That's Barn Dandys to you!

When I was maybe 8 years old my mother had picked up this really unique lunch box somewhere. It was shaped like an old country wagon and it had pictures of pioneers heading out west. At the time it must have already been about 30 or 40 years old...but I thought it was so cool - I insisted on using it for school. Plus, it came with a matching thermal mug - with a forest green top and I absolutely loved it.

Sadly, we don't know what happened to it - maybe I lost it, maybe my mother got rid of it at some point...nonetheless, I'll never forget that vintage styled look.

Today I stumbled across Barn Dandys and the vintage western themed pattern brought all of those memories back.

Ah...my favorite lunch box...the one I got made fun of for using because it wasn't Barbie - but didn't care...yeah that one.

Well Barn Dandys inspired me again. So I snatched up the western roll mat for trips to the park or even just laying out with Piper somewhere on the ranch.

But, if western is not your style - they have great vintage camping images, hula girls, surf boys, baseball players or even just vintage shabby chic flower prints.

They make lunch boxes, teepee's for children, sleeping bags, old school TV dinner trays, lounge chairs, backpacks, infants clothing/bibs, vintage toys and many other wonderful items.

For more on the inspiration behind the line or to shop Barn Dandys go to:

http://www.barndandys.com/fable.shtml

Love, Kristina

Western Wear, Part IV, Wild Horses

Across from Lisa's (my mother-in-law's to be) ranch is over 100 acres, and that is where this story begins...

One late afternoon we were having a glass of Merlot on her front porch, when I thought I saw a beautiful painted horse walking down the road.

I got so excited, we both got up headed in it's direction.

Wine in hand, we ventured off of the property. We shortly discovered that what I'd actually seen was a horse on the property a mere fence away from ours. As we drew near, we were greeted not by one, but 6 towering beauties. One of which was in the midst of nursing her newborn for all of nature to see.

It was one of the most beautiful sights. They were grazing, minding their own, without a care in the world. The second largest of the bunch, immediately came over to Lisa. She has told me time and time again that she is a bit of a horse whisperer and that proved true. Each horse adored her...her sweet voice drawing them in, nuzzling her hand in return.

I was so inspired by that afternoon I decided to put my own spin on equestrian wear for the ranch...

For this outfit, I began with the fundamental part of my look - custom made riding boots (a local purchase from Western Wall Street in Wimberely). The look how they feel, like butter...

The pinstripe boyfriend blazer is a J. Crew staple.

The blouse is Hawks.

The belt was a vintage purchase from American Rag in Los Angeles.

The hair clip is Marc Jacobs.

The gold lame leggings are American Apparel.

Lastly, the gold and lapis lazuli lariat necklace is Karen London, which I used to work for. The story behind this piece, is one which I will only tell to few in full...but let's just say an older gentleman thought that all it would take to ask me out was buying me an expensive piece of jewelry...um...it didn't work. But, hey - I got to keep it and I made a sweet commission on it to boot.

Well...I hope this inspires you and makes you think of wild horses, ranches and summer time!

Love, Kristina 

For more information on Karen London jewelry go to: http://www.karenlondon.com/

Photos were taken by the talented RC Peters