style: summer outfits inspired by the Country Music Hall of Fame

One of the coolest things about the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville is seeing classic country artists' stage costumes.  I was particularly inspired by seeing items that belonged to the women I consider the mamas and grandmothers of country music.  I decided to play around with the idea of country music's pioneering women, re-imagined for the modern girl.

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Kitty Wells, best known for the song "It Wasn't Got Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," was a Nashville native and is known today as the Queen of Country Music.  Every female country singer whose songs push the envelope follows in her footsteps!  Kitty's style was feminine and fun, so I chose a Modcloth polka dot dress, red Mango flats, a rhinestone hair accessory from Forever21 (sold in a set of 2), and Butter London nail polish in "Come to Bed Red" from Karmaloop.

Patsy Cline is one of country's iconic figures for her unique voice and sassy attitude.  Many of her stage costumes featured Western touches, but she also kept up with the fashions of the 1960's, so I paired an embroidered blouse from Ruche with Blank NYC capris from Lord and Taylor and a pair of Zara booties.  These floral wayfarer-style sunglasses from Delia*s are adorable, and Topshop's Lip Bullet in Rockabilly is a modern take on Patsy's signature red lipstick.

Loretta Lynn went from Kentucky coalminer's daughter to sparkling superstar, made history for writing songs with a feminist viewpoint, and has collaborated with Jack White - all of those things make her one of my favorites.  The Hall of Fame featured her quote, "I enjoy seeing me change from Loretta, the gal in jeans, to Loretta, the lady in the long gown.  It's a little like seeing one of the Hollywood stars appear before my own eyes."  I decided to create an outfit that was a little of both - a Ruche chambray shirt with the sleeves cut off paired with a tulle skirt from Modcloth, and Modcloth drop earrings and Dorothy Perkins bangles paired with simple sandals from LOFT.

Dolly Parton has gone from a very humble background to being a successful musician, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist.  This outfit was inspired by some of her early album covers - a plaid tie-front blouse from Delia*s, Topshop lace skater skirt, vintage cowgirl boots from Modcloth (similar Justin boots are available from Zappos), and a crossbody bag also from Delia*s.

June Carter Cash began performing when she was ten years old and was soon as well known for her sense of humor as she was for her voice.  Inspired by June's lace dress from her wedding to Johnny Cash, I paired a Ruche dress with lace TOMS, a Betsey Johnson necklace from Macy's (what says "I keep a close watch on this heart of mine" like a key necklace?) and Deborah Lippmann nail polish in "Mermaid's Dream" from Zappos for a little sparkle.

Emmylou Harris is an Alabama-born folk country singer-songwriter with an angelic voice.  Her style tends to be a little bohemian, so I paired a Modcloth lace cardigan with a John Lewis tribal print tank and True Religion jeans from MyTheresa (similar skinny jeans can be found at Forever21).  Lucky Brand booties from Piperlime, Dior aviator sunglasses from Saks (similar from Asos) and a Lucky Brand turquoise bangle complete this look.

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