Thursday, October 2, 2014

WTW: Cattle Baron's Ball

Cindy Stager, Mary Gill, Jill Tananbaum
CBB 2013 (photo Haynsworth Photography)
For the past several decades, Cattle Baron's Ball socialites have tromped across the fields of Southfork Ranch in support of the American Cancer Society. Earlier this year, 2014 Co-Chairs Cindy Stager and Jill Tananbaum shocked the social scene with their announcement that one of our city's most iconic fundraisers would be moving to Gilley's.

This bold move not only has patrons wondering how the change of venue will affect the vibe of the event, but wondering if it also changes the dress code. Kenny Chesney is this year's headliner and the tone will be more "rocker country" than the more traditional "Nashville country". So, what does that mean exactly?

Briggs Freeman VP and CBB Underwriting and Auction Committee Member Robin McMonigle says, "This year's theme is making me think black leather might be the right call. I might wear some cute Rag & Bone cowboy booties with one of their fun updated western felt hats with a leather dress I already own. My advice is to come early and stay late! There is so much to do and see you that this is one event where you don't want to be fashionably late."

You will see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. With such a variance in attire it can be hard to have confidence in your look - but there are a couple of key factors to consider to help you put together a can't miss look:

My new Old Gringo Golondrina Pull Boots
from Texas Boot Comapny
BOOTS - Every Texan should own a pair of Cowboy boots. Despite the urban legend that we all wear boots daily and ride our horses down Preston Rd. from our ranches to the office, boots may not be a regular part of your working wardrobe but when you need them - you need them!

Texas Boot Company is a fabulous online store carrying all of the best brands in the business.  Better yet, when you use the code CATTLEBARON at check out, you will GET $50 OFF your purchase of any Old Gringo or Lucchese boot. From traditional to multi-color with embellishments - you will find something amazing on their site.

LEATHER - Nothing says rocker country or western chic like leather. Whether its leather pants, a vest trimmed in fur or a dress with a flirty skirt, You absolutely cannot go wrong at this event in leather.

FRINGE - Fringe is one of fall's hottest trends. It also happens to have been a part of the western look for the last two hundred years. How very convenient! From a little fringe on your bootie or handbag to a full-on fringe dress, you will be the utmost in western chic in fringe. Plus it produces such great movement when you dance!

BLING - When in doubt, bling it out. I mean, this is DALLAS! We like our shiny things. From statement turquoise jewelry to Swarovski-studded boots, this is one event where looking like a moving disco ball is a good thing. If rhinestones are a bit much for you, choose a metallic fabric, like the bronze metallic jeans shown at the bottom of this post from Clothes Circuit.

I've put together some suggestions to help steer you in the right direction. Get it... "steer". Shop the post below:




"There's so much to do at CBB this year. Come to have fun, support our efforts to raise money for cancer research and plan to stay all night. Make sure you find a photo booth or our photo vignette to capture the memories. We will have maps in all the ticket packets and ushers throughout the venue to assist our guests. This is our first year to plan Cattle Baron's as an enclosed event so we will all experience this change together!" Tananbaum exclaims, "Even though the event will be indoors, you should still avoid heels and stick with boots, flats or wedges. You will be moving around. A lot." And anyone who has walked for hours on concrete floors knows that your dogs will not be barking, but howling, in pain in 5" stilettos after a few hours. For more information on Cattle Baron's Ball, visit http://www.cattlebaronsball.com/.

PS: Psssst.  Don't want to spend a ton of money on a western-themed look you might not wear again!? Or don't want to spend a lot of money on an outfit that once you've been photographed in - can't wear it again (#socialiteproblems). Consider shopping an upscale consignment or resale store. I spied the looks below just this week at Clothes Circuit at 6225 Sherry Lane, Dallas, TX 75225.

I styled these Cattle Baron's appropriate looks using items from Clothes Circuit