Save a Horse, Ride a Classic Trend & TOP 7 Perks of Growin' Up Country

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