BraveSkiMom.com – This winter, I became an official “Bad Ass” – A Mountain Khakis “Bad Ass” Ambassador. Now, in my house words like “ass” are generally frowned upon, although our younger son enjoys making the case that ass is an acceptable word because it’s in the Bible. This argument does have some merit – but only as long as my son is referring to livestock and not his brother. Of course, now, he can refer to me, but only so long as he prefaces the “bad” word with the word “BAD.”
As an Ambassador, I have some duties. I write for the MK Livin’ blog. I connect Mountain Khakis with events and nonprofit organizations (for example, MK is a sponsor of theColorado MS 150 bike team for which my sons and husband ride). And, I wear Mountain Khaki clothing and write product reviews. And that, dear reader, is the purpose of today’s post. That, and to give away a $50 MK gift card.
If you haven’t run across Mountain Khakis on your travels through outdoor stores and the internet, here’s your introduction. Mountain Khakis is a men’s and women’s clothing company based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In the past, the company has focused on men’s apparel. But as of right now, Mountain Khakis is full-on in the women’s clothing business. Here’s my take on a two items from their spring and summer line.
Oxbow Skirt
Photo Courtesy Mountain Khakis
The minute I saw the Oxbow skirt, I knew I wanted it. Unfortunately, so did lots of other women and the small sold out almost immediately. Luckily for me, this is a versatile skirt and thanks to the elastic smocking at the center back waistband, a medium works just fine. I think I might actually like it better because it fits perfectly on my hips, as opposed to my waist.
Now that I’ve got this skirt, here’s why I love it.
Versatility. Yes, the fit is versatile, but so is the styling. Mountain Khaki clothing has a certain western flair and cowboy boots rock the Oxbow skirt. But so do Chacos and Tevas, and even Mary Janes. Dress it up, dress it down. Wear a t-shirt, a tank, or go uptown with something black. You can’t go wrong.
Pair it with an MK tee.
The Oxbow skirt is made of a light, slightly nubby chambray fabric, shot through with random white threads. It’s not quite a solid color, but not patterned either. The skirt fastens with three buttons and hook-and-eye closures at the top, which I didn’t think I’d like. I pictured myself ripping right through the hook-and-eyes. But so far, so good and they do prevent gaps.
My favorite details are the side pockets. They are much deeper then they look, extending on the inside down to the bottom edge of the little pleats. Hide your keys, lip balm, or a phone and they won’t fall out.
The upshot: The perfect skirt – it morphs into whatever you want and need.
Oxbow Long Sleeve Shirt
Photo Courtesy Mountain Khakis
I am all about long sleeve shirts for summer. I know that sounds crazy… and hot and sweaty. But I don’t like sunburns and I don’t much care for sunscreen either. So, if I can find a light-weight breathable shirt that will keep the sun off my arms when I’m hiking, gardening and hanging out in the mountains, I am happy.
The Oxbow long sleeve shirt meets most of my criteria. First of all, with long sleeves and a collar, it makes it easy to cover up. Secondly, the fabric is light and loosely woven, letting air in. Mountain Khaki makes no claim about the sun protection qualities of this shirt, so I don’t expect any. They let the Granite Creek Long Sleeve Shirt make that claim.
The first shirt I got was a small, which fit perfectly, except through the elbows, which were surprisingly tight. The medium is a bit big for me, but fits better in my arms, and let’s face it, if you can’t bend your arms, you can’t do much.
As for styling, this shirt is western with subtle cowgirl details on the pockets and shoulders. The tails are long, because it’s meant to be tucked in. I am not one to tuck anything in, so I wear this shirt over a tee, roll up the sleeves and tie the tails around my waist. It covers my arms, keeps me cool and looks cheerful, too.
The upshot: A well-made shirt that’s more country than rock ‘n’ roll. Sizing is a bit tricky.
Giveaway
Leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card from Mountain Khakis! The card is good at the MK website, but not in retail stores.
One winner will be chosen in a random drawing on Tuesday, May 8th at 8:00 a.m.
Mountain Women Magazine 