I need to do what with the buckle and a screw?

OK ladies and gentleman here is the dealioso. You need a belt? I can pick you out a killer belt! You need an awesome buckle to go with that amazing belt?? I am on that like a shoe sale in Macy's! You need me to assemble the belt and the buckle???? What?
Now we all know that Miss Amber well God Bless her lil heart is probably the best lil personal shopper you could ever get, but when it comes to assembling anything other than a stellar look you really must understand she just recently was able to decipher the difference of a White tail deer and a Mule deer. (pause for laughter ;D) So when Miss Ryan was like so did you put the belt buckle on the belt I was like ya but you see there were these screws and lord only knows were exactly those would go? I mean you should have witnessed the 15min give or take situation I had trying to remove the New Yorker buckle set by Vogt off the faux belt dealy they put it on!
And yes it would be painful for anyone who had to witness this probably why I brought coffee with creamer in it today for Miss Ryan because I will admit I am like Forest Gump without the Ping Pong skills and no I don't have a box of chocolates when it comes to the hard situation of belt buckle assembly. I mean really? You know what happen to just buying ones that were all together? No assembly required? Well due to the fact that I love the New Yorker buckle set and I must give a nod to Black Jack for the sweet goat belt that they created to go with this buckle set I have set out to figure out the things one needs to know when trying to assemble the buckle and belt. First the kind folks at Vogt have included instructions, but I will admit the whole leather hole punch thing has me baffled, and well why do I need to screw the tip of the belt on the tip of the belt. AHHHHHHHH I must say if I get through this you should all send chocolate and coffee!

HELP!!!!

Sagebrush Cowgirl Education

Ah the thing that still can make Miss Ryan laugh like nothing else is the fact that well to be blunt I am far from understanding all of the little cowgirl lingo. Almost two years later and I must admit that I still laugh about the call on the description's that I wrote for the Boulet Boots that we carry on our site. You see I have informed you all that I am about as far from a cowgirl as a girl can be!
So why in the free world is it not OK to bail hay in your Caiman boots? Hello they are cowboy boots! Well Ryan just cracked up when she read that description and it has been a long running joke since she read that sweet description. I mean one has to give me a break, my shoe's are those of Louis Vutton, Jimmy Choo, oh oh Manahlo Blahnik. Now once she described the boots in this manner all was right with the world and well I am pretty adaptable and wrote my descriptions from then on correctly lol
Another Lil term you girls like to use is creek and coyote the difference is in the pronunciation and just today Ryan and I had a lesson on this I still must say I am giggling about the speech " You are in Montana now you say coyote, broncs, and creek" , so so cute and ya I will say it wrong just to watch her reaction :)
On a serious note tho, I will say this. I often surprise myself with the knowledge that I have of the Boulet and the Black Jack boot line's that we carry, and can dress a cowgirl for ANY function in five minutes if she will do what I recommend. So the Sagebrush education is working and often I smile at the fun that I have had getting to this point. Tho rodeo education is starting for next year and well folks stay tuned, do to the utter lack of understanding of any of it there is bound to be lots of laughs!

Come Support Your Sirens!!!

So we are working so so so hard to move! Now you know Miss Amber is the bestest type A kinda girl around, but certain things can send me into a tail spin! For example you see I must get the sales on line and make sure that all of our girls get the best deals ever for their Christmas shopping! So while moonlighting as one of Santa's elves I have made sure you all can visit our website, as well as our store and save up too 75% on shirts, coats, shoes, and much, much more!!!
The one fall back is this: OUR STORE IS FREEZING!!!
You see our store here is ICE COLD!!! Now you may say to yourself, oh dear Miss Amber you are a doll but a little over exaggerating! WRONG! When you come see me to help me get the sale items out of the store and under your tree you will understand. It is comparable to that of the North Pole in temperature, and while I am a pretty good sport but even I will break when I  have to resign to putting on a winter jacket to work in all day even the best of team players will complain.
I must say our new building is divine! It has triple pane windows, instillation, carpet, and oh wait for it a heater that can heat the whole store!!!!! I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true but I swear I tell you the truth! Not to mention we are going to be able to make hot cocoa and not have it turn to iced hot cocoa! Its the little things folks and well Miss Ryan had me sold on the move in the end of December with the word heater!
So come to the store! Visit us on line! And please buy like you are saving us from frostbite!

Twitch and Me: Dragon Food

Twitch and Me: Dragon Food: "Now you all know that lil Twitch stayed with me and my family and well we had a few adventures that well I just had to blog about! So one ev..."

Dragon Food

Now you all know that lil Twitch stayed with me and my family and well we had a few adventures that well I just had to blog about!
So one evening I come b-bopping up the stairs from doing laundry and what do I see? Oh I see Aiden in dragon costume of course sitting on the floor next to Twitch and the food bowl. What do I see him doing? Well I notice he is chewing (as is Twitch) , when I see that he has separated out the dog bone kibbles into a pile and left the rest in the dish for Twitch. Well OK I panic!!
"What are you doing?" You can't eat that! Its dog food! You could die! to which he responds while putting more in his mouth "Its dragon food mom!, and anyway Twitch doesn't like it. (seriously! like that made me feel better!) After taking him into the bathroom, demanding that he spit out the kibble, I made him rinse, brush, repeat. To which I must say looking back seemed a little like over kill but come on it was dog food!
This was definitely one of those moments as a parent you are able to laugh about when all was said and done, and Miss Ryan thought it was absolutely hysterical! So lesson learned what some think is dog food is in reality dragon food if placed in the hands of the right kid :)

Engagement Commedy

Some of you who know me well you know that I am nothing short of a ball of fun! And often a bit of well a fly by the seat kind of gal who grabs what she wants with both hands. (its a siren thing) So why in the world would Miss Amber approach anything differently in her little life out of the store?
So after much thought, debate, umpteen hours of contemplation, as well as a chocolate intake that is comparable to Augustus on Willy Wonka I came up with a master plan to ask the wonderful man in my life to marry me! No you say to yourself! Why would a gem of a girl like Miss Amber have to ask? Well not to worry the joke was truly on me this time!
As I mentioned I am really one to grab on tight to what I want and love and never ever let it go! So when it came to a man such as the one I have been blessed with I couldn't even ponder not holding on tight with both hands and never wanting to let go. How do you do that? You ask that man to marry you of course!
It was a great scene me in my jogging sweat shorts, tank top, and a gorgeous plate of chocolates from Babcock and Miles with a ring box in the center topped with a ribbon. I presented the plate and ring box on the table in our living room by the fire (oh ya the ambiance was set). And what to my surprise? His eyes almost popped out of his head, not really the reaction I was going for but eh you can never really know the reaction beforehand. So when asked "Where did you get that?" I casually (in rehearsed style hours and hours in front of the mirror! don't ask I can't explain it its a girl thing) asked him to open it. While he opened the ring box, I proceeded on with my proposal which I must say was pretty Fabulous. He put the ring on and said 'Yes'! After being super happy and sooooooooo relieved I was still wondering why such a shocked deer in the headlights look?
Being the gal I am I asked and he started to laugh! Apparently girls he had the same plan and was going to ask Miss Amber on Christmas with my Lil one's all there! The poor man thought I had found the ring!
So here is a little tidbit of advice, when it is right it is right, and when its meant to be I guess both people are bound to be on the same page for the direction in which the relationship is going. With this discovery and also the discovery that he is able to keep surprises unlike muah we shall see what the ring is on Christmas. And to tell you the truth I can't wait!
This has been a great journey and seems as if it shall only get better! And heck with my girls at the store, and my crazy Lil life I am sure it is going to be an adventure!

Who Needs a Coat?

As many of you know I have had the Lil Twitch staying with me this week. Now this can well only really be described as well Chaos! When you have a puppy with kid's/small daycare, there are bond to be adventures in babysitting!
This adventure began with the morning that my Lil Aiden decided what fun it would be to let Twitch outside for mommy. You see he is used to his dog's let them out and they do what they do and come right back, but with Lil Twitch who is not trained for this we had a bit of a different scenario. So I come down the stairs to find that Aiden is beaming with pride all while sporting his dragon costume (yes he moonlights as a dragon don't judge). "Mommy I let Twitch out to help you! Aren't you so proud o me?" Well HELLO no not so much! I rush to put my boots on and fly out into the snow, were what do my wondering eye's behold? That's right Twitch booking it down the street to the nearest hill! Now I am a well calm person but when sportin my sweet Victoria Secret sweats, and tank top, with fuzzy boots on the street this can break any calm girl into a sweat! So after calling with very little concern from Twitch I finally catch the Lil bugger at a snow drift, trudge back to the house in the wind, snow, and amazing on looker's who drove by smiling and waving!
Upon return to the house, I walk in the door to my Lil dragon who greets his Lil buddy Twitch by saying "Oh you are a good Lil puppy r you!" That's right momma freezes her booty, and the puppy gets the hugs! Go figure. Well this was also everly so funny when I went to go to the truck to head to work sans my Lil furry pal and my neighbor pulls up and says "Hey doll you really need to wear a coat when you go out walking in the morning you could catch a cold!" Ya making a mental note of that one, plus pondering why in the ficus was my not wearing a coat that made him look, when I would have thought the bright yellow sweats, and sweet white tank would have gotten the comments lol!
Lesson that we can all learn from this? Never trust a boy and his dog especially boy's and dog's of the dragon costume kind!

Twitch's Week without Mom

Well folks this week well has been educational! Twitch has been my Lil buddy for the week since Miss Ryan went to Vegas. We both knew we would rock the time she was out and about but truly I must say I was not prepared for what was to come.
Many of you know that I am a mommy to 4 sweet and amazing Lil people (how this happen lord only knows ;)) Now with the addition of a puppy to the house I was sure that it would go as planned. Twitch would be a fabulous addition, all the children would follow all of the rules for the puppy, and we would live in harmony.
Here's the dealioso my children and Twitch has joined in a force that is harder to pass than the front door of the pentagon! They have taken over my house!
You see I believe puppies are to be puppies not on the furniture, don't feed them human food, and no puppies in the bed!!!! So ya that is not how it is working out. You see the small children have so far fed Twitch gummy worms, m&m's, and oh did I mention they also have brought him into the beds, give him treats rather than food!
Now there is very little in this world that I believe can do but dang it when met with the Lil precious moment eye's of my Lil ones met with the stare of innocence from Twitch when they decided to sneak him into their room for bedtime! I tell you I have also realized that my children are basically in a undermining plan and scheme to very well take over the world! Between the candy slumber parties, and the late night rendezvous to play chase and tag I think that I may very well lose my religion!
Word to the wise : Children are fabulous , Puppies are amazing, when putting the two together be warned!!!!!

Twitch and Me: Christmas Window Chaos!

Twitch and Me: Christmas Window Chaos!: "Many of you may have already figured out that well me and Twitch are total Type A personalities! So when we heard that there was going to be..."

Christmas Window Chaos!

Many of you may have already figured out that well me and Twitch are total Type A personalities! So when we heard that there was going to be a competition for the best Christmas windows you can imagine our excitement! I mean HELLO! This was like finding a pair of Coach boots under your tree!
So of course we had to work on a plan! And we have it! You see our windows are going to be of the theme It's a Snowing and a Blowing! Genius right?
Now due to our Type A issue you know that just throwing up some garland, and a few twinkle lights was well just not going to happen:) Because nothing says Christmas like snowflake mobiles! And that is what we sent out to create, believe it or not they don't just make those! I know, the injustice of it all really!
We of course had to inform Miss Ryan that these windows would take us two to three days a piece to create, because we really want to make them look like it is a snowing and a blowing! So with unlimited amounts of wire, silver twigs, snowflakes, and pine bows we may very well have this whole theme going!
So we are crossing fingers, and paws that our vision will be met, and that it will be seen in all its amazing glory! Wish us luck! And we will post our pic's as soon as we get them finished :)

Thanks for the Well Wishes!

Just a little note to say Thank You! On November 11th Miss Amber was in a car accident. Though the car was demolished she was well Amber. She was hurt, but what we love about her is that even at the scene of an accident she was more worried about the other people involved! Now after the great emergency response team and police got there her humor and nerves took over.
From cracking jokes about her hair, and how she really hadn't planned on going to the hospital via ambulance it was good to know she was able to keep everyone laughing. Though the accident scared the beejeezuz out of her, she still had spunk! From begging the ER nurses not to cut her Vault Jeans, and her Resistol Biker Jacket, to making wise cracks about how the neck brace really didn't match the look she was going for that day.
She lucked out and came out with a severely bruised femur, cut up face, bruises, and a sore sore back and neck. We are very blessed she was o.k. and that none of her babies were with her. In true Siren's form both Ryan and Christine were right there to make sure she was taken care of, by covering shifts, coming by the house to see her and watching the Lil guy for Miss Amber they were the best!
Thank you to all of you that called and asked how Miss Amber was doing, and for the messages they were all greatly appreciated!

What is a Siren?

I have had countless inquiries on what exactly is a Siren? Well the best way for you to understand what we are is to know a little about each of us.

Ryan is the founding Siren. She is a great girl that was raised with love, christian morals, and a cowgirl up bringing. She was raised to always be strong, knowledgeable, and to persevere through any obstacle that stands in her way. Plus you add a touch of tenacity, with a splash of wit that is only comparable to the true grit of those cowgirls before her, and the business sense of Trump minus the big t.v. show,  and you have a true Siren. Not to mention throw in the love of fashion, a boot addiction and the ability to spot the next up and coming trends and you are met with a true triple threat in the retail world. She is not a one trick pony either! On top of her successful store in the little mountain town of Red Lodge she is also very well known in the Rodeo World, a published writer, and one of the most generous people you will ever know!

Miss Amber well to be clear this girl is probably like no one you have ever met, nor will you ever meet one like her again! She is a fly by the seat of her pants go getter with the uncandid ability to dress you, give you fashion advice, and send you out of the store feeling like a million! She has made the store her passion and the girl's in it are often treated just like one of her babies. She is a working single mother of four great little ones, and if not working she is leading Girl Scouts, baking, cooking, and feeding her addiction of great high heels. To say she is a multi tasker is an understatement if she isn't updating the store's website, working on the blog, or face book, you are bound to see her trying out new fun way's to display clothes in the store's front windows! She loves with all her heart, and wears that heart of hers on her sleeve.

All in all to be a Siren is to be a hardworking, dedicated, fashion addicted, fun loving girl, and add a bit of crazy to that and a pinch of rebellion and you have it! Both of us are from different walks of life, but when put together we bring out the best in each other and this truly could be the reason for our success. We  agree that by the Grace of God we will Persevere even in this crazy little world!

Twitch and Me: Market Madness!!

Twitch and Me: Market Madness!!: "So as you all know I was the Queen of market from Friday thru Sunday in Billings this weekend. Now when this kind of event takes place one m..."

Market Madness!!

So as you all know I was the Queen of market from Friday thru Sunday in Billings this weekend. Now when this kind of event takes place one must realize the work that you have to put into this kind of event!
On Thursday Miss Ryan and I trekked up to Billings with her car packed like a Mexican burrito! You see the key to selling is to offer EVERYTHING you can think of that will reach out and scream Buy Me to all of those that are passing by. It is also important to make your booth look Awesome and that is were I came in. I decorated with lights and all of our Double D, Tasha Polizzi, and jewelry, jewelry, jewelry!!!! Not to mention I believe I displayed more hand painted shoes than people have ever seen in one setting:) Of course Twitch couldn't be there do to the fact that he had to be home to protect the homestead. It was a great display , and the traffic was well pretty steady. But the thing about one of these lil shindigs is that you are busy and then you are sitting. For those of you that know me know that the whole sitting thing is not my forte'. I am a mover and a shaker and well it was probably comparable to asking a kid hopped up on Pixie sticks to sit still!
In order to pass the time I would re arrange, text EVERYONE I knew that was coming to or lived in Billing's to come check us out and stop to say hi. I like to refer to the texting technique as mass marketing and it worked pretty well. I also like to show and display that even if it wasn't in their size that I could and would get it in their size and ship it to them.
In all besides me feeling like the walls of the Metra were closing in on me come the last few hour's of each day I believe that the store made a major impression on not only those that came to shop, but also to the other vendors. You see I am shameless as Garth Brooks sang about, when it comes to promoting the store. I handed out business cards like they were bags of crack in the ghetto! I promoted the fact that we were not only on line with our site but also on Face book, Twitter, and Blog spot!
I pulled up our blog to display for those that were interested in seeing what the world of retail is really like. Because Hello??? Who doesn't like the idea of a cute little black puppy being the mascot of a female owned and run store? To say the least our feedback was stellar! I made a lot of connections, and even the sales that didn't happen those customer's were well informed on how they could get great deals, entertainment, as well as wonderful service :) Plus ladies if you are working retail remember to give yourself a signature piece that only you can sport to bring people in. My signature is my high heels! I sported everything from snake skin, to buckles and metallic colors! These heels caught eye's and even drew people over to the booth! Its a great lesson wear what looks great and makes a statement!
Now while I was away Twitch had to take care of Ryan. You see she has a terrible cold! He had to make sure she took her medicine, and was able to take care of the store as well. In true Twitch form he did this with grace and even made some improvements to the store while I was away. When he finally had to make our dear Ryan take a break so she could get better he handed the torch over to Jo Jo our newest Siren Christine's puppy to take over.
Christine like a true Siren went straight to work to re arrange the store. This is her calling and she is the BEST at arranging even the smallest amount of merchandise , making it look better than a Coach bag on sale! The store was stunning when I returned from market and it was a real relief to know that when I am away and Miss Ryan is dying from the worst cold of the century the store is going to look awesome, and was so clean I almost cried!
We did some great business at market, and I learned that there is still nothing funner to me than selling great item's to those that will love them like we do! (except maybe shopping for shoes :)

Twitch and Me: Seriously?????

Twitch and Me: Seriously?????: "Holy Manolo Blahnik's! So I know that there is all this new fangeled technology that is available to us but I tell you I find that I miss th..."

Seriously?????

Holy Manolo Blahnik's! So I know that there is all this new fangeled technology that is available to us but I tell you I find that I miss the days when you weren't having to compete to have a conversation with someone and they are having another one on their blackberry!
I actually have began to loath those days when I am trying to help find that perfect outfit for them to wear to their big event and the entire time I am trying to talk to them they are talking to someone with their blue tooth, while updating their status on Face book! I mean it is like hello I am pretty entertaining and quiet frankly it is like having a live version of Saturday Night Live right in front of you!
So to be up staged by the blackberry/ blue tooth is a bit discouraging! Now you all know that Twitch and I have worked so hard to make sure that there is always a fun, and exciting shopping atmosphere in our store. I mean you can pet a puppy, shop, be entertained, get honest to the point feed back on your outfit choice, and listen to music! I guess the big deal would be that you get all of that and both of us which is like an all you can eat buffet of entertainment and yet still you want to talk to someone else?
In short when you go shopping next time remember that there are actually those sales people that are there to work for you and help you and no we don't mind that call to your bff about your sweet lil outfit you just got, but we do mind when you try to conduct a board meeting and play tetris and all while shopping! Unplug, tune in , and enjoy those that you meet and your life will be fuller I promise.

(disclaimer: none of these opinions do, state, or influence our support of blackberry, or blue tooth. Nor do they influence or support our use of them or face book)

Twitch as a Model

OK there have been a lot of questions on how in the world Twitch and I are able to get his amazing pictures. The thing is I wish that there was this awesome Dog Whisperer trick that I use, or some amazing theory of dog training that I have. But the reality of it is he is just good!
You see he love love loves attention and it is totally his cup of tea to have me telling him how Fantastic he looks in each shot, or what a great puppy he is when he strikes a pose. When you work with Twitch at a photo shoot it is far better than when you have to deal with models.
I mean lets face it, who really wants to deal with a girl who has had nothing but water and lemon slices for two weeks? I can't imagine the look or the response that I would get when I tried to offer a model a treat after she did a good job in a shot!  Or even worse could you imagine what would happen to me if I suggested that she take a picture with me????
So long story short, the pictures I take with Twitch are short , sweet, and get the job done. And well the fact that he is a absolute doll is just the icing on the cake :)

Twitch is getting ready, you know checking his hair, making sure his collar is on straight.

Twitch and Me: How Sagebrush Sirens Started

Twitch and Me: How Sagebrush Sirens Started: "Sagebrush Sirens was established in the mountain town of Red Lodge, MT by two ranch raised girls who cherished the cowboy way of life, and r..."

How Sagebrush Sirens Started

Sagebrush Sirens was established in the mountain town of Red Lodge, MT by two ranch raised girls who cherished the cowboy way of life, and reveled in fashion. Along with a unique mix of western and contemporary clothing paired with the hottest in western accessories. They set out to offer the very best in customer service to their customers.
Today Sagebrush Sirens has expanded to include an online store an increased level of interaction with their customers through email, Face book, Twitter, and Blog spot. Our commitment is still to provide our customers the absolute best in service while honoring the western tradition we have always loved.

Ryan Sankey Founder of the best kept secret in the west Sagebrush Sirens!

Me and Twitch!

Well as you all know me and Twitch are often extremely busy at the store and today was no exception! Between orders, the phone, post office, and web site updates we barely had time to do our photo shoot!

Now I must say that tho Twitch is little he does have the bravery of a lion, and the bite of a grizzley bear! These are all very good traits especially when Ryan is facing a terrible attacker inside the walls of her and Twitch's house!

You see there is this terrible rodent that has decided to stake claim to the inside of the walls in their home and even with the determination of both Twitch and Ryan this dang thing won't leave! Now you all know that I am not a cowgirl, but I will tell you I believe that I came up to a great solution to their problem.

First you should all know that I have such and extreme fear of rodents that it is comparable to the fear one would have when facing the closing of Nordstroms! I can't stand all of the rodent creatures domestic or wild,  and no I don't discriminate I can't stand them all equally. So when Ryan told me of the attack on their home I said what all girls who don't like rodents would say : Shoot a hole in the wall and put Coke in a dish inside and that lil bugger will die! Its what John Wayne would do.

This is a fabulous suggestion and due to the fact that rats can't burp it was also constructive! Not to mention the fact that this rodent is evil and could very well eat Twitch while Ryan sleeps! Now she of course was not all about doing the whole shoot a hole in the wall idea but alas not all of us are Annie Oakley :)

So I of course had to come up with a back up plan that didn't include jacking up her newly painted walls. And what would you suggest? Hello! Use Twitch to bait that monster into coming out and then shoot him! You may be shocked that I would suggest using a friend as bait, but hold on and hear me out befor you call PETA. Twitch has the guts of Rin Tin Tin and the moxie of Lassie, he would be on this situation like me on a Jimmy Choo Shoe Sale!

To say the least Ryan I believe may be leaning towards the whole exterminator idea and I can't knock that idea either! Then again I still think Twitch would get a kick out of having a postive role in the disposal of this varmet!

Twitch and Me: Construction, loud noises, and weird smells why no...

Twitch and Me: Construction, loud noises, and weird smells why no...: "OK here is the dealioso! It is Monday , yes I get that but where in the ficus does it say that it is OK to do construction, gas line replace..."

Construction, loud noises, and weird smells why not!

OK here is the dealioso! It is Monday , yes I get that but where in the ficus does it say that it is OK to do construction, gas line replacement, and Armageddon in the back of the store all on Monday?
You see I am a total supporter of upgrades. You know upgrade from Juicy Couture to Chanel, or taco's to nachos , but really construction on Monday?????
This morning began with the fact that Jack Frost left his mark on my car windshield, and then I got to come to my favorite place in the world only to find that the whole entire  parking lot has been taken over by over zealous loud trucks, drills, sledge hammers, and a rocket ship! Between the drilling, roaring of trucks , and other foreign sounds, I must say it is a miracle that I haven't lost my religion!
Now I know what you are thinking oh Miss Amber take a deep breath it isn't really that bad dear :) Well you are right it is worse! Not only is it everly so loud but it is also not conducive to a good sleep area for poor Twitch during his well deserved nap time!
Poor Twitch has been roping the range with Ryan this week end, and you all know that he is basically like Rin Tin Tin / Lassie all wrapped into a sweet Lil bundle of fur! The poor little guy, from rescuing Ryan from a cat attack that I might add may have resulted in scarring her thumb for life! He also had to save Timmy from the well, lead a team of horses, and feed all the live stock too! (lol I so have not a clue about the most of that but I know he is spent!)

So here we sit in the back office me looking at our new items that we are contemplating, and poor Lil Twitch trying unsuccessfully to get a good rest! But do you think that is possible? NO! Every time the Lil guy falls asleep we will hear a sound like a T-Rex coming through the roof, or my favorite the crashing and shaking of the ground due to them digging! Again I must ask who in the free world decided that Monday is a good day to do Construction? If you were wondering what a good investment would be go for the Extra Strength Headache companies cause I will be supporting them!

Fashion Show Success!

Now many of you are going to realize that when me and Twitch are asked to do anything for charity or fundraising well we are on it like Donkey Kong! You see I love people, food, fashion, food, people and generally in that order. Twitch well bless his little heart he is a bit of a ham and a bit of a chick magnet.
So when asked to emcee for a fundraiser at the neighboring town's convention center of course I said yes! Twitch of course had to stay at the store and make sure that everything went smoothly while I was away. Plus truth be told Ryan misses us too much when we are both gone so one of us must stay with her.
This was a fashion show that was to raise money for the Joliet Convention Center, and what I was most excited about was the fact that they featured clothes from all of our local vender's! It was so fun to put this little gig together as well as to watch all of the plans and ideas taking flight!
To say that I was maybe a little nervous, well that is just plain silly. I was totally and utterly freaking out!!! First of all I am very social but I do not really know how to handle being stared at , especially when I am having to be informational, funny, and professional. Give me a group of kids, some finger paints, and the element of surprise and I will breeze right through it! But put me in front of a bunch of woman and well it was as daunting as trying to fit into skinny jeans after a week of whoppers, and fries!
So I did what all girls do when faced with stage fright, I wore my camo heels, a military styled dress, and drank a triple shot! I made jokes, cat called the models that worked the runway and well I am proud to say it went all together really well! We raised 1000.00, made the paper and no body sent me hate mail or met me at my car afterwards so it was a true success.
You see it just goes to show, when faced with fear use humor ladies, and accessorize like crazy! Look at the heels , necklaces, and rings as armor and smile! When I came back to the store that day Twitch and I of course had a great meeting of the minds, and we came to the conclusion that it was definitely the camo heels that broke the ice on the stage at the beginning of the show, as well as the countless hours he and I rehearsed my announcing. Plus HELLO the triple shot was pretty helpful as well ;)
Twitch and I would like to put out a special thank you to all of you who made the Fashion Frenzy happen, as well a a thank you to all of you who gave us such great compliments!

Attack of the dress form!!!!

OK so I don't know if y'all y'all realize the true danger of working in retail! Ya I know what y'all think, oh it must be so fun to play with and order all those great clothes! And I won't lie it is a blast to do that! But there are underlying dangers in this position as well. It is not something most retailer's are going to talk about openly, but I just can't keep the silence on this subject ANY LONGER!!!!
Today while simply wanting to update our Lil web site I thought oh let me just photograph a few choice pieces and then work them over to place on the site. Simple enough right? Wrong!!!!! I don't think you understand the true evil, as well as manipulative way's of the mannequin world. They are truly diabolical in their actions ! They are known for jumping off of window displays, refusing to stand straight while you dress them, miraculously change their dress size, and oh ya just plain attack you!!!!
You see there are those mannequins that love to be dressed, displayed, and well just plain do their job, but there are those few bad apple's that truly make displaying clothing just pure torture!
So as I was trying to display a simply amazing top from Double D (a stellar clothing line ) I was met head on with the mean team of mannequins! While I am simply just undressing the one mannequin so that I can put her into the new top I am blind sided by an attack from the back! You heard me correctly attacked! With absolutely no warning the mannequin in the window display who was apparently jealous of the one that I was dressing decided to revolt against what she viewed as an injustice and attack me!
Now of course I am positive that this is the same mannequin that often jumps from the window just to mess with my displays. So this attack I am sure had been calculated and then followed through to get me!
I quickly try to re group from the attack tell the mannequin to stop being everly so mean, and placed her back in the window. At this point I take special measures to get out of the "danger zone" and think that it will be best if I dress the mannequin in the back, so as not to antagonize the others.
It is in the back that the mannequin that I have dressed decides that well she doesn't want to pose for the pictures, and she just up and tips over! Ya and you know what I am a little person, and these mannequins are heavy and awkward to lift and carry due to the lack there of arms, and I swear they become limp when you try to pick them up which makes them even heavier!!!

When all was said and done I had done three changes of clothes, multiple angled shots, and was just grateful at the end of the whole ordeal! So the next time you walk by a display for a clothing store just say a silent little prayer for those brave souls that dressed those dangerous mannequins!

Twitch and Me: Fashion Frenzy!!!!

Twitch and Me: Fashion Frenzy!!!!: "So there is much debate this season on how much is too much when it comes to wearing fur, and animal prints, and well let me give you the ta..."

Fashion Frenzy!!!!

So there is much debate this season on how much is too much when it comes to wearing fur, and animal prints, and well let me give you the take Twitch and I have on this latest Fashion Trend.
First there are a great many ways one can wear the latest trend of faux fur and look absolutely as yummy as a well decorated cupcake! Take the stance that you are accessorizing with the fur rather than trying to look like the animal. Wearing a great fur trimmed vest, or jacket is a great way to add a little wild to your wardrobe with out saying I look like I should be in Yellowstone.
 Another fun little way to snazz up your outfit is to add some great fur trimmed boots! I love love love these, and well Twitch is a lucky little dude and has his own. But we both agree if you have fur on your person limit it to two items and often it is best to go with a fur trimmed jacket and fur boots ensemble, and not the fur coat, Yettie boots, gloves, and hat! A little fur goes a LONG way so don't look like a walking Sasquatch!
Now when it comes to animal prints there is a great way to do this, and then there is the what in the free world is she wearing way. I would recommend that when wanting to sport a animal print do it with your accessories! They make great zebra/cheetah print bags, gloves, hats, and scarves , not to mention you can stop traffic with just the right animal print boots, or heels. I would say avoid wearing all of your animal prints together at once, you don't need to sport a cheetah hat, gloves, scarf, and boots, not only will you look like you escaped from a zoo, but too much of a good thing is what makes it oh so so wrong!
So wear you zebra heels with a great black skirt, and classic button up shirt, and throw in a purse to match and you will look elegant rather than insane. Also Twitch wants to add, when looking for accessories that have fur please don't think that carrying a purse made out of a complete fox pelt is classy or sassy! It is frightening and well a bit disturbing as well :s

I save the day!!!

OK you know how there are those days in retail where anything feels like it can happen and well it does? This was our day. You see Twitch and I were holding down the fort here at the store while Ryan went to do other things. (we don't know what these things are but we do get coffee and goodies when she returns :)
So there we were minding our own business me on the phone with customers, filling out post cards to our sweet Gift Party, and Twitch pondering world peace, boots, and the weeds outside (he is a multi tasker too, that is why we mesh). It is during this peaceful time that out of no where Twitch runs in the office all out of sorts! I being caring and concerned find that he is all in a tizzy due to the attack of a non leash wearing, rumored to have rabies situation in the form of a lab at our back door!
As he runs circles around my leg's with his rope I am faced with the decision that all hero's must deal with who do you save first? Yourself or the puppy wrapping the rope around your legs?
Of course I am a giver and by golly Twitch was who I must save! So with reflexes of a cat and the strength a woman in a Jimmy Choo Shoe sale I showed the rabies bearing giant black fur clothed ball of pure evil who was boss! How did she do this you may ask she has no lasso skills! I screamed at it of course!!! I told him to get! Cowgirl or not this approach worked and after detangling my Lil sidekick and holding him with the pure satisfaction of Superman after a rescue once again Sagebrush Sirens was safe to sell retail again!

It's Just all about us!

It should be known that I am in no stretch of the imagination a cowgirl, I can wear the clothes but ladies the true dirt, heart, and strength it takes to do what those girls do is not my deal. ( i like manicures, and am allergic to horses need I say more). Now Twitch is the store mascot and quiet frankly my right hand, especially when dealing with the daily needs of those girls who love their boots, jackets, and jewelry ! To be quite honest we are the real dream team of sales at our store tho others may try to argue this.
To show you how truly magnificent we are is to share our story with you all, I hope you are sitting, have coffee, and well maybe some cocoa cause you will need it! (also seat belts may be in order too).