Strap On Your Boots for a Southern Winter

With all the snow we’ve had dumped on us here in Happy Valley these past few weeks, it would seem that any and all reminders of summer – not to mention your desire to be reminded that summer even exists – have been buried beneath mounds of white, flaky doom.

No, we don’t think we’re being dramatic about the depressing weather situation, but then again, we haven’t given up on our favorite summer staples either. Mad Mex is still serving margaritas, flip flops are still necessary when stepping into a dorm shower, and as for adding new country music hits to our “Excuse Me, The Queen Is Coming Thru” playlists (because don’t we all have one of those?), we’re still diggin’ a twangy sound in the middle of winter, and you should, too.

If you’re questioning whether your favorite country crooners are still relevant during the colder months, Valley‘s here to help you banish your winter blues one smokin’ country single at a time.

Just Because Taylor Swift Abandoned Ship Doesn’t Mean You Have To

Taylor once ruled the country music charts, but just because her latest album “1989” didn’t fall into the country category doesn’t mean that other tried-and-true country artists haven’t been cranking out the hits these past few months.

Country great Brad Paisley and dynamic duo Florida Georgia Line recently released new albums, “Moonshine in the Trunk” and “Anything Goes,” respectively, each featuring plenty of hits to keep you warm this winter, whether you’re looking to slow it down or jam out. Our picks? Brad’s “Crushin’ It” and FGL’s “Smile.”

That being said, keep an eye out for new music from Carrie Underwood, The Band Perry, and Luke Bryan.

Speaking of Luke Bryan…

He just wants to rock your spring break one last time. On March 10th, Lukey B. will be releasing his final Spring Break album “Checkin’ Out,” which features five new songs among the album’s 11 tracks. The corresponding Spring Break performances (Yup, LIVE Luke Bryan booty shakin’) are set to take place on March 11th and 12th at the Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City Beach, Fla.

If you’re planning on checkin’ out of this northern winter wonderland  for spring break, start prepping for tropical temps by checkin’ in to your inner country goddess with some of Luke’s greatest hits, including those off his four studio albums and previous Spring Break records. Luke Bryan screams sandy shores and sunny skies, so trust us when we say this country music hottie can melt your frozen heart with just one twangy tune.

And if you’re still not convinced, we’ll just drop this here to sweeten the deal…

Now’s the Time To Ditch Lace for Leather

The biggest concern every country girl deals with when faced with an outdoor concert in the summer? What to wear that doesn’t flash onlookers or give you an uncomfortable denim wedgie.

Sweaty summer days and muggy summer nights call for lacy sundresses, florals and short-shorts perfect for showing off lots of leg. Enter, winter. No longer do you have to worry about keeping your legs silkily shaven, instead opting for comfy dark wash jeans, leather jackets, spiky metal jewelry, and comfy socks to line the inside your boots.

Sure, there’s something pretty and frilly about southern summer style, but every now and again we want to unleash our wild-side and showcase our country-rocker-chic wardrobe, and that’s why winter exists (or at least that’s why for the sake of this argument).

And to Round Out Our Argument, a Playlist Worthy of Your Winter Blues