What I've been wearing lately

Several trainers would be happy to know that the purple breeches are RETIRED

It's been a while since I've delved into my fashion tastes. Not a purposeful move, but ever since Polyvore dissolved, I haven't felt particularly motivated. I'm also not super keen on using the copycat platforms because if they too dissolve, then I'll be left with near empty posts, like all of my Fashion Thursday ones are now. Curse you, internet!

But anyways, it's easy to see that my style has changed a lot since starting this blog. So much so, that I even purged my old fashion board on Pinterest to scrub clean any remnants of my "live, laugh, love" era.

So what era am I in now? Thrifting & Drop Shipping. Which, yeah, are inherently opposites. I have found some cool, good quality items on Aliexpress (and some complete duds), and I scrounge Facebook Marketplace almost daily (mostly for furniture, sometimes for tack too). Right now, I'm in the market for a wide noseband bridle, bell boots, brushing boots (don't even get me started), maybe a saddle pad if I find the right one, and a helmet (yeah, we're still on that). I've mostly selected what I want and will do a haul later, but here are some of the things I've found in the last couple of months that I feel are worth sharing.

Aliexpress bodysuit, Wish.com breeches, Wish.com boots, and a horse that definitely wanted to see the end of me

Bodysuits

Many many years ago, when the horse community on tumblr was active, someone brought up the idea of bodysuit show shirts that would eliminate the need to keep tucking and retucking your shirt in throughout the day. I thought it was genius. And the best part is that, well, bodysuits already exist! And they're great for riding! I have a simple black short sleeve one (seen above) in a smooth, stretchy fabric. Then I have a white tank top that I bought not for riding, but the fun thing about all of my clothing is that it eventually makes its way to the barn.

Same bodysuit but with my new boots and true denim breeches!

Denim Breeches

It took literal years for this to manifest. I've wanted true denim breeches since I was in high school. When I bought my Horseware breeches, I only ended up with the pinstripe fabric because the denim was sold out. When I saw these breeches pop up on my favorite second-hand Etsy shop, I thought they'd sell immediately. But then months later, they were still available. And then Christmas was rolling around. And then I got a big bonus at work. And then I finally got my finances much more in order. Ya know what? It was a treat yo' self moment. I got them. I love them. They're by Millers, if any of y'all are looking to thrift a pair. These things are crazy comfy and flattering. I love them.

The Maurizia Boots from Premier Equine that I strongly considered purchasing before picking my current boots.
The price point is about the same, these are just leather while mine are suede

Lace Up Boots

Yes, they were worth the Divoza fiasco. I can't speak to durability quite yet, but I love my boots. They fit amazing. They break in easily due to the calfskin. The spur rests are far too small and recessed, but that probably wouldn't be an issue if I, uhhhh, had proper spur straps. The tone of the brown isn't consistent throughout the suede, which is hard to tell in the photos. I do find it difficult to match the brown because it is a deep, rich color. Guess I'll just have to get another pair to make different outfits . . .

The Femme Luxe crop top which is not super cropped but gets the job done on muggy days

Crop Tops

When Schmitty first told me that she would ride in a sports bra during the summer, I clutched my hunter/eq pearls. You can't tuck in a sports bra?!?! You can't ride with a midriff?!?!?! Y'all, she was in 3008. Maryland is humid, but Florida is downright disgusting. I have one loose crop top from Femme Luxe that gives me coverage with a good breeze. I use it mostly for lessons on hotter days. It's been essential this winter. I also have this athletic top from Missguided that I've had for literal years. It's my go to for the days when I'm riding bareback and just kind of what to be left alone lol. Still leaves me covered, but lightweight for the heat, and awesome compression. In general, it's a favorite workout top as well. It's no longer produced, but you can find similar tops in almost any athletic wear store.

Maybe I'll bring back Fashion Thursdays?? As, like, an extra thing?? It was a nice way to catalog up and coming brands and support small businesses. With several packages on the way, I'll probably have some new recommendations in the next couple weeks!