22 weeks // Feelin' Like a True Texan + an Ariat Giveaway [closed]

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ariat. 

I've been meaning to get legitimate cowboy boots for a long time now. One cannot live in Texas without real western boots, right? Why they don't issue us all a pair with a breakfast taco and plate of brisket at the state line upon arrival, I do not know. If I were governor of Texas, I'd certainly make this my first line of action upon inauguration.

I had a cheap pair of boots that I bought for my time on FNL, but, as my best friend Bee pointed out, every time I wore them, they were so painful that my littlest toenails would fall off (I am bewildered as to why I continued to torture myself with them, actually).

Fast forward to a few years later: the heels were worn down, and I could no longer squeeze my feet into them at all (Remember? With each child, my feet have grown a half size), so I finally gave them to Goodwill a few months ago. Now they're someone else's self-inflicted torture devices. Goodbye, cruel boots! And...

Hello, new dream boots! Look, y'all! Authentic Ariat cowboy boots-- toenails still intact:

date: 17 Nov 2013 // occasion: City Life gathering

dress: c/o eShakti // boots: c/o Ariat // cardigan: Lands End Canvas // bag: thrifted // Texas necklace: c/o Maya Brenner

There's something about this outfit. Whenever I wear it, Chris just lights up and offers to take me out to BBQ. I should probably wear this seven days a week!

I swooned a little when I opened the Ariat box and laid eyes on these beauties for the first time. The patina, the stitching, the almond shaped toe... these are pretty much perfection. Admittedly, I had a little panic attack trying to get them on the first time, but once I learned that I needed socks and that I needed to use the boot's pull loops, all was great! Who knew those loops were actually functional? 

Sadly, as much as I'd like to wear this dress all the time so Chris offers to take me out to dinner, this may be the last time I can don this dress during this pregnancy. The front is starting to creep up now that the bump has become a formidable force. The boots, on the other hand, have just been broken in, so I expect these will join the heavy rotation for fall. I'm going to wear these with dresses, skinny jeans, maxi skirts... oh, man. I'm just thrilled to finally own a pair of well made, classic western boots. It's hard to believe that I didn't even own a pair growing up in the country, living next door to a horse stable and riding ring!

And just to be sure these boots are with me in the long run, I ordered these a half size up from my current size in case Baby 3 follows suit and causes my feet to grow another size. Fingers (and toes) crossed that that will not be the case, though!

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Dig these boots? Click here for your chance to win an amazing Ariat giveaway! 

Make Ariat A Part of Your Fall Fashion Wardrobe

Since 1993, Ariat has designed advanced riding footwear and apparel for top equestrians. Our fashion collection evolves from an authentic bootmaking legacy of quality, comfort and style. In our design process, we unearth handmade details and rare materials. With this season's footwear and apparel, we have reinvented traditions, drawing from Western and English heritage alike.   

The contest is hosted on Ariat’s Facebook page and is open from November 18 – November 27, 2013. One winner will receive a product of their choice from Ariat.com. Three winners will receive a pair of Ariat boots of their choice. Two winners will receive a pair of Ariat jeans of their choice. Winner will be announced on December 2, 2013 via the Ariat Facebook Page. Winners will be contacted via email and have 3 days to accept.  

What are you waiting for? Enter now!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ariat. The content and opinions expressed here are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. 

To learn more about Ariat and enter their fabulous giveaway on Facebook, please visit: http://bit.ly/1hQteNk.