“I think what would Steve McQueen or Kris Kristofferson wear.” — Jack Ingram
We begin our days with a simple task of getting dressed. Within this daily task, we are faced with the decision to either be reactive or proactive, setting the tone for the rest of the day. I know I am definitely guilty of waking up and putting on comfort clothes after a few nights of comfort food or even just being in a bad mood. At what point during that day will I turn my reactive morning into a proactive day? Who knows? Growing up with a mother in the beauty industry, I was often reminded of the importance of being proactive and getting dressed/fixing my hair for the day I want to have.
One thing Jack Ingram and I have in common is our shared belief that what you wear can affect how you feel throughout the day. Looking back on his style throughout the years, Jack has remained consistent in choosing looks that combine classic yet comfortable pieces, topped with confidence. He takes a proactive approach to daily style. When in doubt, he falls back on one of two looks inspired by the classic styles of Steve McQueen and Kris Kristofferson.
Double Denim
If you’ve lived in Tennessee or Texas, you are no stranger to the double-denim game. Ingram steals a page from the McQueen handbook, making the double denim his by adding a Texas kick with boots, a hat, and bandana.
Tips for Pulling Off Double Denim
– Vary either the weight or the wash of the denim. Keep in mind that lighter washes draw attention and darker washes have a sliming effect.
Black Out
I know, I know: It’s not shocking to see a musician in all black. If you have spent any time on the road cozied up to your bench buddy in a Ford Econoline, chances are at least half of your closet is an array of black. It takes the pressure off packing when everything goes together because it’s the same color. What I do find surprising — and even impressive — is how members of the black-out uniform community each manage to make their monochromatic ensemble uniquely their own. Jack tops off his black-out look with his silver belly Stetson and sleek leather jacket.
Tips for Wearing All Black
– Similar rule to double denim: You’ll want to vary the weights, shades, and textures of the black pieces.
– Make sure the fit is right. Since there isn’t color or pattern to distract the eye, the cut of the item becomes very important.
– Add bold jewelry or a hat to break up the outfit and avoid being dull.
Instead of having reactive style days, have one or two go-to looks in your closet that you know you can rely on any day of the week and feel good about the way you look. Especially for those days that you really just don’t feel good or care about appearances. Can’t go wrong with a classic, comfortable look. When you are comfortable, the confidence shows, giving you the ultimate nonchalant style vibes. Better believe I’ll be taking my own advice post-holiday binge!
Tying in to his lifestyle and preference of quality over quantity, Reuben supports the local businesses he loves when purchasing standard items. For him, it’s Imogen + Willie for denim and Nisolo for shoes and leather goods. True, you could probably catch a deal on jeans and shoes at a department store sale, but putting money back into the Nashville community and exchanging with a business that focuses on excellence of material (and fit for the tall thin man!) is more rewarding in the long run. In this town, for the most part, the locals are the ones hiring musicians and attending shows. Exchanging and supporting each others' dreams and careers is one factor that makes the Nashville community so tight-knit.
Outside of Nashville, Reuben still has his favorite vintage shops — like Lucky Dry Goods in Seattle and Ragorama in his hometown of Atlanta — where he found his favorite shirt in another shop from a thrift find he’s had for years. Although there’s seemingly nothing special about the denim button-up, it’s a “go-to” item because of the fit and a connection to home, which he draws comfort from. 
Another tie to his roots: Reuben’s signature neckerchiefs. After they became a staple item in his wardrobe, his grandmother's vintage collection of scarves and bandanas that she rocked over the years was gifted to him. Other neckerchiefs have been gifts from his wife Hayley or souvenirs from travels. Not just a stylistic signature, these accessories are a way Reuben feels close to his roots.
Reuben’s style is confident, minimalist, and far from boring. I love that he seeks out the items that represent him, his lifestyle, and his values instead of taking on the ever-changing trends. As someone who loves to experiment with new trends that fit, I really respect someone who is approaching style from their own angle. From music to lifestyle, Reuben is a classy gent with a unique twist. He doesn’t just make a solid first impression, but leaves us with a substantial lasting impression.
On days nothing more than the basics is necessary, Griffin keeps it simple, utilizing his staple shades as his third piece.
Recycling an outfit worn previously in the week can feel and look fresh by adding a light jacket.
Change up your standard patterns! Light jackets are a great layer to throw on while exploring new shirt patterns. How good is this Wills Jacket from Billy Reid? Because of its light weight and beautiful rubber color, it is the perfect Jacket to have on hand this Spring.
Once you have the golden third-piece rule nailed down, venturing into a fourth article won’t be so intimidating.
1. A leather jacket: Brown or black. Pick a color that flows well with your wardrobe. A leather jacket is great to layer in the Winter, and throw over a tee or button up in the Spring and Fall.
2. Leather shoes: Quality leather shoes/boots. Your feet will thank you.
3. Small Leather Goods: Such as a belt, wallet, or watch. Don't underestimate the details!
I enjoy walking into Peter Nappi and shopping with ease. Not only is the shop eye-candy, I know every beautifully crafted good is going to meet my personal standards and possibly become something I hand down. I recommend stopping in and maybe adding a piece or two to your leather collection. Don't have any leather pieces yet? No problem, just start with the three basic staples listed above.
To give you a brief understanding of the Savas journey, every leather jacket begins with a client meeting in which the measurements are taken to tailor the fit perfectly to that client’s individual body. Leathers are chosen, custom details discussed, and a sketch is drawn up. From there, patterns are made and a fabric mock-up of the leather jacket is created. There’s a fitting and adjustments are made to both details and fit. Once approved, the leather jacket of dreams finally arrives in this world.
Although each of these beautiful jackets is unique, Savannah has a few signatures, distinguishing them as her works of art. My favorite AtelierSavas style signature is something you catch from the profile view. There’s a curve from the arm hole to the wrist, inviting movement and creating a lived-in feel. Complimenting the arm curvature is the back hem resting slightly higher up than the front hem, which is damn sexy.
Whether you want your leather to make a subtle statement in a brown washed leather or a loud one in shiny gold or polka-dots, these jackets are designed to be an everyday piece. They are meant to become a part of your daily journey, continuing to tell your story. Like us, this wardrobe staple gets better with age.
Since you and this jacket will live out the rest of your days together, it’s important that it meet your specific daily routine needs. If that means extra pockets in the lining for your favorite pen, cigarettes, or even your snake-killing pistol, Savannah will customize the jacket in the design stages to make sure you have what you need and make it look good. Other custom details include chain-stitched designs on the jacket lining. An AtelierSavas jacket will compliment your quirks, as well as your inner badass. It will capture the story you wish to tell and with a medium so unique and well-crafted, you are sure to have an audience. Trends come and go, this tried and true is forever.
