As you step off the Hampton Jitney coming from New York City in Bridgehampton, you are immediately welcomed into northeastern island paradise. The crisp fresh air and smell of ripe green grass immediately makes you want to throw down your bags and run straight to the Boutique Garden at the Hampton Classic. (Which is exactly what I did.)
The look from above features merchandise from HuntLtd found at the Hampton Classic. Follow HuntLtd on Instagram and Facebook for more looks from the show!
Vest: Rebecca Taylor Boho Tweed | Top: Vince Grey Tank
Pants: AG “Stilt” white jeans | Necklace: Chan Luu
Backpack: Annabell Ingal Nico | Shoes: Black elastic wedges by Club Monaco
* Note: wedges, sandals, or flats are preferred throughout the week. Wearing pointy heels is not fun to wear around the Classic in the grass… Consider yourself warned!
When I stopped at will call, I ran into THE Jonathan Hallgrey, the official poster artist of the 2015 Hampton Classic. What a gent! Perfectly dressed and polished with equestrian style fit for the horse show. It was such an honor it was to meet him! His artwork “Three Hunters,” was an oil pastel done on paper that he created in 1987. The image was also used for the self-published book cover of the beloved Sir Thomas Tattletales Equestrian Counting book. Used in celebrating 40 years of Hampton Classic, Gigi New York fashioned the to-die-for tote along with some other beautiful home goods in collaboration with Hallgrey. #WANT!
Upon arriving at The Classic, get acquainted. If it’s your first time at a horse show, it can be very overwhelming. Pick up a program and a schedule at the information booth. There, you will be greeted by JustWorld International ambassadors that are very helpful in navigating the Showgrounds.
It’s probably THE largest horse show program I have ever seen. Use it as your coffee table book for the year…
Browse through the program and scout out a list of your favorite boutiques to be sure you don’t miss out on some fabulous shopping at the Classic.
Speaking of shopping… One can never have too many boots. Right?! I ran into the king of boots himself, Joseph Der, of Der Dau on opening day at the Hampton Classic. He can explain every single detail down to the laces on each one of these beautiful American-made leather boots. From fashion to function, Joseph has an eye for the stylish rider both in and out of the horse show ring.
As you walk around the boutique garden, you may see some dressed up, very casual, or shopping around in riding gear…
Brings back memories of the good ‘ole “pony days”… This adorable lead line winner shopped with mom after winning her blue ribbon at the Classic. Priceless!
From food trucks to apples at the ringside, there’s enough food for everyone (including your equine!) Some of my favorite food vendors this year: Nice Buns (the Slider truck), Harry’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Hampton Coffee Company, and Pizza Luca.
Love animals? Stop and see some Llamas, Alpacas, goats, and more near the kids area!
These guys and gals are quite friendly. Don’t be afraid and feel free to touch their extremely soft wool.
Thursday-Sunday live performances, arts and crafts, and educational animal interactions will be available to children in the Kids Area. Keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy sipping cocktails from the VIP tent.
The VIP tent changes daily, and the most impressive displays come out for Grand Prix Sunday.
Six different rings have competitions all week. Check the time schedule here for the latest information.
Of course, the Grand Prix ring is where all of the excitement happens from the Hunter Derby to the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday at 2:00PM ET. If you can’t make it to the Hamptons this week, catch the action on the live webcast sponsored by Longines here.
Stay tuned and follow @Eqstylist on Instagram and Twitter for up-to-the-minute happenings from the Hampton Classic’s #40YearsofHC!
