Equestrian Memories and Style

Good morning loves! I hope this Saturday is warm and cozy for you. I’m drinking coffee with my pumpkin spice latte creamer in it along with a caramel biscotti. The little things like this make everyday special!

I was thinking about my childhood the other day and had a very distinct memory of my first time on a horse. I was about 10 and unfortunately got in the saddle using the wrong foot. I ended up backwards on the horse. It was at a carnival so everyone saw. I quickly dismounted the horse and decided to try again. I finally got it right. I’m sure even the horse thought I was a total idiot.

Now, the allure of the equestrian sports isn’t the bonding of a girl and her horse, it’s the style that gets me excited. Ralph Lauren turned average people into “horse people” overnight with his timeless pieces and elegant ensembles. I never thought riding pants or boots would become a classic and yet, they slowly are. Pair that with a button up oxford and blue blazer and you’ve got yourself a classic outfit. Add some Jackie O sunglasses, matching belt, watch, and gold monogram necklace and you’ll become a stereotypical WASP of the northeast.

Besides the labels and funny stereotypes that looks like these portray, I think it says something about what you value. To me, it says that I value elegance, American history, quality, and a lifestyle of sporting and socializing. If you’ve ever seen a Ralph Lauren commercial (you can watch them on YouTube), then you’ll know exactly what I mean. Truthfully, it’s beautiful.

To create a look like this doesn’t have to cost a fortune though. I looked all through Ebay and found blazers like the one pictured on sale for much cheaper than a brand new Ralph Lauren one. During a trip to a Ralph Lauren outlet store last spring, they had riding pants on clearance for under $40. This may sound like a lot but the pants are normally well over $100. Oxford shirts like the one pictured can be found anywhere at almost any price. The key to making them look good is professional tailoring. Taking in the shirt at the waist will make you appear smaller. Riding boots are also an easy find if you go to places like Marshall’s for their deals. You can get designer boots for half the price.

Finally, invest in a great belt that matches your Jackie O (or aviator) sunglasses. I chose tortoiseshell because the print is timeless and can be found in most stores at every budget. Check out Target for great deals on items like this. The monogram necklace is definitely a splurge item because it does have to be personalized in order to make the necklace worth it. Many online boutiques like Etsy will be able to find you something to suit your tastes.

Enjoy today and go pet some horses. Better yet, put together an outfit like the one above and send it to me. My email is in the contact tab at the top.

 

Sunset in the Country

I went on a walk with my mom on a near by country road here in Maryland the other day. The sun was starting to set and the temperature was close to perfect. I love days like this. The horses in the fields apparently did too. They were running and whinnying when we walked by them.

As much as I enjoy the city and urban areas I really do appreciate the country also. Not much noise and room to spread out. I don’t like being able to see into my neighbor’s bathroom window. Living in Washington, D.C. in the past has shown me how wonderful privacy can be. There’s nothing more annoying than taking a shower and having a window that peers into the home next to yours and feeling like you have to hide in order to avoid anyone who might also be showering across the way. On the up side though, it can be entertaining to see what they’re up to if you happen to be nosy!

Anyway, here’s a few photos from our beautiful walk. I can’t wait to post images of the leaves when they start to change color. The whole forest looks like it’s on fire!

A Country Wedding: My Friends’ Big Day

I went to my friend’s wedding this weekend in central Virginia. The venue was held on a beautiful, historical farm in the countryside. It was a wonderful afternoon with superb weather and even better company. The bride and groom met each other at an internship we were all doing in Arlington, VA. It wasn’t until the last few weeks of it that they started dating though. Against all odds, they made it through a year of long distance and ended up moving to the same town to begin working. A year later, they got engaged at Christmas! It was such a pleasure to be there with them as they started their lives together. It was the first wedding I have been to that didn’t make me want to elope! Here are a few photos from the day!

Kelly and her dad!

Champagne toast!

Their first kiss as a married couple!

Candid moment

The beautiful horses

Travel Edition: Going Camping

What to Pack for a Camping Trip

        A favorite past time of mine and my family’s is camping. Growing up we didn’t have money to spend staying at a resort or hotel. So with a little saving and planning ahead, my parents bought a Coleman pop-up camper. After that, we took many vacations every year in our pull-behind camper. We camped all over- the mountains of Virginia, Myrtle Beach, Civil War battlefields, Colonial Williamsburg, a theme park or two, and many other places. One of our most cherished vacation spots however, is Ocean City, MD. While not necessarily known for the ‘classy’ atmosphere, it has been a beloved place for families in the MD/DE/PA area to go during the summer for many generations. My family is no exception to this. 

       This weekend we’re planning a Mother’s Day camping trip to ‘OC’ as the locals call it,  for my mom and my ‘Aunt’ Terri (no biological relation but she and her husband are just like family).

         For any newbie campers out there you may be wondering where to start, what to pack, and what to expect. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone! I’ve been camping since I was 5 and still don’t know it all.  But I’m here to share with you what I do know!

1. Where do I start?

        Well, you start by planning the kind of trip you want and location. For first timers, I do not recommend traipsing out into the wilderness with no experience. Its not smart. My family has always enjoyed staying at state parks (usually very inexpensive!) or at a privately owned campground. Now some of you may be saying “that isn’t camping” and I suppose compared to the rough and rugged campers you would be right. But this is a perfect mix of nature and convenience. 

       The second thing you need to think about is what you will be staying in- tent, pop-up camper, or an RV. Tent camping is the closest thing to the real deal but from experience it is so uncomfortable. If you aren’t committed to buying anything bigger than a tent, then there are many places around the country that will let you rent to test it out. Go with what makes you comfortable. 

2. What do I pack?

       That is a loaded question because there is so much that I could tell you to bring! It really depends on where you are going, how long, and what your activities will be. Going to the beach and mountains are completely different settings that require totally different gear. Not only that, but each season at both places requires different things as well. 

       For my trip to the beach this weekend, I know it will still be a bit brisk down at the shore line so I will be packing light weight clothes with jackets to go over top. A look I love on the beach is bikini bottoms with a cute hoodie on top. I’ll still get my legs nice and tan without being too chilled. I’ll also be bring my Sperrys, sun screen, big hat, neutral color shorts, jeans, a few neutral color tops, bright accessories, and my Vera Bradley beach towel. 

       Regardless of where you go there are a few things you simply must bring: bug spray, small toiletries bag, first aid kit, bath towels, and depending on if you’ll be dining in or not, cookware, lighter, and charcoal. 

3. What should I expect? 

       You should expect a lot of memories to be made and a few mistakes that will make you laugh eventually. My family and I still make some whopper mistakes when we go camping but they make for a great memory later.

       Also, expect to see wildlife. When we camp at OC, we go to Assateague State Park at least once for a day. This beachy area is home to dozens of wild horses and an even bigger population of heron and deer. After being with these creatures that roam freely around the park you learn respect for nature and to leave it alone. Take your pictures but don’t get in their way, you’ll regret it. 

       Finally, expect for plans to be shifted around. You can never stick to an agenda when camping. And maybe that’s a good thing. Be flexible and don’t let your trip be ruined. 

Do you have any tips for camping? Comment below! 

-Liz