Scenes From The 2014 Breeders’ Cup

Welcome to a look back on the week of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Pictured above was my office for the week. The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is where the best of the best compete. This year, it was held at the one and only “Great Race Place” at Santa Anita Race Track for the third year in a row. I absolutely was in horsey and fashion heaven when I came around the turn on Baldwin ave and I saw Nordstrom to my right, and then the track entrance on my left. How perfect: a beautiful shopping mall (Westfield) right next to the race track. Gals, this is surely dangerous, but ALWAYS a good idea to go shopping before and after a big race day.

ALL ACCESS.

Working with the 2014 Breeders’ Cup team has been a dream. My teammate Jonathan and I greatly enjoy consulting and managing the social media for this fabulous team of wonderful people, and it was an experience I will surely never forget.

 

Speaking of unforgettable people, I would like to first introduce the most stylish man at the Breeders’ Cup: Peter Rotondo. The one, and the only and he’s truly a mr. wonderful all around. With his classic look and modern style, This man truly nows how to dress. From head to toe, he was surely #Stayinghot all week long. Check out the purple leather bowtie with a signature rhinestone for a touch of glam. #PurpleFriday really doesn’t get any better than this. Guys, take notes on this equestrian style… Peter wins.

From the mornings, to the evenings… Sunrise to sunset at Santa Anita Park was absolutely breathtaking. My favorite mornings were spent at “Clockers Corner” watching the horses warm up against purple mountains and a candy creamcicle sky.

Eating breakfast trackside watching the racehorses warm up in the mornings is the perfect way to start the day.

 BEHIND THE SCENES.

From the stables to the VIP, I ran around sporting my new GiGi New York “Lauren” bag and Dubarry boots all week leading up to Friday and Saturday at the Breeders’ Cup. I’ve learned to never leave my boots at home… No matter what the circumstance, growing up around the barn has instilled in my brain that there is always a time for boots. Whether it’s sand, sleet or snow, these boots have seen it all.

Running around the track meeting many new people was quite overwhelming throughout the week, but one of my favorite experiences was getting to know Chrome’s jockey, Victor Espinoza. Talk about a true LADIES Man! When it came time for the post-position draw, Victor was the king of the Chandelier room, especially when all these blonde girls flocked over for a photo…

From horse owners, jockeys, and media, the room was full of excitement and anticipation awaiting the draw for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. I wondered around in awe of the equestrian-inspired decor from the main rooms to the restrooms, I was highly impressed.

As you can see, traditional equestrian style from the floors to the walls set the scene. I was obsessed with the hanging jockey helmets as wall art, to the one-of-a-kind Baker blanket leather bar stools. Talk about GENIUS! Great job, Santa Anita Park.. You won my heart in this room.

SHOPPING & FASHION.

Back to the shopping: Breeders’ Cup had some fabulous product, including the one and only Christine A. Moore: the official Milliner of the Breeders’ Cup. Talk about one fantastic woman. She truly knows how to make artwork for the tete (head). I had heard such great things about her, but when I saw these amazing hats, hatinators,  fascinators, and fedoras in person I was totally blown away. They are absolutely  too-die-for, people!

Rich purple hues and feathers and beading dressed these beauties to sparkle for the races. Breeders’ Cup purple is a MUST no matter what day it is, but #PurpleFriday is a big day for this hue.

Talk about gorgeous style, this gal sure knows how to dress for #BreedersCup…

Meet Quela Renee of Classic Women’s Club. Her red and black ensemble caught our eye, and we couldn’t get enough of that black leather horse clutch… She is simply stunning! Her outfit: Fascinator: Arturo Rios, Dress: Vintage (no name), Clutch: Pixie Mart, Shoes: Christian Louboutin. Follow her on twitter:@cwclifestyle and instagram @quelarenee 😉

 OLD FRIENDS & NEW FRIENDS.

When I travel, I try to make it a point to reconnect with old friends. This trip really blew me away with this recent re-connection. When I was about 7 years old, Jason McArdle used to ride/ “school” my white small pony, Belle, before I would show her in the pony divisions in Wellington, Florida. Fast forward about 21 years later and here we are at the 2014 Breeders’ Cup, across the nation from where I grew up. The power of social media is insanely huge– and without Facebook, I would have never known to reconnect with Jason at the 2014 Breeders’ Cup.

Speaking of social media, Jonathan Brownfield with LIFT Social Media and I hosted a “#BCSOCIAL” for the avid social media influencers and fans in the Los Angeles area.

These folks got to see the ins-and-outs of the track from the paddock, to the Trophy lounge, they surely got an experience at Santa Anita for #BC14! Also, it was the first time the Breeders’ Cup showcased social media on the jumbotron! Tweets and instagram photos showed up on the big screen during raceday breaks. #Lovedit.

 

Fashionista and equestrian enthusiast, Ciara Austin @Ciaratoga and I at the America’s Best Racing event held at Santa Anita Park during the week of Breeders’ Cup. Ciara and I became instant friends through our love of horses, fashion, and accessories… She then introduced me to the lovely Tara Hammond Leu…

Have you heard of Tara Kiwi? Simple, classic, and super-duper comfy. These tees are flying off the racks in the Hamptons, and it was my first time seeing the shirts in person. Tara is *too-sweet* for words, and I adore the simplicity of this line. Check out this fabulous collection: here.

It was also great to meet another one of my favorite equestrian-inspired designers, Cindy Gellerson of Atelierbits. Do you love soft and supple leather? Well, you will die and go to heaven when you feel this collection… Absolutely incredible. She is also now making limited edition horse racing charm bracelets (great for gifts or stocking stuffers!)

The whole week was full of running around and lots of working, however it really felt like it was more fun than “work”. Here’s a view from the media section with some of the gals from the Breeders’ Cup social media/marketing team. It is here where I spent much of the time tweeting and observing the races.

THE BEST HORSERACING IN THE WORLD: BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

…Literally, THE BEST.

 

And… They’re off!

Some of my favorite horses to watch were Untapable, Texas Red, Bayern and of course, California Chrome.

Some of these horses are in the running for Horse of the Year, we will see if any Breeders’ Cup winners will win HOTY.

NBC

Hanging out with the jockeys and horses was not the only behind-the-scenes excitement I encountered. One of my favorite new people I met was the fabulous Nick Luck from NBC. This guy is all about entertainment, even behind the scenes he kept us on our toes and laughing throughout the entire week– even at our most tired moments.

Thanks for the photo, Nick… PS, I think you look especially good in this one! #StayHot 

OUTSTANDING ACCOMMODATIONS

Staying at the Westin in Pasadena was lovely. Just a few minutes from Santa Anita, the commute was short and the service was excellent. I really enjoyed the views from the room and the pool deck.

It was a week that was truly unforgettable, and an amazing experience. If you are debating whether to go to any equestrian event this year, be sure to put Breeders’ Cup at the top of your list. Being an equestrian, it’s easy to get caught up in watching the horses, but this experience was more than just the horses. From the fashion, style, sunrises and sunsets, it’s truly a lifestyle: one that everyone needs to experience.

Looking forward to Keeneland next year for the 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships!

 

PS: Who’s joining me?

Until next time y’all!

XXO