~ Big thanks to Katy’s awesome sister, Meg, for her help with these photos! ~
~ Outfit Details: Dress and Fascinator (also in Pink) by Vineyard Vines ~ Earrings ~ Wedges ~ Clutch is old Vineyard Vines but also loving this recent VV straw clutch! ~ Sunglasses by Marleylilly ~
~ The KY Derby is one of my favorite days of the year! Derby Day is definitely my favorite holiday over Christmas and my birthday (totally serious). Ever since I was little, I’ve been picking horses for my dad and participating in the day. Last year in Milan, I threw Milan’s First Ever Derby Party (*well…unconfirmed, but pretty sure Milan’s never thrown down for a Derby before). We filled my TEENSY tiny studio flat with around 40 people spilling out onto the balcony, and for many of my friends from all around the world, it was their very first time celebrating the KY Derby (and eating traditional *Pinterest* American appetizers)! It was one I definitely will never forget!
There are a few RARE special years when something magical happens: Cinco de Mayo coincides with the Derby (*we like to refer to this as Cinco de Derby)! Last time this happened, I was in NYC wearing a mint julep printed dress and a full leg brace after my last ACL surgery. SOMEHOW I made it through hopping around to friends’ rooftop parties and was still up for dancing at the Frying Pan after…no bueno (*this also made for a completely ridiculous Monday morning apt with my PT)! What I remember most from that day is my close crew of friends’ determination to make my favorite day of the year special and ensure that there were cabs…elevators…and lots of Margs!
This year, I was SO thrilled when my friend Katy invited me to be the official blogger at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum’s Derby Event and Fundraiser! I met Katy way back when I worked for Vineyard Vines HQ, and we have stayed in-touch ever since! Katy took a brave leap and left the fashion industry to start her own business – and her paintings are UNREAL (see above!)! I don’t want to give too much away, because there will be a completely separate feature on Katy Garry Fine Art coming soon to the blog….but I am convinced she will be to art what Gray Malin is to photography for our generation! You all need her incredible and colorful works in your apartments!
Katy was a co-chair for this incredible event and had a beautiful display of her artwork around the mansion (see above!). Katy and her sister, Meg, even styled out these stunning little vignettes in the library of the mansion!
From the moment I arrived, I knew the whole night would be *EXTRA* and every single thing blew me away! When I walked to the entrance, there were ADORABLE little jockeys on their horses to greet us (see above) and margaritas and mint juleps being served at the door. The mansion was incredible both inside and out in the courtyard. The OUTFITS of each guest were so jaw-droppingly on point! (I’ve also never seen so many incredible Italian loafers on so many men in one place since Milan)
I was so proud to be wearing Vineyard Vines! I had so much fun with the King of Prussia store team while picking out my look and honestly couldn’t choose. Their women’s line has evolved so much since my time there, and I was coveting almost everything I saw and tried on! I settled on this stunning blue dress because the fit was just incredible (truly…it fits like a GLOVE)! If you have any weddings coming up, this would be such a perfect option. I joked on my instagram story (but it’s really true) that never in such a short span of time have I gotten so many compliments on a dress (I had been there only 15 minutes when I filmed that story!)! Definitely take a look at what they have in for summer. For those of you who haven’t shopped VV since high school and college, it is SO different than what it used to be and if you enjoy following the blog, I know you’ll love what they have right now!
I didn’t know what to expect heading into such a big event not really knowing anyone but Katy, her husband, and her sister, Meg, but I had my BEST Derby Day yet! It was SO much fun from start to finish and we were the last to leave the dance floor! Big shout out to Meg for being my partner-in-crime and THANK YOU to Katy for the honor of being a part of this incredible event.
I hope that your week is off to a great start and that wherever you are, your weather is as summery as ours is here! I’m back in PA this week shooting ecommerce with my client here and have BIG plans to borrow my mom’s convertible for my hour commute tomorrow (SUMMER IS HERE!)!
As always, thanks for following along!
Gratefully with love,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Rhiana
~ S H O P M Y L O O K ~
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