Retail Therapy

For one night, Chloe Dao & Kenneth Cole were my personal shoppers

Chloe Dao
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Katy Mills Mall
Kenneth Cole makes brown shoes, but our fashion shopper couldn't find the righpair

I wouldn't expect to find Project Runway's Chloe Dao shopping in the suburbs, but luckily for me she was so far outside the loop that she asked me for tips.

That's only a slight exaggeration.

As I arrived at the Kenneth Cole store in Katy Mills Mall Wednesday night in anticipation of the 50-percent off everything already marked down sale (for two hours only), I managed to catch a glimpse of a woman who looked like Dao. I continued shopping until we both arrived in the male bag section, where she was on the phone with one of her many siblings.

"Don't you think this bag looks too girly?" she asked me.

"Yes," I responded authoritatively, "nylon bags do seem girly for a man's bag."

I continued shopping until I summoned the nerve to walk up to her again to tell her I am a fan. Approachable and courteous, she chatted with me for a while, exclaiming, "I am like everyone else. I still shop!"

But unlike the typical shopper, Dao was snapping pictures to share with her siblings — and probably for inspiration. She analyzed every seam and proved to be a savvy shopper, commenting, "[that bag] has a scratch on it."

As we both shopped, I had a dilemma. I'm not good picking out brown shoes (it's not my favorite color, but I needed a pair).

And so I asked Dao for help. She whipped out her phone and scrolled through all of the images she had previously taken to show me a pair of Kenneth Cole boots that her friend really liked. I looked for them, but they were sold out.

Even so, the shopping opportunity was a milestone for me for several reasons: I bought my very first briefcase and everyday shopper Dao was my personal stylist for the night.

I can't wait to go shopping with her again.

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COWGIRL COUTURE

From denim to cowhide, these hot looks are turning heads at RodeoHouston

Photo courtesy of Cotton Holdings

Zinat Ahmed rocking a custom denim dress — one of her top RodeoHouston style picks for the year.

In Houston, cowboy core is nothing new. When the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is in town, fashionistas don't just embrace their inner cowgirl, they go full Cowboy Carter.

The city transforms into a dazzling showcase of Western glam for nearly a month, where fringe, bold boots, and eye-catching jewelry take center stage. Trendsetters from all over the Bayou City saddle up to show off their most show-stopping styles at a whirlwind of parties, concerts, and events.

Rodeo fashion can take on a number of looks as it-girls take inspiration from global icons like Louis Vuitton, Willie Chavarria, Ralph Lauren, or Texas darlings including Christina Greene, Sapana, Christy Lynn, and Lane Boots. Zinat Ahmed, executive vice president of marketing and branding at Cotton Holdings, reigns supreme as one of the best-dressed rodeo attendees and says when it comes to rodeo fashion, absolutely anything and everything goes.

Zinat Ahmed dazzling in a glamorous Western-inspired ensemble, bringing rodeo chic to a whole new level.Photo courtesy of Cotton Holdings

"One of the reasons this season is so inspiring is because we can bring back vintage staples and add in what's trending right now," Ahmed tells CultureMap. "It's so fun to watch the generations of daughters bringing back their mothers' looks with a new spin."

With the first official weekend of rodeo season in the books, the dust has settled, and the fashion verdicts are in. To get the inside scoop on what's hot and what's best left in the closet this year, we sat down with Ahmed to get her take on bold trends of the season.

Culture Map: When it comes to getting dressed for HLSR, what are three key elements you keep in mind?

Zinat Ahmed:

Originality: I want my outfit to reflect me and to be unique amongst the sea of rodeo looks.
Comfort: From the walks around the RodeoHouston grounds to the long days that turn into nights, it's important to me to consider longevity and comfort.
Western Flair: One key accessory is sometimes all that is needed to turn a typical outfit into something that is rodeo-ready.

CultureMap: What are the rodeo styles you are seeing so far?

ZA:

Denim on denim: Whether a skirt set or a full Canadian tuxedo, it's an effortless way to rodeo.
Scarves: Say goodbye to bandanas and hello to printed silk scarves. There are many ways to style them, and add more accessories like turquoise pins or equestrian rings.
Vintage tees: Nothing is cuter than taking a vintage tee with a fun saying or Western brand on it and pairing it with a statement skirt and jacket on top.
Big Buckles: Who says cowgirls also can't wear an oversized buckle? Wear it over a jacket or wear it with denim.
Cowhide: Cowhide print on pants, skirts, and jackets is so fun.

CultureMap: What colors are trending right now?

ZA: Chocolate brown continues to trend in 2025. It pairs so well with cowhide and turquoise.

CultureMap: What boot height is most popular this year?

ZA: The tall boot is back. Let your boots do the walkin' and talkin' and be a statement piece. Don't forget comfort over everything when it comes to boots; make sure to break in new boots before rodeo festivities.

CultureMap: Are you seeing more skirts or jeans?

ZA: Skirts are so versatile to show off boots, and it's fun to style them at varying lengths. A mini with an oversized jacket or a long flowy maxi with a beautiful western belt are great. Leather fringe skirts paired with a vintage tee — the possibilities are endless.

CultureMap: Hats or no hats?

ZA: Hats! Always hats. Recently, I have seen women opt for vintage trucker hats instead of cowboy hats. It's just another way to make a traditional Western look your own.

Photo courtesy of Cotton Holdings

Zinat Ahmed rocking a custom denim dress — one of her top RodeoHouston style picks for the year.

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