Discovering Hip Western Wear: A Blend of Swagger and Confidence
Peter and I were exploring shops and restaurants when we stumbled upon Kemo Sabe, a trendy western-style retail store in Vail Village, Colorado. It was hosting a red velvet rope VIP event for its top-tier clients.
Entering Kemo Sabe, you’re greeted by lively energy, upbeat music, friendly service and laughter from shoppers echoes from behind a red velvet rope by a staircase leading to a small VIP bar. Hope Roe and Kenzie Haskin welcomed us with prosecco and beer, ensuring that we found the perfect hat style and color for each of us. We met a woman at a hotel who had a hat to match every outfit – people are truly passionate about these hats! Kemo Sabe specializes in designing one-of-a-kind cowboy hats, fedoras, and dress hats.
Trying on different styles and colors is key to finding the right hat for you. Despite my desire for a mint or pink hat with a small dip in the front, I was encouraged to try a flat brim in a lighter color. After enjoying some prosecco, the flat brim had grown on me! It added an urban country flair to my look, perfect for my travels.
Once you pick your hat, it’s time for the real fun – decorating it with your salesperson while fellow customers enthusiastically do the same. Kemo Sabe offers a vast selection of hat bands, feathers, ribbons, sparkle strings, branding symbols, and letters for personalization.
Photo by Kemo Sabe
Peter chose The Gus Hat in silverbelly, complete with a simple leather band and his initials branded on the left side. We learned that mostly all the cowboy equipment like ropes are hanging on the left side of the body and a cowboy will swing the lasso overhead on the right side of the body so the branding, feathers, and hat extras are placed on the left side of the hat.
I selected The Showman in natural, featuring white beaver felt with pink and brown ribbons, a hot pink sparkle string, and a medley of light pink, soft brown, and white feathers. My name, CHRISTON, was branded on the brim. Once branded, the hat is indisputably yours. If the branding initially seems too bold, it can be toned down with a special sponge that can also use to clean your hat if becomes wet or soiled.
The price range at Kemo Sabe varies from $495 for rabbit fur felt hats up to $1,595 for intricately crafted Constellation collection pieces made from a blend of beaver and rabbit fur felt. The store also offers custom boots, belt buckles, and branded gloves. If they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, they can create it from scratch – all made in the USA.
Photo by Kemo Sabe
Photo by Kemo Sabe
Photo by Kemo Sabe
If you think this would make for an entertaining group activity, Kemo Sabe hosts personal events such as birthdays, bachelorette parties, wedding welcome soirees, friends’ reunions, or employee appreciation gatherings at their locations in Aspen, Vail, Vegas, Jackson, and Park City. Embrace your creativity and discover endless possibilities at Kemo Sabe.
Lisa Dusty hosts a private all-female Oscars Party coinciding with the actual Oscars Award ceremony. Guests are encouraged to dress up as a character from a movie or show, or as if attending the Oscars themselves. The result is a hilarious array of creative costumes, often with women portraying male characters in a comedic fashion. Throughout the night, attendees remain in character, making it nearly impossible to discern the true beauty of the woman beneath the costume. The focus of this party is not about being one’s sexiest self, but rather embracing the most outrageous persona possible. Check out the photos below, See if you can spot me and be prepared to laugh out loud.
You will have a favorite; please share in the comments below
Learn more about Lisa, the all-women’s Oscar party, the Oscar awards, and view some of the tamer photos from the events below.
How did you came up with the idea of hosting the Oscars awards?
The idea of hosting an Oscars awards party came to me when my sister mentioned attending one. After a few years, I finally experienced it and was instantly captivated. The creativity of the women in attendance was astounding. This inspired me to start my own party in 2012. At my first event, there were 21 women, half of whom didn’t dress up. Fast forward to today, the party has outgrown my home and I have seen the most outrageous costumes
Why did you choose to make it an all women’s event?
I chose to host an all-women party for numerous reasons. As a working mom who moved to a new town, I became actively involved in my child’s school events, where I met some incredible women. Some were business owners working tirelessly and seeking stress relief, while others craved girl time or “me” time apart from their partners. Some just wanted to have a few drinks, share laughter, and relive their best high school dance moves. Nights like these are essential for women as they serve as stress relievers, allowing them to unwind without the pressures of work, family, or other commitments. While we may sacrifice some sleep, we ultimately feel recharged and reconnected with our feminine energy and strength.
Who is invited to this event?
Invited to this event are family, lifelong friends, college friends and teammates, new friends, neighbors, colleagues and customers from work, tennis and kickboxing pals, and more! It has grown exponentially over the years and I have met so many fabulous women.
What Awards are given at your private Oscars Party?
We want as many people to grab an oscars as possible so the awards have grown over the years and you literally leave with an Oscar, not the life size Oscar though. from Best Costume, Best Group, Best TV/Movie/Show portrayal, Best Duo and so on. Everyone at the party votes for who they believe should win each award. This year the biggest hit sweeping the oscars were the Chippendales. not only did these females show up in complete head to toe costumes they stayed character the entire evening even performing a chippendale “strip show” pulling a chair and a guest onto the dance floor. We may have even experienced a bar top performance, but what happens at the Oscars party Stays at the Oscars party!!!
Where is your event hosted?
The Oscars event was originally hosted at my house for eight years, but as it grew larger, it became too big to manage. Consequently, in 2022, I decided to move the event to The Jake Speakeasy in Providence. Damian is an excellent host and extremely accommodating!
What have you learned from hosting the Oscars Awards events over the years?
I genuinely appreciate how many women at these parties become close friends after their initial meeting. There’s a remarkable sense of camaraderie, mutual support, and networking opportunities. For instance, my friend Stephanie, who owns The Flower Shack, mentioned that several women she met at The Oscar Party are now regular customers. Women truly uplift one another! We’re strong but also cherish the chance to support each other and unwind. A girls’ night out works wonders for our well-being!
Moreover, I’ve discovered how supportive my husband is in everything I pursue. He endures my months of preparation and even helps with bartending, setup, driving guests home after they’ve had too much to drink, tallying votes, and cleaning up! I’m incredibly grateful for him; he’s my rock!
What is in store for 2024?
We are working to streamline the event by implementing phone voting. We are also considering hiring a photographer to capture guests as they arrive. The idea of conducting red carpet interviews is being explored as well. Additionally, we may set up a stage for willing participants to showcase their talents.
More about this party animal 😀
I relocated from Puerto Rico to Cumberland, RI in 3rd grade and have resided in Rhode Island ever since. I attended the University of Rhode Island and have worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative since 1996. My husband, Jimmy, and I enjoy traveling both alone and with our two sons, aged 19 and 22. Four years ago, we rescued a stray dog from Georgia who is now extremely pampered. Life can certainly be hectic, but we always prioritize time with our family and friends, as we love hosting gatherings!
Shout to her DJ – DJ Finesse is a fabulous DJ who also MC’s the event.
The exquisite Elms Mansion played host to a spectacular evening reveling in the 2023 Women of Distinction on Thursday, March 23rd for National Women’s month! With nearly 200 distinguished guests in attendance, this sold-out event was nothing short of an elegant affair.
Guests were graciously welcomed by Erin Donovan-Boyle, The Chamber’s President & CEO, and Trudy Coxe, CEO & Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Newport County. In addition, Kaity Ryan, Executive Director of Norman Bird Sanctuary graced the occasion as the awards emcee by hosting a lively panel discussion and Q&A with the esteemed honorees.
A round of applause to this year’s exceptional honorees:
Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Brenda Brock, Founder, Farmaesthetics
Lynne Tungett Publisher/Editor, Newport This Week
Melissa Green, Esq., Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP
The volunteer committee of Chamber board members diligently reviewed numerous nominations, highlighting the honorees’ impressive achievements in community involvement, industry impact, and professional success prior to selecting the award winners.
This event is part of the Chamber’s Women in Business series, which is proudly sponsored by The Preservation Society of Newport County, Greenvale Vineyards, and Seacoast Sweets, and was truly a delightful evening filled with inspiration, celebration, and joy.
At her residence, Christon Gibson, Potter League Board member, orchestrated a delightful soirée, welcoming nearby entrepreneurs and acquaintances to heighten interest in Potter League for Animal’s noble mission, community strides, anticipated festivities, and the diligent personnel working behind the scenes to ensure its triumph. This event was truly a heart-warming and uplifting celebration of humanity’s commitment to animal welfare.
Present from the Potter League were Chief Executive Officer Brad Shear, Chief Mission Officer Todd Cramer, Chief Philanthropy Officer Liz Isdale, and veterinarian Dr. Sarah Crain
To learn more about the Potter League for Animals and offer your unbridled support as they gear up for the annual LOVE Bash fundraiser coming up on May 6th, 2023. Let’s come together and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our furry friends.
Thank you to Morgan Gabriele Bucki for bartending the event. You can find her behind the bar at Pasta Beach of Newport
COLONIAL NEWPORT PROVES CRITICAL IN SETTING TONE OF TOLERNACE FOR A YOUNG AMERICA
Newport, RI. | November 2, 2022
Unknown to many, colonial Newport was home to America’s first Synagogue. That simple fact, and the social and civic leaders who made it a reality are the subject of a new short film, “Pathways to Understanding.”
Sponsored by the Touro Synagogue Foundation and produced by Newport Living & Lifestyles CEO, Christon Gibson, the film informs teachers, mentors, community leaders, and other interested adults to learn about this period in American History.
The film, developed for middle school students, premiered on Wednesday, November 2, at the Jane Pickens Film & Event Center, 49 Touro St. in Newport, RI. A moderated discussion followed and Charter Books had a table in the lobby for young adults buy books that reflect different voices and religions. The stories, mostly fiction, emphasize overcoming adversity, the strength of character, and positivity. The event was free and open to the public.
A new Touro Synagogue Foundation program for middle school students. The film is the first step for students, educators, parents, and civic organizations to better understand the history of religious freedom, diversity, and dialogue in colonial times and today and to set the stage for an upcoming middle school symposium. When on-site, in person, students will have an opportunity to participate in a highly interactive learning experience, engage in personal reflection, and practice critical thinking. Funding for the project was provided by the Rhode Island Foundation.
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For more information and access to public and private events, turn to Newport Living & Lifestyles on the web.
Newport is a vibrant, yet quaint, seaside resort community. Its charming character shines most brightly in the Spring & Summer months. Truly a “walking city” you can reach to the bustling waterfront, quiet colonial streets, magnificent mansions and some of the best beaches anywhere by foot, bike or trolley.
If it’s hot, and behind a velvet rope, then you know Newport Living & Lifestyles will be there. And if Newport Living & Lifestyles is THROWING the event, then you better be there because it is going to be epic.
And EPIC it was, as Newport’s own hostess with the mostess, Newport Living & Lifestyles CEO Christon Gibson hosted THE Halloween Party of the 2022 season; the first annual “It’s Better to be Bad” Ball.
Conjuring up the creepy, costumed revelers packed the Top of the Pelham as the party space was transformed into a den of delicious debauchery. Newporters threw caution, and maybe their dignity, to the wind as media displays, a DJ and live musicians drank and danced into the wee small hours.
Touted as an evening of liberating libations and purging pretensions, the event did not disappoint. Far from it. There was complimentary bubbly for the first 50 guests, VIP booths, bottle service, and cash prizes for the costumed contestants.
It is fair to say that the 1st Annual “Bad Ball” will go down as the party that made the Salem Witch Trials look like a day at the county fair.
$250 MOST ORIGINAL PRIZE went to : Dark Snow White
$250 MOST ORIGINAL GROUP PRIZE went to: The Addams Family
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For more information and access to public and private events, turn to Newport Living & Lifestyles on the web.
Newport is a vibrant, yet quaint, seaside resort community. Its charming character shines most brightly in the Spring & Summer months. Truly a “walking city” you can reach to the bustling waterfront, quiet colonial streets, magnificent mansions and some of the best beaches anywhere by foot, bike or trolley.
