Plano store features Southwestern styles, accessories

by Monica Dutia

PLANO — Subtly Southwest opened in 2002 as one of the only stores in the Dallas area to carry upscale and unique accessories inspired by the Southwestern United States.

Founders Norma and Terry Talbott have lived in Plano for nineteen years and started the store based on their interest in southwestern design and culture.

“We like to travel, and the Southwest became one of our favorite spots,” Norma said. “We’ve lived in Plano for nineteen years, but we like traveling to the Albuquerque area. Whenever we wanted southwestern jewelry, we ended up going there.”

The Talbotts created Subtly Southwest after realizing that no store in the Dallas area exclusively featured the southwestern style. The store includes desert-inspired accessories such as belts, buckles, cufflinks, and variety of women’s jewelry. The main collection includes pieces made of sterling silver, contemporary gold, and gemstones and pieces by well-known artists in the field, including David Dear, Greg Jensen, and Horst Shrader.

“Typically, I’d say that the [primary crowd] is over thirty, and the men that purchase are looking to dress for success,” Norma said. “They come in and buy a sterling silver buckle and get a custom made belt to go with it. It’s usually the folk that are pretty well established.”

Sterling silver buckles, some of which are adorned with 14K gold or are engraved, come individually or in sets of three and four pieces. They range from $250 up to $2,000.

The custom belts range from $80-$350 and the custom boots can be created from scratch. If you’re looking to design your own boot—pick the color, skin, stitching and heel height—the custom boot is the way to go.

For those who want a taste of the southwest without shoveling out loads of cash, Subtly Southwest has Native American styled jewelry starting at $6. There is an abundance of rings, earrings, and necklaces made of turquoise, coral, and silver.

Since the basic southwestern style doesn’t change too much per season, the Talbotts make three to five buying trips a year.

“In this type of jewelry, it’s not that it’s seasonal, but most of the jewelry with a southwestern flavor doesn’t change as much as other types of jewelry,” Norma said.