Hey everyone! I just got back from attending the 142nd annual Kentucky Derby, at Church hill downs, in Louisville Kentucky!
The Derby is such a great time! The betting and horse racing are extremely fun, but are just the beginning of the whole experience. My favourite part of the Derby is the people watching, the outfits are all so fun and the hats over the top. (In the best way). There is something interesting or cool to see everywhere you look when you are at the Derby.
I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to hang out on the Turf Terrace level where you find a lot of celebs. Mostly athletes, some music artists, a few movie stars and lots of business mongrels. The energy buzzes and sprits are high as everyone comes together to celebrate this occasion. For the most part everyone is friendly and eager to mingle and interact with one another.
I will admit every now and then you will enter a “stuffy patch” I’ll call it, where one or two people arrogantly act as if they are on some extra level, forgetting that we are all just humans. But even that is an experience of its own in comparison to the warm welcomes.
Just another reference, I like to experience all kinds of situations, perspective, energies.. to live life how ever it is currently working its self out.
Back on track, my favourite place to hang out at the derby is probably down at the infield where you find a lot of: locals, visitors, and generally an attitude thats ready to party. To me it feels authentic down here, everyone is having fun no one seems to be working, or having to put on any type of false persona. On the day of the Oaks, Friday, you are also able to enter a fashion show and walk the pink carpet to show off your Derby look and support breast cancer! Its a great time and well worth the walk / ride down numerous escalators/ elevators. All outfits and hats, again are just too incredible to miss.
My tips for the Derby:
- Comfortable shoes. Wear heels that you enjoy walking in and bring a pair of flats or flip flops to change into while your hanging at your table! (Exploring is the best part, don’t let your shoes ruin that for you).
- Be picture ready: There are photographers EVERYWHERE! Even after walking the red carpet and settling into your seats to take a break you always need to be ready to go. Media is every where and they are not shy! (I didn’t even realize how many pic’s of me where taken until my google alerts popped up.)
- Rock a cute outfit /KILLER HAT. You seriously never know where you might pop up after. Try to give yourself or your stylist some time to plan and prep 2 cute Derby outfits, one for each day plus some evening event outfits. I gave my stylist Shelby Rose, 40 mins in a mall before it closed the night before I flew out…. Not only did she deal with my hectic life and accept the challenge… but she CRUSHED it! ( Sister found this last night, check it out http://www.businessinsider.com/kentucky-derby-best-and-worst-dressed-2016-5 ) SHELBY = SUPER HERO, AGREE? I got my hat custom made by Cathy at “Drinks at the plaza”, she is incredible this is my third hat made by her and honestly she never ever disappoints. This incredible women and her amazing team hustle so hard to get you exactly what you want hours before the Derby begins! Check them out! http://www.drinksattheplaza.com
- Have fun on the RED CARPET. Honestly, life is to short to take it too seriously, this is a fun day and a very well run event, so as much as you can shake off the nerves. Forget there are nearly 100 photographers and news channels shooting your red carpet walk and have fun! Be yourself and interact! Also having an amazing assistant to walk you down is a great bonus, a lady will walk along side of you with a sign saying your name for the press. I was so lucky and the lady walking with me, (Really wish I got her name) was the coolest! She was super sweet and made me feel like I was just hanging with a girl friend as I walked down, THANKS GIRL! YOU ARE AWESOME!
- GET ready to drink lots of BOURBON! Mint juleps all around, all the time, EVERYDAY!
BONOUS: Check out 4th street in the evenings for loads of fun, parties, and free concerts!
Later guys! – Little Sammi xo