You guys, I go to events now. Proper ones. Tell your friends.
Seriously though, I don’t know what took me so long to drink the 3-day koolaid. I blame Canada maybe (get it? GET IT?) for not having what one might describe as a ton of eventing, not in my areas anyway, or perhaps I wasn’t looking hard enough/always at Spruce Meadows. At any rate, I attended my first, count it, numero uno, event this past weekend, at the Houghton International Horse Trials. Houghton is part of The Shearwater Insurance Tri Star Grand Slam, hosts the Askham Bryan U21 National Championships, as well as claims the the only British leg of the FEI Nations Cup. This seemed an appropriate starting point in my event experiences, as I fully believe one should, at all times, go big or go home, and Houghton certainly
does not go home.
I loved a lot of aspects of Houghton; there’s a ton of classes to watch, a vintage fair, tons of shopping, and everyone brings their doggos. I brought mine so I could blend in, and I auto-love anywhere I get to pet doggos at, so I was already fully sold before I set off on to watch the cross country phase of the CCI*, CCI** and CCIYR** on Saturday, but once I did, I was converted fully. Like, I now think that leg grease has a noble sort of Braveheart vibe to it, and that body protectors look sporty. I’m a changedwoman.
I gotta say to anyone who has not gone to watch a cross country phase: go. Go now. It’s so so lovely. It was my favourite. It’s the best country stroll of your life. You will be so close to the track you feel involved in riding it. You will cheer. You will be in awe. You can bring the pup. You can wear Dubarrys with white jeans and not feel weird. You can bring a picnic. You can lay under a big oak and take a 2 pm siesta. It’s absolutely the best weekend activity. Go now, and pick me up on the way. We can coordinate our outfits.
This past August, we were lucky enough to visit the wildly popular Thunderbird Show Park in British Columbia for just one of their six major Hunter and Jumper tournaments held annually. The popularity of “Tbird” borders on cult following; known for their combination of a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, a gorgeous venue, and quality classes, Tbird’s show rings routinely draw everyone from the local weekend warrior to the seasoned Olympian.
What: CSI 3* & WCHR Summer Fort Festival, Aug 24-28, 2015
Where: Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
Claim(s) to fame: Voted 2nd best venue in North America by NARG (North American Rider’s Group), which is a big deal on it’s own, but pretty extra-impressive considering 1st place is held down by Spruce Meadows. Also, they do a pretty killer pancake breakfast. Tell your friends.
Vibe: Chill, yet outgoing. Friendly, but also ambitious. Plenty chic, but west-coasty. Sportsluxe reigns supreme. You can mix your Arcteryx and your Hermes here, and you will have to. It rains. Like woah.
Samantha Buirs (CAN)Ellicia Edgar (CAN)
Jennifer Gates (USA)Jenn Serek (CAN)Alexander Grayton (CAN)
What: The London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour
Where: Syon Park, London
Why you care: Do you know what beauty is? Have you eyes? Ok, but on a more serious note. Lovely atmosphere, world class talent, riding kind and confident tracks. Very clean and chic. Footing looked fantastic. First rate vendors. Absolutely top Americano at the coffee stand and Pimms available by the jug, which is, of course, our favourite serving size.
KEY ATTENDANCE INFORMATION: See infographic, and then photos below, for more on the biblical curse that is London weather.
Kevin Staut (FR) and Elky van het Indihof HDC.Staying dry.Ben Maher (GB) and CellaMeredith Michaels-Beerbaum (DE) and Comanche 28Edwina Tops-Alexander (AU) and Lintea TequilaWilliam Whitaker (GB) and Mersley ChakotayLudger Beerbaum (DE), ChamanMeredith Michaels-Beerbaum (DE) and Comanche 28John Whitaker (GB) and ArgentoLaura Renwick (GB) and Heliodor HybrisJane Richard Philips (CH) Pablo de VirtonAthina Onassis de Miranda (GR) and AD ContangaSheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QA) and Viena OlympicDarragh Kenny (IE) and PicoloAthina Onassis de Miranda’s AD ContangaLaura Renwick (GB) and Heliodor HybrisJane Richard Philips (CH) Pablo de VirtonParis Sellon (US) Street HassleJane Richard Philips (CH) Pablo de VirtonLuciana Diniz (PT) Fit For Fun 13Luciana Diniz (PT) Fit For Fun 13Paris Sellon (US) Street HassleBehind the scenes.Bruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Christina Liebherr (CH) and L.B. Eagle EyeChristian Ahlmann (DE) and Taloubet ZBeezie Madden (USA) and SimonBruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Kevin Staut (FR) and Elky van het Indihof HDC.Christina Liebherr (CH) and L.B. Eagle EyeRoger-Yves Bost (FR) and Sydney Une Prince#1. Scott Brash (GB) and Hello SanctosChristian Ahlmann (DE) and Taloubet ZKatherine Dinan (US) and Bijou de BalouBen Maher (GB) and CellaWilliam Whitaker (GB) and Mersley ChakotaySheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QA) and Viena OlympicKatherine Dinan (US) and Bijou de BalouAt the gate.Bruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Pénélope Leprevost (FR) and Ratina d’la RousserieScott Brash (GB) and Hello SanctosGregory Wathelet (BE) and AlgorhythemLudger Beerbaum (DE), ChamanPilar Lucrecia Cordon (ES) and HarleyEmanuele Bianchi’s Isco de AmorandaScott Brash (GB) and Hello SanctosPilar Lucrecia Cordon (ES) and HarleyEmanuele Bianchi (IT) and Isco de AmorandaMark Armstrong and Nuggets l’AmandourGregory Wathelet (BE) and AlgorhythemBassem Hassan Mohammed (QA) and Eurocommerce CaliforniaFaleh Suwead Al Ajami (QA) and Come SoonBeezie Madden’s SimonBruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Pilar Lucrecia Cordon (ES) and HarleyJessica Springsteen (US) and LisonaMaikel van der Vleuten (NL) and VDL Groep Verdi Tn N.O.PFaleh Suwead Al Ajami (QA) and Come SoonMark Armstrong’s Nuggets l’Amandour#1. Scott Brash (GB) and Hello Sanctos
Tell me more, tell me more: Luxury ready-to-wear brand launched in New York by Joseph Altuzarra in 2008, who previously worked freelance with Proenza Schouler and as first assistant to Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci. Massively modern, with a nod to the classics. The perfect marriage of Paris and NY.
Why you care: Gingham, hello. This is obviously your summer workbook. Aren’t you a country girl at heart? Yes. Yes you are. Get your pearls, baby. Classic layering with a sensual, modern vibe; tailored blazers with feminine belting suede as a layering piece. This vibe is screaming for a pair of crisp whites, a sun hat, and a plane ticket to Spruce Meadows Summer Series.
Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015 // via British Vogue
Get amongst it: Channel your inner Audrey, and then give her a dapple bay 1.30 Jr/Am saintly kick-and-go, a sassy twitter handle, and a pocketful of sugar cubes. Focus on timeless, classic pieces that can be layered (and un-layered) as your day moves through the temperamental YYC seasons.
suede forever // Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015
Think outside the box, inside the ring. Have you shown in dark breeches yet? Get brave. Get brave now. Sunday wants to feel special, it told us in a dream. Save your whites and go all black errthang on a Thursday, because James Dean would have and maybe you date him, and also because nothing is gonna make your gingham pop more. The Meadows on the Green ain’t even gonna know what hit it. Seriously, where has this summer been your whole life?
schooling life // outfit details 1
Live the dream: You will need a pair of dark breeches (no, not dove grey, put down your comfort zone right now, we can see you). Dark. Navy, Smoke, Emerald, Black. We suggest Cavalleria Toscana. We suggest it in a big way.
Steal absolutely anything of your mothers that is made of yellow gold and crafted circa 1960, but only wear one jewelry item at a time. Huge preference given to earrings.
maybe my mother was a ballerina, so what // Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015
When it comes to apparel, layer it up, but keep it ladylike and fitted. Knit layers are given extra sass points if kept sheer enough for a second look, but not so sheer that George M. would give it a third. Fit is the difference between forward and unkempt, so keep it tidy.
Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015 // via British Vogue
Remember where your natural waist it, and belt absolutely everything there. Seriously, belt everything, but under no circumstances are you to fuss with matching said belts to your footwear. Who are you, your grandmother?
Always remember, the more structured the garment, the more feminine the belting [see, blazer + girlish ribbon]. Keep your skirt game tight, (literally: tailor it if you must) on a Sunday night, but long as long, past those knees. You’re the lady of the house, even if you’re renting it for the circuit.
You will need to sort out your ideal classic red (blue undertones, not orange) lipstick shade, if you have not done so already. Matte is preferred for the PM, but a gloss or balm is good for around the grounds.
hello wednesday // outfit details 2
Stripes are to be embraced, even mixed.Buy one suede shirt in caramel or cream and practice in a mirror until you can layer it at least four different ways. Receive bonus points and unlimited sartorial blessings if you can tie it up whimsically without exposing navel (naughty).
sunday classic dates // outfit details 3
Fetch yourself a few good gingham button downs, one in black and white, and on in either crisp blue or blush pink and wear them till friday. When the weekend hits, introduce a striped belt and buffalo-check-lined show shirt to your whites, and take them on a date with a charcoal grey hunt coat. Top it off with a modern take on the velvet helmet, because you ‘get it’. Smile smugly as you all live happily ever after.
outfit details //
1 // breeches Cavalleria Toscana, tee Celine, blazer Altuzarra, sunnies Oliver Peoples, beanie We Are Pop Culture, scarf Dennis Columb, belt Saint Laurent, earrings Tiffany & Co, short boots Parlanti, cell case Ted Baker
2 // breeches Cavalleria Toscana, shirt + crewneck H&M, boots Parlanti, bag Asmar Equestrian, lipcolor NARS, belt Anne Taylor, hat Flora Bella
3 // breeches Pikeur, jacket Cavalleria Toscana, shirt Asmar Equestrian, boots Parlanti, earrings Kate Spade, bet Tome, helmet KEPItalia, phone case Isaac Mizrahi, sunnies Ray Ban
What: The Royal Windsor Horse Show, from the flip side.
Highlights: Strawberries and cream in adorably tiny cups. Carl Hester ribbing Charlotte Dujardin during her exhibition ride (watch it here). Champagne. Holland Cooper, generally. Frighteningly athletic children riding in the Gymkhana. Land Rover trials over a terrifyingly impressive mechanized obstacle course. Hermes.
Vibe: Country fair, heavily Londonized. White denim. All the champagne. Men in brogues.
Have: A driver, or appropriate footwear (there is a healthy foot-jaunt from the parking). One fantastic, well-fitting tweed item. Cheeky caps and floppy sunhats ok; baseball hats not ok. Access to chic layers should it rain, which it will. Oversize sunnies recommended, aviators at a minimum. A vigorous credit card for falling down the retail rabbit hole.
Never ever ever: Unfitted outerwear. E-cigarettes. Backpacks not containing a helmet. Sport sunglasses. Fussy hair. Apparel emblazoned with competitions you have participated in or won (exceptions: The Olympics; WEG; GCT). The sales rack vendors; this will only dishearten you, or lead you astray. Do not wear your actual riding boots, this reads dreadfully Pony Club (exception: short boots, but only if Italian). If you absolutely must wear your breeches, at least wear your most pristine whites (sock-bottomed), and have the remainder of your look purely civilian. For the love of god, do not wear your cotton jods. Actually, why do you own cotton jods? Toss those yesterday and never speak of it again.
What: Highlight reel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ready to Wear Fall 2015.
Why you care: Classic equestrian club vibes. Have you seen polo? You care so much. We’re going to the club right now. Get in the Rover. Ralph Lauren forever.
Takeaway points: A neutral palette will go all the way. Keep it simple but layered. Acquire a blanket duster-length coat, as well as Joni Mitchell’s entire discography. Forget that “refined” and “leather fringe” used to be mutually exclusive terms. Strongly consider a beret, but wimp out at the last minute and buy an aubergine beanie. Temporarily lose your flatiron. Fall in love with dark moody jewel tones. You are a forest gypsy wildling schoolgirl nymph princess. Resist the urge to let your stable grow long manes; do not resist the urge to make daisy chains.
Need. Need this coat. Hyperventilating. // via style.comTouch of Americana Fringe // via style.comlayered neutrals forever // via style.comlayered neutrals forever // via style.comThe new uniform // via style.comA stylized set of tails for Sundays // via style.comTweed overcoat for the win // via style.comLayers + Visibly bunched socks // via style.comtextures and jeweltones // via style.comAn unfussed blazer is gonna get necessary + a pop o’ neon // via style.com
Why you care: The ultimate marriage of athleticism and lifestyle. Also, junk food.
General rules: Color is ok. It is not to be feared. Bonnets often do not match saddle pads and no world ends. Embrace your inner triathlete, but under no circumstances are you to shirk the pub. Bonus points given for inexplicable fitness in the face of regular bangers and mash washed down with pale ale.
Standing out whilst blending in: Do not dress for the jog. Focus on layers. Think industry insider; perhaps you are jumping the Grassroots Championship, and had to hack one out first thing, so. You will be cold in the mornings, since your mornings will look more like nights, so bring your puffer, hopefully in a neutral palette. Pick one color to pop. A pedometer is a must, but one must never discuss the results nor produce less than 30,000 steps per day. Wellies, but not the tall ones, you’re not some city civilian. Never languish anywhere; you have no spare time. Always appear hurried yet frightfully energetic.
Current plan of attack.William Fox-Pitt (GBR) riding Chilli Morning pinches Jackie Potts’ hat after winning Badminton // via badminton-horse.co.ukvia CosmopolitanJoelle Price with Classic Moet // via badminton-horse.co.ukAlexander Peternell & Asih // via badminton-horse.co.ukJonathan Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise // via badminton-horse.co.ukNicola Wilson’s lovely One Two Many and Beltane Queen // via badminton-horse.co.ukBen Hobday (GBR) with Mulrys Error, looking like his milkshake brings all the girls to the yard // via badminton-horse.co.ukvia badminton-horse.co.uk
What: Classic Americana rock royalty, add twist of Jersey, spritz of Society. Muddle with leather and serve on the boardwalk.
Have: A soft, forward hand. Fantastic brows. Work ethic. Undergrad degree from respectable Americana institution. ASPCA Maclay Title. Sense of humour. Famous industry friends that legit like you.
Vibe: Unbothered, workmanlike. Classic pieces, nothing too trendy, natural fibers. Tasteful but undeniably sexy. Girl-next-door-in-a-shampoo-commercial hair.
Get amongst it: Poppa Bruce’s Wrecking Ball, 2012, all the way through, while you deep condition your locks and vow to only salon color from now on. Cultivate a centre part. Aquire fantastic abs but in no way flaunt them. Maintain a first-rate instagram account. Be so down to earth everyone wants to be your bff.
Springsteen Twist // On the Rocksvia Editorialistvia instagram // @jessicaspringsteenSpringsteen // Gucci Masters 2014via Editorialistvia instagram // @jessicaspringsteenJersey Girl Vibes // via getty imagesvia Editorialist
What: Showjumper queen, but tidy. Think sportof kings, stuff of dreams, love of life, scene of scenes. Never fussy, always classy. Manifestation Exercises: Imagine everything you do is in slow motion and also black and white. Visualize that every handbag you own is lined in Baker plaid and smells of polo mints and Miss Dior. There are spare pearl earrings in your left breech pocket which you do not worry about as they are freshwater. You are going to spin and hot yoga on the off-day. Inspo: Tiffany Foster, Reed Kessler, Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco. Always: Tone on tone dressing. Navy. Conservative layers (NO BANGS). Wide brims (hats; helmets; visors). Pearls. A good watch. Working knowledge of wine pairings. Avoid: Tequila. Prints. Unbraided manes. Soundscape: James Bay, the new Mumford, the National Anthem.
Vibes.Vintage Kessler // via horse-tales.comT-Fost // tone on tone.Charlotte C, for Gucci.Tiffany Foster // Tripple X
Stats: Held annually since 1943 on the Crown Estate currently known as Home Park at Windsor, Berkshire, England.
Reasons to freak out: Ben Maher’s Cella will be making her comeback. Also, Ben Maher, generally. Also the only show in the UK to have all the sports, and by that we mean dressage, showjumping, endurance and driving.
Things we plan on doing: Champagne; wearing all our sunhats because it’s actually supposed to maybe not rain constantly; pretending to not fangirl completely out whenever Cella is out; lying about how many ice creams we’ve had.
Current style vibes: Red breeches, light cashmere, aviators always, brogues because sass.
Saturday Plans.Audrey Hepburn forever.via Ralph Lauren 2014.Via savvyhorsewoman.com
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