Friday, May 6, 2011

a day at the races

It's derby weekend back home and I know the whole city is crazy and decked out.  I know it's sort of the cool thing among my college/grad-school aged crowd to be all "meh" about derby, and I'll admit that I'm kind of with them.  But at the same time, I can't quite get over my girlhood fascination with horses--I guess living in the dairy state for awhile made me prefer the equine to the bovine in farm animals--and riders.  I remember, at age ten, two years after moving to Kentucky, I wanted to be a jockey.  Between my above-average height and my soon-realized allergies to just about everything in a barn, my dream was quickly dashed.  And of course, I now know all about the unpleasant goings-on of the racing industry (who in this state doesn't?) and I have a firm opinion on gambling (I've heard of and even seen a few too many disasters), and so a little of the dramatic magic is lost.  
Yet still, each year, for two minutes, watching beautiful, strong, athletic creatures test the limits endurance, hurtling forward amongst the roar of a crowd and announcers speaking a thousand words a second, and wondering who will be a surprise or no surprise at all in the winner's circle under the garland of roses, it's hard not to enjoy at least a little bit of festivity.

Naturally, if I were going to the race (rather than packing to move back to the city it's in), I would have to be decked out fabulously, so take a look above or visit me on polyvore (for item info) here.  Do you want to play Friday's Fancies, too?  Visit long distance loving and join in!



6 comments:

Melissa:: Strong Sense of Style said...

Your outfit is perfect! I love that it's so dressed up but still you wear flats. Perfection and practical from a long day on your feet.

Katie said...

Oh, flats are a must for days like derby!

Lu3Lu said...

Oh my I LOVE the hate with the pink rose! I've been looking everywhere for hats like those!
Love the whole pink combination too (",)

KT @ KT's Refinishing School said...

That dress is absolutely gorgeous! Reminds me of a modern day Gone with the Wind type dress :)

I grew up riding horses and have seen the ugly side of horse racing in terms of what they do to the horses and the working conditions of the grooms, jockeys and exercise riders but like you, I loved watching the horses run on Saturday...hope you had a good weekend!

Katie said...

The hat and rose are actually separate. I just managed to layer them together (hooray for already transparent backgrounds!).

I really want the dress. :) I'll just imagine it's mine.

ali v. said...

Growing up an hour from the Derby, I've always loved the fashion! This outfit is no exception! I'm a little behind on commenting, but I'm so happy to see your Friday’s Fancies post! I hope you enjoyed the Derby and that you'll join in again soon! xoxo {av}