Saddle up! FASHION heads to Phoenix to wrangle some southwest accessories
![mar11-phoenix-landscape](http://www.fashionmagazine.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/mar11-phoenix-landscape.jpg)
Like its perfect partner, denim, western wear never really goes out of style. But every so often, the true grit trend has a runway revival, with designers reinterpreting its classic tenets in irresistibly modern ways. Spring 2011 was such a season: Ralph Lauren⎯but of course⎯corralled cowgirl cool with metallic boots, silver and stone jewellery and fringed leather, Blumarine went wild, belting flashy animal prints with oversized ram’s-head buckles and Hermès reigned in the look with chic equestrian details topped off with sophisticated Stetson-esque wide-brimmed hats.
Taking cue, I headed southwest to the Valley of the Sun⎯otherwise known as Phoenix, Arizona⎯for a much needed break from the snow. Situated in the northern Sonoran desert and flanked by mountains on all sides, the cactus-studded city was the most idyllic setting to shop for authentic southwest accessories. I struck gold (or really, silver) in Old Town Scottsdale, where I found traditional Zuni and Navajo jewellery embellished with turquoise and lapis. At Gilbert Ortega (3925 N Scottsdale Rd., 480- 481-0788, gilbertortegas.com), generations-old traders of Native American arts and crafts, I got a history lesson while trying on beaded cuffs and statement necklaces.
![mar11-phoenix-hermeslauren](http://www.fashionmagazine.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/mar11-phoenix-hermeslauren.jpg)
After taking some inspiration from a handful of the 100+ galleries in the area that showcase everything from traditional western to contemporary art, I hit Saba’s (9 locations across Arizona, sabas.com), the go-to retailer for Wranglers, cowboy hats and boots in every style and colour. Then, forcing myself to leave before I bought a fringed suede vest I’d probably never wear, I headed to Local Talent (7050 East 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, 480-874-1000, localtalentaz.com)—an eclectic boutique on Scottsdale’s 5th Avenue featuring (you guessed it) clothing and jewellery by fledgling Arizonan designers—where I found the perfect high-collared blouse to wear with my new old-west accessories.
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