjustable. This purse can go from forearm to cross-body in seconds! Also, it comes in fun colors. The ginger is seen here but it also comes in berry, jade, and black.

Another great addition to the Osgoode Marley collection is the European messenger bag. The dimensions of this bag are 11.75″ by 14″ by 4 “. This elegant bag can fit an iPad or small laptop along with a notebook or two and any other personal items that fit. This bag comes in black, brandy, and mocha. What’s nice about this bag is that it is suitable for both men and women. It is feminine and small enough were it doesn’t overwhelm a woman’s figure and yet is substantial enough to give off a masculine vibe when carried by a man.

For the 2013 spring season, Osgoode has debuted two new colors! The first is called ink. This is simply a navy blue and is now available in some of their ladies’ wallets and handbags. The other is called chianti. Chianti looks like a cross between a wine color and a magenta and is also available in some select styles of ladies’ wallets and handbags. This is the Abbie Multi-Zip bag. It is one of the ladies’ handbags that comes in chianti and is perfect for spring! This cute little bag has two compartments which makes organization easy and efficient.

Be sure to browse our website so you can check out the entire Osgoode Marley collection!

Spring will be here before you know it and along with blooming flowers and warmer weather, fashion also transitions. Skirts and shorts replace jeans and leggings. Snag yourself a pair of Old Gringo boots and embody spring’s spirit!

Known for their flashy, colorful designs, Old Gringo boots are a fabulous addition to your wardrobe. Floral prints are big this year and Old Gringo manages to achieve this look while remaining tasteful. These boots truly look like works of art, and they’re really comfortable to boot!

A great style Old Gringo offers is called the Julie. This thirteen inch boot is a beautiful chocolate color. With a practical heel, the Julie elegantly exhibits embroidered vines and flowers. To top it off, there are Swarovski colored crystals accenting the boot for all the bling lovers out there. The Julie’s distressed finish gives the boot versatility in which it can be worn with jeans or a skirt.

When you’re going to spend this kind of money, keep in mind you are truly paying for quality. Old Gringo boots are hand made and go through an extensive inspection process before they are approved for sale. Every fashionista should own a pair!

Another great spring style from Old Gringo is the Gaylarazz. This boot is unique because it has dual side zippers! Many women look for a boot with zippers that are discrete yet functional. Well ladies, it doesn’t get better than a double zipper! The Gaylarazz is thirteen inches like the Julie but the top is cut a little different to contour to your knee. This boot is made for shorts or a skirt. If you were going to wear jeans with it I would suggest wearing skinny jeans. The best part of this boot is the embroidered top – so show it off!

While high boots certainly rock, there’s also something special about a shorter boot and its ability to be just as fashionable. The Ellie is one of my favorites! It’s a sweet ten inch boot with pink flowers embroidered into a distressed chocolate/brass leather. Simple yet classy, this boot is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The intricate detail of the Ellie is amazing, surely living up to Old Gringos standards for creating wearable works of art.

These are just a few examples of what Old Gringo has to offer! Make sure you check out the rest of the collection. There’s no doubt that you will be able to find a boot that embodies your personal style and meets your needs.

Whether you need a pair of boots for an upcoming country concert, prom, wedding, or even just a pair of boots to kick around in, Old Gringo offers the quality and comfort unsurpassed by most other manufacturers. And anyways, a girl can never have too many shoes! After all, boots are a cowgirl’s best friend!

Waterproof cowboy boots can be made of water-resistant rubber or traditional leather that is treated with a patented waterproofing substance. Either way, they are sure to keep your feet dry and warm even in the rainiest of weather. They will get you geared up and ready for spring weather and keep you from having to decide between donning a pair of unstylish rain boots over having soaked feet. They are also great for tucking in jeans to keep them dry or keeping your tights free of the mud and splatters that seem to end up all over your legs on rainy days. No more puddle dodging, as you’ll barely even have to look where you’re stepping!

Western rain boots come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, from carbon-copy rubber versions of standard leather cowboy boots to exquisite printed designs. Color choices abound, and those with a more muted taste will find several simple styles from which to choose. Additionally, these kinds of boots usually have the added benefit of a non-slip rubber sole. Suitable for work wear, running errands in town or a walk in the park, waterproof cowboy boots are a great investment. Several Western boot retailers are offering them at very reasonable prices, but designer pairs can be found for those with more elaborate tastes.

The lovely lady in the picture to the left does an excellent job of channeling a city-girl-turned-cowgirl in her fantastic rubber cowboy boots. The simple, black, ankle-length boots complement her mid-length skirt perfectly, and the crisp white gypsy blouse adds a nice, fresh touch. Simple colors and flouncy materials work well with any type of cowboy boot, and a trendy hat and Western accessories, like her silver and turquoise necklace, are complementary and flattering. This girl is anticipating the Americana trends that will be everywhere once spring rolls around.

Waterproof cowboy boots will probably be here to stay as the Western boot always makes its rounds in fashion. However, Western wear will definitely be on the rise this summer, with full-blown Americana fashions coming out this spring. So, anyone who enjoys wearing cowboy boots but does not want to risk getting their expensive boots soaked in puddles, will be sure to go crazy over these new Western rain boots. Get yourself a pair and be the most stylish puddle hopper when the rains start to fall.

Sterling Leather is proud to announce the launch of their first E-Catalog. A 10% discount will be offered off on ANY order over $50! How does one gain access to such great savings you ask? It’s simple!

Simple log onto www.catalogs.com and roll your mouse over “Shop All Departments”. Select the shoes and footwear icon and scroll down until you see Sterling Leather!

Once you pull up the Sterling Leather page, you can browse all categories from outerwear to footwear. Everything available on Sterling Leather’s original website can be viewed through this E-Catalog.

To get the entire catalog sent to your email, simply click “Get This Free E-Catalog” on the right side of the page. Fill out the information and the E-Catalog will be sent directly to you!

It doesn’t get much easier than that! Be sure to check out this great savings opportunity at Sterling Leather, where there’s always something for everyone in your family!

Everyone loves a good pair of cowboy boots! Spring, summer, fall, or winter these staples of country fashion never seem to go out of style. If you’re looking for a comfortable, durable, and affordable boot, you may want to consider purchasing yourself a pair of Dan Post boots. Known mainly for manufacturing work boots, Dan Post is notorious for providing a sturdy reliable product. Such reliability can also be seen in the cowboy boots they make. With a seemingly endless variety to styles to choose from, there is sure to be a Dan Post boot that strikes your fancy.

In honor of the approaching spring, many ladies seek out to find a fun, colorful boot they can wear once the weather warms up. After months of cold weather and hibernation everyone is eager for flowers to bloom and spring to begin. One of my favorite styles Dan Post offers, is called the Bluebird. This ladies’ boot is absolutely adorable!

With a shaft height of eleven inches, the Bluebird is the perfect height. You can wear this boot under jeans or even with a skirt or shorts. But what really makes this boot unique is its design. Done in a beautiful color combination of chocolate brown, turquoise, and copper, the Bluebird has actual birds, flowers, and hearts sewn into the leather. Most would find such a design over the top, but take a look at the picture and you will see that it is in fact done quite tastefully!

This boot has a been a hit both in Sterling Leather’s retail stores and on our online site. In addition to being visually appealing, the Bluebird is also extremely comfortable! Dan Post is one company in which a customer can be fairly certain that their standard shoe size will end up being the size boot they purchase from Dan Post. If you’re not sure what size you are, and you live locally, feel free to stop into either Sterling Leather location and get sized in Dan Post!

The Bluebird is just one example of a unique, flirty spring style offered by Dan Post. Be sure to look through the selection we offer here at Sterling Leather in order to find a boot that interests you. Spring will be here before you know it!

The low boot trend, sometimes called the short boot trend, is very hot with women and girls. In fact, even those who generally are not into Western style are participating in the short boot trend.

Western cowgirls and city-dwelling fashionistas alike love low boots.

Traditional boot brands such as Frye are showing these fashionable boots, as are non-Western boot brands such as Rocket Dog.