Talk Derby To Me

I will be competing in an ultimate Frisbee tournament today, and I couldn’t be more excited. Yet, according to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, today is another important sporting event – the Kentucky Derby, one of the world’s most famous horse races.

While much of the day is focused on the thoroughbreds and their racers, equal attention appears to be given to the festivity necessities, otherwise known as mint juleps, & fashionable dress code for the event. While men at the Derby tend to wear simple but elegant suits, women dress to the nines – vibrant dresses, high heels, jewels, and ALWAYS a fabulous hat to tie the whole look together. I loved searching through pictures of Kentucky Derbys past because it seems like the closest our country will ever get to dressing up like we are attending a Royal Wedding.

Now, as I said, I won’t actually be able to watch the race today, due to previous athletic commitments (#flixilike). However, if I were watching from home or lucky enough to attend the races as I one day hope to do so, the outfit below from items in my closet seemed the most appropriate based on the research I did.

{  Madewell Dress // Trina Turk for Banana Republic Hat // Ray-Ban Sunglasses // Hearts and Arrows Round Diamond ℅ Brian Gavin Diamonds // Bracelet: Brighton Collectibles // Zsa Zsa Sparkle Ring ℅ Compliment }

While I know mint juleps are the traditional beverage for the event spectators, I have yet to try my hand at making one. Rivet & Sway posted the most fabulous mint julep recipe on their blog that I think would be perfect to try in the near future. A bottle of champagne has never disappointed me as an option for making a celebration more bright, so I suggest bringing one along to any viewing parties you will be attending today.

{ NYC Expert Last Lip Color  ℅ Influenster }

While the racers test their luck today on the track, you have a chance to win big right from the comfort of your home. Cottonelle  is hosting the “Great Finish Sweepstakes” in honor of the Kentucky Derby! Follow the simple instructions below to find out how to enter for a chance to win a year supply of Cottonelle products. From the most special days, like the Kentucky Derby, to the most ordinary ones, they are committed to keeping you fresh & clean always.

1. Visit the Cottonelle landing page.
2. Click on the Cottonelle Great Finish Giveaway
3. Click on “Sign up now”
4. Register for the Cottonelle Updates website

I was hoping to shoot this look outside, but due to the Boston drizzly weather this past week I wasn’t able to. I chose to shoot this in my common room, where my creative roommate, Molly, made this chic Lilly Pulitzer sign from recycled pages of her Lilly planner. Wasn’t her bright & colorful backdrop perfect for  this Derby look?

FYI – If you’re looking for more Kentucky Derby style inspiration, check out these fabulous posts by four of my favorite NYC bloggers who all rocked Vineyard Vines derby appropriate apparel and accessories. Jessica Sturdy (AKA Bows & Sequins ) inspired my blog post title! { College Prepster // Design Darling // corals + cognacs // Bows & Sequins }

Can’t wait to hear who entered. Best of luck!

Erin ★

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Disclosure:  I am grateful to Cottonelle for sponsoring today’s discussion! All opinions are my own, and experiences are genuine. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Styles I Like.