Tag: leather

Caleb Caudle’s Casual Country Combos

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Having grown up between the mountains and the sea in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Caleb Caudle would have had a difficult time not developing a deep love and appreciation for the great outdoors. The singer/songwriter’s love of nature is evident in both his sound and his style. Caleb’s style is relaxed, rugged, and, on occasion, a little refined. At any given moment, he is appropriately dressed to ride off on a horse or, with the quick change of a jacket, ready for dinner at an upscale restaurant.

The rugged style breakdown:

  • Textiles, like denim or chambray
  • Work-style leather boots that have acquired a beautiful patina over the years (Pro Tip: look for oil tanned leather, and be sure to condition once a year.)
  • Classic wide-brimmed hat — nothing too cowboy
  • A substantial jacket
  • Worn-in denim

For the most part, Caleb sticks to his well-fitted standards, while keeping it fresh with jackets and accessories. Living a good portion of the year out of a suitcase, he tends to favor clothing with consistency, durability, and adaptability. Nine times out of 10, you can count on seeing him wearing broken-in denim jeans, Red Wing Iron Rangers, a blue button-up (most likely denim), a custom Havstad, some assortment of silver jewelry, and a jacket you’ll most likely want to steal. Caleb’s latest obsession is the one-of-a-kind handmade statement jackets by Manuel Couture. This golden mustard jacket with black embroidery fits him like a glove, even though it was taken right off of the rack (which is very unusual).


Manuel has been creating beautiful pieces here in Nashville, Tennessee, for celebrities and musicians since the 1970s. A Manuel jacket is the perfect piece to instantly elevate an outfit with little to no effort.

By the way: You don’t have to be a musician or celebrity to wear a Manuel piece.

Here are a few styling tips from maker himself:

  • Keep the jacket unbuttoned to loosen up the look. Keep it casual.
  • Although the jackets are expensive, don’t let that stop you from wearing them to everyday events. Wear your jacket anywhere and everywhere! Don’t be afraid to make a statement.


Manuel’s jackets can be paired with a nice tailored shirt for a polished look or with a V-neck shirt to keep it casual.

I love the look of Manuel’s glitzy jackets combined with Caleb’s rugged standards. The combination is a 100 percent Casual Rhinestone Cowboy.

A special thanks to Caitlin Arabis, Manuel, and Marathon Village for working with us.

Gig Bag: Ron Pope

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Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Ron Pope catalogs the items he always has nearby when out on the road.

Wrangler denim shirts: I own a bunch of these. My friend Jeff Malinowski gave me my first one because he had one that didn’t fit him. After that, I started a little collection. I like not having to think about what I put on. One of these shirts, black jeans, boots, leather jacket, done.

Rev. Willy’s Mexican Lottery brand slide: This slide is super heavy and made of porcelain. I love the warmth that it lends to my slide tone. Most other slide players tend toward lighter materials, but I play like a monkey, so I go with heavy strings (.12-.52 with a wound G), super high action, and these heavy slides. Slide guitar is a fickle mistress, so anything you can find that makes you feel better about your playing is a plus to me.

Old brown boots: I was in Portland, Oregon, on tour. My buddy Zach Berkman and I were trying to find some dress clothes for a friend’s wedding because we were about to fly out for it, and we didn’t bring those kinds of clothes out on the road. We went into a store and he saw these brown boots that were on sale. He asked about them, but they only had one pair left and they happened to be size 13 (my size). I’ve had them resoled, reheeled, and patched countless times. They’ve been on four continents with me. I think they cost around $18.

Ordning & Reda pen: I went into an Ordning & Reda store in Stockholm a number of years ago and bought one of these pens, then wrote a bunch of songs I really liked using that pen. Now they’re the only pens I write songs with. Every year, I go back into that same shop and buy one new pen with a different color grip. I’m not especially superstitious, so these pens are the closest things to a good luck charm that I have.

Rawlings leather backpack: I was shopping for a third anniversary gift for my wife, Blair, and “leather” is the traditional theme for third anniversary gifts. I knew she wanted a new backpack, so I was looking for a leather one she might like. As I searched, I happened upon this bag, which reminded me of an old baseball glove. That made me nostalgic, since I grew up playing the game, so we both got new leather backpacks. Hers doesn’t look like a baseball glove, though.

Gig Bag: JD McPherson

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Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, JD McPherson catalogs the items he always has nearby when out on the road.

Muhammad Ali jump rope: I found this jump rope in a junk mall and, in keeping with my tradition, every time I find a mildly eccentric exercise tool (i.e., kettlebells?!), made a solemn vow to use them every time I stepped out of the van or the bus. I’ve used them maybe 10 times in five years.

20 oz YETI tumbler w/ magnetic lid mechanism: The whole band got these as gifts, and now it’s like there are six Gollums and six precious rings in our group. There’s a constant game of picking up random tumblers and checking underneath for your own name in Sharpie. “WHERE’S MY YETI?” is heard a lot around our camp. Our Scottish tour manager says it like this: “YEH – EE” with no “T” sound.

These things are like gold. Your coffee stays hot for A DAY. Try one, and then try traveling with coffee in anything else. You get nods of approval from the Anytown baristas, when you plop that bad boy up on the counter. They know that six shots of espresso they just brewed for you will stay hot all day. We make gigantic drinks on the rocks in these and carry them onstage. Can’t do without. “WHERE’S MY YEH-EEEEEEEE??”

World’s Tiniest Bible™ and Illuminations by Arthur Rimbaud: Shown in tandem to emphasize their contradictory natures. I’ve had this Bible for ages, but I can’t read this copy because the print is too small. The print is tiny. It came with a credit card-sized magnifier — seriously, you can’t read it without it — but I lost it. I carry it as a good luck charm.

I bought this copy of Illuminations at the famous City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. Ray [Jacildo, my keys player] was showing me all the Beat Generation haunts in his town, and I figured the most Beatnik thing I could buy was a copy of Illuminations. I read it from time to time and, once in a while, it sparks an idea. “Under the Spell of City Lights” was written after running around SF with Ray.

Dixon Ticonderoga pencil with yarn cozy: Last Christmas, my youngest daughter bought a box of these pencils I like and painstakingly wrapped each end in yarn as a Christmas gift, so that her daddy could write songs more comfortably. I always keep one with me. Without question, best present I ever received.

VEB leather envelope with Chimayo trim: A friend of mine, John Villanueva, is a Marine. When he has downtime (frequently on a battleship), he painstakingly makes some of the highest-quality leather goods I’ve ever seen. Each hole is hand-hammered, each stitch is hand-stitched, and everything is perfectly symmetrical. I think it’s Chromexcel leather, which is like the best stuff you can get. His wife Jillian handed me this envelope as a gift from him a few years ago, and it’s one of my favorite possessions.

I keep receipts from the road in it, extra guitar picks, my passport when we’re headed overseas … anything that needs keepin’. This thing is so nice, it’ll be an heirloom for my kids and their kids. John makes other items, too. He’s also a well-respected vintage menswear blogger, and an expert on vintage engineer boots.

Mister Freedom denim fly bag

This bag. It holds all of my things I use frequently when I’m sitting in an airplane or van seat: headphones, pens, power cables, lozenges, earplugs, books, etc. I also keep a loony survival bracelet that has a compass, flint and steel, and fishing kit sewn into it in case the plane goes down and I survive and land on an uncharted island.

The bag is produced by my good friend Christophe Loiron, also knows as “Mister Freedom,” a Frenchman living in Los Angeles. His Mister Freedom store on Beverly Boulevard makes high-end classic menswear with an historical/utilitarian focus. I go in every single time I have to go to L.A., even just to be in there … I can’t explain how cool it is. Go see for yourself. All the stuff he sells will last a lifetime and looks better the more you use it.

Photo credit: Joshua Black Wilkins

Gig Bag: The Deslondes

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Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, the Deslondes give us a look at what they have to have handy when they are out on the road.

Sam Doores: This is my 1950s Kay acoustic guitar, DeArmond sound hole pickup, and harmonica rack. These are the only possessions I have that go everywhere I do. They’ve met my whole family and most of my friends. They’ve survived many long nights of trading tunes around the fire as well as seven+ years of touring with the band. It’s the warmest and most comfortable guitar I’ve ever played and, when plugged into a small tremolo amp, it sounds so good that it often distracts audiences from the fact that I can’t play very fancy. It’s the best $400 I’ve ever spent. I love it and can’t imagine my life without it.

Riley Downing: I usually take the same basic stuff on tour with me — socks, toothbrush, 44 Magnum/box a shells. But if I had to, I would pick my new guitar strap that my Aunt Cathy made me. I love it more than my guitar. It was like getting a quilt from grandma. She also makes some other amazing things out of leather. 

Dan Cutler: Here’s my diddy bag. I guess it’s my favorite thing to bring on tour. It’s definitely my most hygienic thing. Personal hygiene can feel like a fleeting dream sometimes on tour, so my diddy bag helps to keep me on a cleaner path. It originally belonged to my big brother, so it’s kind of a family heirloom now. Nothing special about it really, though it is pretty remarkable that I’ve managed to hang on to it all these years!


John James: This is my tour stuff — books … I’m into short stories, poetry, novellas. My bucket is the shit. It keeps everything dry and protected. It’s my seat and sometimes table. This is a rare bucket cuz it’s six-and-a-half gallons, which is the perfect height for my pedal steel and legs. It’s seen better days … notice the duct tape job. I don’t fly with it anymore. A carton of smokes is crucial, yet not ever usually enough. It’ll get me a handful of days into tour.

Cameron Snyder: I don’t have a picture, because it lives in the van, but I never go on tour without my trusty cot. It was inexpensive, it’s easy to carry around, and it doesn’t take up much space. It’s nice to have a dependable place to sleep for the nights when our accommodations don’t include enough beds for everyone. My home away from home.

Photo credit: Tamara Grayson

Jack Ingram Blacks Out in Classic Outlaw Style

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“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!

Lilly Hiatt Rocks Her Petty Style

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I was stoked to meet up Lilly Hiatt earlier this month. I felt our mutual love for unruly hair, Tom Petty, and second-hand shops promised an exciting, off-the-wall morning … in addition to her impeccable musical taste and skills, of course. Lilly is primarily a denim, tee, and leather gal. She keeps an eye out for something fun, functional, and good for the stage while shopping. After learning that Tom Petty is her style icon, I immediately thought of polka dots and top hats, and I couldn’t wait to hit the clothing racks of Old Made Good with her.

There is nothing better than finding a solid second-hand shop, and something about OMG takes the cake. It’s been a favorite of mine since moving to East Nashville, and I was excited to hear the same from Lilly. For starters, the floor is entirely made up of gold glitter. Their racks are typically a treasure cove of lace, denim, leather, and patterns. And fellas … yes, there is tons of shopping for you, as well. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it’s also awesome for picking up used vinyl, locally made jewelry, and vintage home goodies.

Lilly brought a few wardrobe staples from home — such as her high-waisted overalls, a floral blouse, and boots. From there, we mixed it up with our favorite items from OMG. Narrowing our selections down was not an easy task, though we were able to weed a few things out by keeping in mind that everything must travel well to fit her lifestyle. We were both digging the curated coat collection and sunnies — I think we were definitely feeling the '70s vibe that morning … Well, at least I was.

Lilly’s favorite item she owns is a pair of cowboy boots. They were a gift from her mom about eight years ago, and she made sure to bring them in. (I love that!) Work or play, her treasured boots have traveled everywhere with her, from California to Italy. And, like most lifetime staples, they’ve occasionally hibernated in the closet. We made sure to include the brown and turquoise beauties with every outfit because, these last few months, they’ve been back in rotation!

I have a few success tricks that I use when I go shopping at vintage/thrift shops: First, I never roll out of bed and go shopping. When I do, I hate everything I try on. Before any shopping shenanigans, I style my hair, put on make-up as I usually wear it, and maybe add a bright lipstick — my everyday look. (Dressing room lighting, ladies. Need I say more?) Second, I wear one or two of my favorite items to the store — a good pair of boots or heels and some good denim works for me. These tricks help me feel good, maintain the old/new ratio, and keep me from getting too adventurous and buying things that will hang untouched in my closet for all of eternity.

Although we didn't find second-hand top hats, we did score some sweet, rosy, heart-shaped glasses sunnies!

What’s your staple item? What are some of your shopping success tricks? Do you have any favorite second-hand shops we should know about?

Reuben Bidez Keeps It Classic

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As a singer/songwriter residing in a musician-saturated town, Reuben Bidez believes in the power of first impressions. Furthermore, he views style as a natural, non-verbal component to his artistry — an immediate way to communicate who he is and to tell folks a little something about his art. Much like a medieval flag or banner, both forms of expression are self-attached to make a statement about who he is and what he is about. With almost three years of friendship behind us, I feel confident in saying his style is a true reflection of that sentiment, the life he lives, and the things he values which gives his first impression lasting substance.

Classic Singer/Songwriter with a Nod to an Iconic Era

Steering clear of current trends, Reuben’s look is anchored with choice standard pieces like denim jeans, chinos, jean jackets, leather shoes, and the like. He leaves his fleeting moods and curios expressions to be explored through shirts and accessories, like bandanas and hats, giving his classic look a bit of a unique spin. Reuben’s “spins” are usually subtle stylistic nods to the '70s. I feel the same can be said about his music.

Tip: If you feel that your own classic look is getting a bit stale, give Reuben’s approach a shot and mix it up with a thrifted tee, bandana, hat, or jewelry.

Quality > Quantity

He is a strong believer of quality over quantity and putting heavy mileage on the items he owns. In order for an item to make the wardrobe cut, it must be up to Reuben’s quality standards or hold sentimental value. Knowing his work ethic, the same standard is held for the songs he releases. If it came down to releasing a good full album or a great EP release, the choice is obvious. His standards carry over into the rest of his life, from items in his house to the company he keeps.

What kind of standards do you have when it come to wardrobe selections? Do you compartmentalize standards or do you find standards you apply to one area of your life, carrying over into all aspects?

Community and Roots

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.

A Lasting Impression

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.

Set design by Hayley Bidez

Penny and Sparrow: All Leather, No Lace

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I don’t know about you, but I am a lover of quality goods. Especially quality leather goods. The beauty of a leather good is in the way it uniquely forms to each owner, sharing bits and pieces of our day-to-day life. It ages with us, changes shape, develops a beautiful patina, collects scratches — maybe patches — and, over time, reveals its individualized life story. And bonus: If a leather good is cared for, it potentially becomes a valued family heirloom. What’s not to love?

There are so many beautiful leather goods currently on the market! Of course I value beauty, but it's not the only thing I look for while on the hunt for something new. To keep focused — and not end up with buyer’s remorse — I reference a checklist of personal standards. If the item in consideration does not meet the following standards, I'm probably not going to buy it.

– Quality leather that will patina nicely over time and be forgiving of “wear and tear”

– Solid stitching and overall craftsmanship

– Classic vs trendy style

– Sustainability and efficiency

– Everyday usability

We are spoiled with quality craftsmanship here in Nashville, and when it comes to leather goods, Peter Nappi sets the bar. (Ladies, have you seen the Siena handbag in Fumare? The bag of my dreams.) Built in Tuscany, each item is designed and sold with love in East Germantown. If you haven’t stopped by the shop yet, don’t neglect it much longer. It is absolutely beautiful. Walking through their space will provide you with an experience that reflects the attention given to every single Peter Nappi good.

When Kyle and Andy of Penny and Sparrow were in town recently, we stopped by the shop to check out the latest designs … including the drool-worthy Julius Boot in Denim and the classics, including the Enrico Boot in Cuoio. I really enjoyed their laid-back style and appreciation for quality leather staples.

Just like any other venture outside your comfort zone, the world of leather goods can be overwhelming to dive into headfirst. Not knowing where to start or what to look for can be your biggest roadblock. If you are interested in dipping your toes in, I think the following three staples are a great place to start

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.

Lera Lynn Gets Her Jacket On

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Like the rest of us fashion junkies, singer/songwriter Lera Lynn’s style steadily evolves year to year reflecting her current interests. But the one thing that remains constant is her affinity for fun, unique pieces. With a particular love for jackets and rare blazers, she knows a thing or two about the perfect leather jacket. If finding the perfect leather is as good as finding gold, thanks to Lera, I have found the treasure trove.

Hidden in plain sight, AtelierSavas is located down an alley behind Cannery Row right here in Nashville, Tennessee. It is there you will find Savannah Yarbrough, creator of one-of-a-kind, bespoke luxury leather and fur outerwear. Once you walk through the black double doors addressed 125, you will begin the flawless process that will result in you standing an inch taller and feeling like a baller. There’s no better way to express creativity and make a statement about who you are than with a distinctive wardrobe piece that no one else can duplicate.

At AtelierSavas, Savannah brings both her unique design perspective and technical skills for tailoring to the table with each leather jacket made. This — along with the fit, style, attention to details, and craftsmanship — are what make these leathers unmatched.

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.