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Kickin' it Old School...

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Buffalo Trader Online


So what's the deal with cowboy boots? Why do men and women alike seek these well-crafted icons? Because, they're as classic as the LBD (or little black dress to those who don't speak "text-speak"), the navy suit and the pearl necklace. According to our old friend Webster, 'classic' is defined as; "serving as a standard of excellence; historically memorable and characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year." To be sure, the cowboy boot can be incredibly elaborate in design or just simply because of an exotic material used such as ostrich or stingray. But here's how it all started...

Thanks to old school Hollywood stars such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, these utilitarian shoes dating back to the era of Genghis Kahn took on a very glamorous update in the 1950's. Legend has it that Mr. Kahn wore very distinctive boots with a wooden heel. The English riding boot came into existence in the 17th - 18th century. The recent riding boot was actually named after Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of Wellington after his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. The Wellington boot, as it was coined, was constructed in a four-piece format much like the modern cowboy 'kicks.'

Today's cowboy boots are as individual as those who wear them. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 - $600 for a good quality mass-produced boot. But custom boots can run as much as $50,000 plus! The well-known like George W. have also contributed to the cowboy boot's timelessness. And like a good pair of blue jeans, boots just get better with time. To pay homage to the cowboy boot, Buffalo Trader Online offers tremendous gifts such as the Blue Horse Cowboy Boot Toothpick Holder, Genuine Turquoise & Silver Cowboy Boot Toe Tips, and matching Genuine Turquoise & Silver Cowboy Boot Heel Guards. These western-themed functionals make wonderful host/hostess gifts or a very masculine idea for that special cowboy in your life!

Posted in Clothing Accessories, Western Culture, Wet Bar Accessories

Buckled up!

Posted on November 03, 2010 by Buffalo Trader Online


Belt buckles can be traced as far back as the 2nd Century BC in Asia. Buckles were created of solid gold and were worn over long tunics, indicating status among the nomadic Chinese. Early American Cowboys however, didn't usually wear belts that required a buckle. In fact, the original cowboy mostly wore suspenders. Credit is given to 16th Century Italian blacksmith, Tomaso Kellioni for inventing a buckle used to secure belts, boots and shoes. And thanks to Hollywood, the Western belt buckle, as we know it today became popular in the early 1920's with the release of the ever so famous 'Cowboy movies.'

Belt buckles were worn to denote a person's profession or status, such as fireman, police or even military rank or specialty. Rodeo Cowboys are known to have the most dramatic and ornate buckles. But today, buckles have an integral place in fashion. Everyone from the former President of the United States to professional golfers are donning brilliant buckles.

Have some fun with your wardrobe! Any of our western themed belt buckles will add unexpected flare to any outfit. All reasonably priced, they make fun stocking stuffers, too!

Posted in Clothing Accessories, Western Culture