As we continue to design new ties, western shirts, and apparel, clothing items will be moved to our clearance section.

The Clearance Section currently has some of our best necktie designs on sale. My personal favorite is the Jackrabbit Necktie. When was the last time you saw someone wearing a jackrabbit pattern on their clothing? Probably never. Our patterns are unique and folks that want to wear unique clothing that expresses their individuality wear Cacties.

The weather is warm and the week is almost over. One of the only things I can think about right now is sitting on a patio drinking a Margarita with some friends. The Margarita Glasses Necktie is perfect to wear to work on a Friday. What better way to tell your co-workers and employers “Screw this week. I’ve already checked out”.

What are you waiting for. Head on over to our clearance section. You might find something for yourself or a gift for a friend or loved one.

If there is one state in the union that deserves a necktie it’s Texas. Sorry Rhode Island. We all know that you were the first to declare independence from the British Crown, but you don’t have much going these days.

Texas, on the other hand, is one big bad state. In fact, it’s the second largest state in the U.S. after Alaska. They say “Everything is bigger in Texas” and bigger usually means better, especially when burritos and beer are the subject at hand. There’s also a simple reason why folks say “Don’t mess with Texas”. Because you shouldn’t if you know what’s best.

We salute you Texas. We even created the Texas State Necktie in your honor.

If you feel the need to express your inner Texan rebel then the Alamo and Texas Flag Necktie might be a good fit.

Our Texas Ties are perfect for all occasions a Texan might encounter.

• A hot date with an American Cowgirl Chick
• The next official Dress Western Day
• The proud Texas Independence/Flag Day
• Or a visit to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

If you are a fan of western decor, then you might want to check out Contemporary Western Design, a collection of all things western curated by Thea Marx. She’s a tried and true ranch girl reared on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming an expert on things other than cows and horses. Thea is the leading expert on Contemporary Western Design in other words, the new cool stuff, furniture fashion, jewelry, hats, boots those things. For the past 13 years she has lived and breathed western design, twice re-building the Western Design Conference from certain ruin.

Thea has written a book full of poetic instances and beautiful interiors and furniture and now she has a website with hot fashion shoots, incredible home interiors and tons of great artists.  And if you need to know someone or something about the western industry she is a wealth of knowledge.  Want to know what’s the latest thing going? You’ll want to make sure you get on her mailing list.

For some good laughs and serious moments about everyday life check out Soul Ranch.  She is not always so formal!

Ask yourself “Does my western shirt smile?”. Now your probably going to ask “What in the western wear is he talking about?”.

To clear any confusion you have I will now introduce you to The Scallop Yoke Western Shirt with smiling pockets. Yes, you heard me right…smiling pockets!

If you’re looking for something to rock out to the saloon or rodeo then this is the shirt. And when sporting this shirt you are The Man. Like all Cacties apparel, the Scallop Yoke is unlike any western wear out there.

Now you are probably asking “Yea, It’s got smiling pockets. So what else is so great about this shirt?”. Well first off…everything.

• 100% Cotton with a silky feel.
• Spread Collar with removable stays.
• Eight front pearled snaps (Indigo has horn snaps).
• Two barrel snapped cuff.
• And many more details and specifics that set this shirt apart from the competition.

If you are a proud owner of the Scallop Yoke we would love for you to send us some pictures of you wearing the shirt and we just might post them. After all, you are The Man. Careful though. We don’t want to have to crop out all the ladies clinging to you.

We hear all the time that the world hates America. There may be a little truth to that but it doesn’t change the fact that so much of the world wants to be like us and that includes dressing like us.

Since the United States overthrew Saddam Hussein and the Bathists, bringing democracy to Iraq, there has been and explosion in the adoption of western culture and style. From lifting weights in the gym to American label clothing, Iraqis want to share some of the things we have and now have the money to buy them. One rising fashion trend (rasmi: The latest must have fashion accesory in Arabic) for Iraqi males in Baghdad is wearing cowboy boots. From the young guy wearing a t-shirt to the businessman in a suit, cowboy boots are in. In fact, they are all the rage.

Most of the boots are imported from Turkey or other countries, but authentic U.S. made cowboy boots are more desirable even if they cost a pretty penny more than other imported boots.

I wonder if we can get some Iraqis to wear Cacties western wear shirts to complete their cowboy get ups? Let’s hope for that rasmi.

Normally when you think western shirt you don’t think golf, right? Wrong!

The Western Polo Shirt and it’s sibling the Western Pocket Polo Shirt can help you on the links by softening the negative perception your buddies have about your horrible golf game.

The narrative goes like this:

You: Dink! Crap…I’m taking a mulligan.

Your buddy behind your back: He sucks. That shirt he’s wearing is really cool though. I want one.

Do the math. In that example you went from being a total joke to someone your friends envy. Now you see the power of the Western Polo Shirt. If it can do that for you on the course just imagine what it will do at the bar after a round. You might need lady repellent.

Spring is around the corner and warm weather brings golf. You might want to think about getting some lessons and a few new shirts. While your friends are busy trying to look like Tiger Woods you’ll be looking like a Real Man.

Let me warn you though. If you are playing for more than fun and glory your opponents might want to win the shirt off your back.

If you’re in the market for a pair of cowboy boots to complete your entire western wear look, you may want to check into boot consignment shops in your area before you purchase a brand new pair. One shop in Ladson, South Carolina called The Recycled Cowboy Store does just that: hooks you up with consigned cowboy boots.

The Recycled Cowboy has everything from boots to buckles, cowboy hats to cowboy history, where at the checkout counter customers can purchase reproductions of actual tokens dispensed at Old West brothels. If you have any questions about the many interesting and unique items, co-owner Linda Blevins is usually there to answer them and her personal touch, in both dealing with customers and the items she selects for her store, are what makes the Recycled Cowboy such an intimate and charming affair. After 14 years of business, The Recycled Cowboy shows no signs of heading off into the sunset. And whether you’re a cowboy or not, it is one of the most unique stores you’ll ever experience - short on price, long on charm - and always worth the visit.

If you are in the Ladson area in the future, be sure and pop in The Recycled Cowboy to pick up a perfect pair of cowboy boots for you.

There are countless women in film and television that are stunningly beautiful. However, there are very few that appear to be grounded in reality or have an tiny bit of common sense. One starlet that has her head on strait is Jennifer Aniston. She seems to be the type of woman that you can kick back with and polish off a few coldies. At 40 Miss Aniston hasn’t missed a beat and the latest issue of GQ magizine is the perfect illustration of that fact.

I think you will agree - Jennifer Aniston looks stunning in a Necktie. Maybe it’s just me but I would have preferred to see her in our new Horny Toad Necktie. Again, maybe it’s just me.

You have to have thick skin to deal with the constant harrasment by papparazzi and every other jerk that wants to be in your business.

When somebody’s following you in a car and you don’t know if they’re a crazy fan with a gun in their hand or they’re a paparazzo, that same fear goes through you.

Keep up the good work Jennifer. Oh, and if you ever dump John Mayer feel free to give me a call. I’ll hop on my horse and be there quicker than you can say “Crappy Music”.

December came fast and we have good news. We have just added several new men’s neckties to the store.

Ties make great Christmas gifts for all men. Every guy needs a few ties even if he hardly wears them. Oh, and the results are in. Ladies love men in ties. Just ask Don Draper.

Alamo and Texas Flag Necktie for the True Texan. Wear It With Pride

Bullrider Necktie. Strap a Set On

Twister Necktie. Destroy Everything In Your Path

In addition to the ties listed above we have several more that we have added to the Cacties Store:

• Guitar and Campfire Necktie
• Horny Toad Necktie
• Spur Bandana Necktie
• Texas State Necktie
• Cutting Horse Necktie

What do we use as a barometer of what clothing styles are “in”? What the “kids” are wearing? What shows up during New York City’s fashion week? Or how about what ever is the hottest new look in Paris? Well we at Cacties will take what’s hot in Paris for a thousand, Alex. Fashion house Hermes just showcased it’s new summer line designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier which is all western wear themed.

Gaultier’s 2009 Spring/Summer “cowboy chic” collection offered a new interpretation of Hermes’s equestrian roots - the fashion house started as a saddle maker.

Recurring items included crocodile-skin bustiers and jackets, fringed ponchos and floppy sand-colour suede hats.

But many other accessories such as tall leather boots and soberly cut leather bags, remained faithful to the classic Hermes style.

The Parisians have spoken: western wear it is.

Image by: Gonzalo Fuentes