3rd Annual Countdown 2 Vegas- 8 Days
Featuring Fashionista
Katherine Merck
Let’s Get To Know Katherine Miss Rodeo America 2016 A Little Better…
I had these amazing honor to get to meet Katherine and this year’s MRA Lisa last year at one of their autograph sessions during the NFR. Since then Katherine and I have become friends along with me swooning over her amazing hat collection. Y’all really need to check it out its ahh-mazing! Katherine is one kind and kindred soul read more on her tips and advice for Vegas!
H: What are you looking forward to at this year’s Wrangler NFR?
K: The last two years have been amazing, over the top experiences – from winning Miss Rodeo America to my final ride around the Thomas and Mack, the Wrangler NFR will always be a place where dreams come true for me. This year, I am volunteering throughout the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and the WNFR, so I am looking forward to serving in a supportive role this year and helping others’ dreams come true, too!
H: What trends are you looking forward to seeing this year?
K: I love that wild rags have caught on to such a huge extent this year! I was definitely pushing the envelope when I started wearing wild rags right after I was crowned Miss Rodeo America last year because the way I wore them wasn’t something that had been done before in rodeo queen fashion. I was lucky to have incredibly supportive people surrounding me that signature wild rag look, which allowed me to actually release my own line of wild rags last year. It is amazing to see the extent that they have now caught on both for rodeo queens and western fashion influencers!
I’m also thrilled with the fact that colored hats are back – rodeo queens were wearing a few colored hats when I was crowned, but I took it and ran with it! I wore everything from purple to red on a regular basis last year, and Greeley Hat Works made all of my fun and wild visions come to life. We’ve continued creating hats together this year, so I’m excited to see rodeo queens continue down the colored hat road and to bring some fabulous fashion hats to Vegas this year!
H: What is a must see or do in Las Vegas?
K: I absolutely think that the Miss Rodeo America Pageant is a must-see! If you are in Vegas before the rodeo starts for the PRCA Convention, stop over to the Priefert Arena in the South Point on Monday, December 4 at 10am for Horsemanship. Looking for something fun to do during the day before the rodeo? Join us on Friday, December 8 for the Fashion Show Luncheon at 11:30am – it is an absolute must-see for rodeo fashionistas, featuring brands including Double D Ranch, Greeley Hat Works, and of course, Wrangler!
H: What is a must have for first timers in Vegas?
K: Comfortable shoes! I think that everyone underestimates how much walking they will do before their first trip to Vegas for the WNFR. I like to put heel cushions in my boots and gel inserts in my heels!
H: What is 1 piece of style advice for Vegas?
K: Bring pieces that you can wear with multiple outfits – if it were up to me, I’d bring my entire wardrobe, but there definitely isn’t room for that in my luggage! Statement pieces and personal favorite accessory, Greeley Hat Works hats, can really change up a look and are versatile across multiple outfits. As long as you feel fabulous in what you wear, you can’t go wrong!
H: What is your favorite place to eat?
K: One of my favorite places to eat in the whole world, not just Vegas, is Wing Lei in the Wynn. It’s upscale Chinese cuisine – the Fried Prawns with Candied Walnuts and Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream are definitely worth the binge to your bank account and diet!
Thank you Katherine for being a part of this year’s countdown and all of your advice and letting us get to know you better! If y’all are not following this amazing and kind hearted lady you need too! Check your social media handle below! Only 8 more days until the main event!
XO
Hannah Leigh
*Check back tomorrow to meet another stellar woman*
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