Playing Dress-Up!

Making dress-up clothes for ladies big and small. That's a good way to describe my job..... I'm a dress-up clothes designer!  I really strive to help enhance your playtime experience, but this is a serious business too.  I like to think I'm in the business of costumes and dreams.

When it comes to show clothes my philosophy is It's time to play!!  I love flashy, flamboyant, and over-the-top!  Because why not?  Fashion should be fun!  If you can't dress up just for fun when you're pursuing your hobby, then when can you?  I know there are many who will disagree and think the show clothes industry has gone way too far these days.  I don't think so.

I share a love of the traditional western aesthetics of times past.  I know western wear has greatly contributed to todays' popular styles, both inside and outside the show ring.  What could be a more classic American style than a traditional cotton blouse or tailored western snap shirt paired with good old blue jeans?  I love beautifully tooled leather belts and intricately embroidered-yoke blouses.  Many of these classic western wear styles remain a popular part of mainstream fashion and our culture today.  What I think makes show clothes so much fun is the evolution of designs and styles, from way back when cowboy clothes focused on function and practical work wear to the edgy over-the-top blinged-up show clothes of today. The progression is what keeps things so exciting for me, and is a big reason I choose to make these costumes.  I know these costumes are a huge part of why we ride and show in western events.  I've always enjoyed English and hunter jumper events and showed in them myself, but the added fun of fashion is definitely the missing component.... if you ask me.

  Playing dress-up is a fun and harmless way we can express our wild side while reinventing ourselves.  Show clothes are just that, meant for SHOW!  I've noticed many trainers often favor more traditional western styles when influencing their clients' show wardrobe choices.  This is where your best judgment comes into play.  Many trainers are afraid of loud clothes taking away from the horse and rider in the pen.  Of course they have a valid point, but in my opinion a good designer should understand how to enhance your image without distracting from it.

Whether you're a wallflower just trying to blend in by wearing brown on the rail, or a show-off in fluorescents, remember it takes all kinds to keep things interesting.  Creative self-expression is a huge part of what inspires each CBH design I sketch.  Working with clients on custom orders is one the best parts of my job.  Image and confidence is key to success in every part of life.  I would encourage you to always have fun when playing dress-up!

Heather