Tag: style

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

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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!

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!

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

Sean McConnell’s Denim on Denim

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“I’ve gone through many 'looks' … if you can call them that. As I get older, I know what I want and who I am and what I feel comfortable in and what reflects my insides. It’s kind of like songwriting: As you get older, you’re trying less to sound cool and just trying your best to be honest.” — Sean McConnell

It’s your favorite outfit. You put it on to grab a drink with friends at the local dive or new restaurant in town. It’s what you are wearing every time you leave for tour or head into the office. Whatever the occasion, we all have our default items/combinations we depend on for confidence. A sure win. Whether we meant to or not, we have begun creating uniforms for ourselves.

As a kid, dressing myself was one of the first forms of creative expression I knew — my first taste of independence, even. The thought of trading that in to look like everyone else in a school uniform was the worst thing ever! Parents held the control over my schedule, diet, haircuts, etc. But the one thing I had was a closet full of decisions I got to make. Even before kindergarten, my mom let me pick out my (mostly cringeworthy) outfits from my hodgepodge of hand-me-downs. I was enthusiastic when it came to creating a new outfit, makeup, and hairstyle every day.

So what changed?

We all started out associating uniforms with the idea of looking just like everyone else. Our only association to the uniform was private school, military, or the service industry. Structure and conformity? No thank you!

Once I put some miles between myself and my youth, I started realizing that, in a way, having the very thing I avoided in my youth could now be the factor that sets me apart. Embracing a personal uniform is not the same as sporting a group uniform. Taking that thought a step further: Creating a uniform for yourself that is based on what fits you best, regardless of trends and hype, pulls your further away from the majority of shoppers, making your style and outfit different. The bonus here is that, once you have identified the outfit that works best for you and commit to it, your mornings get longer and your bed won't be covered in clothes from failed attempts of “What should I wear?” Sure, I get that not everyone cares about time, identity, and efficiency. But if you are an entrepreneur, musician, fashion junkie, sleep-deprived parent, or under the limelight in anyway, exploring a personal uniform might not be so bad.

One Nashville local getting cozy with their uniform is singer/songwriter Sean McConnell. When it comes to Sean’s uniform, he likes to stick to the three Southern style basics: denim, denim, denim. Any time I’ve seen him around town, he’s sporting a denim button-down, denim jeans, Doc Martens, and maybe, if the wind is blowing just right, a denim jacket. His denim uniform is almost always accompanied by either Ray-Ban sunnies or glasses. If frames are missing, you know he woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

Having a uniform doesn’t mean trying hard, either. I feel it’s more of the opposite: Identifying your personal uniform and letting go of all the extras. It’s being comfortable with yourself to know what you like and know what fits best, and walking with confidence because you know what you’re wearing is what works. A few notable public figures ranging from Steve Jobs to Vera Wang have been questioned about their outfit-repeating. The discussions range from the practical response of simply avoiding “decision fatigue” to the more style-conscious end of curating the closet to obtain a strong signature look.

I’d love to say I fall on the brainier side of the whole shebang and be all about saving my brain for more important decisions, but that’s not me. I fall somewhere between style consciousness, shallow pockets, and being a creature of habit. I don’t think I’ll ever fully commit to one uniform — I’m more of a uniform of the week kind of gal — but I do enjoy seeing others practice a solid signature look.

Griffin House Goes Back to (Fashion) Basics

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When you find yourself in a wardrobe bind and just can’t get into a groove with anything you put on, take it back to the basics and remember the golden third-piece rule. Haven’t heard of the third-piece rule yet? No problem. Start with your favorite bottom and top combo (sorry, shoes don’t count), then add one extra article of clothing to your outfit — like a jacket, vest, blazer, or sweater. If you are not confident with your layering capabilities — or if you live in a city that’s 80+ degrees year-round — try throwing on your favorite accessory like a hat, shades, bandana, or necklace to achieve a more unified polished look.

I’m not sure why that third item locks it in, but utilizing the rule will help anchor a look. It truly takes your outfit from dud to stud. Some of my golden third pieces include bandanas, leather jacket, denim jacket, flannel button downs, and of course hats. Can't go wrong with a hat. Note for the ladies: If none of those items are in your closet, start exploring this style guide by layering with a statement necklace or stacking your jewelry in an interesting way.

Griffin House has been killing the third-piece rule lately. Sometimes just dipping his toes in with his third piece being shades and sometimes getting adventurous with adding fourth items, we dig his style.

We met up the other day to visit some of his favorite places around town, including Martin’s BBQ. While hopping around town discussing local shops, music, books, and family, I captured Griffin rocking his third-piece style in a few Billy Reid items from the Spring Collection. (And you can capture Griffin rocking his musical style on his new album, So On and So Forth.)

Shades as a minimalist third piece

On days nothing more than the basics is necessary, Griffin keeps it simple, utilizing his staple shades as his third piece.

Jacket as a 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.

Hat as a fourth piece

Once you have the golden third-piece rule nailed down, venturing into a fourth article won’t be so intimidating.

What I enjoy about Griffin’s style is his ability to explore new ways of wearing an article of clothing. I also like that his style changes with his mood and he doesn’t corner himself into a specific style. It’s easy to get comfortable with one style and stick with what you know. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and let your style reflect all sides of your personality.

The next time you find yourself standing in front of a mirror unable to figure out why your outfit feels incomplete, remember the third-piece rule.

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.

Andrew Leahey’s Rockin’ Tees

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“Your clothes are an extension of personality … they allow you to broadcast who you are, what you believe in, what you want, and so on, which basically allows you to have a conversation with the outside world before you even open your mouth.”

Since accepting a job at a music site that came with a loose dress code nearly a decade ago, not much has changed about Andrew Leahey’s style. You’ll catch him any day in some combination of an old concert tee, snug jeans, and boots. These days, his look is completed by his full beard and long, '70s locks. Duane Allman vibes all the way. He has stuck with what he loves — he knows it works (and we know it works). So, I don’t think he’ll be changing it anytime soon.

For Andrew, it all starts with the right concert tee. They connect us to a time period — a favorite song, album, or musician — ultimately connecting us to a feeling. Leahey enjoys sharing his interests through style, giving people a view into his personality they may not have seen otherwise. Some of his favorite old concert tees are Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Aerosmith. If you know his music, you know this makes perfect sense. He’s sifted through racks on the road, as well as his go-to vintage spots in Nashville, Tennessee, over the years, keeping his eyes peeled for the right selections and it’s totally paid off. His collection of ringers, raglans, baseball, and concert tees would make anyone jealous. What I mean to say is, his collection makes me jealous.

Andrew effortlessly swings his vintage rock 'n’ roll look from a chill home and travel attire to a solid stage look with minimal changes. Black or brown cowboy boots? Sunnies, blazer, denim jacket? No jacket? Cords or denim jeans? You get the point. With the swap of one or two items his look transitions for whatever comes next. An added bonus: This also helps keep the suitcase small.

Home

When spending time off the road and hanging around the house, Andrew pairs a tee with his favorite flared, faded green cords and brown boots. I love that he rocks a pair of cords. I haven’t done that since middle school! Seeing him stylin’ in cords immediately takes me back to the classroom and the sound of my classmates walking around. You know, that zip! zip! sound made with each stride.

Travel

When it comes to long tour drives, without a guaranteed pit-stop at the hotel before his next gig, having something that is comfortable, stylish, and an easy transition is a must. Andrew rides in comfortable dark denim, black cowboy boots, baseball concert tee, and sunnies. An outfit he can easily roll out of the van, throw on a button up (or a blazer) and be show-ready.

Show

No stiff, starch collars here — Andrew still rolls in his vintage tees for the show, throwing on a light, plaid button-up (worn unbuttoned), denim, and black cowboy boots. I definitely see pieces of his style icons — Susanna Hoffs and Tom Petty (pre-tophat) — shining through.

I love how simple Andrew keeps it. A laid-back, worn-in, rock 'n' roll style that tells a piece of his story. Check out his recently released Skyline in Central Time, if you haven't already.

 

For more retro-classic style tips, check out our feature on Reuben Bidez.