Wild West Brings Rodeowear For the ‘Modern Cowgirl’ to Williamsburg

Whether you’re preparing for a spin at the rodeo or just outfitting for summer’s busy festival sched, you’ll want to check out the Wild West pop-up shop in Williamsburg, running until May 15.

This general store by way of Brooklyn is filled with basically everything you need to pull off that whimsical hat you’ve been trying to make work (we all have one): lace-up-front bralets, dreamcatchers, Navajo artisanal jewelry, and hand-painted, perfectly worn-in boots, for example. (We were happy to see there weren’t any of those terrible “fashion” Native American headdress pieces though).

And don’t forget the smudge ceremony lavender and sage bundle from Sun + Glory. We’re not exactly sure how to use this, but apparently for $84 it’ll help you cleanse away bad spirits–and it’ll definitely make you look legit as you wander through Burning Man waving it at people who smell bad.

The brainchildren behind this bonanza of western goods (all from female-owned brands) are the founders of cowgirl-inspired lingerie line Daisy & Elizabeth. At the grand opening this Saturday the’ll launch a new collaboration line with legendary rhinestone lovers, Nudie’s Rodeo Tailor. Think dust-hued bodysuits with embroidered eagles, high-waisted cactus-embellished panties, and cutesy rompers with rose-and-rhinestone details. (Bonus: there’ll also be live music and drinks.)

But it’s not just about honky-tonkying up your intimates. The idea is to bring together a whole caboodle of accessories that “outfit the modern cowgirl.” 

“A lot of the brands in the store are West Coast-based or Texas-based, so for all of them, this is their first East Coast exposure,” said Daisy Hartmann, one of the founders. “We wanted to bring it to Brooklyn and we felt this neighborhood was the best place to do it.” So, instead of searching all over online for those unique pieces, you can find brands like Austin-based Leslie Crow Leather and Western Darlin’ rubbing shoulders with California-based Bandit Brand and Midnight Rider, right here in Williamsburg.

But who is this elusive figure, the so-called “modern cowgirl?” I was guessing that being able to pull off a hat with ease (without looking like you got lost on an old-time photo shoot, basically) was a requirement, but Daisy set me straight. “The modern cowgirl doesn’t mean she has to ride a horse and live on a ranch, but she’s independent and free-spirited and just a strong women that knows what she wants and wants what she likes,” she said. “We don’t try to pigeon-hole her. It’s about her mentality.” Ah, we see. More mentality, less hat. 

And don’t forget to stay tuned for the weekends. Daisy & Elizabeth plan to have trunk shows in their backyard every weekend based around different themes. April 16 and 17 is “horse themed” jewelry with Gold Pony Workshop, Ivry Belle Jewelry,Horsethief Silver. Coming up, there’ll also be a western bridal trunk show and possibly a home goods weekend.

Wild West concept shop, 439 Metropolitan Ave Brooklyn, Between N 5th and Meeker Ave. Open seven days a week.