Western Wool

(Hat: Minnetonka, Tank: Charlotte Russe, Bag: Pendleton Woolen Mills, Skirt: Typographie Vintage, Boots: Express)

The feel of wool on my fingertips is something I equate to only perfect days. My mom is obsessed with wool blankets and sweaters, so we always had them piled up on us both before and after sledding. I had horses that needed wool saddle pads, feet that needed wool socks for long hikes, and fidgety hands that needed something to do while relaxing on the couch afterwards.

Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found a way to wear wool during the hot summer months. The jacquard bag I'm wearing in this shoot was nothing short of awesome. Beautiful color and pattern, soft to the touch, and although light and small, large enough to carry a big clutch wallet, phone, headphones, and some makeup!

P.S. This shoot was one of the coolest I've been involved in so far. It seemed like everything just fell in to place. As I drove around with my uncle/photographer to find an interesting spot, he thought of checking out the county fair grounds to see if we could get a few shots in the grandstands. The universe was apparently on our side that day, because we stumbled upon a Western Quarter Horse show that ran all afternoon. I was even lucky enough to get that gem of a picture with my new horse buddy, Kneely. 
All pictures were taken by John McGuiness, and edited by Grace Lind.

*This post is sponsored by Pendleton Woolen Mills, all opinions are my own.

Turntable Tuesday: Hot Licks, Cold Steel & Truckers Favorites

   My family has had a pretty expansive record collection for as long as I can remember. Despite my mom's records having disappeared in the midst her travels (a few crates lost in a bus transfer, etc.), we have always had tons of vinyl around from my uncle who was an avid record collector. My cousin also curated and sold LP's throughout the years, so I was often updated on his latest finds.

    In addition to having something fun to hunt for at garage sales, there are many positives to being a record collector. For one, the sound is different. If you are into a sound that focuses on each separate part of a track, digital is probably the way to go for you. If however, you are into a more congealed sound, something where all the parts blend and you can hear the track more than the parts, I highly recommend giving vinyl a try. 

    Another thing I love about vinyl is having the album cover in my hands.  While we may see the cover of our favorite album pop up on the screen of our phone or computer, it just doesn't resonate the same way as having a large printed version to hold and stare into while the music's playing.

   A few years back I started my own record collection. I thought that it could be fun to take you through it, piece by piece in a weekly segment called "Turntable Tuesday". In these posts I'll review the album, post pictures of the art work, and include any stories or interesting tidbits about the band or album. 

    This week's album is Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen's "Hot Licks, Cold Steel & Trucker Favorites". A country rock boogie-woogie band that leaves a lingering flavor comparable to The Grateful Dead, Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen are the definition of good road tunes. This 1972 album is an ode to truckers and their life on the road, and includes original Commander Cody songs as well as a few cover songs. This album is the stretch of highway in the middle of the drive- smooth sailing and in the groove.