Thursday's Threads: Throwback edition

 

Outfit Day! And I had a little fun this week. The outfit itself isn't terribly exciting, but putting it together was incredibly entertaining for me. I recently acquired a new pair of breeches in the color "Dirt Road". Which is exactly the same shade of vomit green that all the cool kids wore back in the late 90's and early 00's to show. Most of you might not recall, but fear not, I have photos! And you'll see them in this post as we get going, because this is a very special edition of Thursday's Threads. A first of it's kind even! Today I will be recreating an outfit reminiscent of outfits of my youth. I know you're excited. Eros is our model today because he's chestnut and I had a chestnut horse named Cosmo during this outfit's era. 

Here's what E and I had on this week:

It's an ACTION SHOT! Because we were attempting to recreate this photo:

I mean... it's similar... Ish. It's not easy to get hunter Eros to look like jumper Cosmo. But we made a solid effort.

Bridle: Winner's Special

I couldn't exactly match up bridles with the era because most all of mine now are either wide or padded or both. But I figured this clincher bridle was reminiscent of the time when many people used clincher browbands in the jumpers. Cosmo actually wore a thin hunter bridle (which was cool then!) with a flash as seen below:

Back then thin bridles were the thing to have. I probably still have some in my mom's garage, but I can't imagine they're safe to use as this point after sitting around for all these years.

Saddle: Butet
Half Pad: Mattes
Baby Pad: Smartpak

My saddle is much nicer than the one I had back in the day for Cosmo (sorry old buddy), and the half pads we used were these big thick wool ones from Beval. But I used a similar baby pad, even back in the old days. Cosmo's saddle was a Pessoa Jubilee and the baby pad was probably Franconia.

Boots: Heidi

I no longer have the open front bell boots Cosmo is donning in his show photos, and while I DO have some similar leather show boots in my trailer, I thought it would be more fun to use an actual vintage pair of boots for Eros this week. These Heidi boots were for my horse Bud that I had in high school. They sure don't make things like this anymore! They are at least 28 years old, and while I haven't used then much in the last many years, they were used daily back in the day. And they still are pretty perfect.

That's what Eros was wearing for our throwback edition, and here's what I had on:

It's giving 90's meets 2010's... I felt nostalgic the whole day I had this on. 

Helmet: Current Samshield, late 90's version was a Patey

I had a tough time deciding which helmet to use today. I actually still have the Patey helmet, but it's definitely not safe to wear anymore. Honestly, it probably never was. I'm not sure if you all knew of these helmets? They were, for the times, VERY expensive, and they were custom shaped to your head. I saved all my braiding money that summer to buy one. I think they were around $700 which is what a lot of helmets cost these days. Whatever they were made of could be heated and then shaped to your head. If you left it in the hot car you'd have to get it reshaped because it would melt out of shape. I loved this helmet. Eventually it turned completely brown. I only stopped wearing it when the rule changed requiring approved helmets. (Young Stacie loved her helmet more than her brain evidently.) I have it displayed in my house next to a vintage pair of Vogel boots, some old puke green TS breeches, and a wool coat. Boy am I old. Anyway... I decided to go with this Samshield for the outfit because it's alcantra which is kind of similar to the velvet cap from my youth. 

Shirt: Ralph Lauren

I was all into striped polos for the non classic classes at shows back in the day. And I wore them pretty much all the non show days too. This one is more modern, but it's probably still 8 or 10 years old. It definitely gives early 00's vibes though. 

Belt: Brighton

This is another vintage piece, and another of the things I saved braiding money for. I thought these were the coolest belts ever when I saw them. I had a choker I wore with the same beads. (The 90's were a time, let me tell you.) I think I only had to braid two horses for this, so not nearly as big a deal as the helmet. But I was younger for this one. I got this the summer before college which was the most amazing summer of my youth. Some day I'll have to tell you guys all about it. I couldn't find a throwback photo with this belt because usually I had a hunt coat on. Most of the old photos I am wearing a silver belt, which I also still have, but couldn't dig it up for this post. I'm also not sure it would still fit. Our breeches sat ridiculously high back then, and I was MUCH thinner. This one just barely made it around me as it was! It looks a little funny here with my new breeches because back in the day the waistband and belt loops were narrow. These days we like a wide belt. 

Breeches: Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter in Dirt Road

I really can't get over this color... It's so close to the old pants. But like a million times better. The old TS had no stretch. NONE. They were just thick unforgiving pants. They had weird seams all over them that might wound you if your legs swelled in the heat. The patches were actual leather which were always ruined at the dry cleaner. Oh yeah, they had to be dry cleaned. And no lie, they came up to your rib cage. They were pretty awful. But we all wore them. EVERYONE. All the cool kids. The famous grand prix riders. Everyone. I'm so glad we now have tech fabrics and STRETCH! And slightly lower rises. Lol! Photo below for late 90's reference:

That rise doesn't seem as high as I recall. Perhaps my memory is skewed a little. I will admit to missing having that body though! I think I was like 110 lbs here. And also like 19. Can't expect 45 year old me to look like 19 year old me. 

Boots: currently day Parlanti, throwback boots were Vogels

My Parlantis are the definitely the most similar looking in my collection to the old Vogels, short of wearing the actual old Vogels. But the old ones didn't have zippers. You had to pull those suckers on and get two people to help you remove them. Kids these days don't know the struggle! They were custom, TIGHT, with no elastic anywhere. If your legs swelled in those forget feeling your feet for the rest of the day. And you might need three people to get them off. But the quality? Nothing compares. They were heavy duty leather that shined BEAUTIFULLY. They lasted for years, and you could get the soles replaced to extend their life. I'd say of all the boots I have now, Celeris is definitely the closest match in quality. 

Alright, that's it for today's special edition of Thursday's Threads. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Makes me nostalgic for my heyday of showing all summer long. But I'm so glad breeches have stretch now and boots have zippers! I guess I'm also glad helmets are safer. But I do kinda miss that helmet.

Thursday's Threads

It's a stormy day here in CT, but to be honest, we REALLY need the rain. So I'm not going to whine about it. I'll just leave this image of today's forecast to do the explaining for me:

I'm thinking the ponies will skip their walks tonight... Anyway, since it's not super warm, and VERY rainy, It's another long sleeve outfit day.

I'm throwing it back to the late 90's with my tucked in shirt... It didn't lay right out.

Top: Ariat

I grabbed this one during an online sale for maybe $15? I'm always a fan of a pony themed button down! I really like the colors on this one.

Belt: Rebecca Ray

I love this belt, but I don't wear it as much as I probably should. It adjusts on both sides of the bit, and has fancy stitching in the back.

Jeans: Kate Spade

What are the odds that I would have jeans the exact same shade as the teal bits on this shirt? Ok, yeah, the odds are pretty good if you're me. But still, I was excited they matched! I stumbled across these jeans a few years ago on the clearance rack at Marshalls. I didn't know Kate Spade even made jeans back then.

Shoes: Sperry

These photograph almost black, but they're really navy. Found these on ebay when I was looking for, well, not these. But they were super cheap so I grabbed them.

Arm Party!
Lefty:

In keeping with the bit theme today, I wore this brass curb chain bracelet from Swanky Saddle. Looks cute with the apple watch!

Righty:

Righty has on this rein bracelet (also from Swanky Saddle), a bit cuff from Sloane Ranger, and another bit that I think is from Fornash.

That's what I wore to work today, but I figured I could also show you what I wore to show last weekend. I didn't think to snap pics while I was actually wearing everything, but enjoy these photos of my dirty laundry instead....

That's me standing with the white ribbon in my show clothes

Helmet: Samshield

This is the new one that I got when my local tack store closed up in May. First time out!

Jacket: RJ Classics

I grabbed this one when the OTHER local tack shop was closing a couple years ago. (They've since reopened.) I'm glad I had it because my other jackets were a wee bit too snug... First time out for this item too!

Show Shirt: Essex Classics

Tack of Day had my favorite Essex Classics shirts on sale a few years back and I bought like 4 of them I think. This was one of them. I LOVE the print in the collar. It's tough to see, but it's horses wearing pretty colored blankets. I also had never worn this piece. Practically a whole new outfit!

Belt: brand unknown

The belt I normally show in is still in Florida since I never went back down to get my stuff this year. So I wore this belt instead. It's black patent with a gold bit buckle. I actually really liked it, and think it may be my new show belt if ever I get to show again.

Breeches: Tailored Sportman Trophy Hunter, side zip

I was shocked these still fit me. Thank goodness they're so stretchy I suppose... Anyway, these are your basic breeches that many people like to show in. I really prefer side zip breeches for showing, because they allow your jacket to lay nice and flat. Not everyone likes them, but I sure do. Maybe it's my age? EVERYONE wore side zip to show when I was a junior. Well, the females anyway.

Boots: Parlanti

We all know I have TONS of boots to choose from. But I'm super traditional in the ring. Especially for equitation classes. So these will likely be the only boots you see me show in. Unless maybe next time I do the Alumni I bust out the green ones since that is Skidmore's color. Probably not though.

And that's it for today! Are you a traditionalist in the show ring, or do you like to mix it up a little? Any favorites from today? Thoughts on Ariat apparel (I love it!)?

Thursdays Threads!

Happy Outfit Day everyone! It's another awesome summer day here in New England, and nothing screams New England Summer like Flamingos! Oh wait... no. No, we don't have Flamingos here in New England. Whatever. I'm wearing them today anyway.

I'm making casual Thursday a thing. Also, please take notice of the puggie in the window. Alright, let's look closer!

Top: Kate Spade

If you aren't on Kate Spade's email list, you should get on there asap. They have incredible sales every so often and you can find their ridiculously expensive items for actual reasonable prices. This t-shirt is a prime example. I love that it says Strut Your Stuff down there by the flamingo's long legs. So cute!

Pants: Celebrity Pink

These pants WOULD NOT photograph their actual color. It's definitely closer to what you see above in the full length picture. Anyway, these pants have become a favorite. They are SO SOFT and SO STRETCHY! Like wearing classy jammies. I found these on the Facebook trading page for Moxie.Style. They were too short for the lady who bought them, but they are perfect on me!

Shoes: BucketFeet

So you don't know this because I'm ridiculously late every morning and don't have time to change my purse. BUT I have a Kate Spade tote and wallet that match these shoes almost exactly. I had hoped to bust them out today, but it didn't happen. The shoes are still super cute with the t-shirt though.

Arm Party!!
Lefty:

 Lefty is wearing the exact same thing as last week... Geeze Lefty, change your clothes! The two cuff bracelets are from Swanky Saddle and the watch I'm sure you recognize by now.

Righty:

I have zero idea the brands on any of these bracelets. So my apologies for not helping you google search them on your own. But everything except the flamingo came in a stack from Zulily. The Flamingo I bought from an indy store that has since gone out of business. I love the colors on all of these and they go perfectly with today's casual outfit!

Riding outfit, lazy edition...

I wore this outfit last weekend at the horse show. I felt a little awkward taking outfit photos in public, so I tried not to let anyone see... the result? Lazy photos. And a finger over the top of the lens. Blogger photo fail! Whatever, the outfit is still cute.

Top: US Polo Association

This is one of the tops I found when US Polo Assn was on Zulily about a month ago. The tops run a little small in the shoulders which is a bummer, but I love the colors!

Breeches: SmartPak

I really like these denim breeches. If comparing to actual denim, I'd say they're like jegging material. Nice and stretchy, but thick enough to not feel like pull on breeches. (They are not pull ons!) I like the light colored stitching on them too. Makes them a little extra cute.

Belt: Mane Jane

Well if that's not an awkward photo, I don't know what it is.... My apologies for the crotch shot. Perhaps I should have edited this one. Angles aside, how awesome does the Mane Jane navy, patent croc belt look with this outfit?! Perfect.

Boots: Parlanti

I wore my Parlanti's at the show. I brought them in case by some miracle I actually got to compete, and decided to wear them anyway to make sure they still fit. They do! I'm starting to love these boots.

That's it for Thursday's Threads today! What are you wearing? Have a favorite piece from above? Let's talk clothes in the comments!

Thursday's Threads

Happy Fake Friday! Well... for those of us with 9-5, M-F sort of jobs anyway. I'm excited for the long weekend!
I have two outfits to share today. No running outfit though. Not that I didn't run, I DID! But I wore the same thing as last week, so no need to share.
Let's start with today's work outfit:

I went a little crazy with these pants... They're ridiculous but I love them! Note both short kids casually photo bombing in the background.

Top: Andrea Jovine

I'm having an impossible time getting the color of this top to photograph with my phone... You'll have to trust me that it's a dusty pink color. I love the beading along the hems, giving it that girly-but-edgy feel.
Pants: Hudson

Obviously these are a throwback to the fabulous 80's! I love everything about these pants... the PINK acid wash, the skinny legs, the ZIPPERS! I hadn't worn them yet this year because I was a little... well. Larger than they were. But having spent those couple of weekends at the horse show, I'm fitting back into them. Phew!
Shoes: Wanted

These were on the blog a few times last summer I think. They too are a dusty pink color, and I love the spikes on them. Although, they are shockingly sharp, must pay attention while wearing them!

My eye is still super swollen from the bee sting on Tuesday, so I'm sporting an added accessory today:

Good side

Puffy side

My Kate Spade glasses! Do I look extra smart today?

Arm party:
Left:

Lefty is super fun today. First is a light pink and copper Nakamol that I had gotten from Little Black Bag back in the day. Next is my trusty watch. That adorable pink bracelet with the turtle bead is one of my own creations, and last is a ribbon bracelet from Ettika.

Right:

I think this bracelet is SO FUN! I can't remember the brand, but it came from Little Black Bag's big going out of business sale. It is a faux leather with a metal top piece. The "leather" which is tough to see is pink with a gold overtone to it. Really pretty. I think the color makes this oversize piece a bit more delicate.

Now for a riding outfit! Here's what I rode in last night:

Top: Vineyard Vines for Skidmore College Saratoga Horse Show

I don't usually buy horse show apparel, but I love Vineyard Vines and I love my alma mater, so I had to! Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund, so it's a win-win all around. Besides, it's mint green! How could I NOT buy it?

Breeches: Ovation

I've shown these to you all before. They are the older style so I couldn't show in them. Well I could, but all the cool kids would make fun of me. They are perfect for schooling though. SO COMFORTABLE! Also seen there is a leather belt from Ebay. It's Louis Vuitton inspired. I can't believe I forgot to take a photo of the buckle. Sorry about that.

Boots: Parlanti

Jampy and I have a show tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure these hadn't shrunk up on me from lack of use. They haven't! Yay!

That's what I'm wearing this Thursday! What do you have on?