Stay warm & step out with styling accessories this season.
Middy N Me “I was always a lover of gorgeous fabrics,” explains Middy N Me founder Kimberly Barratt. She was always a horse person, too, and five years ago the two passions aligned in the form of Middy N Me. It’s a striking line of riding shirts and equestrian-tinged street wear. Kimberly lives in Ohio and first tested the market for her designs with a booth at the Cleveland Grand Prix. An overwhelmingly positive response set things in motion and today the line is a favorite among riders and the general public alike. The majority of stores that carry Middy N Me are “just regular boutiques,” Kimberly says. All made in the USA, to boot! And the company name? “Middy is my Belgian Quarter Horse mare, a fox hunter. Every day I’d come home and tell my husband, ‘Middy and me did this…Middy N Me did that…’” In addition to luxe fabric and irresistible shades and patterns, it’s fit that most distinguishes the line, says Kimberly. “That’s what we are known for. When you put on one of our shirts, you feel transformed. It’s like someone sprinkled magic dust on you!” More info: www.middynme.com
Goode Rider The well-established Goode Rider brand is famous for mixing mainstream fashion with rider-oriented function. Partner Lorna Goode is a rider herself and makes sure that every piece from the Bay Area-based company works for riders, whether in the saddle or doing barn chores. Great looks mean you can go on to the grocery store after the barn and not be embarrassed to run into friends who don’t quite get your horsey habits. And there’s plenty of pieces to complement the “normal” wardrobe for non-riding days. More info: www.gooderider.com.
Dara James Designs This collection of stock ties, stock tie pins, purses and belts is comprised of hand made items by Dr. Susan Ward. She’s a dressage rider in Reno (and a radiologist), who started down this path by making pink stock ties, saddle pads and other items to be used in breast cancer fundraisers staged by her local California Dressage Society chapter. One thing led to another and the good doctor’s boutique business is now the go-to place for a truly custom accent for a show outfit or a favorite accessory for everyday or special occasions. Her offerings also include vintage pins and belt buckles, many with a special story behind them. More info: www.darajamesdesigns.com or visit Dara James on Facebook for the latest in her always updated flow of new items.
Ariat This global brand is another California company we love to support. For high performance equestrian fans, Ariat’s most attractive new look may be the logo of the International Equestrian Federation, FEI, that graces a new collection of riding apparel. As an FEI sponsor, Ariat has developed a new co-branded product collection that includes footwear and apparel and a share of the sale proceeds go to the FEI Solidarity Fund. The line encompasses everything from show and schooling shirts, several levels of outerwear and boots, for men and women. And, of course, the Bay Area company has an extensive range of show and everyday wear for riders in every discipline. More info: www.ariat.com.
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Written by Alicia Anthony
Saturday, 01 October 2016 04:07
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