Tag: style

Ruby Boots Gets Her Glam On

Posted on by Editor

It’s not every day you see someone in the Nashville scene who has ditched the denim and opted for glitz and glam. It’s also not every day you meet someone like Nashville-based, Australian singer/songwriter Bex Chilcott (aka Ruby Boots). In an endless sea of cuffed denim, Bex is sure to catch your eye. (By the way, I love denim.)

Her bold posture and inquisitive gaze, alone, are alluring, but combine those with her embellished vintage duds, and it’s pure gold. Her style swings between edgy glam rock and Western-inspired wear (more rhinestone, less chaps). Either way the pendulum swings, her style is soaked in wonderful vibes reminiscent of the 1970s. Her Instagram is a dreamy feed of stylish second-hand pieces, including unitards, suits, bell bottoms, platform boots, and wide-brimmed hats. From my first Google search, I was digging Bex’s style and vibe, and I was really looking forward to working with her and learning more about what sparked her adventurous style.

 Music powerhouses such as Deborah Harry, Stevie Nicks, and Linda Ronstadt are a few of the trailblazers Bex draws inspiration from. Much like these icons, Bex has developed a specific style that speaks of her grit, resilience, and all-around badassery. She also stressed “inspiration, not imitation.”

Style Tip: When pulling inspiration from your style icon, do just that. Never imitate, unless you want to look like you’re playing dress up. Instead, take note of what is working for their personality, why it’s working for them, and build from there. Then, apply that same logic when curating your own wardrobe. Also, nothing is more striking than a person who is confident in their own skin!


I have to admit, following the shoot, I immediately wanted to raid her closet to see what other treasures she had. Honestly, I have never wanted to scout out someone’s closet more. Just the few retro gems I saw her model were embellished with fringe and sequined sleeves, and were cut from shimmery fabrics. Among the footwear were booties with cowhide detailing, thigh-highs (not photographed), and a chunky-heeled glitter boots. Nope, not a single basic item in the collection. Nothing new, overly trendy, ordinary, or cliché. Aren’t you curious about her closet, too? We may need a closet tour. 

Bex has successfully curated a stylish wardrobe using only pieces she loves. These pieces currently highlight her preferred personality traits — ferocity and defiance. If you dig Bex’s vintage duds, here are a few of her Nashville faves: High Class Hillbilly, Electric Thread, Gun Street Goods, Goodbye Girls, and 8th Ave Vintage.

Even though this powerhouse babe has a grand collection of lust worthy duds, I believe she could captivate an audience in any old rag.

Take a moment to check out her latest music video for “Don’t Talk About It.”

Clothing: Laura Citron (black and silver top) / Opium Vintage (red jacket) / Ola_Mai (Gold Dress)
Location: Marathon Village / Photo Asist: Beca Lewis Skeels

Nora Jane Struthers’ Home-Style Fashion

Posted on by Editor

“I was excited that you wanted to shoot at my house because I feel it’s the best representation of my style.” — Nora Jane Struthers

In a small town just outside the city limits of Nashville, Tennessee, there lies a market, bar, hardware shop, and the ranch-style home of Nora Jane Struthers and her husband, Joe Overton. A few days before Christmas, on a cold, overcast day, she greeted me at the front door of her home with a bright smile, a warm hug, and a hot cup of mint tea. She wore a vintage, Norwegian-style wool sweater, denim pants, and a pair of fur-lined leather house shoes.

As she prepared the tea, I prepped my camera and began to admire the details of the living and dining rooms: wood floors, white walls, vaulted ceilings, eclectic but minimal decor. Other than a few classic Christmas decorations, the space was free of clutter and knick knacks (something that is far from my reality), with the exception of one toy dinosaur on the liquor cabinet.

As I looked around, I could see the similarities between her wardrobe and living space — simple, minimal, practical, with bursts of interesting vintage treasures. We toured the rest of the house, and I had to scrape my jaw off the floor when she showed me just how minimal her closet truly is. The width of the closet was no more than three feet wide and, when she opened the door, there was space to spare. Sifting through my closet at home, that’s easily twice the size of hers, I constantly find myself with “nothing to wear.” How did she manage to narrow down her wardrobe, or keep it bare, yet still fresh and exciting? What was she considering while out shopping?


Here are a few things Nora Jane is looks for in clothing:

• Natural fibers: She goes for things that are breathable, sustainable, chemical-free, and biodegradable fabrics made of cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere, or hemp.

• Hand-Me-Downs: Nora Jane’s favorite pieces have always been big-sister, best-friend, or boyfriend/husband hand-me-downs. Lately, her number one has been her husband’s jean jacket that was given to him by his father.

• Versatility: This is key to keeping the number of closet items down to the bare minimum. Denim on denim is a reliable staple because a simple shoe swap, coat change, or a little lipstick can change it up day-to-day.

• Uniforms: She has specific outfits for a variety of different things — pjs for writing, denim-on-denim while on the road, camo pants in the tour van, etc.

• Boss worthy: If it doesn’t make you feel like a boss, then you don’t need it.

Nora Jane pulled together a few of her favorite looks around the house and gave me a brief tour of her little town. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Nora Jane’s latest video for “Each Season.”

Amanda Shires Calls Country Out on the Carpet

Posted on by Editor

The slogan tee has been around for a minute, but lately they have evolved from funny pop culture references — “My neck, my back, my Netflix, and my snacks” tee comes to mind — to thought-provoking and political statements. Some of my personal favorites include Third Man’s “Icky Trump” tee, Midnight Rider’s “Nasty Woman” tee, Rorey Carroll’s “DIY Choice” tee, and Amanda Shires’ “Nashville Sound” tee. They’ve even found a place in high-end fashion. Dior’s artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, sent models down the runway wearing the titles of two different feminist texts, “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists” and “We should all be feminists.”

Slogan tees are a portable billboard, allowing wearers to open up a dialogue about issues that are often ignored. So, whether this latest trend has you rolling your eyes or loading up your shopping cart, you can’t deny its success in sparking curiosity and conversations this past year.

Singer/Songwriter Amanda Shires knows how to get a message across and she did just that earlier this month at the 2017 CMA awards. Ditching the request for formal attire, Shires stood tall on the red carpet wearing heels, fishnets, a pencil skirt, and a mauve tank top with lyrics “Mama wants to change that Nashville sound” (from Jason Isbell’s “White Man’s World” off The Nashville Sound) printed across the front. These lyrics acknowledge the struggle female artists face in mainstream country music, and Shires felt there was no better place to display this message than at the CMA Awards.

In order to keep the conversation of gender inequality rolling, I sat down with Amanda and asked her a few questions.

Earlier this month you wore a tank top to the CMAs with Jason Isbell‘s lyric “Mama wants to change that Nashville sound.” Why do you feel those lyrics were important to wear to the CMAs?

I feel like it’s important because I feel like there’s room to let more women’s voices be heard and there’s not enough being done about it in the moment we’re in right now.

What is the change you would like to make in the “Nashville sound”?

I mean, ideally it would be equality — the number of female singers to male singers being played on the radio. A shorter distance in the earnings between the two sexes, but that would have to start higher up because the industry is still being run by old-ass white dudes, and you know it could use a lot more women, a lot more people of color, it could use a lot more as far as diversity goes.

I listened to the radio and, out of 28 songs, I heard two women voices and one of them happens to be in a band that also has male singers, and I feel like that’s a step, but there are a lot of steps to go from. Okay one of the problems, one of the defenses that country radio stations have is “There aren’t requests for female singers,” and that’s a weird cycle, a weird catch-22 because if there were more women being played, then the audience would have more women to choose from as far as requests goes, but as it is, you can really only name two if you’re just a general country listener. Whether or not it changes, I mean, TBD.

We have to try and speak up for one another and try to do it together.

When you wore that tank, you were voicing a desired change for equality in a male-dominated genre. Do you think the lyric was also written with other country music minorities in mind?

I don’t know because I didn’t write it, but I do know that it applies to me, and that’s why I feel I can pirate that and take it to be mine because, whoever said it or wrote it first, Jason Isbell, that’s fine, but it is also like, “Oh cool. There’s a guy out there actually thinking about that, too.” It’s good to know there are more socially aware and empathetic persons out there than just those of us who are struggling.

I know that we can stand to see more diversity than just being a woman vs man struggle. I don’t even it’s like a versus — I think it’s just a thing that exists. I think if there was more education and more thoughtfulness in what was being played on the radio and not treating ladies like they’re a garnish or tomatoes on a salad, we could be getting a lot further. I feel like country music is behind the times in a lot of ways. Pop, rock, hip-hop … they play lots of ladies. Country? Behind. That’s not even talking about the musical part, which needs to change, too.

Country music subject matter is lame these days, too. That’s another soapbox, but part of the change we need. We can’t wear a tank top and skirt to an awards show while a guy wears a tee shirt and jeans? “Oh my God, someone call the E! Online!”

Do you feel your message was well received at the CMA Awards?

At the CMA Awards? I don’t know, but I know as far as fans of my work and people that are like-minded, it was well received. I don’t really hang out with industry folks, so who knows?

Why do you think E! chose to focus on the outfit being inappropriate and Rolling Stone chose to focus on the statement?

Because E! is base. Rolling Stone, I think Rolling Stone knows what time it is. E!’s not credible. No one thinks “Oh, I should listen to what they think of someone’s style opinions.”

You mentioned earlier about how the woman’s role in country music has changed a little, but is still stuck in 1957.

Yeah.

Kelly Garcia, Amanda Shires, Ledja Cobb, and Dave Cobb at the CMA Awards.

What do you think are the steps needed to progress a little bit (or a lot!) more here?

Women championing other women. So much in music is, “Oh, how do you explain it?” Say that there are 10 slots for you to make a top 10 record. They give one, if you’re lucky, to a female. And all the girls are fighting for this one spot, so naturally they’re sort of like, “Oh no, if this person gets it, that means I’m less than,” but it’s not that way. Everybody who makes something great is worthy of a spot. It’s just they don’t make enough spots.

I would say for every time they play that Keith Urban “Female” song, which this article is not about that, they should probably spin three-to-five female artists directly following, if that’s the message that they are trying to send. If Urban is really wanting to do something, he should probably really do it. I really hope folks aren’t treating this idea as a trend, and I really hope the ultimate goal isn’t to monetize this important shit. Because right now, to me, it feels a lot like, “Oh, this is a cool trend to follow. This is what they want. I’m gonna go cash in on that right now.”

Other steps would be to hire women engineers etc. I know a few engineers and women producers. I don’t know.

What role do you think listeners/fans have in raising awareness and affecting change?

Just have the conversation… They can call their radio stations and complain when women aren’t being played. They can count the songs and write down who sang them and have proof when questions are asked. They can also go support live lady artists. A lot of people claim that they don’t like a female voice. Well, it’s just they haven’t heard enough of them. Everybody likes fucking Joni Mitchell. Yeah call in, make things happen like that. Actually support live music because as hard as it is for a parent, a mother or father, to go out and see live music, pay to park the car, and buy dinner and all that, it’s the same amount of difficulty for a woman who is a performer with a child and all that kind of stuff.

I think to make a difference you have to be active and you have to actively participate within your community further than just messaging on social media. That’s not enough. You have to participate. You have to actively support and actively show up. You might get to bed an hour later, but you’re doing something. Anything you can do to support is good past being on a screen. I think that being in the moment and showing up with your physical self — body  or whatever I don’t know — means more and it’s more noticeable.

The 400 Unit: Gets Ready to Rock

Posted on by Editor

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

Posted on by Editor

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

Posted on by Editor

“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

Posted on by Editor

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

Posted on by Editor

“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

Posted on by Editor

“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

Posted on by Editor

“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.