Thursday's Threads: 4th of July Edition

 

Outfit day on a HOLIDAY! My favorite. You all know I love a theme. To be real though, I'm a little worried about America and I'm not sure how festive I'm feeling. So I didn't get too crazy today. We kept it fairly classy. FAIRLY. It's Shiny's turn to model, so let's start with her. 

She looks oddly unfestive here which I didn't realize... I guess you need us together to get the actual theme. Maybe next year I'll come up with something more festive for the equine to wear. Anyway... You'll see in the close ups that is wearing blue.

Bridle: Joseph Sterling
Brow Band: Dark Jewel Designs

I felt like the spiked brow band gave firework vibes. Maybe it's a stretch... But I'm going with it!

Saddle: Custom Saddlery
Saddle Pad: Premier Equine
Belly band is from Horze

I'm still really happy with the Premier Equine pads. I wish they'd come out with fun colors again... but specifically like good combos, maybe not so much the crazy combos they had before. But also... like bring back the crazy good prices too. They're stuff is pretty pricey these days. 

Boots: Horze

You guys have seen these before. I like them a lot for the horses, but for Shiny, the straps are really long. They work, the velcro isn't too long, but there's a lot of strap left hanging. And you can't really cut it off because of how they're designed. That aside, they're nicely made, and fit well otherwise.

That's what Shiny wore today, and here's what I had on:

There we go. That's more festive! I told you we kept it pretty classy today. Maybe next year we'll get more festive. We'll have to see how things go...

Helmet: One K Avance Mips

I haven't worn this navy hat much lately. I like it with the shiny gold shield. 

Top: Ralph Lauren

I thought I had a couple of cute festive tee shirts, but turns out, I only have tank tops. I had to do barn chores this morning since it's a holiday, and I don't really like to do chores in a tank top. I get too itchy. Thankfully I discovered this perfect top in the tee shirt drawer! The Pony is even red!

Belt: Equetech

I wore my pink version of this belt a few weeks ago, and here's the white one. I got this one also in a Forelock and Fringe box, and have been so happy with it. I've had it a couple years now, and it gets a decent amount of use, and still looks lovely which is saying something for a white belt! This one is a bigger size than the pink one though and I had to punch some holes in it. 

Breeches: Tailored Sportsman

Red generally isn't my color, but I like having a red pair of breeches around for Fourth of July and Christmas. I snagged these from consignment since it really didn't make sense to pay full price for pants I wear twice a year. 

Boots: Pioneer

Okay, well MAYBE navy and gold isn't really USA colors, but I think the way the gold is painted on these it kind of looks like fireworks. So I'm allowing it. Plus they match the helmet perfectly with the gold shield. I snagged these a year or two ago from the Dressage Boots Addicts Anonymous Facebook group for an absolute steal. They're a little too tall, so I stuck some heel lifts in there and that seems to be working well. They're not even broken in yet, so that kind of makes me not want to wear them a lot. But they were actually feeling pretty good by my last ride today. So maybe I'll use them more. I don't think Pioneer boots are the best quality, but they do have some fun designs. 

So that's what we wore today for America's birthday. We stayed on theme without getting too crazy this time. I'm not sure what we're going to wear next week... Any suggestions?

Thursday's Threads: July 4th Edition

 

Outfit day! It's a festive one! I realize July 4th was earlier in the week, but I can't let a good theme pass right by. It's just not who I am as a person. Al is our model this week, so we'll start with his outfit.

He really just wore blue because I forgot I have a red saddle pad that I was saving for this week.... And really in retrospect I think the beer pong outfit would have also been fun. But anyway, this is what we had.

Bridle: Joseph Sterling

Browband: Dark Jewel Designs

I really dropped the ball on the bridle. At the very least I should have used the blue ribbon browband. I am taking a pass though, as I whined all about our exhausting week yesterday.

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: Lettia

Half Pad: Ippico

I think the tye dye has a fireworks feel so that's why I went with this one. Also, I need to oil this saddle...

Boots: Horze

These were a perfect choice for a muddy ride. They don't have fleece for the dirt to stick to, and the mud just wiped right off when we were done.

That's what Al had on, and here's what I chose for the day:

Looking back, it appears this top has been my go to for July 4th for the last like 7 years. Maybe next year I'll get a new top... probably not though. Lol!

Helmet: One K CCS Mips

I love the color of this helmet. It could use a good dusting though!

Tank: TeeSpring

I just think this graphic is adorable. Especially for the 4th of July! I have it in a long sleeve too in case it's ever cool for the holiday. Gotta be prepared.

Belt: Duftler

I still love these spur belts from Sandy Duftler. I'm not sure they are as popular as they used to be, but I think they're really classy looking. 

Breeches: Dover

I've been hunting for awhile now for a bright ass pair of red breeches. I'm generally very much not a red person. But twice a year (July 4th and Xmas) I want to wear bright red pants. I've had a few different pairs over the years, but I think I've finally found the keeper pair. They are really comfortable too. Dover does a nice job with breeches. 

Boots: Pioneer

If these boots don't look like a firework.... I snagged these second hand off the dressage boot addicts anonymous page on FB. They weren't ever ridden in, but I do think they have some defects. I paid hardly anything for them, so no complaints from me! They're a hair too tall so I have some heel lifts in for now until they drop. The other issue, the snap tab behind the knee is so short, it doesn't snap closed. Like even if I'm not wearing them. If I do snap it (whilst not wearing them) you have to fold the zipper over itself to get it closed. I'm not sure what they were thinking? Definitely a defect. But since I will never show in them, it's not a thing. I just leave them open. Also one of the zippers is wonky, and will break at some point. But for now, they're fine. And again, I paid so little for them, it's not really a thing if I have to replace the zippers at some point. They're super fun looking anyway!

And that's it for this holiday! Any favorites? Have you had Pioneer boots? What did you think of them?

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! Okay... so I said no more navy for awhile, but I have some fun navy stuff that I haven't worn yet, and so here we are. Wearing blue again. Since Al is still at the boarding barn and still donning navy on the regular, he is our model today. Here's what he wore (none of his stuff is new):

Bridle: Joseph Sterling
Browband: Dark Jewel Designs

Definitely had to use draw reins today because we rode without any horse buddies. Life is very scary without horse buddies. Fortunately, he kept a lid on his emotions and we had a lovely ride. 

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: Ogilvy
Half Pad: Ippico

Boots: Premier Equine

Love these for the hotter days. They seem cooler than the fuzzy boots.

And here's what I had on:

Navy almost seems out of place in my green trimmed barn...

Helmet: One K

It's dusty, I know. Everything is dusty. We seem to only get rain once a week these days, if we're lucky. 

Shirt: HV Polo

I really wanted to wear this today because it's spring here in New England which means it starts out in the 60's and finishes in the upper 80's. So I wanted something warm enough for the morning but cool enough for the afternoon. This was a good choice since the top part and the sleeves are perforated. Like having A/C in your shirt! This is a fun, relatively inexpensive brand that I've found in many of the European tack store websites. I happened to snag this top on sale, so it was only around $20. The piping on it is a metallic gold which didn't show up well in the photo. 

Belt: Mane Jane

I needed navy, a gold buckle, and not too wide because these belt loops are small. So obviously, I went with Mane Jane.

Breeches: QHP

I've nearly put these in the for sale pile a few times. At first because they were too small, and then because they were a little big. But I've decided I really like them, so I'm keeping them. They are a little loose right now, but they don't rub or anything, and they're a great weight for summer. 

Boots: Pioneer

A few months ago I stumbled across these boots for sale on Facebook. It's VERY rare to find used boots in my size because I have lady sized calves and basically child sized feet. But every now and then I get lucky! These were very inexpensive and I don't think they were ever actually ridden in. So I jumped at the opportunity. They are a touch too tall, I have a pretty serious heel lift in them at the moment. But the width and foot are perfect. I should have snapped some more photos, because you can't really see all the details from this angle. The toe cap has a punched toe, and inside each of the punches are crystals. There are also crystals along the V shape on the top. The gold part looks painted on, and it's metallic. Super fun! I'm not sure this is something I would have designed and ordered for myself, but I really do love them. Sometimes you have to let the boot universe tell you what you need.

Thursday's Threads: Riding outfit only edition

Kind of a lame Thursday's Threads post because I kind of forgot to take outfit pictures this morning. But also, I have no power, which means no running water or heat so I look AMAZING let me tell you... At least outside looks pretty?

 It doesn't sound pretty. The trees cracking all around last night sounded like fireworks! Eeek. 100% of my town is in the dark. Hoping it's back by tonight because it's supposed to drop down into the 20's tonight. Brr.
Fortunately, I grabbed some snaps of my riding outfit on Sunday, so all is not lost!

I had to add a coat before I got on though. That wind was blowing cold!

Also, Jampy and I wore matching boots:

Ok, let's look closer!

Helmet: Charles Owen JR8

I don't really like the harnesses on these JR8 helmets, but the sparkles obviously over rule that issue. It fits well too, so that's the most important thing.

Jacket: Ariat

This guy got stuck in the black hole that is my laundry pile for awhile. But he's clean and back in action! I rather like Ariat apparel.

Hoodie: Lit Cube

Why yes, this IS a Gilmore Girls inspired sweatshirt. Thanks for noticing! I love it. It's oversize and comfy and warm and all the things you want in a sweatshirt.

Belt: Brooks Belts

This belt matches the breeches so well, you almost can't see it! It's your run of the mill elastic belt. I could probably make this if I had and could work a sewing machine. But since I do not and cannot, I had to buy it.

Breeches: Kerrits Winter Cargo breeches

I'm not a big fan of Kerrits breeches, but these were on super duper sale, and I loved the heathered gray. Also, I am a bit too... fluffy for any of my winter breeches, so figured I'd give them a try. They're ok. I liked riding in them, but the cargo pockets on the side make the legs have less give to them. And that's where I could use all the give I can get. I maybe should have gotten a large instead of a medium. They'll do though.

Boots: Pioneer

They are tough to photograph! Navy, I promise.

Ah! The part you've been waiting for! The boots! I have mixed reviews here. I think overall positive, but there is one pretty big negative. Let's start there and get it out of the way. They say patent leather is really grippy. And that's not a lie exactly.... If you rub patent on patent, you get a great grip. If you rub patent on smooth saddle leather? Not so much. However, lots of boots are slippery when they're new, so I'm not sure it's fair to judge yet. And I think a little of this stuff should help me out of it the slippery is a permanent state:

I'm not a big fan of saddle tight type stuff, but I like this one a lot. It doesn't ruin your tack, and wipes right off with a little saddle soap. Unlike actual saddle tite. That stuff is gross. I was planning to try it with the boots on Rio but he was off so didn't get the chance. Will report back whenever I can try again.
And now the good! These boots are SO COMFY! Maybe not quite Regal comfy, but for boots that seem really stiff they weren't. The didn't dig into my legs anywhere (so hopefully that doesn't mean they'll wind up too short...) and I had no blisters or anything to speak of after my ride. I wore them to lunge and ride Jamp, lunge Rio, sweep up the barn, and feed the horses. So they were on for a few hours doing all different things. They are a little stiff, to be expected, but very comfy! And they're pretty awesome to look at too, if I do say so!

That's it for today... short and sweet! Were you in the path of this Nor'Easter? How did you make out? Any favorites from today?

Thursday's Threads

Outfit Day! It's a weird day over here... Supposed to get up into the 50's today, but since it's been cold, it's super foggy. And I think it might rain. But hey, at least it's not snow, which is apparently heading here for the weekend. Crazy!
Since I did sit on my horse this weekend, I have a riding outfit to share! It's pretty weak and not at all matchy matchy though... It's actually kind of clashy clashy... Not quite up to my norm!

Ok, full disclosure. I put the boots on to take the photo, but I did NOT actually ride in them. It was a muddy mess out there! No way was I taking them out in that! But I figured you all could use a break from my Regals.

Helmet: Charles Owen AYR8

I should have grabbed my blue one, but I was obviously feeling incredibly lazy.

Jacket: Eddie Bauer
Fleece top: Eddie Bauer

All the layers! It was still pretty chilly out, and VERY damp. I've discussed previously my love for packable down. No need to rehash. As for the fleece top, I have mixed feelings. I really love this kind of knitted fleece. it's soft and warm and super cozy. But everything sticks to it! Probably better for lounging at home than wearing in the barn. But whatever.

Belt: C4

I picked this one up from one of the tack sites when they had it on clearance. I think it's fun how it looks like a leather belt with metal bits on it, but it's actually just printed. And yes, I now have a matching cuff bracelet! Though I didn't yet here.

Breeches: Ariat Heritage

Another clearance find! I love that these have pockets. Though I think maybe that makes them kind of manly looking. Also, the first time I wore these a few weeks ago, they were kind of big. I haven't really changed shape in the last few weeks, but after washing these were pretty snug. So I do think they shrink a bit in the dryer.

Boots: Pioneer

I'm really so happy with how these came out. They're a little crazy, yes, but they're so fun! I can't wait to actually try riding in them!

And now, on to today's work outfit:

I didn't get a very good night's sleep and was feeling kind of blah this morning, so I really just wanted something comfy. If I could have worn jammies to work today, I totally would have.

Sweater: Kaisley

I found this I think two years ago on clearance at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I think I paid six dollars for it. $6 well spent my friends! It's a cotton/poly blend, which makes it super soft, and washable too! I love how oversize it is. Perfect for a blah day.

Belt: Mane Jane

This is the belt strap I won in the Mane Jane contest. I love the dark gray, it goes well with so many things! The other side is pink.

Jeans: True Religion

These definitely have been near the top of the favorites list for awhile now. I think the thick, contrasting white stitching is really fun. And True Religion jeans seem to fit me really well. As long as they're the stretchy ones. Got a not stretchy pair once in error, and well... Those went off to consignment immediately.

Boots: Lucky Brand

You've seen these a million times now. I just love them. They go with almost anything, and are SO COMFY! Plus they fit like a glove.

Arm party:
Lefty:

Nothing fancies up an outfit quite like glitter, amiright? Lefty is donning a pretty little glitter cuff I made along with the apple watch.

Righty:

Righty is also wearing some Stacie Originals. While the patterns aren't exactly the same on these bracelets, the color are so I think they work together. I love the horsey one!

And that's it for today! What are you wearing? Don't tell me if you're wearing jammies, cause I'll be super jealous.