Inspired by Country Music & Your Own Twist Link Up #36
I don’t have any idea how we got halfway through September already. I feel like it was just July last week! But here we are in mid-September and it is time again for Your Own Twist with Monica of Jersey Girl, Texan Heart.
Monica and I both share of love for cowgirl boots and tomorrow is International Country Music Day so we decided to create outfits inspired by country music for this month’s theme. Of course, we both wore our cowgirl boots for this style prompt because cowgirl boots and country music go together like cheese and macaroni! Speaking of cowgirl boots, I just ordered a new pair and I am so excited to receive them! Stay tuned for a joint post with Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends because she just ordered a really amazing pair of cowgirl boots, too.
But let’s get back to country music. I have been a fan of country music since I was in college. I remember being really embarrassed by my love for this genre of music. Back in the 90’s when grunge was taking over the music scene (I was a big fan of that genre as well), country music seemed like a thing reserved for hicks and old folks. But it was in the 90’s when country music really started to crossover into the mainstream and over the years, I have shed my shame and now I proudly share my love for this musical genre. I also am a big fan of western style clothing. It does go hand in hand with my musical choices as well as my semi-bohemian lifestyle.
As country music has moved into the mainstream, it is now one of the most popular musical genres worldwide. While it originated in the United States, country music has been growing in international popularity for decades. International Country Music Day was established in the 1950’s and is held annually on September 17 with modern day celebrations held in the form of country music festivals at various venues throughout the world. The date was chosen because it is the birthday of Hank Williams, who is regarded as “one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century”, which is a huge accolade considering that he died at the very young age of 29 from heart failure caused by drug and alcohol abuse. His musical focus was country and western, honky tonk, rockabilly, folk, blues, and gospel and his legacy continues to carry on into the world of modern day country, bluegrass, and all sorts of other similar music genres.
“I’m nothing but a drunkard. Why do people expect me to be anything else?”
Hank Williams
“I found out that there weren’t too many limitations, if I did it my way.”
Johnny Cash
If I had a Hank Williams tee shirt, I would have worn it for this post. But alas, I do not. So Johnny Cash to the rescue! While many people deem Hank Williams the King of Country Music, the Man in Black seems to have picked up where the King of Country left off upon his death in 1952. In 1953, the year after Hank Williams died, a 21 year old Johnny Cash hit the country music scene and carried on an undeniable legacy until his death in 2003.
I do love some good old fashioned classic country music in Hank Williams style, but I also love the gloomy darkness of Johnny Cash’s lyrical themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption. Plus that voice of his can move me to tears.
For this look, I wanted to be all out country and I also wanted to be mostly in black. So I paired my black Johnny Cash tee with a thrifted black fringed skirt and my black cowgirl boots. I added an ivory lace shawl and my ivory cowgirl hat just to brighten up my all black outfit. Gold and leather leaf jewelry seemed to be the perfect accessories to complete my country music outfit.
Are you a fan of country music? Or maybe just an offshoot of that particular genre?
“I learn from my mistakes. It’s a very painful way to learn, but without pain, the old saying is, there’s no gain.”
Johnny Cash
About Your Own Twist
Your Own Twist is a monthly link party hosted by Monica of Jersey Girl, Texan Heart and me on the third Thursday of every month with the goal of inspiring some of our friends to get creative with personal style.
The idea behind this collaboration is to take one common piece or theme and style it our own way with our own twist…Monica and I have both taken a lot of fashion inspiration from one another over the past few years even though we have totally different styles. It is always fun to see how we can interpret similar items in unique ways or what kind of twist we will each bring to the chosen theme.
We will let you know the themes well in advance in the event that you would like to use the theme for your own post and add it to the link party. However, any fashion posts are welcome regardless of whether you used the theme or not. Check out the graphic below which has some of our upcoming style prompts.
“If you’re gonna sing, sing ’em something they can understand.”
Hank Williams
Be sure to hop on over to Monica’s blog for more details about her fabulous country music inspired outfit! And then link up some of your favorite outfits whether they are country or not!
Keeping with our annual Your Own Twist tradition, Monica and I will be styling Halloween costumes for October. Won’t you join us with your creative, festive, and spooky looks, too!
Featured Favorite from Star Gazing
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi shared her post, Fabulous Friday’s Link Up Party, featuring this amazing summer green dress. Isn’t this is a fun look for some star gazing on a hot summer’s night?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Tee Shirt-Torrid / Skirt-Thrifted / Lace Wrap-c/o Country Outfitter / Boots-DSW / Hat-Burlington Coat Factory / Jewelry-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
28 Comments
Suzy
I LOVE country music! I remember discovering it in the early 90s and totally falling in love with it. The trouble was, not one of my friends or family members (nor Michael) liked it! I was so bummed, because we had satellite TV at that time and we were able to get CMT! But nobody ever let me watch it!! Fast forward thirty years, and finally Michael appreciates country music as much as I do! We often listen to the oldies as well as the newer hits.
Needless to say, your outfit is utterly fabulous!! I had a pair of cowgirl boots but I gave them away because I couldn’t get them off without help lol! I need to find me a new pair!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! We really are kindred spirits in so many ways, aren’t we?! I am so glad that Michael has finally come around to appreciating country music so you can enjoy it together. Jeff is not much of a country music fan, so we usually end up listening to bluegrass or jam bands or classic rock. I love all of those genres as well! I am super excited to show off my new cowgirl boots when they arrive! You definitely need a pair, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
I LOVE Johnny Cash! I actually have two Johnny Cash tees – my favorite is the one I got this past summer in Nashville at the Johnny Cash museum. While I love country music my husband isn’t a fan but Johnny Cash is the exception. We are going to a Johnny Cash tribute concert in January and I can hardly wait.
Great outfit Shelbee – love the boots!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kellyann! That is so fabulous that you are going to a Johnny Cash tribute concert! Oh, it is going to be so much fun, I’m sure! I can’t wait to read all about it. Will you be wearing one of your JC tees to the show? My husband is much of a country music fan either so we compromise at bluegrass!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I’m not a big fan of country music but I think you look great!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! It is one genre that definitely isn’t for everyone!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Such a great country western outfit, and a great location for the photo shoot too.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I do a lot of photos in this area. It’s along a river path so there is lots of great scenery!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I have to admit I’m not the biggest fan of country music. My dad loved it, especially bluegrass. Every Saturday night, we would watch “Hee Haw”. I think that’s where my dislike began. But, along came this hillbilly boy who won my heart and loved country music. It wasn’t until we were doing some home reno and playing country music that I began to sorta like it. I like the outlaw country music…Willie Nelson (saw him in concert), Waylon Jennings, Hank, Jr, and Johnny Cash. I have to say I’m not really a fan of the current country music scene (except Carrie Underwood…cuz I like her style).
Love the cowboy boots! I’ve always wanted a pair, but my wonky foot keeps that from happening. I love your black column tribute to Johnny. It’s fun and fabulous!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my gosh, Marsha, I love this comment so much! I remember watching “Hee Haw” with my grandmother and I loved it! I have always had a thing for western style clothing, too. My love for country music came later when I was in college. But I had loved cowboy boots and hats since I was a little girl. I am a big fan of Carrie Underwood as well. I do like her style and she is such an inspiration and seems to be so very kind. I really appreciate kind celebrities! I listen to much more bluegrass and jam band music than straight country these days, but there is so much crossover now that is often hard to distinguish the musical genre. How cool that you saw Willie Nelson in concert! I almost wore my Willie tee shirt for this post, but I went with Johnny instead. And such a bummer that your wonky foot is not cut out for cowboy boots. You could go the custom route perhaps, but that is very pricey! I hope you are having a fabulous week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Oh I really like this oufit! All black with that hat and the pretty kimono! We do enjoy country music in our house especially stuff a little older (before 2000). Great spot once again for your pictures! I am hoping to get some fall pictures with my cowboy boots and am thinking bales of hay!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! I was going to keep it all black in honor of Johnny Cash, but the ivory kimono and hat really did make it look so much better and brighter! I love this little spot for photos. They have the corral and the stage and there’s a big long walking path along the river right behind it. I take a lot of photos around this location. It’s only about 2 miles from my house so it is super convenient, too. I was thinking I needed some bales of hay for the next Style Imitating Art prompt. I have to go searching this weekend! I look forward to seeing your fall photos in your cowgirl boots!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
So very nice and looking great there.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
I was one of those people who used to diss country music back in the day, until I met my husband! I got into folk (that Celtic folk that was everywhere in the mid-90s), and after I met L, his music collection just kept expanding and expanding (he does a music review blog: http://acreativemaelstrom.blogspot.com/), and I’ve always kept an open mind when it comes to music. I love a LOT of different country artists – the genre is so fluid, from the classic Williams and Cash, to artists like Brandi Carlyle. Great stuff.
I love your cowgirl outfit! Cowgirl is one of my alter ego outfit looks – I just love anything with fringe or even vaguely Western! You look superb, Shelbee. Can’t wait to see your new cowboy boots!
Thanks so much for the link-party – I’ve joined you with a very NOT cowgirl look, lol.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sheila! I have always had a thing for cowgirl looks ever since I was a young girl. My father always told me that Texas was his favorite place on earth although he was never a cowboy! He was much more of a greaser straight out of the 50’s through to the end of his life in the 90s. But I always had a soft spot for Texas and all things western ever since he expressed his love for Texas to me. I got my very first pair of cowboy boots custom made by a boot maker in Texas in memory of my father. Unfortunately, my custom made boots don’t fit my post-having-babies feet.
I love that L had opened you up to new genres of music including country! I have always believed that the people who introduce us to new music are some of the most valuable to have in our lives! I am heading off now to check out his music review blog!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Such a great look, Shelbee. I need your boots, love them 🙂 I don’t think I have heard much country music to be honest. It was always Queen when I was growing up ( my dads favourite) 90’s music when my husband and I got together then whatever the kids liked. I must google some to have a listen.
Thanks so much for hosting 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! I haven’t been listening to much country music recently. I’ve been more into jam bands and classic rock, including Queen, lately. Is there anybody who doesn’t love Queen?! Freddie Mercury is seriously one of my favorite humans to have ever lived and I still love Queen today with Adam Lambert. I don’t know if I have any Queen tees though. I used to. I will have to dig through my tee shirt bin or maybe just go get myself a new one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
This look is fantastic! The Johnny Cash tee, cowboy boots and that hat are so perfect for this challenge!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! I do love tapping into my cowgirl side!
xoxo
Shelbee
Leslie Susan Clingan
You seem to be completely in your element in this darling homage to country music. Great setting for your photo shoot. Love the shapes of your graphics, too. This is just a really pretty post. And I can hear Johnny crooning somewhere off in the distance.
Wish I could be so comfortable in a hat. You are rockin’ yours and those boots. I love wearing fringed pieces, too, but seem to get the fringe caught on everything and begin to unravel…in more ways than one!!
Thank you for joining us for the #agelessstyle link up.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Leslie, thank you so very much! I do love bringing my inner cowgirl out to play every now and then! I didn’t used to have the confidence to don a cowboy hat, but now I love them! I hear you about the fringe, too. With this particular lacy wrap, the fringes always fall off and I find a trail of white strings behind me. My cats love it though as they find the fallen fringes and have a field day with them. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Hey!! Who doesn’t love a fringe?? I mean whether it’s the Western look or a 20’s flapper- it’s just always so good!
Thank you so much for featuring me! I love this summer green dress I practically live in it (but it’s not what I wore to my grandson’s Christening LOL!!! – No matter!! xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! Oh no, Lucy, I apologize that I read that wrong! For some reason, I pictured a backyard christening and that dress would be perfect for such an occasion! This is a perfect example of how subjectively we view the world. We had a backyard christening for my son which was totally casual and that is exactly what popped into my mind at the word “christening”. I am going to edit the post!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I am not a fan of most country music, but there are exceptions, and Johnny Cash is one of them. Your outfit is a great tribute to the man. Very cool!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Michelle! I know country music is not for everyone’s tastes, but I think Johnny Cash sort of transcends musical genres anyway. I don’t think he needs to be pigeon holed as country. I need to organize my graphic tees soon because I think I have another Johnny Cash tee in there that I should get out and wear.
xoxo
Shelbee
Karren Haller
Hey Shelbee so many fun fashion ideas. I snuck in a recipe, one of my favorite fall treats.
THank you for hosting, I hope you have a great week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Karren, thank you so very much! I need to find some fall cooking and baking inspiration. I have been very lazy in the kitchen this summer!
xoxo
Shelbee