Skin tight denim, stacked heels, embroidery, and pearlized buttons … it truly takes a self-aware man to pull off these design details.

In western wear, these traditional womenswear elements are readily available in menswear, and for years high-end designers have be using these details to inspire modern and updated collections.

For fall and winter 2011, nothing can be further from the truth, and with westernwear alive and well in Nevada County, it's no wonder that this is one trend that we all hitch our wagons to.

How the West was worn

Not just a title of one of model and local author Chris Enss' many western themed books, but also the starting point for building a western inspired wardrobe perfectly on trend for the season.

Denim, of course, has to play a leading roll in the ensembles, originally worn by gold miners during the gold rush here in the western U.S., but reworked today into fitted denim jackets, button-up shirts, capris, and even dyed into a must-have shade of gray.

Denim is a must-have for the season, and for the ladies a trip to Mill St. Clothing Co. in downtown Grass Valley is also a must. With denim jeans in every wash, cut, and style available you will surely be able to find your perfect fit.

Denim jackets are another great way to infuse some western influence into a work outfit. Pair with a crisp white dress shirt and universally flattering a-line skirt and you will be ready to take on a boardroom or the entire frontier

For another strike-it-rich denim moment for both women and men, make sure you visit Swenson's Outdoors. The newly renovated women's store located at 125 Mill St. is open and full of stylish denim choices including colorfully embroidered denim capris — perfect to go with any number of long-sleeved printed tops essential for layering.

For the men, the original Swenson's located at 105 West Main St. is still the biggest denim claim in Western Nevada County.

With hard-working brands such as Carhartt and Ben Davis, not only is there a huge selection of dark- and light-wash denim with details including flannel lining and double knees, there is also a great selection of denim shirts and toppers perfect for showing the west how to wear a thing or two.

Stake your fashion claim

To help make your new western-inspired look more memorable, the important thing to remember is personality.

The difference between fashion and style is that everyone can buy fashion but style is something that is uniquely yours. Both Mill St. Clothing Co. and Swenson's offer classic wardrobe essentials but with only a little extra sifting you will certainly be able to find your style jackpot.

For the women this season make sure that you add a touch of fur, ruffles and lace to your wardrobe. Ruffled front tops are great layering pieces under tailored jackets and will be a nice contrast to a great pair of dark wash jeans or cords.

Fur-trimmed anything is a major trend not to be ignored, look for anything (faux or real) that you can easily work into your everyday look such as a reversible vest.

Lace is another great trend to play with and a little goes a long way — lace-trimmed camis, tops and tees can be found at Swenson's and Mill St. Clothing Co. and are great for denim and diamond social events.

For the men, it's important not to be afraid of color and also non-blue jean denim. Dark denim shirts can be easily worn over a T-shirts for a layered look for fall and chambray blue jeans are a great foundation for a pop of color with a great burnt orange, rust, or red woven shirt.

Layering is very important — it adds dimension and depth in an outfit without having to invest in a lot of bold prints and plaids that overwhelm larger frames.

Swenson's can help even the most stuck-in-the-mud male with a helpful staff and plenty of selection in both tops and bottoms — perfect for work and yes, even going out!

All that glitters

For the ladies who need a little extra glitter in their golden wardrobe, a visit to Wild Side in Downtown Grass Valley is one place where you will leave with extra look and extra cash.

For 10 years, Wild Side has been offering affordable fashion for the stylish women of Nevada County.

Fully stocked for the fall and winter season, Wild Side has the best selection of cowboy boots, fuax fur and sherpa vests and jackets, feathered and colorful accessories and handbags — all under $40.

For a true fashion find and your finishing touch, make sure that a trip to Wild Side is on your horizon.

Fall in love with your western roots

Fall is the perfect time to get in touch with your western roots and the history behind Nevada County and its mining heritage.

With the great gold rush and the sudden need for denim came an iconic style that has inspired designers and the fashion world for decades.

Here in Nevada County it is easy to live this heritage with stylish finds from Swenson's Outdoors, Mill St. Clothing Co. and Wild Side. Your favorite pair of jeans is just like your western heritage, you remember to take them where ever you go … just make sure you add a couple new tops along the way too!

Go forth and shop!

Christian Michael Goodwin is the Creative Director of CMG Creative Services specializing in Fashion Designer, Fashion and Wardrobe Styling, Fashion Reporting and Writing, and Retail Development. Christian is based in Nevada County and works with companies from California to New York. Be sure to visit his daily fashion blog at www.theunion.com/fashion. To contact Christian please email: cmgcreativeservices@live.com or visit www.cmgcreativeservices.com.

FALL HAIR AND MAKEUP TRENDS

By the staff of BodyWorks Salon & Day Spa

Moving into the cooler months its important to start adding more dimensions of color to the hair and face.

The stylists at the newly-renovated BodyWorks Salon & Day Spa will custom blend a colorstory for the hair to help add more visual interest and warmth to your overall look.

Import color trends for fall include anything in the red, copper and auburn family, with lowlights and colored extensions your look will pop!

Choosing a warmer makeup palette is important to keep your face looking younger and healthier. With warmer tones for the eyes and lips in copper, gold and dusty pink, your facial features will be able to pop as your summer tan begins to fade.

With mineral-based makeup by Young Blood your skin will feel and look its best during the cooler and drier months to come.

To experience the many services at BodyWorks Salon & Day Spa — including hair care, nail care, tanning, waxing, facials, and massages, call (530) 273-2099 for an appointment or stop by 262 South Auburn St. Suite B in Grass Valley and take a tour of the newly decorated and refreshed space.

The vast amount of services and products will inspire you to look and feel your very best!

SPECIAL THANKS

Models

Chris Enss: Award-winning screen writer, comedian, guest speaker and local western author with titles including: “Hearts West: True Stories of Mail Order Brides on the Frontier,” “How the West Was Worn: Bustles and Buckskins on the Wild Frontier,” and “Buffalo Gals: Women of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.” www.chrisenss.com

Daniel and Allison Swartzendruber: Owners of Tru-Line Builders of Grass Valley, a premier general contractor currently managing construction on the Center for Hope project in Grass Valley. (530) 272-8282. www.tru-linebuilders.com

Hilary Bonelli: Local interior designer and custom flooring specialist employed by Young's Carpet One Floor and Home. (530) 273-5568. www.youngscarpetonegrassvalley.com.

Location

Bierwagen's Donner Trail Fruit: Open Weekends in October to celebrate the Harvest Festival, (530) 273-4005

Hair and Makeup Design

BodyWorks Salon & Day Spa: 262 South Auburn St. Suite B. Open Monday 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (530) 273-2099, www.salonbodyworks.com.