The fashion photo below isn't from Dover Saddlery, or Equine Couture, or Equestrian Collections -- it's Neiman Marcus.
I know from experience working at the "hub" of a college campus -- the library -- suddenly everybody's an equestrian. How's a person supposed to recognize a kindred spirit from all of these fashion-driven imposters?
But ya have to admit, it ain't a bad look, and it won't last forever. A reader/blogger has posted on this too, and she found some great photos. Her blog is So I've Made Peace with the Falling Leaves. Another blog is the Modern Eq, who posts about horse fashion among other things. Both are on my read lists.
And then there are those Ugg boots. But don't get me started...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Fashion Hijack! Suddenly everybody's an equestrian...
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It's easy to tell faux equestrian from the real thing. They are always clean! The faux equestrian clothes and boots never have worn or soiled spots from tack, stirrup irons, the horse's flanks, etc. They are never soiled from walking through dirt, muck or grooming debris. They never have horse hairs, dander, flecks of hay, or horse drool stains. The boots never smell of manure.
ReplyDeleteOnce after some equine chores, I went to the bank to resolve a problem. While sitting at the bank officer's desk, the smell of manure wafted up from my feet, yup, didn't wipe the boots well enough. I tucked my feet under the chair. A few minutes later, the way the bank was handling my problem was really annoying me. So I leaned back and propped the mucky boot on my knee. Let it waft!
I made a post about equestrian fashion on my blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://giddykittysmittenkitten.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-sport-utility-done-in-dressed-up.html
I feel since I am in fact an equestrian, I can freely wear equestrian inspired pieces without feeling like an impostor :)
I've noticed that, every shoe store around here is highlighting their "riding boots". I admit, I like it. But not everyone can pull off the look
ReplyDeleteI was glad to have a riding boot fashion option as I sprained an ankle and had to look stylish for a Christmas Party with a bunch of Venture Capitalists. Their dogs were more interested in me than usual, even though I had cleaned and polished my Harry Halls. I was so comfortable I may carry on with this next year too.
ReplyDeleteEasy, the real horse people usually have blood, poop, pee and or mud on them someplace. Plus a good horse person recognizes the real horse wear names.
ReplyDeleteUGG-UGGLY!!! I would rather eat my blundstones (and you don't even want to know where they have been) than wear a pair of those god awful things.
I've been tempted to wear my microcord boot cut kerrits to work! They are so comfy! Maybe now I can get away with it! :)
ReplyDeleteThe equestrian clothes always look so nice on the models. I'd like to see them after a tough lesson on an 80 degree day! Or perhaps with some horse snot wiped across that vest.
ReplyDeleteEveryone else has already said it. The real horse people are never really clean...except perhaps in the first few minutes of wearing an outfit. Horse slobber is a requirement. *lol*
ReplyDeletei love fashion riding boots, definitely a fashion statement...unlike the real thing, there is no wear and tear, no manure stains, just a beautiful polished leather...dress them up dress them down and look pretty..I really enjoy to get all dolled up here and there after spending days in the barn...what a nice change to be and stay clean for a while :o)
ReplyDeleteOne time, I wanted a black blazer for work on those days when more formality was needed. I bought a less expensive wool blend dressage coat. It was warm and comfy and people thought it was really sharp. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL. I agree...it's the barn odors, mysterious green stains, and bits of hay and shavings that the fashionistas leave out.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Christmas mailing rush I got into line at the Post Office with my parcel on my way home from the barn. The woman in line in front of me turned around with wrinkled nose to see WHAT was behind her.
Yep, you can always tell a true horsey person. Those boots will be well worn in, with some green splotches somewhere...
ReplyDeletebut hey, at least we're all fashionable this year! I never could get the hang on those low slung pants this past year. Felt like I'd be a flasher any second.
It sure does seem like "equestrian attire" is suddenly all the rage in fashion magazines, but coming from the girl who has been to ALL places (including the movies, mall, airport, nice dinner, and countless stores...not to mention walking around a college campus) in the real deal, the "fashion statement" is much less accepted in the eye of the general public who generally give you the once over and then wrinkle their noses at your breeches because, let's face it, who REALLY wears skin colored pants that tight anyway?
ReplyDeleteThe best way to tell the real from the imposters (besides the obvious stench and dirt) is that fashion riding boots a) generally have a too-big heel and b) they never fit right around the leg! Come on...no one actually WANTS to wrangle their calf into a skin tight riding boot just to go shopping and then need four people to pull it off when they get home! Sure makes for a good laugh though :P
Being a fashion snob, I can't get past the "just above the calf" boot height and gappy look of the faux riding boot.
ReplyDeleteOh, and the over the knee riding boot? Either a dominatrixy fetish or a master at the Spanish Riding School
Acase, I LOVE your link -- adding it to my post...
ReplyDeleteSpeaking personally, I've spent so much time trying to hide my butt when wearing riding pants in public - I don't want to start flaunting it now. I think I'm a wee bit too old to feel comfortable with this look.
ReplyDeleteWannabe equestrians; I'd rather not follow the crowd anyway. Pooey.
Those low slung riding pants make me cringe. I visualize some girl taking a jump and flashing her thong. eeeyoo.
ReplyDeleteI always thought if I was teaching riding I would decree no fashion statements in the ring: sensible clothes only Like when I took ballet - no cute stuff in the class: black letoard, pink tights, pink shoes. No exceptions. No distractions. It was all about the work.
POSERS!!! Ha-ha, great post.
ReplyDeleteI should mention that my ballet teacher was ex-Royal Ballet. She was a kind lady and a great teacher. She made it fun, but emphasized professionalism. Very British.
ReplyDeleteAll the horse and pony manuals I read growing up were Pony Club editions from England, which had the same attitude. It's very ingrained with me. :-)
Just had to say, I was laughing at a pair of "tights" that were for sale in Victoria's Secret magazine.... they were styled like breeches and even had cloth knee patches!
ReplyDeleteSo funny! Have to admit, it makes me feel at home even though my version has the dust, hair, and dirt add-ons. Makes it more authentic!
ReplyDelete