We people groups are evaluating "people groups" all of the time. Since the beginning of time probably. Why. Why?
Because we are unique.
Because we are different.
We are supposed to be unique and different. That's how we have survived all of the Centuries. We are Unique, different, and determined to survive.
Ok.
That's enough for now. Please just look at this picture, and know that what I have to share with you could be the most encouraging, yet challenging thing you have encountered.... coming from a hay-seed-plow-girl-cow-girl...
Nanci
]]>We celebrate our lives. We travel to be with those who mean the world to us. We stay up late at night putting final touches on the cake, the dress, the dance hall, the costume. We shorten our grandsons pant hem and we later stay up REALLY late watching the videos, and laughing and crying.
We are FREE! Our children's wedding ceremonies can be written by them.
We are FREE! Our businesses can post Images/Literature/Quotes of anything WE want ...to encourage, support, advertise.... or admonish.
We are FREE in a most fabulous way that no other country on earth is.
Our Constitution. The Constitution of the United States of America spells out these truths.
Have you read it?
Have you read it recently?
Here you go. Please. Be informed. Be involved. Be a force to protect. Be a force of truth and be an AMERICAN. In God we trust. Only.
https://www.annenbergclassroom.org/constitution/
There are so many sites to read, and even more great books.
Please be encouraged, be challenged. We are smarter than ever, however, perhaps a bit complacent. Let us not let down our gaurd.
Nanci
]]>My random observations shared to Friends!
I'm finding that as I was required to slow down during the recent pandemic, I changed. I wonder, in how many ways have we all been effected? We were all definitely slammed to a halt in areas of activities, and freedoms.
Did we learn? Did we grow? Did we become a better version of ourselves?
Here was my prayer.
When the pandemic first hit, I asked The Lord, "Is THIS IT? Is this the end of Your Tailored West, this little thing You asked me to have enough FAITH to start? Are you putting this to a close, and I ride off into the sunset? Are You turning this amazing team free to pursue some other line of work, grow is some other aspect with their talents and gifts?"
Just like that, I was filled with a NEW energy and a pascal of fabulous NEW ideas started pouring into my heart, and I knew the answer was clear!
Friends, as difficult as the year has been for business, we are living in thanksgiving. Thankful we did not loose ONE SINGLE TEAM MEMBER, and have been able to hire even more talented people to advance our manufacturing and online capabilities. The difficulties became challenges that our Team arose to, which turned into growth for us all, which in turn strengthened the entire business.
We once again extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and encouragement.
We couldn't do what we do without you!
~ Nanci and The Fierce Girl Band of Tailored West
]]>Recipe ::: You'll need Chocolate Kisses, Slivered Almonds, maraschino Cherries WITH Stems, some Melting Chocolate, and a tube of RED glaze that I always find in the cake decorating section at any grocery. You will also need paper towels, Milk, Coffee or wine and Christmas Music playing for this to go right.
1. First... Pair up the ears. We like our Mice to have ears that are the same size... If you don't care if they are embarrassed, you can skip this step.
2. Unwrap all the little chubby chocolate heads.
3. Lay out the paper towels and after you drain the cherry bodies, select the best ones with good long tails and let them drain for awhile.
4. Melt your chocolate and as you dredge each cherry, you attach a Kiss Mousey head and inset the little Almond ears.
5. When they are cooled, you dot on the glaze eyes and a nice prominent Mousy Nose.
6.Let the little guys dry over night....
I love giving them as gifts. Playing a Hide and Seek gave with prizes, letting them run around on top of my Christmas cakes and pies, or anything else that seems fun and joyful!
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Ingredients to slice: 1 large Orange, 2 Lemons and 2 Limes
Fruit to add whole: 8-12 washed Strawberries, a hand full of Raspberries
Thaw a frozen concentrate of Pomegranate Juice and put over fruit, marinating it for 12-24 hours.
At serving time add a bottle of wine: I use a white wine(chilled) for brunch, and for afternoon/evening Sangria I use Merlot or a Cabernet (also Chilled).
Lastly I add 1 large bottle of Sprite.
Tip: Ahead of time....actually... ALL of the time I keep in my freezer the following so my Sangria can be out for hours without getting watered down and stays Yummy Cool!:
I thaw 2 pomegranate juices and add a bottle of red wine... mix well and pour into containers of your choice. I use 6-12 ounce plastic containers.
]]>Sharing one read from the New York Times in my research to develop Tailored West Face Masks;
"While a simple face covering can reduce the spread of coronavirus by blocking outgoing germs from coughs or sneezes of an infected person, experts say there is more variation in how much homemade masks might protect the wearer from incoming germs, depending on the fit and quality of the material used.
Scientists around the country have taken it upon themselves to identify everyday materials that do a better job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored well, as did vacuum cleaner bags, layers of 600-count pillowcases and fabric similar to flannel pajamas. Stacked coffee filters had medium scores. Scarves and bandanna material had the lowest scores, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
If you don’t have any of the materials that were tested, a simple light test can help you decide whether a fabric is a good candidate for a mask.
“Hold it up to a bright light,” said Dr. Scott Segal, chairman of anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health who recently studied homemade masks. “If light passes really easily through the fibers and you can almost see the fibers, it’s not a good fabric. If it’s a denser weave of thicker material and light doesn’t pass through it as much, that’s the material you want to use.”Researchers say it’s important to remember that lab studies are conducted under perfect conditions with no leaks or gaps in the mask, but the test methods give us a way to compare materials. And while the degree of filtration for some homemade masks seems low, most of us — who are staying home and practicing social distancing in public — don’t need the high level of protection required for medical workers. More important, any face covering is better than none, especially if worn by a person who has the virus but doesn’t know it.
The biggest challenge of choosing a homemade mask material is to find a fabric that is dense enough to capture viral particles, but breathable enough that we can actually wear it. Some items being touted online promise high filtration scores, but the material would be unwearable."
https://www.tailoredwest.com/collections/tailored-west-headbands-and-masks
Made in the USA Always
Welcome to our first Tailored West, 113 Latigo Lane. I started working for Nanci back when she was in the little store behind Chili's, way back in 2013. I was given a business card of Nanci's by my clothing teacher my Junior year of High School (back when I thought I would be a fashion designer).
Thus, the beautiful journey of my life with Tailored West began. I was interviewed by Brenda, so I did not even meet Nanci until my first day on the job. Amy was my orientation teacher, so I still was not around Nanci for the first while. I have been working since I was 13 years old. I was so fascinated for my first job not in food service, I was ready to do anything to keep this job. Even if that meant deep cleaning the bathroom (which was our dressing room at the time, wow how far we've come). Eventually I worked more with Nanci, helping her fold the pieces of fabric for the first Bolder Bands, being her personal mannequin for her designs, and keeping people away from her so she could work. Shortly after my time with her, it was time to move to something bigger.
New move! Off we traveled to our rustic little 224 Main Street store across from Doritos. Many knew this store by the bright green door we had painted out front. It was a bigger space that we made look smaller with all of the things we filled it with. Many memories and fashion shows were started at 224, including our expansion store, 103 North Tejon Street in Colorado Springs (Sorry, no picture, my store was the Cañon store). Almost done with High School, I had discovered the performance life was the life for me. Nanci had helped me develop a better sense of style for me and my personality rather than what I was trying to copy from social media. I was so grateful ending my senior year and last summer before college with Nanci helping her and other small town businesses in Cañon City grow.
Off to college as a Musical Theatre and Dance Major I went. Of course I still needed a job, so I continued to work for Nanci when I came home for breaks from college. College expanded so many opportunities and life chapters for me, yet my Tailored West chapter still has not come to a close. Two summers later I came home to a big brand new (very open store, compared to 224). 502 Main Street, across from the new Teek restaurant. ***Our team works so much and hard, how else are we supposed to feed ourselves if we don't set up shop across from a restaurant (;
Here we are, 5 years in the making. As I am about to go off onto my 5th and final year of College, I can't help but look back on how much growth has been made in the past 5 (going on 6) years. First of all, how much my sense of style has changed and developed into what it is today. Second of all, how much our little 113 Latino Lane store has grown into this continuously growing small town miracle. Opening our doors to all and making "love our highest goal" 1Corinthians14:1.
Of course we are still doing our in-store alterations, and we now have tuxedo rentals here in our little big town of Cañon City. Perfect for all your events whether you have a wedding coming up, prom, or just a fancy night out. We are also SO HAPPY to have the 103 North Tejon Street in Colorado Springs as our first franchise! We welcome the new owner, Elma, with open arms and hearts to our team! Our fashion team and experts are here to help you grow your own fashion styles, business, or help you find that missing piece in your closet.
Come say hi to one of our team members in a store today! 502 Main Street, Cañon City or 103 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs. And don't forget to come in tomorrow too because our store is always changing!
~Brianna
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If I think of each year as a new "Level" that I've grown up into. A higher level in which I have stretched and grown, but totally been tossed around and blown over....I can embrace these years. These LEVELS. They are my friends. Funny to think of TIME, as a friend. TIME. My sidekick that I look over my shoulder at and wink. TIME. My shadow of a past filled with goals, disappointments and lessons. TIME. My teacher now cheering me on as I have finally grown up to the title "Girl Boss". TIME. Who has taught me how to lead with love, fairness, and selflessness. TIME. Who has knocked me on my BUTT when I have attempted to lead or serve any other way....with an ego...with overly aggressive plans, or just simply without a well designed PLAN!
My gorgeous and smart Daughter gave me a book for Christmas. I highly recommend this for you Ladies that want to be a Girl Boss, are already a Boss and want to be a better Boss, or know a Girl who wants....well you get my point!
If I had read this earlier in my journey I could have come further, faster....but that wan't how things went. Some of us have to come up the back staircase to the best level at the perfect time.
Enjoy the level you are at today.
Challenge yourself to step up and keep stepping up until you reach your goals!
~Nanci
Coming in March 2018 so be sure to follow us on Facebook so you don't miss a beat!
Bring us Your unwanted Jeans, Laces, Buttons, Leather Boots of any kind, flannel shirts, and leather clothing.Enjoy complimentary Coffee or tea and treats, and receive a coupon redeemable on ANY American Made item! Candles, Clothes, ANYTHING American Made! Both Stores!
There is no monetary exchange for the items you bring in...However, you have our promise...
I feel this new adventure is going to be highly rewarding in a multitude of ways and I thank you in advance for your interest and any contributions, whether your prayers, your encouraging words, your visits or your "stuff"!
God Bless America, God bless You!
Nanci
]]>I'm excited to write this and I hope you enjoy the information and are motivated in some way!
We attended an inspirational meeting last night and I wanted to spread some of these Affirmations of the YWAM Wealth Creation Manifesto. This meeting was in Colorado Springs at the YWAM School of Business and Entrepreneurship DTS.
We were warmly greeted and treated to dessert and coffee and then the true treat began...
Learning about the affirmations of the Lausanne Movement and Business As Mission (BAM)
I'm just going to mention a few that highly resonated with me:
synonyms: |
freethinking, free, individualistic; More
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synonyms: |
self-governing, self-ruling, self-determining, sovereign, autonomous, free, nonaligned
"an independent country"
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synonyms: |
impartial, unbiased, unprejudiced, neutral, disinterested, uninvolved, uncommitted, detached, dispassionate, objective, nonpartisan, nondiscriminatory
"independent advice"
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synonyms: |
self-sufficient, self-supporting, self-reliant, standing on one's own two feet
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antonyms: | dependent |
Friends, I have attempted many endeavors in my 55 years that have come to a sudden end. They needed to.
Tailored West is different! It cannot end because every day as I arrive bright and early, I WANT to be here... I WANT to be doing this! It is not money that keeps me trying to grow my label Ver'e'ne and my company, Tailored West.
It is an internal passion to create something beautiful and lasting. Something that inspires others. Something that the entire team can embrace. Something they can own and believe in. A business wherein each employee's contribution is irreplaceable.
Why try....and what are we trying to do??
Ver'e'ne is a growing label in Colorado that has several "Legs" to stand on!
1. Quality fabrics. Some Vintage touches, some organic and natural touches, but the primary characteristics QUALITY and HAND (Fabulous to the touch).
2. Fit. Ver'e'ne Fits American women. If you are a size Medium. You will wear Medium in Ver'e'ne....Not a size UP because the garment was made off-shore.
3. Quality construction. We do not cut corners on construction in any way.
4. Style. Fashion with flair. Fashion that is Pretty and fashion that is feminine!
In the effort to bring to Colorado, fabulous, American made quality clothing for women, I just spent days in Dallas sourcing fabrics for the upcoming designs.
Arriving in a few day, the largest, most exciting collection of colors and textures yet so stay tuned as we roll out an unexpected and refreshing collection of Ver'e'ne!
Thanks for spending a minute with a dreamer!
~Nanci
]]>I think this word feels elegant, sophisticated and ohhhh so soft on the lips. The French know all about language, and it amazes me how so many French words have a way of feeling like the object as spoken!
chif·fon
SHiˈfän/Submit
noun
a light, sheer fabric typically made of silk or nylon.
"a chiffon blouse"
(of a cake or dessert) made with beaten egg whites to give a light consistency.
modifier noun: chiffon
"chiffon cake"
Ver'e'ne Chiffon lined Skirts are amazingly feminine!
Chiffon (French pronunciation: [ʃi.fɔ̃]; English pronunciation /ʃɪˈfɒn/, shiff-on, from the French word for a cloth or rag) is a lightweight, balanced plain-woven sheer fabric woven of alternate S- and Z-twist crepe (high-twist) yarns.[1] The twist in the crepe yarns puckers the fabric slightly in both directions after weaving, giving it some stretch and a slightly rough feel.
Many Ver'e'ne cascading vests, peasant blouses, and dresses are coming out this season for the most colorful, joyous, dressing!!
Early chiffon was made purely from silk. In 1938, however, a nylon version of chiffon was invented, and in 1958 polyester chiffon was invented and became immensely popular due to its resilience and low cost. Under a magnifying glass chiffon resembles a fine net or mesh which gives it some transparency.
The Girls having a great time with a recent photo shoot! Shelby in Double D and Anna feeling pretty in Ver'e'ne Chiffon!!
Chiffon is (was) most commonly used in evening wear, especially as an overlay, for giving an elegant and floating appearance to the gown. It is also a popular fabric used in blouses, ribbons, scarves and lingerie. Like other crêpe fabrics, chiffon can be difficult to work with because of its light and slippery texture. Due to this delicate nature, chiffon must be hand washed very gently.
.....NOW....Jasmine Pants are rolling out at Tailored West! We can't make them fast enough!! They are AMAZINGLY PRETTY AND AMAZINGLY COMFORTABLE!
VER'E'NE Chiffon is smoother and more lustrous than the similar fabric georgette, and you just MUST come and see all the new pieces in this illustrious fabric by Ver'e'ne!
God bless you Beautiful Women, and know that YOU are marvelously made, and greatly Loved!
~Nanci
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Have you had a person in your life that you just admire so much, that it is hard to put into words? Over the last year I have watched my incredible boss, Nanci Kezar, defy all odds. She is always on the go, always .
Greetings From Nanci at Tailored West, Your fashion Destination!
Hello Friends,
I've been really contemplating how to move my business forward this year. I have enjoyed some reading time, and even a few weekends away from the business to re-group and plan, to put a little dreaming time back into my life and spend added time in prayer and Thanksgiving.
You are about to see a fun explosion of color as the Spring and Summer fashions arrive!!
I am designing a few Ver'e'ne pieces to compliment each of our key lines...
"Ver'e'ne", designed and manufactured in Canon City Colorado to stage the Artistic beading and embellishments of Double D Ranch, the feminine flair of April Cornell, the carefree yet chic looks of Chalet and Jess and Jane, and the absolute artistry of Vintage Concept!
Additionally, watch for an all-new roll out of silks, crazy beautiful laces and fringe fringe fringe!! It is going to be a fantastic season at Tailored West!!
Please enjoy The TW Version of feeling and looking your BEST!
Thank you for your time!!! Friend.... you are exhibiting an interest in what we are doing in the world of fashion and we appreciate that!!
See Ya!
Nanci
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There are hundreds of leggings out there..different styles, colors, and fabrics. So what makes Elietian leggings our #1 seller? Well, if you are like me, a mom with a not so perfect body, most leggings will fold down. Then I'd spend my day constantly pulling and tugging to put them back where they go, so leggings lost their appeal quickly for me. After working here at Tailored West, and hearing repeated praises by our customers and other employees, I decided to get a pair. The next morning, I grabbed my leggings and started to put them on. They have to be put on like a pair of pantyhose..I rolled them up and got to the high-waist band. I was bit skeptical, Elietian claims their leggings fit size 0-16. I am a size 8 and they look small. I got them on, put on my tunic dress..and headed off to work. This was the real test for me because I am up, down and all around...all day long. So at my lunch break I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror...did the 360. I was impressed. The high-waist band smooths out what I call my "fluffiness". I was also still comfortable, no creases in my skin. Fast forward to the end of the day..I was SOLD. I was a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal. I now have several colors of the Elietian leggings, and have even ventured to the matching long-sleeved and v-neck dresses. These leggings and dresses have become my preferred outfit because you can do so much with them with what you already have in your closet. Athletic to sophisticated just with a change to the top. I've added a few pictures to show the versatility of these pieces. Try them once, LOVE them forever! That is their company slogan...and it rings so true!
Elietian V Neck/Scoop Neck Dress
with Elietian Leggings in Toffee. |
Elietian Long Sleeve Dress
with Elietian Leggings in Burgundy |
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We hope to see you there!!
]]>As I write to you....
How can I be sure that the words I choose portray what I am really thinking? How can I express that we really want to be involved in your fashion decisions?!!
Oh Friends!! How I believe that at Tailored West, and tailoredwest.com, we can assist you in looking your best, feeling beautiful and confident....Coming this week-end. Your professional Style Consultant at your fingertips! Check it out at tailored west.com
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Wednesdays are our "First Friday", complete with Rock-n-Roll in production and boxes of sweet treats....We just set the stage for a Friday attitude!
That rolls us through a productive Thursday as we look forward to....well.....FRIDAY!
So, Happy First Friday everyone!
And remember, that the "First Friday" of every month is super special at Tailored West.
This week, once again, enjoy "Ridin' The Strings"!! Yea! Ric and Jerry will set up and be strumming' and singing your favorite Country, Blues, Rock-n-Roll, and original Music by 6pm. Enjoy Beverages and Cheeses and Snacks.
The new Fashions for Spring and Summer are arriving daily as are more shoes and boots! New New New and oh so Fresh are the looks this season!
So Friends, Enjoy your First Friday Today, and Please know I'd be thrilled to see you for May's First Friday this week!
I've enjoyed our chat!
Nanci
Tailored West, Inc.
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My son brought him to Colorado when I first moved here four years ago. Benny was a puppy, and we ....well, we needed each other.
Both kind of cast-aways, orphans, misfits.....at least I thought that I was....
I used to quip that Benny cost $32.50 a day to keep, for all the stuff he wrecked, chewed, tore up.....and added in to that was all the trips to the dog pound. He liked adventure I guess and so squirrels, bunnies, boys on scooters or skateboards could ruin his best intentions of staying home.....
I LOVE Kate DiCamillo and her book "Because of Winn-Dixie" has an excerpt that describes my Boutique Benny to a T!
"And then he crept up on the couch with us in this funny way he has, where he gets on the couch an inch at a time, kind of sliding himself onto it, looking off in a different direction, like it's all happening by accident, like he doesn't intend to get on the couch, but all of a sudden, there he is."
At Tailored West.....everybody loves Boutique Benny. I wish all of you could know him, and I hope that you have your own version.
Love the day, Pet the Pets, Cross your T's and DoubleYour D's!
I've enjoyed our chat!
Nanci
Tailored West Bottle Washer
Ver'e'ne Instigator
]]>"What is the ONE CONDITION we offer for you awesome Ladies and Gentlemen that would create a LOVE for our Business??
I would Love to hear what your experience has been. Some Feedback on our Facebook page would be such Joy to all of us at Tailored West! Won't you "Like" us on Facebook and give the TW Girls a boost!?
This week we show our appreciation for our Customers by offering TWO regular price items at 30% off!!
Online Customers, your CODE will be "LOVE@30%"......Enjoy 30% off all orders over $100!
Happy Shopping Friends!
Nanci
Owner of Tailored West, Inc
Designer of Ver'r'ne
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I have a crazy love for the West, and especially the super strong characters that came before us and powered through the horrendous obstacles!
Imagine the differences as Ancient Cultures clashed and crashed into each other....
Helen Keller is quoted today, with words for us to live by as we work and play in an equally diverse world with old and new ideas ever evolving.
"Tolerance is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle."
Remember friends, Helen Keller was the FIRST deaf and blind person to graduate from college.....if you haven't read her biography....(recently), please do. It will change your outlook and your attitude forever for the better!
Rock on today Friends....Double Your D's, Cross your T's, Sport Your Rock and Roll Cowgirl Jeans, and You GO!
Nanci
Designer of Ver'e'ne
President of Tailored West, Inc.
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Friends! I've enjoyed our chat!
Nanci
Designer of Ver'e'ne
President Tailored West, Inc.
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