Reba's style

It would be nearly impossible to imitate Reba McEntire's success as a musician and actor, but copying her style just got easier.

The four-time Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year and star of the television series, "Reba," will be in Reno on Thursday to launch the 2006 spring collection of her clothing line "Reba," at Dillard's in the new Summit Sierra shopping center.

"I'm really tickled to see the store," McEntire said from her home in Los Angeles. "I love progress. I think everyone will be excited about it."

When first approached about creating a clothing line for Dillard's - her favorite place to shop since moving to Nashville in 1987 -McEntire said she was hesitant, but agreed to a meeting.

"When I left that meeting, I said I wouldn't wear anything I just saw," she related.

So she clipped magazine images of clothes she liked, and, from that, the collection was born.

She is now involved in every step of the process, from choosing colors, prints and fabrics to giving final approval once the garments are made.

"It's things I like to wear that we're putting into the clothing line," she said.

It seems others like the clothing as well, which includes matching pieces and separates along with suits and novelty jackets. The skirts McEntire described as "flowy, more forgiving. If you gain a few pounds, they are the things to wear."

According to the sales associates she's canvassed, those buying the clothes range from women in their 20s to 50s, both businesswomen and mothers.

Perhaps the wide-ranging appeal can be attributed to her understanding of a variety of perspectives.

McEntire, who turns 51 at the end of this month, struggles to find the balance between her work and spending time with her husband, Narvel, and 16-year-old son Shelby.

"There's times I want to crawl into the bathroom to just be alone and read," she confessed. "But relationships take work. It's a family effort. We all have our own agendas, but we still do stuff together - we make time for that."

On the other hand, she said, she also makes time to take a pilates class, get her nails done and for an occasional massage.

"You do have to have that time," she said. "That way, you're charged up when you have to split yourself 16 ways."

And splitting time is her expertise. She lives mainly in Nashville, but has a home in Los Angeles for shooting the TV show. When on hiatus from the show, she's in New York working on the clothing line.

Although pleased with the popularity of the line, she's still looking for ways to make it better. Attached to each item of clothing is a comment card.

"I want my fans to write me and say, 'Reba, this is ridiculous. These pants are way too tight,'" she said. "I want their feedback. That's the only way it's going to be successful."

She credits that same determination for the success she's had in other areas.

"My parents taught me a good work ethic," she explained. "They raised me to be honest and have good morals and not be afraid to try new things."

And her life has been a series of new adventures. She was raised on a ranch outside of Chokie, Okla., with a population of 18. She ran barrels on the rodeo circuit and performed with her siblings as part of the Singing McEntires.

After high school, she went on to Oklahoma State University where she majored in elementary education.

But her plans changed when a songwriter heard her sing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo and convinced her to make a demo recording in Nashville. Soon, she was signed to a record contract and her career skyrocketed, eventually becoming one of only five women to win the CMA's Entertainer of the Year, as well as two Grammy Awards and multiple People's Choice and American Music awards.

However, she said, she doesn't spend much time focused on her success.

"I'm just very grateful," she said. "I'm blessed."

-- Contact reporter Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1272.

If you go

WHAT: Fashion show with special appearance by Reba McEntire

WHEN: 7 p.m. ThursdayWHERE: Dillard's at he Summit Sierra, 13933 S. Virginia St.

To see more of the "Reba" clothing line, go to www.dillards.com.

WHAT: Grand opening of the Summit Sierra shopping CenterWHEN: Events planned Wednesday through SundayWHERE: The Summit Sierra, intersection of South Virginia Street and Mount Rose Highway

Tenants include:

Anchors:

Dillard's

Old Navy

* Orvis

* Century Theaters

Other stores:

Abercrombie & Fitch

Aeropostale

American Eagle Outfitters

Ann Taylor Loft

Apple

Banana Republic

Bath & Body Works

* BJ's Brewhouse

Buckle

Caché

* Charley's Grilled Subs

Chico's

* Claire's

Coach

Coldwater Creek

* Cortina's

* GameStop

GAP

GAP baby/kids

GAP Body

* Gary Angelica

* Guess

Hollister

Hot Topic

* J. Crew

J. Jill

Jared's Jewelry

* Johnny Carino's

JoS. A. Bank

Journeys

Justice

* Keva Juice

Lane Bryant

* Lucky Brand Jeans

L'uva Bella

* MAC Cosmetics

* Maison Rustique

Merle Norman

Nestle Toll House Café

New York & Company

* PacSun

Patrick James

Pottery Barn

Regis

Ria Shoes and Ecco

Select Comfort

* Snip-Its

Starbucks

SGH

Tangerine Aveda

Talbots

* Tin Star

* US Bank

Verizon

Victoria's Secret

White House / Black Market

Williams-Sonoma

Yankee Candle

Zumiez

* These stores will open at a later date.