What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Party

m- Not often do we find ourselves at parties that require headgear....but let me tell you, it's all kinds of fun. Last week was one of America's greatest traditions, The Kentucky Derby, and you bet your horses we celebrated. Mint Juleps, bow ties, horse bettin, and all. 

Now my mom's side of the family is from Kentucky itself, so this celebration is close to home. Our family loves them some dressing up for the Kentucky Derby, ya'll. Pour yourself a bourbon, draw a name out of the hat, and take a look at this year's Derby day. 

The hostess with the mostest on our Kentucky Derby Day: MamaNay.  MamaNay has been hollerin at horses her whole life, so there was no better host. 

Let's have some good ole Kentucky redneck fun. 

A very important rule at the Kentucky Derby: Guests must wear a hat. 

You can wear a floppy hat. 

A straw hat.

A fedora. 

A fascinator. Defined as a woman's head decorator, that is often referred to as delicate and frivolous. Exactly why we love them.  

A cowboy hat. 

And many, many more. 

You should always consider a bowtie. (It's a southern staple, you know.)

Women come in their sunny dresses of bright colors and prints.

And there is ALWAYS a drink in hand. 

Miss Diana DaPontes looked absolutely marvelous in her Kentucky Derby look. Her lovely, tropical printed dress paired superbly with her accessories of flowers and wonderful jewelry. The taste of safari made this my favorite outfit of the day. 

There is no party without food and friends. 

There arent too many ways for men to switch up an outfit but we do have endless possibilities when it comes to the tie. I started the day with this vintage emerald tie my mom got me a few weeks ago. This tie, donning horse heads, was my obvious choice for today's festivities. But of course I quickly became envious when guests arrived, wearing bow ties. So I wanted to switch it up a bit.

 But how to tie a bow tie...

Good thing we have a frat in the house! Never thought I'd say that sentence but they are good for something, these frat boys. Dewey had no trouble whipping up a good bow.
This is a skill every established man should master. 

Thanks Dew. 

Who doesnt love a good bow tie? 

The Kentucky Derby is all about having fun. Karen came in full equestrian gear to the party. 

It was grand. 

Contrary to popular belief, the Kentucky Derby is not just about drinking the bourbon, it's a horse race too. This is when the good fun comes. Pull out that wallet, ladies and gents because it's time to do some bettin. Although the race is just a few minutes, this few minutes literally means a fortune to big and small betters and gamblers alike. Everything is a little more fun when there is money on the table. 

And the're off! 

Win, place show.

Amy picked herself the winner and went home with some cash. My horse, Revolutionary, came in third, also known as "show." 

There should always be an excuse to dress up with your friends, and play outside with a nice drink. The Kentucky Derby is a perfect combination of American class and grassroots, backwoods,
bourbon-drinkin fun.

So put on your best hat and start drinkin, ya'll. 

Because we're obsessed. 

Fresh and Precious 

American Sportswear Reigns

m- Time home means time with this glorious trio. A couple of weeks ago, I only was able to spend a few hours at homebase in Raleigh, because of work, but I did managed to venture out to the North Carolina countryside to visit the Hendrickson's Family Farm. It was so nice to get some fresh air, play with the horses, and get my boots dirty. While I was out traipsing through the fields, I observed how fitting this trio's sportswear of choice went with the American farm aesthetic. I loved it. 

So....these beautiful creatures are all tenants of Katie's phenomenal farm...well, minus Sara and Harrison above. Katie is always kind enough to bring the party to the country so I definitely wanted to seize this opportunity to take some pictures. These three and their classic American sportswear are (of course) the perfect compliment to this glorious landscape. 

 

Sara knows what is up in the world of looking good.
 I have watched Sara's wardrobe evolve over the years and she knows exactly what looks great on her.
Well done girl.

Classic. 

There is something special about staples in regards to one's wardrobe. A classic oxford, with well-fitted jeans, and a nice pair of boots can do nothing but good. Throw on a leather jacket, or a blazer, and you've mastered the look gallantly. 

Harrison and Sara, rocking the leather. I have boots very similar to Sara's (see right) that I got at Aldo one day recently at the mall with Sara and Harrison. These boots have become my staple, everyday shoes that I can't stop wearing. I'm wearing them now. 

Thanks for sharing the crib, Katie. 

American classics will never die. 

Be young, be dope, be proud. Like an American. 

Lana del Rey

Because we're obsessed. 

Fresh and Precious