Ralph Lauren's haute hoedown

Face it, Ralph Lauren, um, “reigns,” when it comes to luxe American Western wear, and he made no bones about his love affair with the look at his Friday morning show. Lauren’s well-heeled (sandals, not boots) Annie Oakleys wore fringes galore – on jackets, coats, even shorts.  These produced in supple deerskin and spring-weight suede came in pale colors – parchment, sand, ivory -- with some lush brown thrown into the mix.

Amping up the home-on-the-range aura – serape shawls, Navajo beading, sun-faded florals. Lots of girlie stuff within the prairie theme – dreamy, white crocheted dresses and coats (these will gallop out of stores next spring), a blush chantilly lace strapless stunner, starched white linen blouses, some with puffed shoulders, ruffles or men’s collars. 

Evening melds the humble and the haute – a faded green plaid work shirt is paired with a platinum lamé beaded skirt.  All accessorized with saddle and hobo bags, and across the board (even with evening gowns), a gutsy wide leather belt with a massive silver buckle emblazoned with a buffalo skull.  Y'all will love it.

PHOTOS: See the Ralph Lauren spring 2011 collection | Celebs at fashion week