Flying Budget Airlines Affects Cowgirl Fashionistas
Cowgirl fahionistas flying on budget airlines are affected by restrictions. In December the National Finals Rodeo is held in Las Vegas. Cowgirls travel from all over the country, even internationally, to be in attendance. They plan their outfits to attend.
For 10 days in December the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo transforms the look and feel of Las Vegas in a spectacular way. Each year, thousands of rodeo enthusiasts decked out in Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots and outsized hats fill Las Vegas hotels, casinos, restaurants, showrooms, and shopping malls. You don’t have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to have the time of your life. However the Wrangler NFR might just make a cowboy out of you after 10 days of competition and entertainment. During these 10 days, there are also several western shopping venues operating. Unique western items are available for the home, ranch, horses, and fashion. The largest and most established is Cowboy Christmas. Almost everyone refers to all these venues as “Cowboy Christmas”.
Two months ago, my cowboy asked if I wanted to go to the NFR, the National Finals Rodeo. I almost fell off my horse. He doesn’t like to travel. There are two issues concerning travel in his mind.
- He hates to fly. He hates almost everything about the flying process. He’s not afraid of flying, but he hates the whole plane and airport experience involving people. If we could afford a private jet, he would love to fly.
- It also makes him very concerned to be away from the ranch for even a couple of days. We have very responsible people to look after the animals. It still makes him nervous.
We decided to go to Vegas for three days during the NFR.
If we drove, it would takes us longer and we would be tired when we got there. I found an airline flight that leaves Fresno. However, it is budget flying. No snacks or drinks and they may charge to use the bathroom. All luggage has a fee, even carry-on. You are only allowed one personal bag that must fit under the seat. This is a nightmare for a frugal cowgirl fashionista. Do I pay to take a bag or not? Not!
If I want to go and look fashionable, I must plan well. That personal bag would normally not even hold my boots.
On the Flight
No matter how warm it is on the plane, I must wear my bulkiest items.
This shirt is more teal than pictured, and the vest is reversible.
Planning Ahead
All personal care items are minimized. No dryer, steamer, or hot-rollers. I know hot rollers are out, but I’m addicted.
I only take one pair of jeans, the ones I’m wearing, in a dark rinse. Jeans disguise dirt and spills and can be spot cleaned at night if necessary. I don’t wear the longer jeans I use for riding. I wear jeans that almost drag on the floor in boots, but I can get away with wearing a sport shoe.
Only one pair of boots get to go to Vegas, the one’s I wear on the plane. Wearing boots on a plane is a bother since you must take them off in the airport. My cowboy will have to help. I truly hate having to undress to go through security with the belts, boots, and large jewelry having to be removed. I decided on the more comfortable boots over the fashionable ones. Shopping requires much walking, and Vegas involves much standing.
Fashion Line Up for Vegas
Notice I have not included any pictures of a normal sized handbag. There are regulations at the rodeo and at the shopping venues on the size of handbags. I have a clear bag to carry into the rodeo which is the same size as NFL regulations for their games, if anyone still goes.
I may add some fringe to this bag. At this point it only functional. It’s a good thing it was only $14.99
Packing
Just to prove that my plan will work, I packed my bag. I’m ready.
I actually have room left. I am now pondering packing another top or jacket. This one would be cute with both the red top and the teal shirt or the black tee. This denim jacket is from a previous post. More importantly, if I don’t add this, I could pack something I buy. What a dilemma for any cowgirl fashionista.
My only issue with this trip will be getting any purchases home. Moreover, it is right before Christmas, hence the name Cowboy Christmas. It’s a perfect reason to shop and drop hints to my husband. I may have to pack a box and ship things home. On a positive note, we have a friend that’s driving from California, I may be able to talk his wife into hauling things home for me. Thank goodness she understands shopping.