STS Ranchwear - #IHPFashion

@STSRanchwear

BE STRONG.

STS Ranchwear was created to meet the needs of a true rancher’s lifestyle. www.stsranchwear.com

INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG

• Graphics by Chiara Milani | IHP

INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG

@STSRanchwear Stran T. Smith is best known for his long term career in professional rodeo, qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas numerous times and winning the 2008 World Champion tie-down roping title after overcoming his share of hardships in and out of the arena. What is not as highly publicized is Stran's background as a 4th generation rancher from Tell, Texas.

When not on the road, Stran, his wife Jennifer and three children, Stone, Scout and Selah still raise black angus cattle on the family ranch.

GENERATIONS OF RANCHERS

The STS Ranchwear Collection follows in line with Stran's belief that integrity, work ethic, family and quality should be the base of any of his operations, whether it be in rodeo, cattle or apparel. From top quality leather jackets to heavy-duty yet breathable work coats, vests and accessories, STS Ranchwear strives to meet your ranching outdoor needs. When you're

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#Behind the Brand – Carroll Original Wear

STS Ranchwear is manufactured by Carroll Original Wear, a division of Carroll Companies Inc. Carroll Original Wear is the leader in quality premium trophy jackets and vests. For more information on Carroll Original Wear go to www.carrolloriginalwear.com

INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG

@AboutJenniferSmith

working long hours in relentless elements, the last thing you need to worry about is your clothing... That's where we come in.

The Woman Behind the Handbags *

Ranch Tested - Cowboy Approved

Jennifer Smith designing STS Ranchwear handbags.Being a major influence in STS, how did you find your niche and how is that meaningful to you? When did you realize this passion?

During our years of consulting for major western brands, we molded our vision for STS Ranchwear. We were so blessed to find a partner in Chad Fairchild at Carroll Original Wear who had the same vision and even more knowledge in the business.

I have always had a passion for handbags, and felt like there was a void to be filled in our industry. I wanted to create a fashionable bag that was made of quality high grain leathers, with inside functionality at an affordable price. We strive to highlight the strong beliefs and values that the western lifestyle were founded upon. That is where our passion lies.

STS Ranchwear was created to meet the needs of a true rancher’s lifestyle. That is why every piece of STS Ranchwear Apparel is ranch tested prior to being put into production. Stran always jokes that he is just a crash test dummy, but in reality, he is very particular about everything we do, from display fixtures all the way to the kind of zippers we use.

Read more at stsranchwear.com

Jennifer Smith

What gives you the inspiration to go further than the basic brown leather bag, and why is that important to you?

Women are my inspiration. I believe in women. I love the diversity of our goals and accomplishments. We, as women, cannot be put in a box.

That being said there are different needs that should be met in my handbag and outerwear line. Every bag from a small wristlet to a large travel tote, should functionally meet my customers’ needs and look beautiful doing it.

Walk me through the design process. Are you and your team working on one or several designs at a time? At which parts do you interact with the process, and in what ways? Which part is most exciting for you?

The design process never stops for me. I am constantly thinking of ideas and looking for inspiration. I do, however because of other responsibilities within STS Ranchwear, try to isolate the detailed drawing and designing process to a specific time of the year. I used to hand draw all of my designs with pencil and paper. Now I use an iPad Pro to draw all of my designs. My factories require very detailed drawings, so I am a stickler for the details. From strap width to thread size, I try to include every measurement in my drawings. I have most bags we have ever created in my design loft to compare measurements and work off. I also field test most all of my bags. If I don’t carry them for some amount of time, how will I know their strengths and weaknesses?

How do you share your progress and passions throughout this process with family and friends? Do the designs reflect your lifestyle?

We do not separate family and business at STS Ranch. I heavily involve my family in every aspect of our business including design input, modeling, and carrying and field testing. I welcome family, friend, and customer input. They are my mood board and my lifeline. Our lifestyle and family is very multifaceted as I hope my handbag line is.

Of all the things you do, what are you most proud of? What makes you love what you do, and how do you want to share that with your customers?

I am so proud of this brand and the relationships that have grown from this venture. This is more than a handbag and clothing line to us. It is our life translated through our brand. That truly makes us love every part of the process. Life is a process, and we love this process. I hope our customers feel like they are part of the process as well.

Honesty, uprightness, kindness, hardworking.

Those values are the foundation of our industry.

Timing from STS in the future. How do you see the line evolving along with the image of the company? What is next for STS Ranchwear, in general?

We are so excited about the future of STS Ranchwear. The older generation cowboy/cowgirl lived in western attire 24/7. The modern cowboy or cowgirl dresses for every occasion. Today, the line is evolving to fit those needs of our customer. The modern day cowboy or cowgirl leads a very diverse life and has needs to fulfill that. Whether you are at the ranch, a rodeo, or a football game, we hope to have something for you in that occasion. *From stsranchwear.com

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@Marlowe Collection The Marlowe genuine full grain leather bag collection comes in three colors you can mix and match.

#Daydreamer

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MSRP $144 10.5”W x 11”H x 2.5”D Soft genuine full grain leather Magnetic flap front closure Cotton lined interior with one zip pocket and two slip pockets o Conceal carry pocket

@Terryn Cooper Mum of Ceattle Rose and wife of Cliff Cooper, 4 x NFR Tie Down Roping Qualifier.

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@ShadaBrazile NFR Barrel Racing Qualifier, mum of Treston, Style, and Swayzi and wife of the King of the Cowboys Trevor Brazile.

#Satchel

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MSRP $128 12”W x 12”H x 4”D Genuine full grain leather Zip top closure Dual rolled leather shoulder straps Interior zip pocket with two slip pockets Conceal carry pocket

INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG

@Marlowe Collection

#Tote

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MSPR $152 12.5”W x 13”H x 4”D Genuine full grain leather Magnetic top closure Two interior compartments with a center zip compartment o Interior zip pocket with two slip pockets o Conceal Carry Pocket

@Jennifer Smith Mum of three (Stone, Scout and Selah) and married to 12 x National Finals Rodeo Qualifier and 2008 Tie-Down Roping World Champion Stran Smith.

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#Mesa Wallet

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MSRP $64 7”W x 3.5”H x 1”D Genuine full grain leather Tri-fold design with magnetic closure Exterior change pocket 16 card slots and ID Slot

@Chenae Shiner Vest Miss Rodeo America 2013, mum of Stetlee and married with professional Tie Down Roper and NFR Qualifier Stetson Vest.

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#Crossbody

MSRP $84 9.5”W x 5”H x .5”D Genuine full grain leather Zip top closure Removable crossbody strap Interior features: change pocket, 12 card slots, 2 slip pockets

INTERNATIONAL HORSE PRESS BLOG