Wednesday, February 17, 2010

A Little Bit Country

We had such a great 3-day weekend filled with gorgeous spring-like weather, meals shared with friends and family, and even a day at the beach (but more on that later).

Our weekend fun began Friday night when Clover stayed with family and Lucas took me out to see a local production of the play Hank Williams: Lost Highway.

It had been so long since I’d been to a play, I had forgotten how much fun they are, and this one was especially well done, telling the story of the rise and fall of this early icon of country music through performances of his best known songs.

The actors/musicians were all so good and it was exciting to see our brother-in-law Tim, who has been playing bass in bands for many years, make his acting debut as Hank’s life-long friend and the stand-up bass player in his band.

Country Girrrl

The time period of the play spanned Hank’s childhood in the 30’s up through his rise to fame in the late 40’s and then his tragic downward spiral leading to his early death at the age of 29 in 1953.

My recently acquired vintage pin-tuck blouse was perfect for the occasion, along with the also thrifted floral prairie skirt/petticoat and boots, to country things up a bit. I’m such a sucker for any excuse to dress according to a theme.

A few romantic accessories, including my beautiful vintage tapestry purse, a gift from Milla, and floral pendant from Skye, finished off the outfit.


While the country music of today sits pretty darn low on my list of musical genres-of-choice, there’s something about the old-timey sound of the early stuff that can really bring out my inner country girl.

The deep-southern roots in folk, hillbilly, gospel, and blues are all readily heard in Hank Williams’ songs and singing style. Long Gone Lonesome Blues is a personal favorite… I tell ya, that voice is enough to give you chills at times.

Purty Purse <3


This duet with a bashful Anita Carter is so sweet. Apparently, she had a real crush on him, and didn’t know he was coming out to sing the song with her (at least that‘s what I gathered from the intro by her sister June on the poorer quality version of this clip). Aw, the look on her face…

Hi Mom.

Oh Clover… this is what half my pics end up looking like. This one cracks me up though, gotta love the Dora nightgown/stripy tights combo.

It was soooo good to get a night out ;)


"I became aware that in Hank's recorded songs were the archetype rules of poetic songwriting. The architectural forms are like marble pillars and they had to be there. Even his words - all of the syllables are divided up so they make perfect mathematical sense. You can learn a lot about the structure of songwriting by listening to his records." - Bob Dylan

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like your outfit it is very country girl and cute. The floral with the cowboy boots is so pretty and stylish.

From Dolly
XX

http://dollydaydreamsdomicile.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

You're just fueling my desire to buy a petticoat, Missa! And what a great quote from Dylan ... I had no idea he was such a fan.

Andrea said...

I really love this outfit, I definitely can appreciate some good country music & some denim & lace :) And Hank & Bob in the same post, its enough to make a girl blush! I agree, (although I admit I do listen to some contemporary country music) but after the 80s country started to go downhill and I think it lost touch with its true roots.

Alexa said...

OY I love Hank Williams, love this post. I totally agree, early Country/Bluegrass is where it's at: it converts even the staunchest of haters. And dressing with a theme is also one of my favorite things to do ;)

Andrea said...

What a great post! Though I do spend a lot of time listening to modern music, I agree that old time country music is great. Hank Williams, the Carter family and Johnny Cash. And I love Bob Dylan. I saw him play live a couple of years back. Another great quote from him!

and the outfit's great - any excuse to dress up, I agree :)

rachel red lips said...

i love this post! i've been listening to tons of old timey country and bluegrass lately. you inspired me though and now i'm listening to hank williams radio on pandora. i had no idea he died so young!

got any other music recommendations?

Unknown said...

so cute, love it all & off 2 add U to my blogroll! ;-)

Kasmira said...

This is just the most ADORABLE outfit!

The Cat and The Cow said...

Your outfit is adorable and the play sounds so interesting!!!! I love that purse.

The video of Anita Carter is basically the cutest thing I have ever seen!!!!! Thank you for posting it!

Teeny said...

Awwwwwwwwww, cutest post! You in your lady-country duds, Clover in stripes, and Anita Carter looking so very shy and lucky.

moonshinejunkyard said...

that duet killed my heart! perfect musical accompaniment to a gorgeous day in the california hills. and your outfit is my dream outfit, no joke. that play sounds awesome...i'm going to a play tomorrow night in the city, yeah for theater and fun nights out!

Elise said...

The picture with Clover is hysterical! Loving your outfit...I find great vintage, western thrifted clothing here. I'll let you know if I find any fabulous finds.

Shelley said...

fantastic outfit! i love everything about it. and i love little Clover marching in just as the shot was taken - so awesomely precious!

Ashlee said...

that bag,

that necklace,

that song!

all so perfect.

Ginela Gonzalez said...

Oh how wonderful that you got to see a play! What a theme as well! It doesn't surprice me that you dressed most accordingly to it, haha that's lovely. And there it is! That glorious blouse you posted about! It's made for that skirt it seems :)

Marie said...

Sounds like a fab play, adore this layered look you've created with the skirts.
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge
Happy Chinese New Year giveaway

Claire Nouveau said...

haha...love your lil' one walking in on the photo shoot! hehe! adorable...loving that purse too...really cute ensemble.

mamushkamarie.blogspot.com

Manja said...

Haha Clover is so sweet.
I love your outfit - it's so pretty and that purse is wonderful!

Karen/Small Earth Vintage said...

There's that blouse--love the way you're wearing it! I read the book Lost Highway a year or so ago (I'm a big Hank Williams fan and love old-timey country music). The play sounds interesting.

Milla said...

I'd go see a play if I could wear an outfit this cute. No but seriously, you need to start an outfit log for Clover. You're assembling quite the collection of outfit snaps of her.

Violet Folklore said...

Missa, that is one of the cutest little outfits I've ever seen. The skirt with the petticoat underneath is heaven, and the boots and blouse are just perfect. I mean, it's not easy to make an outfit like that not look silly or kitschy, but you make it look stylish and sophisticated.

My dad grew me and my sis right up on those old time country stars, a love for them is definitely embedded in my heart. There are some moods that a little Patsy Cline or Hank Williams will only do for.

And me too!, so many of my outfit pictures feature a blurry little girl running through them. Or pouting at the corner of them. Or standing next to me mimicking my pose :-)

anne said...

so much to say! hank williams is the best. i grew up listening to his music. my great uncle introduced me to him when i was little and i've always loved his voice. the video with anita carted is too adorable! she is so bashful!
that's so cool that your brother in law was in the play! sounds like it would be a fun one to see.
and last but not least- your outfit! too dang perfect! i love it all, every single dingle detail! :D
yeah for a night out!

Astral Boutique said...

Oh, HANK! What a perfect way to tell his life story... in a play. Thats sounds like such an engaging and moving Night Out. Surely you were the Best Dressed in the audience, girl! (-:

Eyeliah said...

yay for theme dressing! Milla is an expert at finding gems.

susan said so said...

You look adorable! And you're right about the duet video, so sweet.

xox,
Susan

Jenifir said...

I love how you are working that lovely blouse and I love to dress with a theme too. Although I am a trained classical musician, I have a great appreciation and love of old time country music.

Nicky said...

Your outfit is absolutely perfect!!! Your tights are the perfect color with the skirt and brown boots! I'm swooning over boots still (particularly the cowboy one... just posted about them AGAIN). Your blouse is SO cute! I'll be sad to see warmer weather chasing boots away!

Sounds like a lovely night out- plays are the best! I'm going to have to come back to watch your videos... time for bed! Have a great night!

Clara Campelo said...

lovely look
great blog
xx

Diana said...

Love this! Love Hank Williams, Bobby D and throw in some Woody Guthrie! :)