To Bling or Not to Bling?

-by Brittany Blankenship, Show Me Again Midwest Representative and Consultant – Bucyrus, Kansas

Without a doubt, sparkle and bling in the show pen is here to stay! However, a new trend coming about currently is the look of the button-down Oxford style shirts in the rail and pattern events.

Perhaps what some may not know is that this latest style evolved from an idea that USC and Texas A&M’s equestrian team coaches decided to put into place last year when it came time for Nationals. Taylor Singmaster (USC team member) was kind enough to share some of the inside scoop with me on that event. “NCAA had been working to make equestrian competition a more fair sport because it is so subjective since it’s a judged sport. USC and A&M’s coaches devised a great idea to get all the horsemanship and reining competitors in button-downs instead of the glitzy outfits. They decided that would be better since every school’s budget is different and it’s not always fair when one school can afford these amazing sparkly tops and another school just can't,” says Singmaster. She went on to explain how the shirts really kept a “togetherness” amongst the teams and after Nationals finished, that at the start of the 2010 fall season the shirts became an actual requirement for all NCAA teams.

While many equestriennes refuse to give up their heavily crystalled pieces, they are choosing to incorporate this classic look into their wardrobes for the year. Especially during those summer months where intense heat may make the task of wearing a heavier, more detailed shirt or jacket a little tricky, not to mention sticky at that. I spoke with a few ladies who provided some thought and feedback on the latest trend – here is what they had to say:

Mallory Southern: “I really like the new simple trend. Where girls wearing the latest and completely blinged-out outfits stand out because of the sheer amount of crystals and fringe, the ones wearing a simple, solid button-down shirt stand out for the exact opposite. As much as I do appreciate the craftsmanship behind the more elaborate designs, I commend someone who has the guts to wear something without anything on it. Also, the new trend allows those without the means to buy these extravagant outfits to still stand out and get noticed. I don't want to compare the button downs to school uniforms but they do level the playing field a bit.”

Jennifer Compton: “Personally I like the versatility - do I see the return of the 80's wardrobe? No. I love the bling, and I love having a few "wow" pieces - if nothing else, they make ME feel amazing. As a girl, I do love things that sparkle. That being said, I like the way the button up Oxford looks. Would I want to see everyone in the same thing? No. Part of what I love to see in a class IS versatility. My personal feeling is that if it compliments you, fits your budget, and gives you the confidence you need - THAT is a winning look.”

Kelly Rice: “Love the new Oxford shirts! It's simple, easy, and cool in warmer temperatures. Although I do feel that the glitz will never go out of style!”

Lacey Bohn: “To be honest, I was never planning on following the solid shirt trend. I normally do my best to avoid following trends because I believe in being your own person by standing out from those who follow trends rather than starting their own. However, I have jumped on the solid shirt train because the solid fitted shirts are much more flattering for my particular body type than those with patterns and rhinestones. But I'm always trying to find different ways to put my own twist on it!”

Jessica Merritt: “In my opinion the new button down Oxfords are a nice and refreshing change. For me, a recent college graduate, it's hard to live on my own, pay for everything on my own as well as pay for my horse and continue to show and keep up with the clothing trends. So, when the Oxford hit the industry as the new "it item" I was relieved to say the least! Now, I can buy a few different color shirts and wear them at the smaller shows and save my one or two blingy outfits for the bigger shows.”

Nicole Barnes: “I've been wearing a white button down since 2004. I loved it for its simplicity and uniqueness. Now, I will probably stop wearing them so frequently due to the rise in popularity.”

Suzanne Kiser: “If you are petite, you can pull off a tucked in blouse. Some of us however need that length of a jacket.” It seems that the Oxford shirts are well received so far, but most agree that they will not be giving up their greatly embellished pieces and will continue to dress in them, especially at major shows and circuits.

So how do you feel about these plain oxford shirts in the show pen? Please take our poll and let us know your view on these shirts and whether you think it will be an everlasting evolution. Click Here to cast your vote OR go to www.showmeagain.com and click on "Users Choice-View The Polls" located under the main search box and let us know what you think!

With show season getting into full swing and some of the biggest circuits and futurities coming up, we invite you to shop with us! Several outstanding pieces have recently been marked down and we are receiving incoming inventory daily, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Let us know what we can do to help find your next exceptional outfit!

Additionally, now is a great time to clean out your closet and turn those old show clothes into cash. We are accepting consignments.

As always, happy showing, and we wish you much luck throughout the rest of the year!

Contact information:
Wendy Habighorst, President, Sales & Fashion Consultant
602-284-5616
wendy@showmeagain.com

Brittany Blankenship, Sales & Fashion Consultant
919-605-0608
brittany@showmeagain.com

Introducing!
Alexis Eldridge, APHA Consignment Representative
480-747-1714
alexis@showmeagain.com