Ok, we’ve been there, and we get it.. You’ve grown up in your specific equestrian discipline, but something keeps drawing you towards a new challenge, something more laid back, and the ultimate game. Polo: it’s addicting, challenging, and most of all: SUPER stylish. From the players, to the party goers, there’s never a dull moment at the matches we’ve been to. Not only do we greatly enjoy the classic preppy look, but we are adoring the modern polo boho chic style stemming from the grass roots of traditional polo. Stick & Ball, a California-based clothing company, has put aside all the pomp and circumstance of the polo lifestyle to showcase polo’s more casual chic roots. After all, “Stick and Ball” means to casually play polo, in common equestrian terms stick and ball is like “schooling”.
The guacho side of polo boils the sport down to its essence: none of that hobnobbing, stiletto-wearing business. The look—casual, bohemian, and country chic—is inspired the roughness of the South American guacho and the quiet hand of the South American artisan.
Inca symbols and hand-knit patterns reveal the multicultural flair of these designs, which have been influenced by Elizabeth Wellborn’s travels through South America.
She has played polo extensively in Peru, Argentina, and Northern California, and has observed and absorbed the polo way of life in each habitat. Her observances come together in her line of understated yet elegant garments and jewelry.
Stick & Ball features a signature piece: the classic poncho. It’s a staple for every equestrian inspired fall outfit. It epitomizes country equestrian chic. Each poncho is made from hand knitted alpaca wool and is produced by a small, family run company in the Andes mountains. It’s a fit for any body type, and synching it with a woven “Pampa Belt” inspired by the Gaucho horse polo girths and traditional poncho sashes in Argentina commonly used by polo players around the world.
Each piece is extremely versatile, meant to be worn wherever life takes you. Whether you wear it casually around the polo field or on the city strets, you’ll fit in with the luxurious boho look.
We spotted Stick & Ball polo last year at the Menlo Park Charity Horse Show in California. To see our previous feature, go to the article here.
Stick & Ball places ethics as a high priority in their business. Fair pay is given to everyone involved in the creation process.
The Oyster Cup Polo Tournament is sponsored by Stick and Ball at Cerro Pampa Polo Club on August 16, 2014. For tickets, go here.
For more information on this fabulous lifestyle brand, please check out Stick & Ball.
