Pink Preppy Lilly Lover: April 2010

Hey friends, Happy Pink & Green Thursday!

Want to play along? Please do, the more the merrier! Grab a button off the sidebar, and add your link the linky list below. (Hope it works, bear with me!)

1. A little Lilly for this Thursday to get this party started! Have you seen these Lilly Beach Pants?

I came across them last week while in Chicago, and was drawn to how comfortable and relaxed the fabric was, so I decided to give them a try. Looking at the pictures online, I probably would have passed them over, but with the bit of elastic in the waist, worn a little lower on the hips, these pants are amazing! I just picked them up from the tailor, yes, I had to have 8" of fabric hemmed, shhh!

They are extremely figure flattering, and paired with sandals and a simple tee or tank, they will surely get a lot of wear this summer! Wouldn't this Stella & Dot necklace look perfect with a white tee?

2. Looking for Mother's Day/Graduation Gifts? Fabulous Kristina over at Looking 4 Lilly posted these sweet Lilly fabric corsages last week and I knew instantly I had to have them! Kristina's etsy shop can be found here.

I got one for myself and a couple extra for gifts. Since we're still having a bit of cool weather, I pinned one on my favorite denim jacket. I think it looks super cute!

Happy Derby Week! I am so jealous of all you fabulous ladies and gents who will be attending the Kentucky Derby, "the most exciting two minutes in sports," and everything that goes along with it! I love this quote from a NYT article (whose title inspired this post), "A person doesn't need to be from Kentucky. A person only needs to be from somewhere, to understand the pull of roots, of family and friends, of familiar notes from a bugle or bluegrass under the toes."

3. Let's talk Derby cocktails. Are you a mint julep fan? I do like them, although JMW and I have discussed in the past that some people consider it is a waste of good bourbon. I came across this recipe for a "Citrus Julep," which I thought was a fun "Lilly" twist on the old classic. Here's the recipe:

Citrus Julep

1 lime

1 orange

1 lemon

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cup mint leaves

Finely crushed ice

Bourbon

Mint

1.Scrub the fruit, and use a zester or sharp knife to scrape slivers of rind from each. Set the fruit aside.

2.Combine sugar and water in a saucepan, and bring to a quick boil.

3.Add zest, turn heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off heat, and allow to cool.

4.Put mint leaves in a quart jar or crock, and use the back of a wooden spoon to bruise them slightly, releasing the fragrance.

5.Pour syrup, including the zest, over the leaves, and steep for 1 hour.

6.Juice the lime, orange and lemon, and strain into a pitcher. Pour the mint syrup through the strainer as well, using the back of the spoon to press the captured mint leaves and zest to extract remaining juices.

7.For each person, fill an 8-ounce glass or julep cup with ice. Pour 3 ounces of bourbon into each, then top off with the mint syrup.

8.Serve with short straws and a garnish of mint.

Woodford Reserve, the "Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby" features artwork by the nationally-acclaimed, Louisville-based artist Jeaneen Barnhart on the 2010 bottle. Commemorative glasses can be purchased here.

4. Derby Hats! The Kentucky Derby's website states, "The term "Dress to Impress" seems hardly adequate when describing Derby fashions. From the lavish hats to designer duds and pricey jewels, like any Hollywood Red Carpet, it's not unusual to be asked "Who are you wearing?" while at the Derby."

Here is this year's official 2010 Kentucky Derby poster, commissioned by French artist Linda Le Kinff. It will be featured on the tickets, in advertising and official Derby memorabilia. Inspired by this print, an amazing series of hats have been created by Christine A. Moore Millinery. Here are a few pink and green favorites below, aren't they amazing?

5. Let's not forget about our beaus! When it came to Derby fashion for men, I knew I would have to consult my friend, the best dressed man in Washington, D.C., DAM over at Southern Gent. Talk about a man who knows elegance and style! In true Southern gentleman fashion, he was all too kind to lend his expertise.

Last week, he introduced us to Charles & Patrick of Georgetown, who created this year's official Kentucky Derby tie. What an honor! Here are some images below, and they can be purchased here at the Kentucky Derby official online store.

Derby Icon Logo Tie

(Available in Pink, Orange, Blue and Yellow)

Derby Rose Tie and Bow Tie

Bow tie coming soon according to their Twitter page!

(Available in Pink & Green, Brown & White, Orange & Blue, and Yellow & Purple)

I would be remiss to not include the ever beautiful belles behind the bowtie, Emmie and Reagan of Southern Proper. I was introduced to their brand about five years ago at a little boutique in Georgetown, and I love purchasing thier ties for Matt.

(You might have noticed my link to their site on my sidebar!)

Fun, colorful prints, and quality that is second to none, is how I would describe their collection. Here are a few fun pink and green prints:

Left to Right: Cotton Pickin', Horse & Cup, Horse & Jockey, and Bourbon & Cigars

Here is a nice Southern Proper collage that DAM put together:

DAM also selected some fabulous Paul Stuart bowties. If we were going to the Derby this year, here is what I would select for Matt to wear. He'd oblige because he's sweet like that.

Paul Stuart Blue Seersucker Sport Jacket and Plaid Bow Tie,

paired with a crisp button down and khaki slacks.

DAM's Steeplechase Fashion Advice:

"Much like most Southern events, Derby Day attire is rooted in tradition. Gents tend to stick to a uniform of shirt/tie/jacket/pants, but because it is the first real social event of the spring, you can peacock a bit and have fun with color."

"How about pastel pants and a four panel bow tie? Try seersucker, madras, dress linens, and furnishings, such as a straw boater, white bucks, grosgrain belts. The key to not look like you are wearing a costume is keeping the overall kit pretty simple; only wear one or two pieces of your spring finery at a time."

(Brooks Brothers Seersucker Suit with Madras Bow Tie)

DAM will be donning his seersucker suit, white bucks and steeplechase tie this weekend at the Virginia Gold Cup Races. Have fun, friend, and take lots of pictures!

We're attending Point to Point at Winterthur in Delaware, and I'm still working on our outfits, so it will be a surprise next week. Hope that everyone has a safe and fun weekend at the races, whether you're cheering from the Derby grandstand, or celebrating at home!

P.S. Keep an eye out for this guy, whom Alice snapped a picture of in Charlottesville last weekend - can you believe it? I can't wait to hear what Beth thinks; it gives a whole new definition to "Collars Up!"