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GiftingMap lassos a herd of fashion finds just right for the rodeo

Nikki Smith Designs is affordable jewelry that makes a statement.

Photo courtesy of Nikki Smith Designs

It's rodeo season in Texas, which means it's time to dust off your cowboy boots, shine up your belt buckle, and break out the turquoise jewelry. Missing a few of those all-important items?

As the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo starts up today through February 24, take a gander at this collection by GiftingMap, the shopping site curated by the local experts at CultureMap. Use the code LETSRODEO and you'll even get an extra 15 percent off your purchase.

Belt buckles from Clint Orms
To the untrained eye, a Clint Orms buckle is at first overwhelming with its detailed engraving in green, yellow, and rose gold. Images of longhorns, flowers with ruby centers, horseshoes, rope edges, symmetrical scrollwork, and stippled backgrounds add to their appeal, and prove why this artisan has been top of his craft since he first began hand-tooling leather belts in high school.

Cotton dress shirts from Bird Dog Bay
With classic patterns (think gingham and plaid) and 100 percent Egyptian cotton that's been milled in Italy, these timeless dress shirts are perfectly on trend for the rodeo but can take you all the way through work and a date night too.

Cowboy art from Gray Malin
From Wild West cowpokes contemplating the Marfa Prada installation to a hearty "howdy" spelled out in shiny gold balloons, everyone's favorite photographer has put together a collection that's sure to add some Western flair to your lair.

Jewelry from Nikki Smith Designs
Semi precious gemstones, druzy, pearls, and gold filled materials form the basis of this popular designer's modern yet dainty earrings and necklaces. Loop a large stone pendant around your neck as the final statement before heading to the stock yards.

Suede jackets from Sarah Stewart
With a feminine peplum silhouette and bell sleeves, this hip-length, lamb skin jacket is the ideal mix between boho and luxe. And there's a feel-good bonus: Each piece in the line is handmade by artists in the Balinese community.

promoted shopping luxury jewelry rodeo

cute on wheels

Hello Kitty Cafe makes stop in San Antonio on 50th anniversary tour

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

The merch and cafe truck has a new lineup of 50th anniversary treats and collectibles.

Hello, San Antonio! A famous kitty and her friends have drawn crowds when visiting in the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, and they're about to be back again. The truck will be at North Star Mall on Saturday, October 26, with snacks and merch for Sanrio lovers of all ages.

This tour celebrates the franchise's 50th anniversary items, and a handful have the number 50 proudly emblazoned, whether it's something to wear or something to eat. The truck stopped by in April, and it's back again on the same tour.

New items for this tour include an Iridescent tote bag (good for festivals and concerts); a new keychain, pin, and patches; a three-piece cookie set with pastel designs in royal icing; and a "giant" cookie depicting Chef Kitty. The centerpiece of the new items is a T-shirt featuring Chef Kitty, a donut, and a teacup, all seemingly made out of glass and containing a pink punch or tea.

Hello Kitty 50th anniversary merch The 50th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Some of the merch from past visits will be available, including a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods, and a transparent coffee mug with sprinkles in the handle and different desserts printed on the glass body.

Visitors can also order a box of rainbow macarons with sugar bows, and a branded box of simple Madeleines. Folks who want to diversify after the Stanley craze can also pick up a colorful stainless steel thermal bottle.

Hello Kitty sprinkle mug This mug would go great with hot chocolate.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Anyone who wants to play with Hello Kitty and her friends on Saturday should arrive early, as lines in the past have been very long. Some items may sell out. The truck will be at the parking lot on the corner of the 410 access road and McCullough from 10 am to 7 pm. Note that the Instagram account lists October dates (which match a recent press release), while the tour site starts its list in November.

This article was originally published April 10, 2024, and has been updated October 25 to reflect the truck's new dates.

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