Kentucky Derby Style and Tips for the Race (links included!)

Hello friends! We’re nearing a very special date in May! No, not Cinco de Mayo- Derby Day! This annual event is probably one of the most prestigious things to attend every spring. People come from all over to sport their big hats and bet on their favorite horse. Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend with a friend of mine. We had ourselves a grand ol’ time!

For me, the fashion was the most exciting party of the day. Shocking since I’m a fashion blogger, isn’t it? The year we went it poured the entire time and we only had infield tickets, meaning that there was no covering or seating. The grand stands would have been lovely if they hadn’t been $600 a ticket. That’s another story though! Anyone who was in the infield inevitably got wet or muddy in some way. The fashion down there was a little lacking, however everyone else looked smashing!

I’m convinced the the best styles there were the most classic. Vineyard Vines is the official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby and for this event they were kind of my go-to for dress ideas. You’ll need something cute to wear during the countless renditions of ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘My Old Kentucky Home’! I’ve included a few of my style favorites for this event below (or a viewing party if you’re attending one!)//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22571fc91661d1dd359ed11bc4%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid3025-28872695-82%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D
For comfort’s sake, I included wedges instead of stilettos as an option for shoes. You’ll be standing a lot and unless you have a great pair of Manolo’s, the pain in your feet isn’t worth it. However, wedges or a cute little sandal is a suitable, stylish alternative. When I went to the race a few years ago, it rained most of the day and I was so glad I didn’t wear high heels! I would have just sunk in the mud.

Also another little tip- you can’t take anything bigger than a clutch. Security won’t let you in! Given that most people get there before noon and the races don’t start until late in the afternoon, it really sucks. My suggestion is to take a small battery operated phone charger and cord, keep credit cards in the clutch (no wallet) with a few band aids for blisters, and a sample size tube of lipstick and perfume.

If you’re simply going to a viewing party, you’ll luck out with a bigger bag for your stuff! Enjoy!

-Liz

Valentine’s Gifts for Your Man

Good morning! I’m writing this from a hotel room in Ohio as I make my way across the mid-west heading to Kansas City. Making this big move was nothing short of scary for me as I’m a Maryland-girl at heart, but every so often we all have to go outside of our comfort zones. I’m so glad that I’m stepping outside of mine just in time for Valentine’s Day!

David, my boyfriend, moved to Kansas City last month and now I’m joining him in this new city. It’s our first Valentine’s together and as per social norms I told him that he didn’t need to get me anything. Knowing that this actually means the opposite, he has a surprise for me! Luckily, I’m an easy girl to shop for (at least I think). Men on the other hand, can be a little more difficult! I’ve come up with a list of Valentine’s Day gifts for the man in your life. This should at least steer you in the right direction! Little tip: It doesn’t have to be pink and covered in hearts to be a sweet gift either. Go with what your man likes!

Under Armour Men’s Hoodie / Robert Wayne Men’s Dress Shoes /

Men’s Watch Box / Rawlings Baseball Stitch Card Case /

SMS Audio Over-Ear Storm Trooper Headphones / Vineyard Vines Men’s Hat /

Uniqlo Men’s Belt / Kiel James Patrick Fisherman Bracelet /

Prospector Co. Burrough’s Shaving Cream / Wine Bottle Opener /

Team Snape White Coffee Cup / Mast Brothers Chocolate Coffee Chocolate Bar /

Stainless Steel Coffee Press

Hopefully some of these suggestions will bode well with your man! If anything, making him a nice dinner or just doing something he really enjoys can be a great gift as well. Leave a comment with gift ideas you have!

Whale Watching in Massachusetts

A few posts ago I shared with you a few vacation photos of my trip to New England. I thought today I’d share with you a few from our whale watching trip in Gloucester, MA. Trust me, it’s one of the most unique experiences I’ve had! These creatures are mysterious, shy, but have a playful spirit. Nature truly is a beautiful thing and so was the weather we had that day. It was perfect for going out on a boat and enjoying the waves and sunshine.

We went on the whale watching tour with Seven Seas Whale Watch Group (check out the Groupon for a good deal!) The tour was over 4 hours long and we went out into the Atlantic to see if we could spot a few whales in their natural habitat. We got really lucky and saw over 10 Humpbacks, 8 Minke whales, and 50 dolphins! They surfaced close to our boat and exhaled through their little blow holes.

My sister and I had a difficult time standing while the ship was in motion. We held onto each other for dear life while my mom took this picture.

I was smart that day and wore Sperry Top-Sider duck shoes. They’re lined with fleece and super cute to wear with jeans for a day outside! I found mine at Belk back in March for $29.99. Here’s some similar ones to get you going in the right direction. Unfortunately, they aren’t as cheap as the ones I bought, but as per usual, you have to wait for them to go on clearance in order to get a good deal.

The rest of my outfit I tailored to the weather I might encounter. The thing about September is that one day its 85 degrees and the next it’s 65 degrees. You never know what to expect. I chose my favorite Lucky Brand jeans in Charlie Skinny (best jeans I’ve ever bought). A Vineyard Vines half-zip pullover and a Ralph Lauren baseball hat. Preppy and practical- just how I like things.

Anyone who might be interested in going on a trip like this I recommend wearing layers! At some points in the trip it was really chilly and at others I felt like I was burning up. Luckily, layering is a fashion statement so you can still look great while sailing on the high seas.

Currently Coveting: Adorable Coffee Mug

Yesterday I was scrolling through my blog feed minding my own business when I came across something I couldn’t help but fall in love with- coffee mugs with water color illustrations printed on the front of them! I’m a sucker for a cute coffee mug and anything water color, but combining the two is the fastest way for me to fall in love with something. I went to the Etsy store where the mugs are sold and voila! Even more cute things! A Thing Created just listed the mugs for sale and I’m so glad they did!

Stemming from this lovely discovery, I created my “currently coveting” list. I know, I’m so vain. This is my own way of organizing all the things I mentally have on my shopping list. I think all girls have something like this. If not, they should! Remembering the little things I’m saving for or working my hardest to someday have is a great motivator.

What else is on my currently coveting list? Well, I’m just so darn in love with Nars satin lip pencil in the color Yu. I could also add to the list a Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt! It’s a preppy hoodie! They were so clever when they designed these things.

It should be obvious to everyone by now but I’ll just throw it out there in case someone missed it- a Kate Spade handbag. Preferably the Cedar Street Maise bag in pebble/warm putty color combo. Speaking of Kate Spade, have you seen all her adorable sun glasses? I had no idea how cute they were! I’m trying to find some cat eye, torti colored ones for the summer and have yet to find any I love for a reasonable price. Sadly, Kate Spade doesn’t constitute a “reasonable price”. Someday…

Let me know what’s on your Currently Coveting list and I’ll check it out!

Preppy Bumper Sticker Obsession

Rise and shine! At least try to. I’m up rather early this morning because I had a Skype interview for a job down in Charleston! I had to get up a bit earlier than usual to do my hair, fix my make up, and dress business casual. Oh, and sound coherent. No big deal.

In more exciting news, I met someone on Instagram (he also has a blog, check it out!) and he was telling me about a project he’s been working on. Basically, he emails companies for free samples of their products. I’ve read about people doing it before but I’ve never seen anyone who’s really been successful with it. He’s gotten everything from autographs to t-shirts! He sent me a few bumper stickers from his latest conquest. They just so happened to be from a few favorite stores of mine! Vineyard Vines, Southern Proper, Anchors, and several others! These are going straight onto my car.

 

If someone can figure out a way to get free Kate Spade and Lauduree macarons, then I’d be sending out emails all day everyday! I will however, send a few emails to other stores like Starbucks, Chipotle, Chick-fil-a, and maybe Target. I’ll let you know if they end up sending me anything!