[homefreefashion]

Heart Cannot Handle!  (pic by Carolyn Schult)

This personalized Minnesota “roots” shirt was given to Chris at one of the St. Cloud shows last weekend, and he changed into it during the second set of the final show for reasons only he can know...lol, okay the reasons are pretty clear.  His previous outfit would not have been so conducive to this shameless display of guns.  Here’s a pic of that outfit and the other guys (by anonymous submitter) for good measure:

Classy, simple cowboy look for the win. This navy shirt has zippers on the chest pockets! And he is so slender and...I dunno, cowboy-shaped...in this ensemble, am I right? 

Anyway, you may have noticed that I’ve been keeping rather quiet about Chris’s departure from the Home Free line-up.  Because heart cannot handle.  Because denial.  And because HEART CANNOT ACTUALLY HANDLE.  I want you all to know that Chris may be going solo, but that does not mean he will not be appearing on the blog.  No Sir-ee Bob (hmmm is that how you spell that?). Not only will I be avidly following his fashions as a solo artist, but of course there are a great many Home Free outfits from the last several years that must be reviewed, adored, thudded over, etc. etc. Basically, you can expect a never-ending avalanche of Chris pics. And even then, it will never be enough.

So, with that being said, onward we go.

Swoon Citation: Chris Rupp. Always.

Meaningful Anecdote:  On stage last week, Chris referred to the band using the word “us” and then self-consciously corrected himself and said “you” to the other guys.  Austin replied, for everyone to hear, “It’s always gonna be us.”  Indeed, Austin. Indeed. I would only add...heck I have nothing to add. He perhaps unwittingly got at the truth right there. *commence tear fountain*

Heart still cannot handle, but I can’t wait for everything to come.

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Oh, and someone messaged me about the possibility of changing my avatar. My answer to you is this: You can pry my Chris Rupp belt buckle avatar out of my cold, lifeless, never-to-blog-again fingers. Are we clear?   :)

(last 3 pics by Ed Haney)

[homefreefashion]

The Vest Report

Friends, I’ve been sifting through footage and pics from the Spring Don’t It Feel Good Tour, Part Deux, and as I intimated in my previous post, the lack of vests has been quite concerning.  On tours past, Chris literally became my hero when his vest to no vest ratio approached approximately 264 to 1.  But recently I have been forced to consider the possibility that there has been some sort of calamitous and ill-advised vest purge.  But here lies proof that at least one vest still lives.

Ahhh, an old favorite combo returns.  Hurrah for the heather grey hoodie-vest and red t-shirt!!  And hurrah for...never mind, you have eyes, LOOK AT THIS PICTURE.

And I’m not even finished with the vest report, because this also happened:

This “vest” is pretty deep in the historical-military trend.  And so whimsical in shape and color that I want to call this the Alice in Wonderland Military Vest. I bet the tag says “Drink Me.”  Anyway, kudos for finding such a bizarre and yet Austin-appropriate garment.  And kudos for wearing your gosh darn suede fringe jacket over it!

And he also paired it with rosy cheeks and his studded military combat boots, presumably to magnify the toy soldier appeal of this look.

I’m not sure where to go from here... Maybe post another pic of Chris’s arms Chris’s casual vest/tee combo. Yes. That seems like a solid plan.

I love vests. The end.

Out of Control Pictures by Lisa Mitchell

[homefreefashion]

It’s Friday!

A reminder from Austin for the weekend ahead:

 LIVE IT UP!!!!

My, my, what a philosopher he is. Anyone got a picture of the front of this shirt?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some catching up to do on this blog. Just wanted to post a little something to say “Hello” while I’m busy writing and collecting pictures :)

[homefreefashion]

Country Harmony

Is it time for a video review?  Yes, it is.

They are so far away, and so out of focus, and yet they are glorious.  The Home Free men are doing a number of things of which I have been known to approve, including: 1) standing in a row and thus displaying height conformity 2) wearing copious amounts of denim, and not just of the jeans variety 3) Chris is wearing both a vest and a cowboy hat (yay!) 4) they are existing in the universe.

Onward to a few details:

This is a masterclass in pulling off pale denim!  We’ve got Chris’s substantial Levi Strauss vest, Rob’s light overshirt that fits so perfectly over the T-shirt, and Austin’s oft-seen denim-fusion garment.  I am now ready for whatever 80s acid-wash fashion fantasy comes next.  So ready.  Bring it on.

Also note the way that Adam and Tim’s darker ensembles bookend the middle three:

I don’t want to nitpick (me? nitpick? never!) but Tim isn’t wearing any denim on top. Why.  Why, why, why.  We were so close to symmetry. But no, Tim always refuses to give me what I want.  Also, everyone is hiding their belt buckles apart from Austin.  Well, Chris is showing his...but...no shiny :/

At the least the mini-Rupps obliged me with their matching plaid shirts.  I’ll take what I can get.

Special Mention:  That’s one beauteous barn they found.

[homefreefashion]

Setting the Record Straight:

Apparently, “who’s your favorite” is an appropriate question these days (!?).  I have been resisting it, but I think it might be time to lay down the facts and figures with regards to a few things.  It pains me to do this, but “the truth will out” as a wise man once said:

1. Who gets “best dressed” in Home Free in your opinion?

Nathan Stone.

2.  Best hair: Austin or Tim?

Nathan Stone.  Any darn day of the week. 

3. Who’s your fave guy overall?  Not talking about the clothes this time.

Nathan Stone.

Just in case you need a reason:

Uhm, Nate....I hate to tell you this, but....

You aren’t supposed to look cute in novelty Christmas sweaters.  You are supposed to look ridiculous, or goofy at the very least.  You have missed a memo somewhere.

Swoon Citation:  Let’s go with shirt cuffs folded over sweater cuffs.  No, what am I saying.  The bells on the tips of the elf shoes.  Wait, no.  The hair.  Definitely the hair.  Carry on.

[homefreefashion]

Oops, forgot to post this little gem from the guys’ Wake Me Up performance in St Andrews. Happy Birthday to me (again!)

[homefreefashion]

Adam's Mystery Shirt

Here is a better look at the weird and wonderful garment that Adam wore at the Mohegan Sun show in CT a few weeks ago:

The best guesses on facebook…and I use the term “best” loosely lol…included, in no particular order: 1) an old lady wearing a hat and glasses 2) from the animal kingdom: a bee, a chicken, a dove sweeping everything with a feather duster, a wolf’s head, a cat or dog, an ant-eater, a dust mite or flea, a hedgehog, a raven 3) an angel 4) a hole in the jacket 5) ribs 6) an ultrasound 7) Star Wars ship, or other vehicle from a science fiction movie/book 8) possibly batman 9) an elephant background with a woman in front??? 10) a bad case of static and one of Austin’s tank tops.

Close but no cigar I’m afraid.

I have only just regained low-grade brain function after seeing this. It has glitter, rhinestones, appliqué gauzy fabric, something leathery, TuRQoiSe ArRowHEadS, and gloriously frayed edges that are just begging for scissors. I am declaring this to be a depiction of some shooting stars. Turquoise, arrow-headed shooting stars. May they rain down upon me in numbers innumerable.

A few things we should note: This was custom made, I believe by the same lady that produced the Finger Paint Vest that still consumes my waking dreams. And *prepare yourselves* this thing cannot be washed. No. It must be sprayed with a vodka and water mixture and then put in the freezer overnight. AND HE WORE IT WITH THE LACE-UP TROUSERS *falls into deep hole and finds Fries at the bottom*

[homefreefashion]

Anyone remember seeing this mystery shirt?

Details coming soon...

[homefreefashion]

Luke’s London Style

I’ve been wondering when Luke, Home Free’s manager, would make an appearance on the blog. The moment is nigh. We can’t have that Nathan filling up the Home Free Team’s airwaves all the time just because he has good taste in boots and wears aqua button-ups like a boss. There are other people who make the wheels on the Home Free bus go round and round, and who do so in style, as follows:

Aaaaaaand, I’m loving it. Looking good, Luke. This is a snap from the recent UK tour, as the Home Free entourage emerges from the tour bus in London.  Luke has hit just the right note:

Practical raincoat? Check. Comfy trousers? Yes sir. Cool chucks? Obviously. Oversized scarf with pretty print, ready to fend off the chilly air coming out of the bus vents? Got it.  And perhaps most importantly, he has some professional looking headphones to block out any tune-less singing by travel companions.  Finally, that thing over his shoulder could only be a stylish leather satchel of some kind THAT MATCHES THOSE TAN SHOES HE IS CARRYING.  Well done, Luke.  I’m rather impressed.

Special Mention: Luke is carefully carrying his nice shoes to stop them getting crushed in his suitcase.  I like a man who takes care of his apparel.  And take note of Tim.  He’s carrying his leather jacket ON A HANGER. Praise be given! You two fine fellows have your priorities right.  Tim is also bearing two nice-looking bottles of champagne.  Again, I’m glad he’s taking such good care of the important things.

Swoon Citation:  I mentioned Nathan’s aqua button-up so I might as well include a few pictures of it.  He’s just always getting in the way of things. ;)

First pic by Anon, Second pic courtesy of Nathan Rodes (what an exhibitionist lol), third #NateSighting by Susan Pedrick.

[homefreefashion]

The New Jacket

There’s already been some buzz about Austin’s new statement piece, which he snapped up on Portobello Road in London last week. Snazzy isn’t it?  There’s everything one could wish for on this thing... bold buttons, vintage military style, leather/pleather, velvety chevron stripes down the arms, stand-to-attention collar...  Gracious me.  This look says “updated military prince” with a dash of...well...dashing.

Lol Tim’s face.  And as a bonus, this jacket has given me a reason to unearth a glorious song from the Disney musical, “Bedknobs and Broomsticks”:

Portobello road, Portobello road, Street where the riches of ages are stowed. Anything and everything a chap can unload Is sold off the barrow in Portobello road. You’ll find what you want in the Portobello road.

Blast from the past, eh?  People have likened this jacket to a few pieces worn by Michael Jackson, but here’s my personal pick for fashion comparison:

Yes, friends, that gentleman on the right is none other than Tom Hiddleston as the dreamy Prince Hal (from Shakespeare’s Henry plays).  I’ll let you bask in the glory of these two young men without further noise from me.  Just kidding.  Argh! Their golden-red, slicked back locks!  Their century-appropriate accessories! Medieval sword! Swoon!  Belt buckle and sparkly triangle necklace! Swoon!  This is not the first time Austin has forced me to think of Hiddleston.  I am not complaining.

Top picture by @gmlazzaretti, bottom-left picture by Leigh Perry.

[homefreefashion]

Uhhh, Tim?  This is not the vest we talked about.

But I’ll take what I can get, and joy of joys we now have confirmation that Tim will at least entertain the idea of wearing a vesty garment, even if only for comedic purposes. A giant patriots logo on top of a joyful semi-Christmassy Ikat-style pattern? Bold move.  And he is posing as if this garb has instilled him with superhero powers. Too cute.  I can’t even tell if it’s a proper sweater vest, or one of those faux sweater vests.  You know, where it’s attached to the long sleeved sweater underneath... I have some mixed feelings about this whole episode...

WHATEVS YOU WORE A VEST I LOVE YOU

Solid B plus. Next time I’ll expect a little more.. (Perhaps leather with a button front, but you know me I don’t like to be pushy.) There’s no A for effort on this blog.

OH MY GOSH HAVE ALL THE As PLUS 12 GOLD STARS

[homefreefashion]

The Straw Hat Chronicles

Mmmmm. Straw hat.

The wise submitter likes the proportions of this hat, and I concur:  it really is a nice size.  He wore it during Home Free’s whirlwind sojourn in NYC during the Don’t It Feel Good Tour.  And it he both it and he were cute as buttons.  Here’s a snap of Chris getting ready to go into the Fox studios for a quick interview:

Country boy in New York. Adorbs.

Unfortunately, I must report that this particular hat was involved in a mishap (or two, or three, or seven) on the tour bus.  OK, sugar-coating over: It has expired.  It has left us for a better place.  It has gone the way of the cat-pee-vest.  But I suppose it was a bit holey anyway...

Here is it’s last documented living breath (courtesy of Chris’s Pinterest Page) and as you can see it was already looking a bit worse for wear:

RIP  :( 

Afterthought: Now that this hat has joined the cat-pee vest in garment heaven, we’re almost halfway to an outfit.  What’s going to be next?  The rattlesnake boots?

*Bites tongue*

[homefreefashion]

Shoe Shopping with Nate

What better place to scout out a new pair of boots than Nashville, Tennessee? Let’s take a look back at an early October day on the Don’t it Feel Good Tour.

Ooo there’s some purty blue on those. Plus red stitching. But not too flashy. Nice.

Before you all panic, no need,  Our favorite merch man hasn’t gotten rid of his original patriotic boots -word on the street is that he just needed another pair to put in everyday boot rotation. 

Heehee, looks like he’s spotted a pair that are IDENTICAL to his old boots. Focus, Nate. FOCUS. Don’t be afraid of change.

Awww :)

But back to the boots.  Here’s the winner (modeled alongside the original) which you can probably admire in person at pretty much any Home Free show, at least until he gets his old ones fixed up.

#approved #bothofthem #plusthemodel

Photos submitted by Anon.

[homefreefashion]

Shiny

Hmmm.  Someone posted this to the FB page on December 4th, and apparently I "liked" it in my sleep because gosh darn it I don't remember seeing this heart-stopping picture until now!  (What else have I missed? This is extremely disconcerting.  Anyway, I suppose that’s my problem, not yours.)

Ignore Chris’s incredibly dapper black cowboy hat and burgundy blazer combo for a moment.  Ignore Tim’s silver fire-branch horns, and his silver blazer.  This is perhaps the largest bolo that I have ever seen.  The thing is the size of a dinner plate, just like each one of my poor, overworked, over-dilated pupils.  Rachel commented on FB thus:

So happy I wasn't the only one that was equally blinded/distracted by the glorious shiny being sported by Tim. *witnesses the world ending* Okay, so that may have been a tad dramatic. I know he's bolofied outfits in the past but this beautiful accessory makes him look like a prized poodle who won Best in Show. And is that a snakeskin motif?! I'm done. 100% done.

First of all, no part of this is an overly dramatic response to this glory-full picture.  And I, too, wonder what it is made of.  It’s reflecting light like a full moon.  Maybe it is moonstone, I don’t know.  I’m 102% done regardless.

D.O.N.E.

Photo found and posted by Carolyn Si., but I don’t know what the original source is :)

[homefreefashion]

Patterned Shirts FTW!

While I’m still disappointed with American Airlines, NYC fog, my current haircut, et alia, it’s hard to stay out of sorts when the Home Free men are popping up all over the place looking like this:

(Photo by Patrice Majors)

Friends, I just might be in love.  And not just with the devastatingly miniscule standard deviation in height displayed here, but also with the SHIRTS.  Austin’s button-up is to die for.  It is somewhat reminiscent of a hand-drawn blizzard from an old Disney movie or a vintage Christmas card.  Those swirls! 

Yeah, he knows how good it is.  I hereby christen this garment The Paisley Blizzard Shirt.  And then there is Chris’s navy number, softly pebbled with various shiny color variations, and a little short on reliable buttons, it would seem:

Urg, so gorgeous. Moving on to Tim’s black flowery paisley shirt, which is no doubt velveted...

 ....asdfghjkl;  Yes, this is the sound of language failing.  Thank goodness Rob and Adam aren’t wearing comparably patterned shirts as well.  That would just be dangerous.

Special Mention: Adam’s dark silky-looking bandana (with very subtle marbled pattern?) paired with shirt with textured panel.  Classy, but cool. 

Intentional Oversight:  Rob. No I have not forgotten him. He is wearing a bolo that deserves its own post, so I am leaving that for another day.  There is JUST TOO MUCH happening here and I am only one person.  In a blog.  I have limitations.

Swoon Citation:  Chris’s navy pebbled-mother-of-pearl-effect shirt.  Chris’s smile.  Chris’s lack of hat.  Chris’s giant belt buckle.  Chris.

All screenshots taken from the following video, which you should all watch because it’s super cute, especially the food segment at the end ;)

http://focusonthe615.com/2015/12/14/video-a-closer-look-home-free-interview-show-review/

[homefreefashion]

Twelve Days of Christmas - Revised

Chris declared this morning:

Indeed, Chris.  Indeed.  And judging by this picture, you have unsurpassed taste in everything Christmas.  Thank you, sir, for pairing this beautifully iconed holiday sweater with a cowboy hat.  It has made one of my Christmas wishes come true. 

But anyway, luckily for you, we at Home Free Fashion have a revised version of the Twelve Days of Christmas for your enjoyment.  I can’t take credit - a fashion follower sent this in a little while ago, and I’ve been sitting on it, waiting for the perfect moment. That moment has arrived.  (Apologies to the submitter because I edited a little for intonation and emphasis.  Sometimes I get excited.)

So here we go:

12  T-shirts rockin’

11  Cameras clickin’

10  Bracelets flashin’ 

9  Bandanas wrappin’

8  Toe rands kickin’

7  Hearts a-stoppin’

6  Scarves a-flowin’

5  Ehhh-pic Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeests!!!!!!

4  Pairs of boots

3  Cowboy hats

2  Bolo ties

AND A PAINT DRI-IP JACKET ON CHRIIIIIIS!!

Hopefully this is more to your liking :)

[homefreefashion]

Trouser Charms

Anon asked:  What’s this “angled back pocket detail” you were talking about?

Dear Anon:  I was talking about this pair of jeans, belonging to Adam:

As you can see here, these black jeans have this strip of something silvery and studdy on the side/rear, appropriately angled for style/flattering-ness.  Oh, how I adore these trousers!  Dare I say that Adam is the most adventurous trouser wearer in Home Free?  (I know Austin is the colored trouser master in the group, but Adam’s lace-up pants, never mind the inside-out-jeans day, surely guarantee him the title.)  While we are on the subject, these trousers have another charming detail: a little accessory attached to one of the front belt loops:

You can just barely see it here, but that is in fact a tiny little silver crown hanging from a black string.  Do I have any idea what it is doing there?  No.  Do I care? No.  It is, however, awesome.  That is the only point worth mentioning.  All hail. Long may he reign.