In the first piece I wrote about the 125th Anniversary of the Gunfight at the OK Corral, I provided a general summary of the fight. The second piece was about where to stay, eat, and drink. I seem to remember promising a piece about shopping. No problem here!

My motto I life is simple: I shop, therefore I am.
My credo: When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!
My advice in life: Shop 'til you drop!

I think you get the picture. Let’s be honest here, I don’t know anyone more qualified to give you an overview of shopping in Tombstone and its environs. I feel as though I am highly qualified for the task. It’s a dirty job, but what the heck, let’s give it try!

I am only mentioning stores I know first-hand. I was in Tombstone last March. If there are changes in quality or service, those changes have occurred since that time.

There are simple dress codes in the Southwest. 

Formal for men: The good cowboy hat, the good sterling silver belt buckle, the good cowboy boots, clean shirt, and clean jeans. Bolero tie is optional. For occasions that call for a jacket, don’t wear the one with the fringe. A man can get away with a massive sterling cuff bracelet and inlay sterling watch, no problem here.

Formal for women: Broomstick skirt, scoop neck blouse, and jacket if you need one; blended colors, but not necessarily matching unless you go for black. Add a sterling silver Concho belt and matching silver and turquoise jewelry (the more expensive, the better).

Boots are fine, but we are loath to give up our sandals and mules, trust me. Stockings are optional. You might want to add a good-looking handbag. Women in the Southwest eyeball handbags and jewelry. You don’t need the most expensive clothes in the world. Good sterling on black will get you in just about any function no matter how casual or formal.

We can be a little tacky about handbags, also. In Vegas, it isn’t the shoes, haircut, jewelry, or the outfit -- it’s the handbag, baby. That’s where you carry your Prada, and I don’t mean knock-offs. Just a little FYI.

We love our sterling jewelry. It’s a Southwest thing. Over the years, I’ve noticed various and sundry relatives and friends from other parts of the country who just don’t understand our jewelry. Unless the woman is from Los Angeles or Texas, diamonds, precious stones, and gold don’t matter all that much.