Quick Easy Santa Fe Summer Style

Pick a sheer flowing top in earth tones and add a turquoise-colored necklace.
Emperor Jasper necklace available in my boutique. 

Watch the quick video here

About Cheryl Yale Bruedigam

STYLE Santa Fe is published by Cheryl Bruedigam.
Publisher Southwest Flair Magazine 2005-present
Former professional model and skin care consultant
Fashion Degree - Flair Fashion College, Albuquerque, NM
Jewelry Designer and Stylist. Author and Publisher.


Visit and Shop Designs by Cheryl B

Vintage Saks Meets Santa Fe Style

Vintage outfits can offer a new dimension in putting together looks with Santa Fe style because we look for the unique and the different, and by using vintage pieces it is much easier to create a one-of-a-kind look because they are no longer around. It is easy to find a vintage piece that are unique and that it is what I found in putting together this look using this vintage Saks Fifth Avenue two-piece suit with skirt and vest from the eighties. 

Its cut and style, color and textures, lend itself perfectly to creating a look with Santa Fe style and class, while still retaining its New York elegance. The faux fur on the vest collar give us just the right amount of pop combined with a wool/lambswool blend in a denim-blue color that creates a comfortable and stylish southwest look.

Adding the right colors of jewelry and accessories is key to really making this suit into Santa Fe-style which I did with two sets of beautifully beaded vintage necklaces (with seed beads giving them that native-inspired flair).

I also added black dangle earrings . . .

and a braided belt in a complimentary color of sky blue.

If you love this look, you can use the ideas to create something equally stunning with any two-piece set or if this set speaks to you, it is a size 6 and is available from me on Ebay as a full fashion set including the two-piece vintage Saks suit, the jewelry and the belt; all in one. Either way, this is one way to create a timeless southwestern classic look that will remain in your closet as a staple for years to come.

Happy styling!

Other Jewelry and fashion sets are available in my shop, Designs by Cheryl B

About Cheryl Yale Bruedigam

STYLE Santa Fe is published by Cheryl Bruedigam.
Publisher Southwest Flair Magazine 2005-present
Former professional model and skin care consultant
Fashion Degree - Flair Fashion College, Albuquerque, NM
Jewelry Designer and Stylist. Author and Publisher.


Visit and Shop Designs by Cheryl B

Build-A-:Look: Earthy Tunic, Spirit Necklaces and Bag, Face and Lips

Lots of new, exciting southwest styles and designs for you. 

Read on for fashions, jewelry and accessories if you're ready for a new look, ready to enhance what you have or feeling like taking the plunge into a bold and unique style that says YOU.

It's fun and fashionable to express yourself, and STYLE Santa Fe is all about expressing what is uniquely you with a bit of a southwestern spirit. I just make suggestions based on the looks I love that I usually pull straight from my closet and I get excited to share them all. 

Summer is winding down now, so let's bring in a bit of color but with some earthier tones like this top and jewelry:

Jewelry featured: Copper-Toned Concho with Turquoise on Faux Suede, Boho Spirit Necklace,
Peacock Feather Turquoise Spirit Necklace from Designs by Cheryl B.

This look can easily be put together with a long tunic in southwest or earthy tones. This particular top is from Sivana Spirit. Pick jewelry and a bag to match.

If you can crochet, you can make this bag in a snap. 

Boho Spirit Necklace Designs by Cheryl B.

Peacock Feather and Turquoise Spirit Necklace Designs by Cheryl B.

Copper-Toned Concho with Turquoise on Faux Suede Designs by Cheryl B. 

Layer the jewelry in tones to match your top and you're set.
All pieces available in my boutique.

If it's still warm in your area, wear the long tunic as is. As the days grow cooler, add jeans and your favorite rugged boots. Mix it up, either way, it's a staple look year round. 

You might want to add a little matching pizzazz with a new bronzer from Dirty Little Secret in Skinny Dip (on which I will do a separate review), just right for that end-of-summer all-over glow. Add to brow bones and a hint beneath lower lashes, add to cheekbone, forehead and chin.

Top it all off with a earthy but golden lipstick from LA Colors in French Roast. Or if desired, wear a similar color in a matte, then add the golden shimmer to the center of the bottom lip. ooo la la.

Put it all together and you've got a great look with Santa Fe-style. Casual or dressy, set your spirit free and step out with a look that's you. If earth tones aren't your thing, work with the colors that are and just follow these suggestions and styles as a guideline. 

About Cheryl Yale Bruedigam

STYLE Santa Fe is published by Cheryl Bruedigam.
Publisher Southwest Flair Magazine 2005-present
Former professional model and skin care consultant
Fashion Degree - Flair Fashion College, Albuquerque, NM
Jewelry Designer and Stylist. Author and Publisher.


Visit and Shop Designs by Cheryl B

Green Jade, Santa Fe-Style - How to Get Looks Like This For Free

Meshing east and west into Santa Fe-style is easy like I did with this outfit combining eastern fashion and stones with a bit of southwest; just keep your eye out for the perfect treasures. I put this outfit together for no cost by adding bits and pieces here and there as I came across them. 

The green pants, I had for a while. They were a pair of hand-me-downs from my daughter. I rarely wore them as I never had the right colors or accessories to go with them. I put the belt together from a belt that came on a pair of pants my husband bought and a buckle that was given me by an elderly friend who thought I would like it.

The jacket was a give-away that I literally got for free. It is gorgeous; vintage wool from India in perfect condition. 

The shirt is one I recently featured that I had re-styled from a large women's t-shirt into a tight fitting tank. 

A week ago I received the bag as a gift. It is quilted and in paisley designs similar to the jacket.

I topped off the outfit with a just-finished necklace from my line at Designs by Cheryl B.. It took me two days to make. It has double strands and on the top strand I handmade each link of copper. It is all a mix of jade and acrylic beads. The pendant stone is calcite crystal wrapped in copper wire with matching beads. The upper portion is copper chain. 

After that I saw a promotional post for Johnny Was Clothing and there was a similar blouse to my jacket (retail $220) paired with green jeans and a similar bag and I realized I already had items that were a near match and if I put them all together, it was going to look amazing. 

If you have the eye and the patience to gather the pieces, you too can put together amazing looks with Santa Fe-style for little-to-no-cost. In my case, things just show up. When you make a find, just because you do not have anything to match now does not mean that in a month or two you won't. Grab the find and put it away until you come across the right pieces to go with it. You will get the knack and before long be putting together your own uniquely beautiful looks. 

About Cheryl Yale Bruedigam 

STYLE Santa Fe is published by Cheryl Bruedigam.
Publisher Southwest Flair Magazine 2005-present
Former professional model and skin care consultant
Fashion Degree - Flair Fashion College, Albuquerque, NM
Jewelry Designer and Stylist. Author and Publisher.


Visit and Shop Designs by Cheryl B

Quick Style - STYLE Santa Fe - Vintage Scarf, Altered Top and Chunky Ne...

Watch the video here or on my channel.







Quick style tips on another great, easy look with Santa Fe-style. Watch the video to find out how to get this amazing look using a vintage African print scarf, an altered top and a chunky beaded shell necklace.



You can do this yourself or you can order the whole set (while available) in my boutique.

Have fun styling!

About Cheryl Yale Bruedigam

STYLE Santa Fe is published by Cheryl Bruedigam.

Publisher Southwest Flair Magazine 2005-present

Former professional model and skin care consultant

Fashion Degree - Flair Fashion College, Albuquerque, NM 

Jewelry Designer and Stylist. Author and Publisher.

Visit and Shop Designs by Cheryl B

Southwest Accessories to Take Late Summer into Fall

Just produced for Southwest Flair Magazine,this short video on using boots, bracelets and beads to help you transition from late summer to early fall--also look great for Santa Fe style any time of year!

Put together your own look and style with long, flowing or swirling southwestern-style skirts, leathers or faux leathers, layers of turquoise and beaded gemstones in the earthy fall colors that blend so well in Santa Fe-style. It's a little slouch, a touch of bo-ho, a lot of turquoise and some rough-stock boots. It's fun and it's you. Mix and match for the perfect look. It's fun to experiment. Bring in dark greens, gold tones, browns and the almighty turquoise and you will be ready to transition summer to fall in Santa Fe-style!

If you like the jewelry, browse my shop, Designs by Cheryl B., where you may order most pieces in the video.

Santa Fe Summer Ease with Tie-Dye and Silk

Trendy, boho, Santa Fe-style look is quick and easy to put together 

with just the right top and a few simple accessories.

This is a look I put together recently for a booth I had during Blues Fest. Just because it's hot doesn't mean you can't be fashionable.

This ensemble includes a tie-dyed dress or tunic which is easy and cool. Using the same vintage fringed silk scarf that I have previously shown as a top, this time wrapping it as a belt. 

Add your favorite southwestern and turquoise jewelry and you are good to go. Easy, cool and fashionable. Dressy enough for most occasions but casual enough to be very comfortable. 

All jewelry, including the vintage handmade fringed collar, is available in my shop,
Designs by Cheryl B.

Another Great Match for Spring: Pink and Turquoise

Sometimes my eye just catches colors. I work a lot with color therapy but it applies to fashion as well and today my eye caught two colors I would have otherwise never thought to pair: pink and turquoise.

This is a really beautiful combination and yet another way to combine the feminine with a little rough-stock. It's dreamy yet colorful, soft with an edge.

My Spring/Summer Pick for Santa Fe Style

Spring brings the desire for a fresh look and if you're going to invest, it probably needs to be something that can carry on through summer, maybe into early fall. Some years I get new pieces, other years I just re-mix and re-match what I have, perhaps with some different accessories. 

This spring though I got this red dress with native designs around the neckline.

At first I thought it too bold, bit then in the same week, I came into these adorable used and scuffed, worn but loved, black boots with red roses.

I still didn't put two and two together though until I noticed the hat that has been hanging on my wall for a few seasons now, a cute little rust-colored straw that perfectly matched the colors in the neckline of the dress and the wheels in my brain were starting to turn,

There was still something missing though and I decided it needed to be a large chunky necklace or two to compliment the red so I whipped up two that I simply adore. Finally I was ready to put it all together, and viola! My new favorite spring and summer ensemble. Ready to stroll the Plaza.

Let this be your guide in finding out how one new or simple piece can suddenly lead you on a couture-journey into sometimes seemingly mis-matched or unchartered territory. I had no idea these stray pieces would tie together for such an amazing southwest look. So keep your eye peeled and when that first piece shows up, look around, scout around and see what treaures you can add to create your own special spring and summer look.

Vintage Leather Horse-Tack Cuffs

Whoa, giddy-up. Vintage leather horse tack makes amazing jewelry cuffs for the gal who wants to add a little leather to her lace.

Coming from a horse background and having grown up with horses, I was delighted when my husband came in with some vintage tack saying he thought maybe I could make something of it. I sure could! It was such a joy to work with the rough yet softened leather, knowing that a horse had been the wearer and I can now make it into pieces to share. Horse medicine is good medicine. 

I made cuffs and I also made a choker that I love that really gives an outfit that Santa Fe-style.

These plain leather cuffs, fashioned from vintage horse tack are comfortable and stylish with a rough style and smooth feel. Easy and fun to wear with a beaded gliding leather fastener. Available with a brown or turquoise leather fastener.

Order yours today at Cheryl B. Designs Studio.

Video - Dressing Up Your Denim with Santa Fe-Style

New video on how to dress up your denim with Santa Fe-style.
Watch here or on my YouTube Channel.

We all wear denim and this video will show you some ideas on dressing up your everyday denim with Santa Fe-style by adding a little flair with jewelry and accessories, all with your favorite old denim shirt. Shows you how to create several different looks from daytime dress to casual to evening.

With your host, Cheryl Bruedigam, stylist and beauty consultant for STYLE Santa Fe. For more fashion and beauty tips subscribe to the channel and visit the site at http://stylesantafe.blogspot.com

Download the new ebook, "Model's Top Ten Secrets to Beauty," while at the site.

Belts created by Cheryl B. Designs.

Chunky, Ethnic Jewelry and its Place in Santa Fe-Style

If you love that Santa Fe-style in clothing and accessories, chances are you also love the chunky jewelry that goes with it so well. Usually with an ethnic edge or from cultural artisans, I believe its roots and inclusion can be traced to the plentiful supply of turquoise jewelry in the region, mostly from Native American crafters.

Many pieces and stones are simply worn in a more natural state.

Though turquoise can certainly be set into tiny and dainty pieces, there are so many large and unique pieces crafted that those of us who truly love the southwest and all that goes along with the Santa Fe-style, can agree that large, beautiful, chunky turquoise pieces set in silver probably rank number one in the jewelry department. There is also a love of the raw and many pieces and stones are simply worn in a more natural state.

With the addition of these pieces to the Santa Fe look, other large pieces have evolved into inclusion due to the large number of jewelry crafters in the region as well as the inclusion of just ethnic clothing and designs in general because it all works so well with Santa Fe-style. Artistic, bohemian, ethnic, free-spirited, cowboys and Indians, all come together in the mix that we call Santa Fe-style and chunky jewelry has certainly earned its place.

Handmade Leather Craftmanship with Santa-Fe Style

Another little jewel that I found a few days ago. A naive-inspired and hand-crafted fanny-pack. You just never know what you will find that you can pick up easily to add that bit of Santa Fe-style to your wardrobe and adding accessories is one of the easiest way to do it.

Beautiful detail and mother of pearl buttons

This is going to come in handy strolling around Santa Fe!

Braided Cord Belt

This braided cord belt is easy to make and has plenty Santa Fe -style.

Pick your cord type and color. Measure cord around waste and double the length, then one half the length again.  Cut nine of these lengths.

Braid three of the lengths into one, tie a tight knot at each end. Repeat with three more lengths of the cord. Repeat with the last three lengths. Now you have three braided lengths of cord. Braid all of these together. Tie them together in a tight knot at each end.

This is your finished belt. If it is not long enough to tie  (it should be) you can make a single cord tie extension for each end.

STYLE Santa Fe - Tote Bags

A must-have for that STYLE Santa Fe look is a tote bag. There are so many beautifully crafted totes to choose from in a variety of cultural and ethnic prints, colors, and textiles. We picked this little guy up in Ruidoso but he has definitely got Santa Fe-style!

STYLE Santa Fe - The Go-To Basics

From Editor Cheryl Bruedigam

To start you off I am sharing my favorite, easiest go-to look when it comes to my own Santa Fe-style.

Four basic pieces: jeans, a black tank, boots and turquoise or similar jewelry like multi-wrap bead-bracelets). 

Keeping a tank top in every color that you like will broaden versatility, especially earth and desert-tones, and let's not forget turquoise. And of course, boots to suit the mood, the activity or the weather. In cooler weather I layer over the tank with button-up shirts or light jackets. 

That's it. It's simple, comfortable, timeless, and cool-lookin'!

Lace Bandana Headband

Great look for casual or dress, this bandana lace head-wrap. These may be easily made by simply sewing the lace around a piece of elastic.

Conchos, Crochet and Straw

Another great look for spring and summer, crochet and straw in natural earthy colors. Crochet fringed skirt paired with sandals and a concho belt. A straw hat  and an antique broach for just the right touch.