Fashion 101 - Leather

This month we salute three women that each represents the western way of life and image with the utmost style through their craftsmanship. As this year is quickly coming to a close, I would once again like to say a huge thank you to all of the valued Miss Rodeo USA sponsors. It has been such a pleasure meeting each and every one of you and having the privilege to display your beautiful work.

Nash Originals is owned by Jane DeWall. I first had the opportunity to work with Jane in 2001 as Miss National High School Rodeo in which she is also a sponsor. Nash Originals pieces are priceless. Being from Texas and East Texas at that, heat and humidity are basically the only two weather terms in my vocabulary. These shirts are extremely versatile. They are made of cotton and accented with hand cut suede designs. The color choices are endless and you just absolutely cannot beat a Nash Original on a hot Texas day!! Jane graciously donates three suede tops to Miss Rodeo USA each year and they have been perfect chap shirts for me. Jane has been a pleasure to work with and I cannot express how honored we are to have her onboard with the Miss Rodeo USA Association.

Joyce Crouch, owner of Leather, etc., out of Ponca City, Oklahoma is another one of our wonderful Miss Rodeo USA sponsors. Joyce donates one pair of chaps to Miss Rodeo USA for her reign. This pair of chaps is often one of the most special possessions she will receive during the year because they are the queen’s design. This pair of chaps can be any color or design that Miss Rodeo USA can dream up and trust me, Joyce can make it happen. Joyce is very involved with her family as her granddaughter recently relinquished her Miss Oklahoma Rodeo Princess title. Joyce not only creates beautiful chaps, but she also is a full western apparel designer creating vests, jackets, dresses and much more. I was also very fortunate to have Joyce create me a vest matching my chaps which have come in very handy this year as well. And again, I would like to say a special thank you to Joyce for donating her time and effort, year after year, to make our year as Miss Rodeo USA one to remember.

Finally, I would like to thank Jan Faulkner-Wagoner of Ramseur, North Carolina. Jan is a blast, plain and simple. I am so honored that Jan takes time to create something for Miss Rodeo USA. When Jan and I spoke at the beginning of the year, she told me that she would create a jacket as she had done in the past. However, later during my reign, Jan contacted me and explained that she not only wanted to give me a piece that would be helpful during the remainder of my year, but after Miss Rodeo USA as well. Two days after this conversation, I received the most unique and comfortable tobacco colored jacket with turquoise bead accents. This jacket has been so versatile for me. I wear it while I am flying and have also worn it out to a casual dinner with friends. I would like to thank Jan for working with me and really taking an interest in what would be the most beneficial for me.

As you can see, the Miss Rodeo USA Association is truly blessed to have such wonderful and dedicated sponsors. This pageant and the amazing year as Miss Rodeo USA would not be possible without these people and we cannot thank them enough. If you are interested in meeting with these wonderful sponsors, many of them will be in attendance at our upcoming 2006 Miss Rodeo USA Pageant at the Biltmore Hotel in beautiful Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For more information on our pageant or sponsorship options, you may contact Amy Duvall, National Director, at amy@missrodeousa.com. I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Sincerely,
Joanna Blackwell
Miss Rodeo USA 2005