Western

For Fall 2012, designers ditched the urban jungle and felt more at home on the range, serving up multiple iterations of the wild wild West trend on the runway. Moschino captured the essence of country girl gone glam with its fitted blazers, skinny riding pants, and cowboy hats — a rather literal take on the Old West that also gave a nod to Spanish bullfighters. Band of Outsiders took things to Little House on the Prairie territory with its long, sweeping dresses topped with ankle-length coats and boots, giving us a glimpse of a chic, grown-up Laura Ingalls. Some of our favorite Western-inspired pieces came courtesy of Isabel Marant, whose embroidered button-downs and fringe jeans were something straight out of a small-town thrift shop. When it comes to making this trend work in real life, it goes without saying that it works best when woven in with more modern pieces. Pair a floral yoke blouse with dark-denim jeans and loafers, and try wearing your romantic prairie dress with a sleek pair of leather ankle boots. Get started on your Wild West wardrobe when you shop some of our editors' picks below.

For an easy Spring vibe, there's an alternative to the florals — just check out OnSugar blog Bella Vita for some Western-inspired style picks — we're particularly smitten with those fringe-trimmed booties!

Now that Spring is here, I've been craving looks straight out of the Wild West. Fringe everything, animal skulls, and handmade items are what I'm after. And in true Western tradition- every item listed looks fabulous with jeans.

Longsleeve Tops by Wildfox Couture
Boots by Corso Como

Clockwise, from top: Wildfox Nightlover Baggy Beach Sweatshirt ($108), Iosselliani Silver Earrings with Brass-Shaded Fringe and Agate ($250), We The Free Floral Western Top ($68), ALDO Vecchiarelli Bag ($30), Haute Hippie Longhorn Skull Sweatshirt in Light Heather Grey ($135), Gypsy Ivy Chandelier Earrings ($258), Lauren Moshi Horseshoe Fringe Tote ($121), Corso Como Spur Booties ($133), Rosegold 'Enid' Buckle Strap Ankle Boots ($150), Sam Edelman Louie Bootie ($209)

Want to see more? Start following Bella Vita now or start your own OnSugar blog. We may just feature you on Fab!

It's rodeo time and I've got the fever. My closet has a special place for all seven pairs of my cowgirl boots, but I'm thinking they may end up in a DIY project sooner than later. While I plan on rockin' them till they are worn out, this frame has me grinning from ear to ear.

From what I could tell, it would be rather easy to create. I'd start with a pair of serious scissors, a frame, insane glue, a staple gun, and of course, the boots. My own collection would be enough to make a perfect size vanity mirror, which is about the dimension I'd want. The frame may not fit everyone's style, but it could add just the right amount of kick to a mild or wild Western motif.

Do you love it or hate it?

Your editor just came back from a very curious little vacation. She went on the ultimate search for the ultimate bar food munchie: the chicken wing. This strange journey upstate to Buffalo is somewhat indicative of the perplexing situation of plenty amongst the possible ruins that typifies our current climate.

Though not everyone is able to take a vacation this summer. In fact, we have taken a shine to a phrase that is all over the news media. Many of us are supposedly going on staycations to save on gas, airfare, and other overpriced travel problems.

We find this humorous because fashionistas have been playing at escapist fantasies without ever leaving our four walls for years. That is why we play dress up in the first place as far as we are concerned. But its nice to know that our ability to play with perception is finally gaining credence with the rest of the world. Thus we give you are first attempt at the escapist fantasy dress up game in our staycation series.

We love deserts, rafting, and cowboys. The allure of that lifestyle is one we continue to chronicle. Thus we give you Four Corners Without Leaving Your Four Walls. Cheap dungarees, fast fashion southwestern themed accessories (totally called that one) and one very pricey but awesome Phillip Lim western shirt will take you to a dive bar that plays both kinds of music (country and western) or maybe a movie night at home. May we suggest a few dude ranch westerns?