A Girl in Tattered Boots

Dirty and torn jeans. Blistered hands and nails unpainted or chipped because of a day spent pulling weeds or mowing the lawn. Scuffed boots or faded sandals. Oversized t-shirts used to clean the kitchen on a busy weekend of catching up...

We live in a world full of fashion standards and magazine descriptions of what we should look like to be in style and how we should dress to be considered presentable or attractive. For many of us, it's an absurd and abnormal definition that we try to live up to and it can become overwhelming in our busy lives. Our clothes and accessories have become what makes us feel good about ourselves, or what defines who we are as a person.

"Style is the only thing you can’t buy. It’s not in a shopping bag, a label, or a price tag. It’s something reflected from our soul to the outside world—an emotion" - Alber Elbaz

My style is simple. It's me. If you didn't gather from the title, this blog article is about a girl who loves to dress up, but not in the way all fashion magazines or celebrity critics may promote. She doesn't see what's on the outside, but rather the opposite. This girl is me, and I think if you're reading this you probably can relate. Let me explain..

Your style is what you make it. It's you and it's priceless. There isn't a price tag in the world perfect enough to attach to you. Feeling good about ourselves in our own skin is what is so important - and it's your most desired outfit. You don't have to wear a designer gown or name brand shoes to be fashionable. It's what you do with your smile, your best qualities and how your heart shines through to the outside world that makes you the prettiest girl in the room. Everything else is just an added bonus.

So let's dive right in into the nitty gritty. What materialistic thing makes you feel beautiful or like you can conquer the world? Is it your favorite sunglasses? Jeans? That Christmas sweater your sweet grandma got you in 1995 (hey, you never know)? Your favorite blouse that you receive compliments on every time you wear it?

You may not believe it, but...

Mine are my hiking boots.

Tattered and torn with laces all the way up the front. Brown and beige, mud-stained and full of life. My boots have walked miles upon miles up and down mountains, across ridges and into valleys. They've gone dog sledding and walked through cafes and restaurants to take me to try foods I have never eaten before. I think they've even traveled in a sand dune or two. We have fought about blisters and cuts and I've tossed them to dry by a campfire. So, why in the world do I love to wear them and how can I feel beautiful in them? They aren't trendy or desirable. My boots aren't the hottest item on the shelves of Nordstrom or Bloomingdales. So why do I feel the prettiest in my old, dirty boots?

One answer. My boots take me to the most beautiful places in the entire world where my soul is alive. My heart has been on fire in places these boots have taken me to which makes me feel absolutely beautiful in my own skin, for some of the reasons listed above. I can spread my smile to those around me a little bit easier. The conversations with strangers come as second nature and so does sharing laughter. Food tastes better. Coffee sipped in the morning time is enjoyed at a slower pace with each sip better than the one before. I can find the simple things in life by looking around at all of God's gifts sometimes passed by in the busy day-to-day hustle and bustle that is my daily routine. My journey to where I am going, is easier. The events of a day in my boots are full of joy and centered around finding positives without realization. I feel happy and as a result, pretty.

Wear what makes your soul catch fire. Is it truly something materialistic? Nope! Your happiness and joy are the hottest items in your collection of accessories that make you look more beautiful than any item you can buy. When was the last time you stopped to feel the sun simply hitting your face or find true beauty in your surroundings? When you did, was it what you were wearing that made you feel this way? It's not what is on the outside that truly matters (although as a woman especially that is hard to grasp sometimes or remember). Pick out your greatest inner qualities out of your figurative closet and try them on. They're the oldest items you own and they'll last a lifetime. If they seem like they don't have the vibrant colors they once did, turn them inside out and gosh darn it...wash them in some cold water! It's time for you to dress up, and go out on the town or if you're an outdoorsy person like me, it's time to get ready to get outside! Not only will those around you notice how beautiful you look- you will feel like yourself and that is the priceless purchase that everyone in the world deserves. All of the extras like the dress you bought last week or new shoes you plan to wear to work in the morning truly are just adding to the beauty that comes from within. And that beauty is breathtaking.

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An Outdoorsy Girl's Guide to Gear Made in the US

I wanted to take some time briefly to discuss a few items for us girls who prefer to get outside over dressing up and going out for an expensive dinner. My post above focuses on what truly matters, what's on the inside. But, we do indeed need to wear clothes after all, right? I'm sure someone in the world will read this and be the one person who lives without them and good for you! You, my friend, are braver than I will ever be. You can move on to the parts below about hiking & adventuring gear. For all of us who do live in clothes (no judgment ladies and/or gents), I have included some of my favorite items made in US soil that have lasted through many of my trips outside. They've also traveled around with my old hiking boots on the journeys where I have felt the most beautiful! So for that, I couldn't help but share:

Lindsay Brook Designs Cotton & Linen Hair Wraps- These babies are awesome for putting your hair up and keeping the fly-a-ways out of your face. They're easy to put on, clean and take off. Lindsay Brook makes all kinds of colors too. Another bonus is they are a small business based in local soil that you can buy in our shop. I mean, talk about easy. Click here to order one.

Smartwool Socks- We are all about supporting made in the USA small businesses and this company isn't so small but I still LOVE their products. Smartwool has mastered keeping your feet warm and dry no matter where you are going or what shoes you're wearing. I wore my Smartwool socks on our trip to Norway and my feet stayed dry with every snow-filled step. To be honest, I wear my socks here in the sunny state of Florida around the house just because they're so cozy. Find one of my favorite ones here. Smartwool also makes clothing and accessories too! I've used their base layers which are also phenomenal.

Nalgene Bottles- I am a HUGE fan of anything BPA-free and good for the environment. If you haven't heard of Nalgene, you've probably been living under a rock.. #sorrynotsorry. If you haven't heard of them, you probably have seen their products around especially out on the trails. You may also not know it's their 70th Anniversary which means they make good, quality products. I personally like the wide mouth bottles (and I like to buy the fun mouth piece inserts so I don't spill water everywhere). You can even customize your own bottle here.

Tiny Lumber's Wooden Earrings- Okay these aren't necessary when out adventuring outside but I have worn them while outside and they will just make a hike or trip more fun! These campfire earrings just show off your love for camping, while you're camping. Lucky for you, we carry them here!

Outdoor Research Refuge Hooded Jacket- This jacket is warm and the synthetic insulation helps regulate your body heat. Not only will you feel warm if you need it, the fact that this jacket isn't made out of down material will keep you drier, longer. Plus it's super light-weight (which I love). Find it here.

Dr. Bronner's Pure Castille Lavender Soap- The wordy bottles and fun packaging just make these worth the buy. Dr. Bronner makes all of his products from the earth, and they just smell so good! I wanted to list all products here to recommend but there isn't enough space. This soap in particular is WONDERFUL if outdoors needing to shower or clean your hands if you're concerned about harming the environment. It washes clean, and is made from all-natural ingredients and even the wrapper is recycled. Find this specific (in my opinion the best scented) soap here.

Hearth & Harrow Organic Tea Towels- These are great for the home or in your backpack on the trail. They easily dry, and can be rolled up for easy storing. The tea towels also look beautiful in any kitchen or bathroom (I have the tree ring in our kitchen) for when entertaining guests. They're completely organic and are handmade. You can buy them in our shop, lucky you!

Keen's Bali Strap Sandals- These babies are great if outside where boots aren't needed or if adventuring in the water! Keen makes all different kinds of water shoes, but I've found these are comfy and functional (and protect your toes- especially if in rough waters). I like the light blue color as it just reminds me of the clear waters along the Emerald Coast or around the Caribbean. Check them out here.

And I could go on..and on...

If you try out any of these on adventures outdoors, please reach out and let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear about what you did (because it just brings me joy) and also what you thought of any of these products! Our shop will start to carry even more outdoor gear and I hope you check out what we have and what we will be getting in. I'm excited to continue to bring our friends and Sprouted Sprig family even more items to encourage all of you to get outside!

Have fun, hit the trails and keep on smiling..