2024: YEAR IN REVIEW

While, like having a birthday, ringing in a new year is really just tearing off a single sheet on the ol’ desk calendar, it is always a time for welcome reflection on the last 365. We’ve got to say – this was a great one!

THE MARQUEE HIGHLIGHT

Well, for us, this one has to be opening the Shop at Round Top. 
“This went from a pie-in-the-sky dream of ours to a serious labor of love,” Cheryl laughed. “It seems like we met an obstacle at every turn – and not in any one area, it wasn’t like it was any one entity’s fault, it just felt like everything was an uphill climb.”

“Now granted, some of that was self-imposed!” Hedy interjected. “We didn’t HAVE to hand-paint the entire floor…”

“Oh yes, we did!” Cheryl laughed back. “That’s one of the things that makes the Round Top store so memorable, and you know it. Now, did I wish we didn’t have to do it with no air-conditioning? Yeah, in hindsight, that was a commitment to a whole lot of sweat – we really did pour our blood, sweat, and tears into this place! But isn’t it perfect? It’s the little mercantile of my dreams.”

If you haven’t road-tripped to the Round Top shop yet, put it on your 2025 travel list! The aesthetic alone is a whole experience unlike any other DDR you’ve visited, and of course, you can shop exclusive offerings that you won’t see anywhere else – not even in Fort Worth, Yoakum, or online. Plus, you’ve gotta snap your pic under the big neon boot for the ‘gram! #undertheneonboot

Speaking of putting things on your to-do list for next year, highly recommend keeping your eye on the calendar for Fort Worth events, we’re getting really good at getting gals (and guys!) together for a great time – and a lot of times, for a good cause! From concerts to trunk shows to meet-and-greets, we’ve pretty much always got something in store in the Stockyards. (P.S. Rodeo season is shaping up to be really spectacular, so make a plan to come see us soon!)

AN APPRAISAL OF UNTRIGGERED & OPEN TRAILS

This was the first year we pivoted from 8 collections to 6. We did this for a number of reasons: for one, it provided the opportunity for the cohesiveness of more comprehensive collections that could better coincide with the calendar and seasons – namely swapping out “early spring” for a “rodeo collection”, which has really made such a difference in terms of what we’re designing for the January drop and was remarkably well-received; additionally, it helped alleviate some supply-chain strain that’s aiding us to get your orders in your hands earlier/closer to your order date; and finally, emphasizing quality over quantity has allowed us to explore some really exquisite extras like the exotic jackets, custom beaded bags, and covetable cashmeres.

We had two “umbrella categories” for our collections this year. In Untriggered, the Spring/Summer theme, we brought you a very distinct and differentiated trio: the rugged, real-deal Western, and rodeo-ready Pecos Rodeo collection that featured that Corral Pals Sweater everyone swooned over; the earthy and inspired Monument Valley collection with that showstopping beaded halter, some stunning sundresses, and a throwback to one of our earliest prints; and the vibrantly colorful Ranch Romance that featured the artwork of Larry Pirnie and an irresistible air of summer love. In Open Trails, the fall/winter theme, we brought you a blend of authentic and elevated: Chisholm Trail had classic cowboy throwback vibes with a strong denim presence and introduced those Pitchwagon Ticking Pants that blew everyone’s mind; Wide Open Trails brought a combination of classic and custom, introducing our take on the trench and an intricate hand-drawn Texas toile that almost sent our lead designer to the looney bin; and finally, Gentry Road was an elevated approach to the all the influences we absorbed in our youth, debuting some of our most exquisite exotic jackets and a tack-inspired bustier. Naturally, every year is an evolution, and we are always learning along the way, but we must say, we’re pretty dang proud of everything we put our stamp on this year!

We’d also be remiss not to mention the monumental move that was acquiring Mummy’s Bundle, a legendary label that’s been a benchmark for statement Southwestern jewelry for decades. We are honored to have been entrusted with it by Mary Hancock, who created it alongside her late husband, Doug. We have a strong vision for the signature style and its adaptation in the coming months.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2025

We are always aiming to grow, but in the coming year, we’re striving to do it in a more figurative sense. As it stands right now, we don’t have any plans to open any more literal doors in 2025 (but never say never, I guess). Rather than looking to continue to expand outward, we hope to focus on looking inward – within our organization to continue to improve our processes and systems, elevate our designs and offerings, and cultivate the best workplace environment we can for our team; as well as look within ourselves, to ensure we’re granting ourselves grace, allowing a real, reasonable, and sustainable work-life balance, and being as genuine as we can in all that we do.

What are some of YOUR goals for the coming year?

WE HOPE EVERYONE ROUNDS OUT THEIR YEAR IN STYLE – WE’LL SEE Y’ALL IN 2025!