FOR THE WHIMSICAL WITHIN

I've been wearing my cowgirl boots every weekend these days. We've also had jam packed weekends, which is fun, but tiring. This weekend we tackled a bunch of house projects. Things are really coming along in our tiny house. Tyler has been working on building our desk and I'm pretty jazzed about it. We wanted to create something custom so that it would fit perfectly in our space.

I've also been spending a lot of days in workout clothes too, ha! Sundays are usually the day that I pull together an outfit. I was pretty smitten with this particular outfit. There is something about it that is so very me. Cowgirl boots, shorts, a classic button up, and a simple delicate gold necklace. I appreciate simple statements in jewelry, and this necklace is perfect.

Today, Elizabeth of Oak + Oats, Megs of Rivers & Roads, and I are coming together to bring you this month's TriStyle & Co. challenge! Our goal is to encourage, awaken, and celebrate the inherent beauty in each one of us as we live in community. Join the growing TriStyle & Co. community!

xoxo! 

SUMMER STYLE : COWGIRL UP

LOCATION: Pleasantville, NY // DETAILS: Modcloth Dress (similar)  || Cowgirl boots (similar)   ||  Belt (similar) || Circle Necklace(similar)  ||  Hat(similar)

Cowgirl boots are a summer staple for me. I wait all year long to wear them. I couldn't tell you why I only wear them in summer, but apparently it's a thing for me, ha! I remember the first timepulled my boots out this summer, slipped them on and then I wondered, "are people going to look at me funny?" I haven't seen one pair of cowgirl boots around here and I wondered if I was going to stick out like a sore thumb.

I set my silly concerns aside and decided I would rock my cowgirl boots all summer, because cowgirl boots are so me. Plus, I always appreciate the opportunity to go against the grain. Pairing cowgirl boots with a summer dress is also right up my alley. Let's not forget how crazy comfortable cowgirl boots are.

It had been a while since Tyler and I had done a shoot together, whew. We were feeling rusting, but we ended up having lots of fun, getting caught in the rain and taking lots of photos. This outfit was so fun to put together too; mixing styles with my boots and a fun hat. Style is whatever we want to make of it; it's all our own, and can be loads of fun. What are some of you favorite summer staples? xoxo. Samantha

THE BEST CAMERA PACK FOR HIKERS

LOCATION: White Plains, NY // DETAILS: Under Armour Get Going Shorts (similar)  || Under Armour Fly By Razor Back (similar)   ||  Asics (similar) || LowePro Photo Hatchback (similar)

Last week I shared a few top hiking bags for your camera. After all that research and picking up a new camera we decided we were going to pick up one of our favorite bags; the LowePro Photo Hatchback. We stopped by Best Buy over the weekend and we were able to test out the hatchback. My research was based off of the 22L and the one we ended up testing was the 16L, which was a little smaller.

The smaller size actually worked really well for us. It was just the right size for me to carry. Any larger and it would have been too big for me. It also holds all of our gear, plus extras. During my last trip to Joplin I carried all of my gear in a cross-body Swiss Gear bag. We love SwissGear, but I've learned that carrying that much gear in a cross-body is too heavy. I need a regular pack that distributes the weight evenly.

The LowePro Hatchback can carry both of our camera's; Nikon D300 and Nikon D700 with lenses attached and still have room to spare. If needed we could also include our Nikkor 55-300. That still leaves room for canteens and plenty of snacks. The hatchback has plenty of pockets, room for an ipad and padded straps.

Tyler and I wanted a pack that was a good size for both of us to carry. Most of the hikes we tackle we do together so for the most part we'll both carry a pack. This pack is perfect for our gear and our snacks. We decided that this pack would be a perfect travel common; large enough for all of our needs, but small enough to fit under the seat of an airplane. I'm so excited that we are better prepared for more outdoor adventures and that our equipment will be well protected. What are some of your favorite packs? Which bags are you carry your gear in when going on hikes? xo. Samantha

DO COOL STUFF ... IN THE RAIN

LOCATION: White Plains, NY //  DETAILS: Jean cute offs (similar)  ||  Chucks ||  DO COOL STUFF TEE  ||  Beaded leather wrap (similar)  

Summer is approaching. If you haven't already started it's time for camping trips, campfires, roasting s'mores, and adventures near and far. It's time to cut loose, throw on some jean shorts, pull on your favorite tee, and hike your favorite mountain. This month's tristyle challenge is about celebrating summer adventures. It's about slowing down, getting outside, spending time with community, and doing cool stuff. ;)

Tyler and I ventured out in the rain for this shoot. It was an unexpected adventure, as we didn't plan for rain, but we weren't about to let a little rain stop us. Being outside in the rain makes me feel like a kid again. I didn't care about getting wet or getting dirty, I was ready to celebrate summer. Elizabeth of Oak + Oats, Megs of Rivers & Roads, and I are always excited to experience these TriStyle & Co. challenges with you! Our goal is to encourage, awaken, and celebrate the inherent beauty in each one of us as we live in community. Join the growing TriStyle & Co. community!

xoxo! Samantha