West Hot American Summer

The next installment in my current crush series: the top ten items (home and fashion) I'm sweating for a cowboy-inspired season.

Piggybacking on my last long weekend pre-game post, here’s my lust list of the moment inspired by a summer that’s more crisp-Rocky-Mountain-air than Amalfi-sultry-sweat.

A still from the movie ‘A River Runs Through It’ by Columbia Pictures

To set the mood, I’m bring in my OG big screen obsession: Paul Maclean, aka young Brad. (With reflection, Norman was clearly the better catch of the Maclean brothers — pun intended.)

Sisters Ariel Ashe and Alexi Ashe Meyers at the Connecticut home they share with Seth Meyers, as seen in Elle Decor, photographed by Alexei Hay.

To set the scene, I’m calling on this image in an Elle Decor home tour from 2018 that I still think about with some regularity. A barn quilt, a pickup truck, floral maxi dresses, and Hunter boots: see where I’m headed? Get in [the truck bed], we’re going shopping.

For the Ranch

1. Dutch Delftware-Inspired Plates

   I’m so into this anything-but-basic blue and white pottery by Astier de Villatte x John Derian that reads classic, yet cool. I would love to add one of each (this and this and this and this and this and that) to my serveware collection or acquire them as a full versatile dinnerware set.

   

2. Vintage African Beaded Yoruba Chair

   As extensively discussed, vintage furniture is better. This elaborate Nigerian stunner feels retro and modern at the same time. The beaded technique nods to Native American styles, as does the turquoise palette. This piece would be as at home in a contemporary California abode as a traditional Montana cabin.

   

3. Oversized Fish Soap on a Rope

   From a kids’ bath to an outdoor shower at a beach cottage, this zoomorphic curiosity is a fun way to turn a simple necessity into a statement. The playfulness and surprising size makes this a charming hostess gift. Find them here as a set of black and red or here as singles in black or white.

   

4. Industrial Step Stool

   The Schoolhouse Utility Stool in a pop of color is the extra lift my littles need in so many areas of the home. It’s giving farmhouse, but still sleek enough for the city.

   

5. Marfa Hand-Painted Pitcher and Tumblers Set

   This limited edition collaboration between photographer Douglas Friedman and 200 year old glassmaker Lobmeyr is the kind of country kitsch-meet-luxury that I find so hard to resist. Cacti, snake, scorpions, and Stetson on super-fine crystal? Yes, please.

   

   The living room in a London townhouse designed by Sophie Ashby as seen in Architectural Digest, photographed by Simon Upton, styled by Sara Mathers.

6. Patchwork Rug

   This colorful carpet from Sister by Studio Ashby caught my eye several years ago in a home tour. It’s constructed from recycled Turkish Kilim rugs, though to me reads more like South American Frazada blanket stripes.

For the Wardrobe

7. Transitional Hip Prairie Set

   While I’ve been living in a Dôen floral midi frock that would work well in the country with boots, I’m craving this Ulla Johnson skirt and top (pictured) that sit perfectly together, but also lend themselves to styling separately. These tribal print, indigo-infused pieces could be worn year-round.

   

8. Must-Have Cowgirl Accessories

   Over nearly a decade I’ve been wishing for a pair of Miron Crosby Boots, particularly these. Add to that look, a classic Ralph Lauren Native American-inspired metal belt or, better yet, a real silver Navajo concho number.

   

9. French Quilted Tote

   I recently stumbled upon

   Jessie Randall
   ’s substack recommendation for Princess Diana’s Le Souliado bag and I could not resist! I’m pretty sure my mom had this exact purse in the 80s, and I still have the mini version from my childhood in my daughter’s closet. It’s so nostalgic yet of-the-moment, dramatic yet practical. Related, this crochet market tote giving Texas Rose from Loeffler Randall also got my attention.

   

10. Make It a Double for My Mini

    Honey, I shrunk the look: a ditsy floral shorts set, tiny Miron Crosby boots in metallic silver, and a small floral crochet bag.

Another room in Deborah Needleman’s Hudson Valley home (a home I highlighted in my last post) as seen in Architectural Digest, designed by Rita Konig, photographed by Miguel Flores-Vianna, styled by Mieke Ten Have.

The obvious omission from this list is a so-hot-right-now American quilt. It’s not on my lust list because I already own two antique pieces. That said, if you don’t, you need to add one to your textile collection. To get you started on the search, how about this, this, or that?

Goodnight and good luck!