A Run for the Roses

I can't believe it is that time of year again. You know it is spring when it is time for the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby is a horse race that is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States, and it attracts a large crowd of spectators each year. It is also no secret that I absolutely adore the day, whether at Churchill Downs, some other track, or just watching from home.

The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously run sporting event in the United States, and it has been held every year since 1875. There are so many reasons to celebrate the event. First of all, the Kentucky Derby is known for its elaborate hats and fashions. What is not to love about that? Second, the Kentucky Derby is a very exciting race. Often called the most exciting 2 minutes in sports, the race is 1.25 miles long, and it is often close and competitive. Third, the Kentucky Derby is a very glamorous event.

I always make it a priority to get myself a new dress and hat each year for the event as well. To me the Derby is almost like a fashion runway for the upcoming season. Here are some of the trends that you can expect to see at the Derby this year:

• Bright colors: Bright colors are always popular at the Kentucky Derby, and this year is no exception. Expect to see lots of pink, yellow, green, and blue dresses.

This Vince Camuto dress would be a perfect Derby dress with its detail, bright color, and lady-like appeal.

• Floral prints: Floral prints are another popular trend for the Kentucky Derby. Look for dresses, skirts, and tops with delicate floral patterns. Afterall, the Derby is the "Run for the Roses"!

Above is a prefect budget friendly option from Venus. The one shoulder aspect is a big trend this spring as well. 

• Gingham: Gingham is a classic pattern that is always popular at the Kentucky Derby. Look for dresses, skirts, and shirts in gingham checks.

This LoveShack Fancy gingham dress would be absolutely perfect for the Derby as well. Plus it combines two new spring trends in one, gingham and floral! 

• Hats: Hats are a must-have for the Kentucky Derby. Look for large, elaborate hats and fascinators with feathers, flowers, and other embellishments.

You don't need to blow the budget finding the perfect hat either though. This fascinator above is from Amazon under $15!

No matter what your style, you're sure to find the perfect outfit for the Kentucky Derby this year. So, get creative and have fun with your fashion! I can't wait to reveal my dress for this year next weekend! Watch my Instagram for posts. Comment down below how you plan to celebrate.

Kentucky Derby Home Decor!

 Finding the perfect dress/ hat combo is only part of prepping for the Derby.... I had to get my decor in the vibe as well! This year I went a little simpler than I had sometimes in previous years but definitely still set the mood for a small watch party I will be hosting. 

On the kitchen island, I left things a little simple to have room to set out the food. I used my MacKenzie-Childs bud vase to display some red roses, a small chalk board to set the tone from the wedding section of Hobby Lobby (no longer available- similar here), and of course Derby napkins from the party shop. I will be serving my pulled pork as the main dish. I had a blog post previously with this recipe that can be found here. 

I also changed out my floral arrangement on the side of the fridge to incorporate the feel of the "run for the roses" by simply adding in red faux roses with MacKenzie-Childs ribbon and bee pick. 

In the dining room as well, of course the chicken on the buffet needed an update to incorporate and abundance of red roses as well. I also displayed 14 Hands wine with my Taste of the Derby wine glasses.

Also in the dining room on the fireplace, I used a candlestick holder to hold up an elaborate riding hat. I added in boxed red roses with a box wood topiary, antique horse head statue, and gift boxes I had for height. 

In the living room, right around the corner, I sat up the mint julep station.... of course using Woodford Reserve bourbon.

For another display in the living room, I used old horse bit the lay the foundation for another horse and hat displayed on a candlestick along with a photo of being at the Derby. 

For a full walkthrough tour visit my YouTube channel. Comment below, what are you doing for the Derby this year? Did you decorate? Are you going somewhere to watch the race? Also be sure to hit subscribe to receive notice of future blog posts. 

Prepping for the Derby!

The weather is getting warmer, the days a little longer and brighter, the Easter Bunny has hopped down the lane and now it is time to start planning for the quintessential event of the spring.... the Kentucky Derby!

I have already ordered my dress and plan to wear it with a navy fascinator I already have. For me, it is never an option to not get a new spring dress for the day... not that an excuse is really needed for a lovely new spring dress, but oh ever if there was one, the Derby is it!

When planning what to wear for the Derby, you don't really need to overthink it. There are no set dress rules, though there is the tradition of the dress and hat combo for women. All you really need to do is look to the spring trends for the year and find a dress you love then pair it with a wonderful hat (or even headband if hats aren't your thing!). If it is cold that day, layer over a cardigan or blazer to finish the look. Rain... change the pumps to Wellies or riding boots.... it will all look classic and appropriate. 

Below are some dress ideas I found online to help inspire you in finding your perfect Derby look for this year too! I just hope my dress fits like a glove when it arrives.

Below, I found a new company I had never heard of called Shinesty that had adorable Derby themed printed dresses. Isn't this Run for the Roses themed dress adorable?

Another new site I discovered with horse themed fabrics is Wolf and Badger....

We cannot not obviously forget Vineyard Vines in a post about Derby attire though! 

However, more budget friendly options can be found almost anywhere from Etsy to Shein to your local TJMaxx. Just find a spring dress you will love and feel comfortable in! This dress below is from Shein and is only $20!

Comment below on the dress you would choose.... also be sure to subscribe to receive notices of new posts. 

***All photo credits to the sites they are sold on and linked to. 

"Talk Derby to Me!"

No matter how busy I am, no Kentucky Derby can pass without me taking part in celebrating! NEVER!

Nothing else screams that start of spring to me like big hats and spring dresses! The anticipation and research of which horse will win! Mint juleps..... southern food...... you name it! Talk Derby to me and you have won my heart! There is no better more dramatic event to me throughout the whole year....

Dress from Jcrew, Cardigan from Talbots, Shoes from Jack Rogers, Spectator from Etsy.

Throwing a Derby Party!

So this year I wasn't lucky enough to make it all the way to Louisville but I was lucky enough to throw a party surrounded by friends and family for the race. All food was provided by Tastefully Simple and was absolutely delicious. I also made punch versions of the famous Pink Lillies and Mint Juleps.

I used chalkboard place mats from the local party store to list the types of food that were on the buffet. My pulled pork was in the kitchen and a highly recommended recipe, paired deliciously with the Tastefully Simple Smokey Bacon BBQ Sauce.

To make my pulled pork recipe, buy a good cut of pork shoulder (the kind with the rope on it), then take the ingredients below to make a rub, leave roast with rub overnight in the fridge before roasting in crock-pot for 8hrs the next day....

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Once done the pork will just fall apart.

No Derby party would be complete without the post times, the horses and the odds. 

 

 Decor around the house was from items previously stored away but configured in wonderfully to the theme of the weekend.

My dress was a fit and flare lace dress found online, my hat was a Liz Claiborne borrowed from mom's closet, and my wedge sandals were a NY&Co purchase last summer. (similar here)

And while my horse didn't win either (I bet on Lone Sailor and Vino Rosso).... it still was a fabulous day for a Kentucky Derby Party!