Did you grow up as a ‘city slicker’ or ‘country bumpkin?’ Or maybe you were a ‘suburbanite?’ I grew up in a small town in N. California and always wondered what it would be like to have a shopping mall within a 50-mile radius. I’d see kids on TV meeting up at the mall and say to myself, ’Dang, I wish I could go to Claire’s and the Sweet Factory whenever I wanted.’ The city seemed so exciting, although country livin’ has its benefits. If you grew up in a rural area or you’re thinking about moving there some day to raise kids or settle down,
Here’s the TOP 7 perks of growing up in the country:
1. No traffic (unless you count getting stuck behind a tractor)
2. You can have a blowout screaming match over a stretched out sweater with your sister (as teens) and what do the nearest neighbors hear? For all they know, it’s the distant cries of a couple wild wolves up in the mountains.
3. You can build a wannabe “Field of Dreams“ wiffle ball stadium on your property for the most memorable summer evenings.
4. GoKarts, four-wheelers, tree houses, bike trails, spinning donuts in your Ford Super Duty (never done it). You name it, you can have it or drive over and through it it in the country.
5. Your backyard is essentially Whole Foods. Home grown raspberries, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes, watermelon, etc. If you’re craving greens, just peak out your kitchen window because your garden (or someone’s in the neighborhood) is growing it.
6. Sneaking out when you’re grounded is not glamorous, but it’s an adventure. Step A. Climb out bedroom window barefoot leaping into a pile of potting soil. B. Crouch down in the mini cornfield until the parental coast is clear. C. Make a run for it down the dirt road past your property line to realize you’re still 8-miles by foot from your best friend’s house.
7.* Let’s say you grow up and start a fashion blog and want to dress your sister in an equestrian inspired outfit. The perfect prop is a horse, of course. Bingo! The nice next-door neighbors have a white pony in their pasture.
*Below are photos of my sister after I styled her in some of my favorite classic equestrian trends:
My sister,
Jody, pictured in
Report Signature boots,
F21 dark skinny jeans,
H&M blazer
After
alluding to my fear of large dogs, Jody has always been more comfortable with animals
so I styled her, stood back, and let her take the reigns with ‘Lily‘
“My Little Pony” & a Steve Madden handbag
Simple equestrian style tips: Skinny jeans ($10.50 at Forever 21) work in place of riding pants,
Then layer a blazer (with details like elbow patches) over a classic sweater.
While ‘
Lily‘ is lucky to have a great home, not all horses are so fortunate. I wanted to mention
Equine Advocates which promotes the humane treatment of horses. They rescue thousands from slaughter, abuse & neglect.
Details
Layering with a cream F21 sweater under H&M blazer. Heart compass necklace- F21
Jody’s natural makeup look in Temptu Airbrush foundation
Photos by Thomas Delgado
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 135 mm f/2 L (natural light)
I was inspired to style this simple outfit after seeing an old
photo of
Princess Kate Middleton, who grew up in a small British village herself, wearing riding boots, a conservative skirt and sweater. This is perfect for chilly California winter mornings (
or anywhere it doesn’t snow) and when you don’t have a lot of time to worry about
‘what to wear.’ Ditch the 4-inch heels and try flat riding boots on days you’ll be walking.
Where did you grow up?
The country, the city or somewhere in between?
I hope you’re having a great week so far…
~xoDale
Wow! Your sister looks stunning love those boots and that necklace!
xo
http://www.DolledUpDaily.com
Haylee
Wow, such gorgeous photos, your sister looks amazing!
I grew up somewhere in between, a small village outside of the city but close enough for me to develop my love of shopping completely and thoroughly, haha!
Amelia @ UGLY DUCKLING x
I WAS AN UGLY DUCKLING BLOG!
Wauw beautyfull pictures !! Love THE CUTE blazer
Follow each other ??
xoxoxo
http://www.liensfashion.blogspot.com
Your sister and her equestrian kit look stunning! I grew up in the suburbs near the ocean (still live nearby) but I drove out into the country every Saturday morning to go horse back riding, love the country, so peaceful and love the sweet ponies!
xo K
haha so true about the backyard being like a whole foods
Such gorgeous photos
This outfit is perfect! I love the blazer with the patches on the elbow! Those boots are AMAZING with the black skinny jeans too, as I love black and brown together so much! It looks beautiful where you grew up and I am so far from growing up in the country, but I often wonder if I would be a different person if I had. xx
Pip
http://chicstayathome.blogspot.com
Well aside from your sister being GORG and the scenery being unreal..oh and there is a horse in your photo, FYI.
But about the clothes…perfectly styled..love the boots and especially that blazer…how it dips a little lower in the back…so cute!
Happy week to you.
C
your sister looks so gorgeous! the white horse adds a degree of magic to this shot and i love the modern equestrian outfit. the boots are perfect!
pandaphilia style
wow, gorgeous pictures!! i love her outfit. i grew up in the city, and now i live in the middle of nowhere!! i have to admit it has been really hard getting use to it. having to drive an hour to the grocery store! lol. each has their perks i guess!
xo
Gorgeous pictures. You sister looks amazing. Great styling!! This has a Kate Middleton vibe
xx
Heel in Mint
Your sister looks gorgeous in her riding great. I saw the same blazer at H&M – Lovely!
I’m unfortunately a city slicker. I need to walk everywhere and have people around me. But I did spend some time in the country side as a teen. I do miss the quietness sometimes.
http://www.thegirlieblog.com
this looks lovely
I just came across your blog and it’s fantastic. following you 
Veronika
http://www.livinginwinterpeg.blogspot.com
amazing photos, great photos
Gorgeous pictures…your sister looks beautiful!! Love those boots! I grew up in a small town as well and I love it!:)
Love the outfit! Such pretty pictures! I grew up in Danville, CA, maybe somewhere near you?
I cannot imagine growing up in the country. I grew up in the burbs, which was alright! These pictures are gorgeous. I love the way you styled her!
the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com
Great post, I adore your sister’s boots and bag! xo
http://dreamingenfrancais.blogspot.com
I love your sister’s boots…they are amazing!
http://www.windycityfashionistas.blogspot.com
Those boots are the epitomy of sexy! Very beautiful!
i have that blazer and i totally love it.
you look great and that horse is darling!
xoxo katlin
kaitgirl
Love love the riding look and the little pony. I don’t look quite as pulled together when I go riding – I’ve typically worked up a gross sweat and my hair has gone flying everywhere
beautiful photos, you look amazing!
beautiful pictures!
thanks for follow me, i’m following you back
elblogdemonsee
elblogdemonsee
elblogdemonsee
AWWWW Dale the photos are so beautiful!! I wish I could pet a horse at home too! I love elbow patches, your styling is so on point
HAHA I loved your country living perks! I grew up in suburbia but sometimes wish I grew up in the country!! Its beautiful~
xoxo
piglet
http://pigletscloset.blogspot.com
Thanks for all the nice comments, those boots are definitely one of the best fashion investments I’ve ever made hehe. (old Report Signature boots)
My sister says thank you as well for the compliments!
Beautiful styling and photos, love it!
http://styleservings.blogspot.com/
wowww lovely pics.
love the outfit! super nice..
wanna follow each other ?
http://yovaniturner.blogspot.com/
xx
Nice pictures! Your look is fantastic
Do not Chanel SS 2012, visit my blog.
Frances http://www.theafternoontea.it
I am a city slicker but one day I would love to move to the country. These photos are beautiful!
I’ve always loved the equestrian look – so classic and beautiful! Great job with styling your sister!
Stunning pictures! I am drooling over those boots!!!
XO
http://www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com
Beautiful pictures! I like your outfit))
LOVE this outfit! Was this blazer a recent purchase? Beautiful pictures. xo
http://LsFashionDish.blogspot.com
the horse is so adorable! I couldn’t even concentrate on your outfit normally.but I saw how darling your blazer is
Lyosha
Inside and Outside Blog
I love the styling youve done. The blazer is beautiful
I actually was raise in between. Chicago and Nashville is where I spent most of my days 
I live in Alabama now and I must say I enjoy visiting the city but the country is where my heart is 
Ahaha.. had lots of fun reading around your blog. Will try to come back!
x
http://absolutelyfaaabulous.wordpress.com/
Thanks so much for visiting! I love that necklace she is wearing. && I love your blog as well. I’m following you now. Have a great day! && can’t wait to read more!
-chelsea
chelseajuarbe.blogspot.com
you are so beautiful! love the boots and the blazer!!:)
http://lovebeautyandstyle.blogspot.com/
These are amazing shots! Your sister looks really gorgeous. I grew up in a village which was incredibly boring!
Emma xx
lovely!!
from south africa
http://www.arummlilea.blogspot.com
Love the necklace!
xo
mydutchfahsionstyle.blogspot.com
WOW, Jodi is ROCKIN those boots!!!!!!! Love these photos. The equestrian look is so classic and your sister looks beautiful here! I want those boots!!! xoxo
Wow…she looks so beautiful!Love the pics!
Love this look! I’ve been looking for a blazer with elbow patches.
I grew up in the small town but it did have a mall I could go to.
But I like country living. I even had a horse when I was growing up, so I love this post!
I grew up in the country too! Absolutely loved it. Your comments made me laugh cause they’re so true! You can always go to a city and see what that’s like, but how many people know what life is like in a rural area. The closest most people get to a cow is the steak on their plate.
Love the pictures! Your sister is gorgeous!
Libbie
This comment has been removed by the author.
Love the modern boots and classic tweed! Why dress so matchy matchy when you can play and have fun and be completely original! Nice work there, girl! And, the horse and your sister are gorgeous!
ADORABLE! You sis is a great model!
I def grew up in the suburbs BUT SoCal suburbs are like no other in the country. There is no wilderness. There are malls every other town. And we are smack dab in the center of concrete jungles. I have not done anything on your list. Sad right?!
Your sister is gorgeous!
I am a total city gal – I remember seeing farm animals for the first time a few years ago and freaking out, like screaming at the car window. Now that I am dating a country boy, I am embracing wide open spaces, peace, etc.
your sister is so pretty! the photos are so unique. who ever thought to do a photo shoot with a horse?
Hi there – I love this photo shoot. Thought it was an editorial from a mag at first! Following your blog now
wonderful post
love your whole outfit .. the scenery is simply beautiful!
myblissisthisway.blogspot.com
I’ve been wanting to get black skinny jeans for a while…glad to know that they’re there are places that sell them cheaper – great pics!
Thanks for your lovely comment and for following! love this post and the pictures are lovely!
http://fashion-gourmet.blogspot.com/
I love the outfit.
Such an equestrian. When I used to ride Horseback, why did i not do that. XD
I wore the chaps with jeans but not the jacket piece! XD
Hi Dale!
Just noticed you’re now following my blog
So glad you came across it because that means I got to discover yours! Love your photos. The recent outfit post of you and your puppy is adorable.. and these photos of your sister are absolutely gorgeous! Loving that H&M blazer you styled her in!
So glad to be a new follower <3
xoxo.
http://livingincolorstyle.blogspot.com
Hi! thank you so much for dropping by my blog and leaving a comment! xx followed you!
btw, I love your blazer and necklace!
♥ The Niknok Style
love it!
http://glamourgirl-bg.blogspot.com/
wow!!! you are a gifted and superb stylist!!!! i applaud you for that… your sister is so beautiful and the outfit was really so sexy, and hot but yet very elegant… so love the horse.. what’s his name? its nice to live there in the country side, very peaceful and fresh environment… love the necklace too..!!! i so love love love this post!!! kissess!!!
These are such pretty pics, you’re such a good stylist! The outfit is gorgeous, I love the blazer with the boots!! This is a great look
beautiful!!!
http://www.aroundlucia.com
http://www.aroundlucia.com
Thanks for the note Dale!! Lovely to connect–gorgeous pics. My sister is named Jody too!
xo
i love the counrty and the city, thats why i love where i live, i no exit street that backs onto a bush and a paddock with horses, but im only a 15 minute drive into the town! so im basically in the city but just my suburb is really bushy haha!
anyway, your styling is so great and your sis is gorgeous!
x
shopstyleconquer.blogspot.com
shopstyleconquer.blogspot.com
shopstyleconquer.blogspot.com
shopstyleconquer.blogspot.com
shopstyleconquer.blogspot.com
shopstyleconquer.blogspot.com
wow, your sister looks amazing! Great styling Dale! and thanks for visiting my blog btw
Love your outfit!!! So Ralph Lauren and classic! The horse is stunning!!
http://cecylia.com
I love your shoes!
Un beso,
Mlu
Amazing pictures! They make me want to go back in time. I used to be a horse-girl. I owned a horse for almost 6 years
I grew up in the city though, but you could always find me at the manege taking care of the horses!
Great post and I love your blog!
xoxo
http://www.thefashionmoodboard.com
Dale,
Jody looks stunning you styled her perfectly. I never realized you grew up in the country I loved your 7 things.
Happy weekend
omgosh this post is so funny!! i was a surburbanite!!! i miss it too.. i love the suburbs HAHAHA i never thought i’d say that!
i loved when you said you had to jump out the window into mud and then crouch down in the corn fields until the cost was clear.. just to have to run 8 miles to your cloest gf’s house BAHAHA.
your sis looks hot dale.. jody looks so put together and chic!!
Hi, again telling you what amazing blog you have.
http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com
SO stunning. x hivennn
I LOVE this outfit!! and the photo’s are gorgeous:)xx
i love your boots
xo
biologadesalto.com
Wow, your sister is gorg and I love the way you styled her for these photos! It’s classic and chic, but still has some sass
xx
Jen
http://belledecouture.com
What a beautiful outfit and pictures!
Love the blazer and your blog!
X Ine, your newest follower!
http://i-queenb.blogspot.com/
I love this. I grew up in the suburbs so I had a bit of both. Horses AND a shopping mall!
these are great, i love the heart compass necklace
Oh – Fancy That.
Very nice outfit and photos!
xoxo Mara
cute blazer
love the elbow pads. Thanks for checking out my blog and following! 
http://www.saturday-style.blogspot.com
I love this outfit — it has just the right amount of classic equestrian style without being costume-y. BTW, thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment. =)
You look amazing! I love the equestrian look and these photos are great! http://www.casualglamorous.com
You did a great job..she looks amazing!
This is oh so lovely and I love the horse!
XX,
Miranda
she looks STUNNINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG now following u back!!!
http://www.style4curves.blogspot.com
amazing pictures…love the outfit, especially the boots!
Your sister is gorgeous and I’m both city and country girl. Ugh, okay. City girl since I spent most of the growing up yeas in the city.
oooh looooooove the boots! gorgeous!! i am loving your blog!!
http://beautiesinbloom.blogspot.com
loving that bag – just divine
le ps don’t you guys have a great gene pool 
you look fabulous!
astorytohear.blogspot.com
White horse like from fairy-tail!
Beautiful pics!;)
you know what? I thought that your sister resembled kate middleton before I read the rest of your post!! great pictures! And I grew up and lived in the city all my life. Your list of pro’s living in the country side makes me want to move. lol
http://tramplingicecream.blogspot.com/
Amazing pictures <3
The white horse just makes this outfit pop in the most beautiful way and your sis is so beautiful! Lovely photos! =)
Kristina J.
absolutely stunning!
http://forallthatjas.blogspot.com/
OK you paid $10.50 for those jeans at F21? I think I am a pretty good bargain huntress but you may just have beat me. Your sister looks gorgeous and a real horse for a prop…that seriously knocks it out of the park
The pictures are so darling and gorgeous! You sister is very pretty, and the outfit is stunning! I grew up in a big city, but spent my summers in a country, feeding chickens and pigs, and riding horses
so I would say I have the best form both worlds!
Good luck!
skinnymoonstick.blogspot.com
I am a city girl all the way. But was so inspired by this look!
I am in love with your boots. They look amazing. What a great post.
I grew up in a big city but was fortunate enough for my family had a summer house by the beach and spent 3 months of the year in a much more natural setting.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Daphne.
http://fashiondivamommy.blogspot.com
Such Gorgeous boots! Amazing photography too!
These pictures look so stunning! Loving her outfit
xoxo
Fab! Great post and wonderful styling. Your sister looks so stylish and beautiful. I love your points about country living, too.
I grew up between two small villages in the Oxfordshire (English) countryside. I spent many happy years building tree houses, rambling, cycling, sitting in trees, watching insects, birds and animals. I also lived in three different cities as a young adult, now I live and work back in the countryside; this time up in Scotland. I love it
Thank you, Dale, for visiting the multi-user blog I write for:- http://vintageandmodernunite.blogspot.com/ We much appreciated your comment
Such a lovely blog! love it!))
Follow you now)) Maybe we can follow each other with Google Connect and Bloglovin’?
http://myfiercefashion.blogspot.com/
Great outfit, love the elbow pads on the blazer, she looks fab!
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog!
Lovely pictures dear!!! Than you for your comment on my blog
I am now following back!!!!!!
beautiful pictures
Love Lois xxx
http://lisforlois.blogspot.com/
Distant cries of the wolves- haha I grew up in the ‘burbs so there was no privacy! I love how you styled your sister- you are both so gorgeous!
Great and simple inspiration! http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com
Your sister is so beautiful!!! Wonderful blog!
Oh gosh, I grew up everywhere! By the time I moved out of home we’d lived in over 90 houses so…take your pick really! Mostly mountains and beaches I guess. But I sure can’t remember anyone looking as glamourous as this when we did live in the country!
Oh gosh, I grew up everywhere! By the time I moved out of home we’d lived in over 90 houses so…take your pick really! Mostly mountains and beaches I guess. But I sure can’t remember anyone looking as glamourous as this when we did live in the country!
Oh gosh, I grew up everywhere! By the time I moved out of home we’d lived in over 90 houses so…take your pick really! Mostly mountains and beaches I guess. But I sure can’t remember anyone looking as glamourous as this when we did live in the country!
darling what a lovely and fantastic post!!! i grew up in the country too so i know what you are talking about;) and after living in the city (Vienna and Barcelona) i´m living again at the country and quite happy about it, there are many advantages. oh and i love those shots!!! your sister looks so gorgous, really a nice look! i like your blog and the way you write and everything. so i´m following you too!
love and kiss,mary
http://maryloucinnamon.blogspot.com/
Very pretty pictures- did she do her own hair and makeup? I like how she looks super glam, but it also looks really natural- like she’s not trying too hard. Oh and elbow patches are totally my fave. I saw some cool videos on youtube to DIY your own elbow patches onto any blazer in your closet! And it’s a cool touch too.
These photos are stunning! Your photography & styling skills are both incredible
I adore this equestrian look & the elbow patches make for a great detail! I also love your list of country-living perks! I grew up on an acreage just outside a city, so I fortunately got a little bit of both worlds. Living miles away from my nearest neighbour was pretty liberating though; I certainly wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Now following you!
<3 Shawna
http://serpentinestreets.blogspot.com
Amazing pictures, you look beautiful!
wow ,you are so beautiful
love your very chic outfit ,and the pictures are so ”zen”
i m a new follower
in love with your pony
By the way ,my dream its to visit one day in my life St Francisco
you are so beautiful! You seem like you have everything! I am jealous!
x
The pictures are so wonderful… love the outfit and style of pictures…
And you have a new follower – please follow back..
Tanja – PureGlam.tv or via Facebook-Page
Aww what a gorgeous pony! great pictures
awayfromtheblue.blogspot.com
Great blog
xoxo
http://besosmulticolor.blogspot.com/
You look absolutely stunning!
I also completely agree. I was brought up in Mexico City but during the weekends we went to our family ranch so in a way I got to experience both workds
Beautiful hair! xx
Wow you look gorgeous in that light and with that pretty horse!
XO,
Erin
http://erinscurrentlycoveting.blogspot.com/
I grew up in a small town and on a farm. So I know all about your top 7. Love these photos with the horse prop. Gorgeous.
Great style. So sexy boots!
Just divine and beautiful , I grew up in Australia suburbs of Melbourne and then moved to the City and surely has a different lifestyle as a kid growing up you ride your bike and always play outdoors. I love this tweet patch blazer, i have one I bought a few years ago and still love wearing it with boots
That necklace is so pretty!
WoW those boots!!! And that necklace is so lovely <3
Oh my god. Your blog is awesome too! And girl you’re gorgeous, gotta follow ! ♥
xx
Thanks for all the sweet comments.
~I did my sister’s makeup and styled her in my clothes, but she did her own hair
xoDale
so beatiful ….
http://sonsuzdekorasyon.blogspot.com/
Wow, your sister is stunning!!!!! And thanks for sharing the photo shoot/camera deets, was going to ask, photos are amazing. Those boots are KILLER too. Great post. xx
iyinet 2012 seo yarışması llhtnbşklhyktr good girl admin <3
Great outfit and nice pics!
http://www.smilingstyle.com
Pingback: The Tale of the Toggle Coats ~ 3 Trends to Try Now | Savvy Spice
I love that blazer. I don’t see it on the H&M web site – anyone know if its still available online anywhere??