Tag: fashion

The 400 Unit: Gets Ready to Rock

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Before there’s sound, lights, or friendly stage banter, there’s stage wear setting the tone for the performance. Whether it’s sporting jeans and a tee or showing up dressed to the nines night after night, what a musician chooses to wear on stage says a thing or two about themselves and mood of the night.

I have an appreciation for everything from the understated and functional to the over-the-top wardrobe decisions of an artist/band. One band that always delivers an unforgettable performance while looking handsome as hell is the 400 Unit. I caught up with the guys earlier this month during their impressive six-night run backing Jason Isbell at Nashville’s beloved Ryman Auditorium and got a behind-the-scenes experience of their rituals and wardrobe choices. 

“No one ever gave me any advice on stage wear. I’ve been touring since I was 18 years old, so I pretty much learned as I went. I think it’s important to dress how you feel and, also, if you like a vintage look, don’t go too far; still try to remain in the current time you’re living in, as best you can.” — Sadler Vaden, guitar

Clothing Superstitions 
I like to have my coin necklace that belonged to my mother, who is deceased. I feel a sense of comfort and a relaxing energy when I wear it.

Pre-show Ritual
Lately, my pre-show ritual has been getting the guitar out and singing any song while Jimbo sings the high harmony.

Stage Wear Essential
I find that a good pair of black Levi’s jeans are essential for any rocker. You can make those work in any situation you’re in, if you need to look sharp or casual

Never leave for tour without … one good pair of comfortable socks.

“When I was 19 or so, and playing in a couple of different working bands in college, one of my gigs was in a blues band. For every other gig I did, it was pretty much anything goes, as they were college bands playing whatever was popular at the time. But my blues gig was always way more serious and professional. It was then that I realized that fashion had a place in what I was doing. Playing blues festivals and juke joints around the South put me around a culture of musicians who dressed their best, no matter what the gig. Admittedly, I don’t always go full-on dapper, but when I do …” — Chad Gamble, drums

Clothing Superstitions
As a drummer, I tend to stay away from things like long sleeves, coats, and slick boots. Plenty of drummers are able to pull those things off, but it only increases the possibility of disaster for me. Sticks getting caught in shirt cuffs and feet sliding around pedals are true wardrobe malfunctions. 

Pre-show Ritual
I pace. Endlessly. 

Stage Wear Essential
I wear hats when I play. I’m not vain enough to think that it makes me look better, but the truth is, I have the propensity to sweat when I play … a lot. If I were in Dire Straits or something, I might wear a sweat band, but hats serve that purpose well enough for me and look better, in my opinion. 

Never leave for tour without … Downy Wrinkle Release. 

“I don’t remember anyone giving me any particular advice about how to dress for the stage, but it was during my time in Son Volt that I figured things out for myself. That was my first professional gig and it was the first time I wasn’t begging my friends to come see me play because there was an audience already there for that band. A lot of them were paying good money for tickets and for a ‘show.’ Suddenly, you’re not just a musician; you’re a performer.” — Derry deBorja, keys and accordion

Clothing Superstitions
I used to wear a tie the night a show sold out. It was mustard yellow and probably lost somewhere in my closet. No real superstition behind it. It became a kind of game. Made it easier to decide what to wear on some given nights.

Pre-show Ritual
I go to the bathroom a lot. I drink a lot of water.

Stage Wear Essential
Combat boots are my new essential. You can wear them anywhere with pretty much anything, both on and off the stage. Very handy for touring as it makes for a lighter suitcase.

Never leave for tour without … either a camera, an audio recorder, or a pen and paper. Also, never leave for tour without cleaning up your place before you leave. Trust me.

“I can’t recall anyone specifically giving any advice on stage wear. I’d always heard that Hank Williams once said that, if you’re gonna stand in front of an audience to entertain them, you have to dress better than them. That piece of advice gets more expensive every year!” — Jimbo Hart, bass

Clothing Superstitions
I once had a fedora that I acquired while on the road with a band that didn’t end well, and I held on to that fedora … until I started almost having automotive incidents every single time I wore it. I started to believe that it was cursed, somehow. Derry and I had to go to St. Louis one time to get some of his gear, and I told him about the hat the morning we were leaving. He called me crazy and then we got in the van to leave and, sure enough, we almost got hit head-on. I tossed that fedora out the window somewhere on I-55 and, thankfully, no more near-collisions.

Pre-show Ritual
Besides making sure all pockets are empty, save a few picks, the only pre-show ritual that seems to happen every single night is me asking Derry if my clothes are okay. He always shoots me straight.

Stage Wear Essential
I wear a lot of hats. I call them essential because they cover up my lack of good hair. Also, I have a thin, aluminum bracelet that a friend gave me with ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ inscribed on it that I wear all the time (on and off stage) to remind me of where I’m from and the people who made me who I am.

Never leave for tour without … at least one awesome pair of boots. They always work with jeans, and you never know when you’ll actually need their functionality. It’s more often than one might imagine.

Cale Tyson Shifts His Fashion Gear

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After moving to Nashville, Tennessee, from Fort Worth, Texas, there was a brief period where I would return to H-town for the holidays, and my pals would say something along the lines of “I love your outfit … you look very Nashville.” While I knew they intended this to be a compliment, I’ve never wanted my style to be categorized as the entire population of a city. After the third or fourth time hearing that, I bagged up my existing wardrobe, took it to the GoodWill off Gallatin Pike and started over. I have nothing against looking “Nashville.” I love Nashville. It’s just that I’d rather have my own style that reflects me and my interests — not my surroundings.

So, when singer/songwriter Cale Tyson told me he recently threw out every plaid, piped, pearl snap he owned and has hung his hat for a moment, I completely understood. The once outlaw-outfitted artist has traded his honky-tonk duds for a more accurate reflection of who he finds himself to be … today. I met up with Cale to capture two fresh looks that he’s enjoying these days.

When Cale showed up to the shoot wearing overalls and Birkenstocks, I knew the next couple of hours would be a lot of fun. Sure, the thought of combining overalls and Birks together can be a scary one. There is a high possibility of something going terribly wrong with the details, but Cale classes up the look with smart pairings. Layering the overalls over a solid, wide crew-neck tee, a neat cuff at the hem line, and a classic pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses elevated the outfit.

The only thing I love more than a monochromatic outfit is a natural white monochromatic outfit. Makes me think of West Texas deserts and great open skies. Cale tops off this look with a sandy belt, sandy cowboys boots, his favorite turquoise ring, and his go-to round metal frame Ray-Ban sunglasses. This look can carry into the winter and fall with the addition of sweaters, a denim jacket, a wool cap, or a structured hat. If you’re thinking of giving this look a go, just make sure to stick to a single color and vary up the shades and fabric textures. Don’t know where to start? Check out Imogene + Willie for some natural white staples.

Cale is doing a brilliant job keeping to the basics and looking far from basic. His wardrobe is made up of relaxed, versatile items that come together for an effortless, yet polished look. While the items hanging in Cale’s closet are great pieces, I think his tall, lanky posture and disheveled mane contribute more to individualizing his style. I dig the role his body and personality play in setting a vibe for whatever he throws on. There’s a lot shifting in the young musician’s life right now, and I’m enjoying hearing and seeing his expression through this phase.  ​

Pokey LaFarge Finds No Comfort in Sameness

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“Working with Knickerbocker Mfg. Co., for me, is about the pursuit of original artistic expression and promoting high quality clothing, while simultaneously protesting the enticing comforts of sameness, which work to water down our life. Make it strong, make it loud, and make it last.” — Pokey LaFarge

I first learned of Pokey LaFarge from a photographer friend, Nate Burrell. While scrolling through his beautiful Instagram feed of shows, BTS of festivals, and musicians, there’s a particular gentleman that became familiar. Was he a friend, a muse, or a little of both? I didn’t know. But everything from his posture to his surroundings, hair, and clothing screams style and vibe of a generation long gone. I understood why this gent was a reoccurring subject in Nate’s photos. Curiosity got the best of me, and I got to know (thanks Google!) the sound and style of Pokey LaFarge.

Within our world of ever-changing trends, Pokey LaFarge has somehow held fast to a sound and style he identified with early on. For him, style seems to radiate from the core and reach into every aspect of his being. He credits hometown St. Louis artist Nicolas Africano with opening his eyes to what he believes style to be — a reflection of who a person is and not just the layers you wear. Pokey’s duds are very specific and, after sharing a late morning with him at Grimey’s New & Pre-Loved Music, I’d say they describe him well. 

The day I met up with Pokey to talk style and snap a few photos, his look had a fresh-off-the bus feel with a sharp-dressed outfit that was reminiscent of a polished up, early 20th-century, American blue collar worker. My thoughts went to workout and lounge clothing … Are those “on brand,” too? If so, I’m envious. Our meet was just before his haircut appointment, so he excused his hair and said a hat was necessary. Being a hat lover, this was music to my ears. Below the Newsy hat, he was sporting a fitted, white button-down; blue, belted chinos (blue, always blue) that rested higher on the hip than today’s trendy low-rise chinos; striped socks; flat, lace-up canvas tennis shoes; and nearby was his denim chore coat. Nothing flashy, yet he stood out. Just about everything — sans socks, shoes, and skivvies — was part of a clothing collaboration with Knickerbocker MFG Co. 

Knickerbocker MFG Co. is an American-made clothing manufacturer rooted in tradition and community — a company that is going to take the long route creating a piece, if it means creating something that’s in line with their values and that will honor those in their craft who came before them. When you read about the company, there is hardly anything written about the threads. It’s all about the roots, values, and people involved. The more time I spent speaking with Pokey, the more intriguing I found this collaboration. Sure, I could chalk it up to a man and a company, two old souls working together, but it’s more than that. It’s a man and the folks from a company working together to celebrate the character, charm, and quality in these hand-made American staples of the past. 

While we sifted through records — and I clicked away on the camera — conversation with Pokey was something of the past. He didn’t respond to my questions with the usual quick, programmed, auto-responses that, sadly, I expect from a new acquaintance. Pokey took his time. His facial expressions revealed if I had asked something too trite, and yet he would pause, gather, and deliver a thoughtful response. It caught me off guard and made me think: With conversation at our fingertips (emails, texts, social media), how much of my face-to-face conversations have dwindled down to abbreviations where there was once the art of conversation?

Style, class, and vibe are shining from the core of Pokey LaFarge, and I happily learned a thing or two about it that day. Oscar Wilde said, “One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art.” Pokey LaFarge is both.

Jonny P Wears It Well

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On a recent gray summer morning, Jonny P and I met up at 8th Avenue Antiques in Nashville, Tennessee. From the exterior, 8th looks like an excellent antique shop you’d check out for furniture and other home goods — and it is. But it is also a trove of well-preserved vintage clothing. I arrived a little early to get my camera set up inside the shop, keeping one eye on the door. Folks young and old trickled in wearing their sleepy, rainy day duds and then in walked Jonny P. I had never met him before, and he was backlit from the cloudy soft-box-like light outside, but without question, I knew it was him just by his stride and silhouette. He’s the only man I’ve seen in Nashville with a silhouette that sharp. As for the stride, it’s one that says style is more than the items you wear.

For those not really hip to Jonny P and all his skills, he was once the “J” in J and HP Clothing that provided both ready-to-wear and custom items ranging from re-purposed vintage to bespoke suiting. With a history of tailoring, suiting, and vintage riding in his back pocket, it’s no wonder his stylish ways appear to be effortless.

Other than his ability to tailor his wardrobe to his build, something unique to his style is the way he combines textures, styles, and color in non-traditional ways. Pulling inspiration from suited older men and trend-setting skate culture, his outfits almost always combine current staples and fun vintage pieces in a fresh way. He calls his current wave of style funky-urban, tailored vintage, and he wears it well.

In a culture saturated in fast fashion, it makes sense that the person drawn to the art of tailoring would also have a great appreciation for the craftsmanship of past clothing. The quality and vibe created in those old, woven threads have withstood decades, inspired countless designers, and cannot be duplicated. After about a half-hour or so of talking and studying the items Jonny P took interest in, I had questions … How does one know what vintage pieces will hold up? What alterations are possible? What makes a vintage piece a good addition to mix in with a current closet? Since Jonny P is the expert in tailoring and vintage, I trusted him to educate me in what to look for in a lasting vintage piece, especially one that I purchase with the intention of altering.

When considering a vintage purchase, Jonny P keeps his selection terms pretty simple. He’s on the hunt for uniqueness, quality, and the right price:

  • Uniqueness: Beautiful silhouettes, colors, patterns, textures, unabashed voice, and vibe are immediate draws. Right now, Jonny P is especially interested in patchwork and collegiate details.
  • Quality: Making sure the fabric is durable enough for more mileage is important, especially in tension areas such as knees, butt, elbows, and along the seams — strong stitching, attention to detail, seams.
  • Price: Since the item will most likely need alterations, make sure the original cost is low enough that the additional cost of alterations doesn’t surpass the value of the item itself.

When purchasing a piece — new or old — with hopes of alterations, there are two main problem areas to be aware of:

  • Shoulders: According to Jonny P, the shoulder area is one of the trickiest to alter. When interested in a shirt or jacket, do yourself a favor and make sure the fit in the shoulders is good from the start.
  • Sleeve length: Sleeves can always be shortened, but if the sleeve is a questionable length, roll it back and check the seam allowance. Make sure there is room to let it out, if necessary.

Other than those two areas, most alterations are possible. Jonny P left me with one final bit he believes to be true: Style isn’t the items you wear; it’s you and how you wear the pieces.

We had a rainy end to our meet up. He got in his candy red ’64 Chevy Impala, grabbed his Stetson from the passenger seat, posed for one last shot while the rain picked up and then headed out. As for me, my previously straightened hair was curling up and frizzing. I caught a glimpse of my crazy hair in the reflection of my car window, laughed, and told myself to wear it well.

Angaleena Presley Rocks Some Retro Style

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“I never kept up with the fashions. I believed in wearing what I thought looked good on me.” — Bettie Page

Angaleena Presely doesn’t look like anyone else in town. Her long legs, jet black hair, and striking smile set her apart from the average Jane. The mix of her DIY attitude and a retro-inspired wardrobe lands her somewhere between Bettie Page and Rosie the Riveter. Her look is bold, feminine, and tough. She affectionately self-describes this style as “rocka-hillbilly — a mix of rockabilly, punk, ’50s housewife, and white trash,” and I love it!

Although the “rocka-hillbilly” personality was always there, it was a long road of experimenting with fashion before Angaleena nailed down her distinct look. Attempting to keep up with endless trends proved exhausting, so she decided to scratch that approach and do it all her own way. She quit seeing what was readily available on the hangers and shelves of department stores as her only clothing options. Inspired by the life of Bettie Page, Angaleena began creating her look with one rule in mind: Whatever she wore had to flatter her body. Sometimes this is as easy as cutting up a tee-shirt or jeans and, other times, it requires the help of a seamstress.

The combination of Angaleena’s single style law, eye for unique dresses, and love of vintage pin-up style lead her to find a woman in her hometown who could make her clothing dreams come true. Angaleena began providing the fabric and patterns, and her seamstress took care of the rest. Whether the fabric is Western-themed covered in horses or a classic polka dot pattern, all the custom-made dresses share a ’40s/’50s silhouette that Angaleena can rock the hell out of. 

I really appreciate the attention given to the details of her overall look. Angaleena credits Tiffany Gifford, her stylist from her Pistol Annie days, for her ability to accessorize. Her hair is always styled in big, loose Hollywood glam curls or pinned up in victory rolls. And she never forgets to add a bandana, flower, or headband to top off the ‘do. She also keeps her makeup classic with red nails, red lips, and winged black eye-liner. Around her neck, you’re most likely to find either a Sylvia Plath Cameo necklace or a string of pearls from her husband. All these combined details keep her style consistent, when switching back and forth from dressed up to dressed down. 

Even when Angaleena is keeping it casual, she’s true to that retro silhouette with high-waisted pants, cropped sweaters/jackets, and favorite tees. It’s pretty common for her to take a pair of scissors to the tees to make them fit her frame better — another trick she picked up from her Pistol Annie era.

The retro rocka-hillbilly look is hard to nail, but Angaleena Presley is doing it right!

Charlie Worsham: A Charmed Life, A Charming Style

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“I’m lucky in that I live a charmed life, traveling to far-off places to stand in the brightest lights and hold court to rooms full of people … Part of the beauty of the traveling singer/songwriter lifestyle is that I get unprecedented exposure to many different cultures, cuisines, and, of course, styles.” — Charlie Worsham

We all have a year when things begin to shift in particular areas of our lives and, for Charlie Worsham, year 30 was about the time he began to give style a piece of his mind. Because most things don’t begin with outward appearances, I have a feeling his new-found style consciousness was the result of larger self discovery, but you’ll just have to ask him about that later.

I caught up with Charlie during a busy tour season. Our meet was sandwiched between two tour runs and full day of press-related meetings. However, his demeanor was thoroughly pleasant, giving zero hints of the juggling act of a completely booked work day. As conversation began to flow, his behavior made more sense to me. I realized I was talking to and taking photos of a genuinely content human being — you know, the rare kind human that enjoys the process of everything. Whether it’s cooking in his own kitchen or hopping across the pond to the next show, here is a man that considers himself lucky to have the job he holds and to live what he refers to as a “charmed life.”

Maybe you’re thinking, “What the heck does this have to do with style?” The answer is, “Everything!” Our style is a refection of how we process surrounding information and how that relates to us. Depending on the individual, our style explores the space between how we see ourselves and how we wish to be seen. Someone that is aware of self and happiness isn’t going to settle for any ol’ shop right in front of them. Style for that person is more mindful and exploratory.

When it comes to shopping, Worsham prefers collecting items while traveling to tell his unique story. Among his favorites to date are a plaid scarf from Edinburough, a 1940s peacoat and 1970s Hanes t-shirt from Shoreditch in London, a Glen Campbell concert tee from his final appearance at the Ryman, and a plain black hoodie. Key factors when selecting an item include originality, spirit, experience, and reliability. Even down to accessories like buttons, pins, and socks, the item has to have a story to have a place in his.

Charlie’s British-inspired style “with a little Mississippi hill-country dirt sprinkled in” is unique, upbeat, and refreshing. In time, he hopes to narrow down his collection to items that fit in a more timeless fashion. Here are 10 essentials that make up his current day-to-day look:

  1. Pattern button-down shirts: This man does not shy away from floral patterns and polka dots. You shouldn’t, either! If you are trying out a pattern shirt for the first time and feel it’s a little loud, you can always tone it down a notch with a solid jacket.
  2. Slim-fit denim: If you’ve got the legs, show ‘em. Hell, Dwight Yoakam does.
  3. Denim jackets: What goes best with denim? More denim! And don’t go for any of the boring stuff. Subtle flare makes all the difference. I have major jacket envy over Worsham’s ’70s wide collar, short cut, blue denim jacket. He personalized this one with pins and buttons. On his black denim jacket, I love the black-on-black pattern collar and the hidden button.
  4. English boots: Make sure you have a good cut boot for the fit of your pants. If you are thinking of changing up your boot game, a Chelsea-style boot can really polish up a look.
  5. Fun accessories: Doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Sometimes classic shades, pins, buttons, and a handkerchief are all you need.
  6. A good cut and shave: Yes, fixing your hair makes all the difference. Your outfit could rule, but if your hair is unintentionally wrecked, so is your look. You wear your hair everyday, so invest in a good cut and figure out how to style it.
  7. Statement sneakers: Between the suede and the red, Charlie’s low-top Adidas sneakers really pack a punch.
  8. Simple black hoodie: Pro tip from Charlie: Never get on a tour bus or an airplane without comfy shoes and a hoodie.
  9. Nicely fitted tees: No one enjoys dressing up every day. Even the corporate suit-and-tie folks enjoy casual Friday. A few vintage tees and a clean plain tee or two are key. The most important thing about a tee is that it fits well. I envy the folks that just have the magic build and can buy a three-pack of Hanes from Target, throw one on, and look just as sharp next to someone wearing a $80 tailored tee. It’s all about the fit.
  10. Peggy Sue: An adorable dog with her own Instagram account (@peggysuepupnash) completes any look! And, if not, she’s sure to bring a smile to day.

Caroline Spence:
Fun Is Always in Fashion

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“It just makes me happy, I guess. I love wearing things that I think are beautiful or fun. It’s hard to have a bad time when you are covered in polka dots.” — Caroline Spence

On the hunt for the fun and the beautiful, Caroline Spence enjoys searching for clothing items to add to her closet that will further express her personality, giving us a 20/20 view of who she is and what makes her happy.

Her approach to style is to let others know who she is, but more importantly, to bring joy to her own day with items that make her happy. I love this about Caroline. I love that she is not only self-aware enough to know what connects her to the act of style, but also transparent enough to claim it’s primarily about making herself happy. Everything else that follows is secondary.

Lately, picking out items that make her happy means she’s keeping an eye out for the timeless, yet playful and unique. Around Nashville, some of her favorite places to look include Pangea, Buffalo Exchange, and the top place to find cowboys boots and other Western goods — Goodbuy Girls.

We got together with Tanya, owner of Goodbuy Girls, to put together a few varied looks in true Caroline fashion. Keeping each outfit rooted with a timeless classic or two, Caroline tapped into a playful side of her personality with soft patterns and vintage western pieces.

Black + Tan


Caroline swings a simple long black dress into the West with tan cowboy boots, a vintage tooled leather clutch, and classic silver and turquoise jewelry.

Floral Patterns


Caroline is attracted to fun patterns that look like they could have been on her great grandmother’s china. She keeps the look simple — and far from grandma — by pairing with her favorite concho earings by Three Wolves Trading Post and tan cowboy boots creating a look that is unique to her personality.

Ruffled Up


I love the juxtaposed vintage/modern styles within this dress alone. The washed-out, muted stripe pattern on a simple cut denim dress contrasted with oversized ruffled sleeves allows this dress to make a statement on its own. Caroline tossed out the original belt this dress came with, and paired it with a vintage concho belt making it her own.

The combination of classic prep with a vintage Western twist found in Caroline’s style gives this tall beauty Modern Western vibes for days.

Thank you to Goodbuy Girls for outfitting and Black Springs Folk Art for the location.

Rorey Carroll Finds Her Fashion Fit

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“Clothes give us a costume to put on. They can shift our mentality. They are a part of our outward presentation of ourselves. I’m a weird, expressive person. I need to let the other weirdos out there know that I’m with them.” — Rorey Carroll

Forever feeling like a Chicago punk kid whose world revolves around hip hop shows, thrift stores, and comic books, Rorey Carroll has always enjoyed having wardrobe options for every mood and occasion. There’s something about her style that takes me back to Pogs, rollerblades, Walkmans, and cuddling up on the corduroy sofa at my parents’ house to watch My So-Called Life. Although her wardrobe items vary from sexy floor-length dresses to tomboy-ish ringer tees, there is a subtle thread of ’90s grunge weaving it all together, creating her distinct style.

I love that nothing confines Rorey to one look. She freely roams in and out of cool, sexy, goofy, conservative, and folky … without effort. She’s comfortable expressing all sides of her personality. So, if she wakes up feeling particularly cold-blooded, you may see her running around town in a shark unitard. However, most days you’re likely to see her sporting her staple black-heeled boots and denim jacket embroidered with her signature satirical phrase, “Folk as Fuck.”

When it comes to shopping, fit, sustainability, and pricing are her guiding factors. Some of her go-to spots are Goodwill, Poshmark, Madewell, and Bandit Brand.

Rorey’s golden three standards for shopping:

1. Fit: An item’s fit must feel good and look good while wearing it. Especially on stage.

2. Sustainability: The lifestyle of a touring musician puts a lot of wear and tear on a wardrobe, so buying pieces that can take a beating and age well is incredibly valuable.

3. Practical Pricing: For Rorey, the big ticket items don’t require spending too much money on clothing

Here are a few of my favorite everyday Rorey Carroll looks …

DIY ringer tee

If you don’t have something that says how you feel, grab your velvet iron-ons — or a stencil and some paint — and get crafty!

Cords + Graphic Tee

Who doesn’t love the “Zip! Zip!’ sound of someone walking by in corduroy?

Enamel Pin + Embroidery

Enamel pins have made a comeback, so Rorey has a pretty decent head start. Since a kid in a comic book store, she’s adorned her jackets and bags with them. I love that she has held on to a piece of her childhood all these years and continued to incorporate that in her ever-changing style.

Velvet Dresses with Punk-Heeled Boots

How beautiful does this women look in a velvet floor-length dress? After romping around in denim, shark leotards, and bodysuits, she seamlessly switches on the femme, sexy factor and owns it! Rorey adds a bit of style consistency by pairing her dresses with her staple punk-inspired heeled boots.

Without giving it too much thought, Rorey has developed a distinct style that is unique to her life. This singer/songwriter wears her stories, giving us small glimpses at the pieces of her past she considers important to carry on.

Nikki Lane: Vintage Is As Vintage Does

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“I’ve never had that moment … where you walk in and a girl has your dress on — that doesn’t happen to me. That doesn’t happen to the people I get to work with and curate ideas for because we’re not using something that’s already been mass-produced. We’re trying to create a look that someone else will mass produce because we’ve given them that inspiration.” — Nikki Lane

Nikki Lane’s passion for rescuing vintage pieces, or puppies as she jokingly refers to them, began when she was a stylist in Los Angeles and New York City. She took note of the vintage items designers such as Karl Lagerfeld were pulling their inspiration from. Those vintage pieces — the OGs, themselves — inspired everything from the fabric weave and color patterns, to the structure of items that hit the runway to become the next mass-produced fad. Seeing firsthand the chain of the fashion industry production, Nikki fell in love with vintage — the inspiration itself. From then on, she worked to create looks, for herself and clients, that others would want to recreate instead of wearing something that’s already available in the market.

Her love of vintage and drive to create original looks led her to an oversized personal collection of clothes sitting in a backroom, that eventually grew to a horse trailer, and now the 600-square-foot shop that is High Class Hillbilly. All items have been personally vetted by the stylish singer/songwriter and, if it’s not something she loves, it doesn’t make the cut.

When it come to her personal style, only her shoes, underwear, and single pair of Imogene + Willie jeans are new. Everything else, head-to-toe, is vintage. Juggling a shop and music career, Lane looks for individualized vintage clothing she can function in while she’s in town or on tour. She’s created an iconic look that follows her lifestyle and plays a huge part in her cohesive brand.

After speaking with Nikki about her vintage pursuit, I have a few bits to pass along to those interested in their own collection:

– Thrift stores and vintage shops are not the same. Sure, every now and then you’ll get lucky and find an awesome vintage piece at the thrift store, but most the time, it’s just older clothing. Flea markets, antiques shops, estate sales, and High Class Hillbilly are good places to start your vintage collection.

– Good vintage shoes/boots are rare. If you come across a beautiful pair, don’t think twice, make them yours.

– If you don’t own a pair of vintage Levi’s, your ass is missing out. Seriously, they make your butt look amazing and the denim holds up a lot longer than today’s Levi’s.

– Never underestimate the power of an ol’ Stetson. Try to keep one at arm’s reach or, at least, in your car.

– If the vintage item doesn’t work for you, just re-sell it. It’s already be worn for years, so no one will be weird about you trying it out for a few days.

– Classic red nail polish goes with every single outfit.

– When you create a style that follows your lifestyle and interests, you can count on having forever pieces versus trendy pieces.

Pro Tip: Chances are, if you start owning more than a handful of vintage pieces, you may find yourself in need of a good Alterations Specialist. I cannot stress how important it is for you to do your homework and read the reviews. Your best bet is almost always taking your prized vintage to someone based off recommendations. If you are nervous about sending your most treasured piece to an alteration shop, start by taking something you are less attached to.

Do you have any favorite vintage spots in town? Any recommendations on a killer alterations shop? Let us know!

Natalie Hemby Bundles Up in Style

Posted on by Editor

It has been so dang cold this season and the 5 pm nights have me fighting off the naps. With the gloom of Winter in full swing, it was a true breath of fresh air to meet up with Natalie Hemby at her favorite shop, Castilleja, to pick out her Winter wardrobe essentials. If you’ve never been to Castilleja, it’s a beautiful shop that captures the spirit of a well-traveled woman who embraces the colors and patterns of a sunny Summer day. It was the perfect place to explore with Natalie and her bold, playful style.

Here are a few of my favorite wintery essentials pulled by Natalie and Castilleja’s owner, songwriter Liz Rose.

Bomber Jacket

From the runway to the streets, bombers have made a huge come back in the last year. They can stand alone as a statement piece or they can be mixed and matched with other exciting wardrobe pieces for a louder look. I particularly love seeing this embroidered Tiger Bomber Jacket paired with a bright solid dress. If you aren’t into dressing up, just throw this on over a solid hoodie and skinny/slim-fitting pants.

Tip: Don’t forget your sunnies with this jacket!

Floral Kimono

Kimonos are hands-down my favorite layering piece year-round. For those of you who would love to layer but don’t know where to start, throwing on a patterned kimono is a simple way to spice it up.

Tip: Run a curl wand through your hair and pair with a nice shoe. Since most of your outfit will be hidden under the kimono, your shoes and hair will stand out and you don’t want your look to lean more towards the Dude vs. chic boho badass.

White Embroidered Long-Sleeve Blouse

I do enjoy the clean look of a snow white wardrobe in the Winter. For one thing, white is a color that looks great on everyone. It’s fresh and makes your lipstick and jewelry pop. Natalie gives this embroidered blouse a simple, Southwest punch by pairing it with a few turquoise rings and necklace.

Oversized Collared Sweater

For me, there is nothing better than cozying up in an oversized sweater on a cold, dreary day. I’ve been on the hunt for one that’s less gramps and more glam. I’m quite fond of this multi-colored woven sweater with a fur collar from Castilleja.

Layered Jewelry

Layering on rings and necklaces is the last thing I want to do during the Summer when my fingers slightly swell and I feel like a sweaty mess just walking from my car to my next air conditioned destination. So I take full advantage of layering up my jewelry in the cooler months! If you are ever looking for a new accessory, Castilleja has one of the best collections of jewelry in Nashville.

Lined Denim Jacket

Denim and Nashville go hand-in-hand so, when temperatures drop, it’s nice to have a heavier alternative for the cooler weather.

Thanks for having us, Castilleja!