Lord & Taylor in Stamford Connecticut Fall 2016 Events

Upcoming events at Lord & Taylor in Stamford Connecticut 

To celebrate their major renovation in the Stamford CT location of Lord & Taylor the store is holding a series of events to precede and promote their grand opening!

That's right - Lord & Taylor is in the final stages of its massive renovation to the company’s Stamford store, one of the company's earliest branch locations. The renovation, which began in early 2015, touches all three levels of the store and is being designed to have a more intuitive flow, new finishes, and upgraded services, as well as new brands added to this location. 

As the building façade’s banners state, “Nothing Stands in the Way of Fashion”. It’s been business as usual throughout the renovation process with some slight in-store traffic re-routing and creative planning. In anticipation of the official grand opening of Lord & Taylor Stamford, which will kick off the holiday season in stylish form, shoppers can look forward to a series of in-store and community driven events this fall at the 110 High Ridge Road location.

Back to Campus Fashion Event - Saturday, September 17, 12-5 PM

On Saturday, September 17, from 12-5 PM, Lord & Taylor will host a Back to Campus Fashion Event, highlighting the fall season’s latest styles for fashion-savvy young adults and those looking to head back to campus with a fresh new look. Event highlights include a fashion presentation, cosmetic makeovers and enter-to-win opportunities.

And there are more events coming our way!

Saturday, September 24      11am & 2pm   Cosmetic Trend Show

Friday, September 30 &       9am-11pm     Charity Day benefitting American Cancer Society

Saturday, October 1             

Wednesday, October 19      5:30pm           Paint the Town Pink Fashion Show, benefitting Stamford Health

Saturday, November 19       9am-11pm     Shop Smart, Do Good Charity Day benefitting local non-profit organizations

                                          2pm-4pm           Meet H Halston Fashion Director, Cameron Silver

 Lord & Taylor

110 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06905

203.327.6600

www.lordandtaylor.com

Bridal Trunk Show Featuring Sabrina Dahan in Westport CT

Sabrina Dahan Trunk Show at The Plumed Serpent 

Connecticut brides-to-be are the first to have the opportunity to try on gorgeous, one of a kind styles from Sabrina Dahan’s debut bridal collection at an exclusive Bridal Trunk Show at The Plumed Serpent in Westport CT on January 23rd and 24th 2016.

After launching in October 2015, Sabrina Dahan, has surely proved herself by turning the heads of 10+ top bridal salons nationwide. As a bride-to-be herself, Sabrina understands exactly what brides today are looking for! 

Her handmade, romantic, couture creations are the perfect fit and now local Connecticut and New York brides can meet the designer herself, try on the collection and place orders. 

January 23rd & 24th at The Plumed Serpent in Westport, Connecticut 

Reserve your spot now!

The Plumed Serpent

295 Post Road East, Playhouse Square

Westport, CT 06880

203.226.9868

http://plumedserpentbridal.com/

More about Sabrina Dahan 

Sabrina Dahan’s passion for bridal is apparent in her soft touch embroidered masterpieces that display immaculate technique, fit and attention to detail.  Inspired to launch a couture bridal line by her own love story and engagement, Dahan’s expert technique and keen eye comes from top notch schooling at Otis College of Art and Design and from her hands on experience in the bridal industry for several years.  Dahan has been the light and talent behind successes for top couture projects and design houses, including the likes of Monique Lhuillier. In pouring effortless luxury into each garment, Dahan draws upon inspiration from her sun-soaked southern California upbringing and Parisian summers with loved ones. As her collections come to life, Dahan's unique originality shines through embodying a sense of romance that will resonate with each bride embarking on her own love story.

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets for Spring Trends

Clinton Crossing Spring Fashion 

Clinton Crossing Outlet Center - Worth the trip from anywhere!

This spring we headed out to Clinton Crossing, an outlet center located just off I-95 at exit 63 in picturesque Clinton CT, for an early evening of shopping with some local CT Fashion and Lifestyle Bloggers, Wendy from CT Lifestyles, Rosa from Lady Diana Pearls, and others.  Because I had another event to attend that evening I started off on my shopping jaunt ahead of them, but you can follow their experiences by clicking on their names and enjoying their group shopping fun!

Saks Fifth Avenue - Off Fifth

We started off at Saks Off Fifth where we learned that the store has undergone a revamping with more competitive pricing. I've always loved to shop at Saks Off Fifth, so better prices means more shopping!

Saks Fifth Avenue - Off Fifth at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Of course, I wandered right to the shoe section where I always have great luck and spotted these metallic cork wedges that will work perfectly as a neutral with so many outfits this summer. I'm also on the lookout for a spring hat, and although I didn't purchase this one, it's a perfect match for denims or nautical prints.

Saks Fifth Avenue - Off Fifth at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Lancome

Then I moved on to the Lancome store. I could have stayed all day in this store! The sales associates were so helpful and I loved seeing them work on a "make up mood board" featuring spring makeup trends. So good to hear that spring and summer will feature a "natural" palette of colors.

Lancome at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Club Monaco

Our next stop was Club Monaco where I put together an outfit featuring the 2015 trend of retro fashion, featuring looks from the 70's like wide legged trousers, peasant style white eyelet tops and natural fiber accessories. How about those striped jeans? Love them!

Club Monaco a Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

DKNY

Then we descended on DKNY, probably the funnest stop of the day, where store manager Bill was UBER helpful and we had a ton of laughs and fashion lessons!  We learned all about the DKNY staple, the cosey that works as a sweater, or a wrap and has dozens of uses! And I put together another fun outfit accenting the pops of color that are so prevalent this spring. Love this bag and top in deep cobalt blue.

DKNY at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

Here's where I made my favorite purchase of the day, the DKNY bag that holds everything! And here I am rocking it at Mother's Day Brunch!

DKNY Bag from Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet

Lindt Chocolate

Our next stop was at the Lindt Chocolate store for a hot cocoa pick me up and some chocolate goodness!

Lindt Chocolate at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet

Hanna Andersson

My last stop before I had to leave was at the ADORABLE children's store Hanna Andersson whose Swedish influences were apparent in the clothing. Here's a few little girl's outfits I couldn't help but play dress-up with!

Hanna Andersson at Clinton Crossing Preimium Outlets

Other stores that participated were J Crew and Aeropostle where more great fashion and spring trends can be found!

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Center in Clinton CT is certainly worth the trip from anywhere! It's easily accessed off exit 63 on I-95 and includes over 70 designer retail outlets. There's something for everyone at Clinton Crossing!

VIP Club

Do you know about the Premium Outlet Center's VIP CLUB?  Join their VIP club (it's free to join!) and receive exclusive coupons from participating stores each time you shop!  Join here ==> https://www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/vipLounge.asp

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Center
20-A Killingworth Turnpike
Clinton, CT 06413
(860) 664-0700

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets is located off I-95 at Exit 63 (on Route 81)

• From New Haven/Fairfield/New York: Take I-95 north to Exit 63 
• From Hartford/Springfield: Take I-91 south to Exit 22S (Route 9 South) to Exit 9 (Route 81 South). Turn right onto 81 South and proceed 14 miles. Center is on the right. 
• From Mystic/Rhode Island/Boston: Take I-95 south to Exit 63. 

Disclaimer: I was invited to this shopping event by members of Premium Outlets, however, all opinions are my own.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week for Fall-Winter 2015-2016

Versace blasts pops of primary colors against black neutrals in the Milan Fall-Winter 2015-2016 show.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week 2015-2016
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

Versace tailoring dominates – neat-shouldered pinstripe jackets, long cutaway coats in double-faced cashmere.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week 2015-2016
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

 The debut of #GREEK, revolutionising the iconic Versace Greek key with playful emojis. It appears on clothing, and a brand new line of accessories.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week 2015-2016
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

 Geometric shapes run throughout, whether it’s a circle-cut skirt, the triangle of a flared pant, or the circular shapes cut into silk cady dresses.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week 2015-2016
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

 A print of #GREEK is exploded to different scales in primary colours on dresses, zip-up cropped jackets, and shirts circle-cut in the back.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week 2015-2016
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

Outerwear is saturated in colour, like a yellow swing coat and red cape both in double-faced cashmere, or a green parka of bonded suede and leather.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week 2015-2016
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

 Cut-outs slash through black dresses, some intersected with flashes of colour. Shirts and sweaters are circle cut in the back, while slim-leg pants are cut out at the hem to reveal the boot.

 Suede jackets and coats are quilted in the #GREEK pattern, then handstitched in vivid shades, while alpaca zip-up coats pop in strong yellow.

 Remixed as if by a DJ are the letters of VERSACE on jersey tops and leather jackets, as well as cocktail dresses embroidered in vivid crystals.

 The quilted #GREEK bag comes unstructured in the softest leather, as quilted suede clutches and colour-printed quilted leather with a Greek key chain.

 Thigh high leather boots are patent at the front, suede at the back, while suede sandals come with #GREEK metal stack heels and platform soles.

“This is my Versace for today, and forever. #GREEK symbolises everything: the traditions of craftsmanship and the Greek key, the emoji of the future.” 

                                             --- Donatella Versace

A powerful silhouette in vivid primary colours of red, yellow and green, along with classic black.

Versace at Milan Fashion Week 2015-2016

Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

Versace Press Office
 Via Borgospesso 15/A
 20121 Milan - ITALY
 T: +39 02 76093981

Photos and press release courtesy of Beauty Press

New Eye Shadow Shades for 2015 from MUD Cosmetics

New Eye Colors from MUD Cosmetics just in time for the holidays!

Here's a great idea for some stocking stuffers for this holiday season! The new line of shadows for Spring 2015 from MUD Cosmetics!

MUD’s new Eye Colors are set to join the collection this fall with eight beautiful new shades, from stable hues in grey like Statue, to the distinctive Deco blue, each new color comes with inspiration for some of the upcoming trends for Spring 2015.

Mud - Deco Blue
Photo Courtesy BeautyPress

The new colors include:

Canvas
This is a matte, off white shade that can be used as a highlight, or applied on the entire lid. For a classic look, use on entire lid and add canyon in the crease

Mud Spring Summer Collection
Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press

Deco
A matte turquoise hue that’s great for a bold retro look. Use increase with a softer color like Pink Grapefruit, Sunflower, Daisy, Cashmere or Pixie on the lid

Sedona
 A matte, soft burnt orange that’s perfect for applying on the lid or crease and can be
 used with any of the MUD Eye Colors

Semisweet
 A matte, neutral dark brown is great for brunettes as an eyebrow filler as well as
 adding depth to your look by applying on the lid or crease

Statue
 A soft matte, light gray that can be used with any color and looks amazing when blended with a darker shade to create a soft smoky eye

Pavement
 A matte dark gray, Pavement can be used to add depth by applying to the lid and/or the crease

Flight
 A cool, matte medium powder blue for the lid or crease. You can create a demi-matte and lighten the color by mixing with Ice, Opal Sky, Honeysuckle, or Dulce de Leche

Velvetine
 A warm, demi-matte eggplant shade, Velveteen can go from subtle to bold with a simple mix or blending with a variety of shades.

 Available on mudshop.com 

Holiday Shopping at the Westfield Trumbull Mall CT

Every year I like to beat the crowds and find out what styles and trends are in for the season BEFORE the holiday shopping rush begins. This way, I have a better idea of what purchases to make for family and friends...and ideas for dressing up (or down) for upcoming holiday dinner parties and celebrations. Where to go? My local Westfield Mall!

And...of course, what holiday shopping visit would be complete without a visit to SANTA!!!!

#ShopTrumbull
Visit Santa at the Westfield Trumbull Mall 

This holiday season I partnered with the great folks at the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall whose management team arranged for us to visit four stores and talk to their management teams, store managers, and sales associates to find out what's on point in the coming season.

And the Westfield Trumbull's management team has some wonderful ways to keep us all on point this season as well, as they have some weekly surprises coming up for their shoppers! Be on the lookout for the Westfield Trumbull Merry Makers in their holiday attire throughout the mall beginning on November 28th (Black Friday!) The festively dressed Merry Makers surprise shoppers with unexpected acts of kindness and special holiday entertainment performances. And they're fun too!

Westfield Merry Makers at the WestfieldTrumbull Mall
#ShopTrumbll
#MakeMeMerry

This year Westfield is donating $1.00 to St. Jude's Research Hospital every time #MakeMeMerry is tagged in a picture from their malls! And you can help by stopping in the management office at your local Westfield Mall and making a donation too!

And now...let's get this shopping party started!!!

Francesca's Collections at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

We started at Francesca's Collections, a boutique that originated in Houston Texas and now boasts over 450 stores in 45 states and an online boutique! Each store is unique to its area, and offers a a beautiful array of carefully-curated clothing, bright bangles and baubles, bold accessories, and playful gifts.

Francesca's Collections at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

At Francesca's Collections we learned that accessorizing is in the details and it's their attention to the details that sets them apart. In every nook in the store are amazing finds. Whether you looking for cute boots, unique outfits, a clutch with a pop of color, or some statement jewelry, Francesca's Collections has you covered!

Francesca's Collections at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

Banana Republic at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

Next we moved on to the Banana Republic where the subtle style transformation that new Banana Republic EVP / Creative Director Marissa Webb, former designer for J.Crew,  is bringing to the organization was apparent. While still featuring clothing that is grounded in professional office  wear they are addressing the relaxed culture of corporate America, where fashion can be a bit more contemporary and reflect a more edgy street-vibe.

Banana Republic at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

We all loved finding out about the high-low (hi-low) trend taking place. While I had always thought it referred to a shirt or dress hemline that is higher in the front and lower in the back, we learned that the term also refers to the layering that takes place, where a short jacket is layered over an untucked shirt, or a sweater sleeve that is rolled up exposing the shirt cuff beneath. Banana Republic features both  men's and women's wear.

Banana Republic at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

F&F Clothing in the Westfield Trumbull Mall

The F&F Clothing Brand is a franchised retail subsidiary of the UK Tesco Company. Currently expanding in the U.S., they have  43 franchise stores in 10 countries - Saudi Arabia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Gibraltar, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, The Philippines and Armenia (Source: TheDrum.com). F&F strives to be the global leader in affordable clothing for men, women, and children's fashions.

F&F Clothing at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

The F&F store opened this year in the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall. The entire outfit pictured above left, cost just over $300.00, including the overcoat, scarf, sweater, skirt, purse, and boots. I especially liked that consumers can pick up trendy accessories that often change from season to season at affordable prices.

F&F Clothing at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

The Limited at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

Our last store of the day was The Limited, known for offering high quality design at a great value. The Limited design team headed by Elliot Staples, has partnered with ABC's hit show Scandal's costume designer Lyn Paolo and Scandal actress Kerry Washington who plays lead character Olivia Pope, to design a fall/winter collection, The Limited Scandal Collection. The details in this collection are incredible. Soft luxurious fabrics, sharp collar designs, detailed cuts and hemlines, and tailored sweaters. Every piece just gets better and better.

The Limited at the Westfield Trumbull Mall
Featuring The Scandal Collection

In addition to the Scandal Collection, their entire line has amazing details, including lace insets, leather trims, sleekly cut blouses, stylish bags and purses, and of course, classic jewelry. There's something for everyone at The Limited!

Timeless pieces with quality design!

The Limited at the Westfield Trumbull Mall

After a long day of shopping we stopped at the Westfield Trumbull Mall's newest restaurant addition...The Cheesecake Factory! After a quick libation and lunch from the SkinnyLicious Menu, and, of course, pumpkin cheesecake (!!!)  A bit more shopping on my way out - and then I was on my way home. Full of ideas for the holiday season!

The Cheesecake Factory at the Westfield Trumbull Mall
Mojito, Chicken Thai Lettuce Cup, Pumpkin Cheesecake

I hope this little glimpse into four stores at my local Westfield Mall inspired you for your holiday shopping!

Have a merry merry!

Westfield Trumbull Mall

5065 Main St

Trumbull, CT

(203) 372-4500

http://www.westfield.com/trumbull/

Find out more about Westfield Retail Malls here ==> http://www.westfieldmallretail.com/

Disclaimer: I was invited to this store tour by members of Westfield's Management Team. All opinions are my own.

Fashion Week Paris Spring-Summer 2015 - Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Jean Charles de Castelbajac recently launched his Spring Summer 2015 collection at Paris Fashion Week.

The collection offered the world an invitation to discover the vision of JC de Castelbajac: collective, inventive and creative.

Photo Source: Beauty Press

This collection is a spectacle, a rupture that puts today’s woman front and center, dressed in a look that sublimates her beauty and transports us elsewhere. A new cosmic and urban wardrobe is born. A proximity to the audience who interact and discover the pieces they see pass before their eyes.


This season prints disappear, replaced by new imagination and detail crystallized in cut. Graphics are illustrated with tone-on-tone cut-outs of stars, messages and symbolic portraits, bringing new poetry to the clothes. The designer’s essential signature color blocks take pride of place. Screen pockets and omnipresent visors, oversize bags in leather and Plexiglas, and technical Velcro sandals enchant this new sport-chic silhouette, to give this commando of women a protection, a contemporary confidence.

Photo Source: Beauty Press

Materials are light and sporty in completely Castelbajac colors; yellow, blue and red primaries like rays of sunlight, a tonal orange, all underlined by an ultra-pure white.

Cotton twill and viscose, airy and technical, are mixed accidentally with silk organza for shorts, jumpsuits, bustier dresses and sweatshirts. A pop camouflage is incrusted on retro-futuristic trench-coats and dresses while XXL trompe-l’oeil stitching decorates a raw cotton toile. 

Photo Source: Beauty Press

These new nomads wear their jackets slung over their shoulders like backpacks. Knits in camouflage lace or cotton net complete the collection with a transparent sweater and raincoat, a purity filter.

This is the signature of a new femininity: comfortable, functional and creative sportswear for tomorrow’s all-conquering woman, the soldier of peace of  the future.

Eve Pearl HD Dual Foundation and Reverse Contouring

EVE PEARL Dual Foundation Press Release 

Do you know about the Eve Pearl Method of “Reverse Contouring?

This revolutionary way to apply makeup is said to ensure a flawless finish. Using the darker shade on the T-Zone and the lighter shade below the cheek hallow and above the jawline will create the most beautiful dimensions, eliminate discoloration, redness, acne marks and still match the rest of your body.

Photo Courtesy of Beauty Press for Eve Pearl

Application:
“The Eve Pearl Method” of Reverse Contouring™

 Apply with an EP #101 – Foundation Brush, sponge or fingers. Use water to dampen the sponge for sheerest application

This luxurious, lightweight cream foundation provides the most versatile sheer - medium - full coverage with a non-greasy texture that glides on the face, while allowing your skin to breathe.

 Benefits:

• The two shades of foundation blend into the skin and the universal spectrum of color in the pigments adapt to the skin tone and the changes caused by body chemistry, weather and sun exposure
• Long lasting wear that feels like your favorite skincare…because it is skincare
• Hydrates, protects & rejuvenates your skin’s texture and elasticity
• Covers redness, discolorations, scarring, imperfections and more
• Ideal to create natural looking highlights and contours for a flawless face
• For all skin types, especially sensitive skin
• Paraben Free • Fragrance Free • Petrolatum Free
• Available in 6 Shades

“Created for YOU by 5-time Emmy Award Winner, Author and Authority on Beauty … Eve Pearl”


 Eve Pearl Foundation can be purchased online at http://www.evepearl.com/products/foundations/

Mirabella Beauty launches a new makeup collection for the holidays

Mirabella Beauty Launches Faerie For Holiday

Mirabella Beauty releases Faerie, a luxurious limited edition four-piece collection that includes a long-lasting eyeshadow, a mineral-based highlighter and two high-shine lip gloss shades to create a romantic, ethereal, shimmery look for the holiday season.

“The holidays are a time when women embrace a more glamorous look,” says Amber Bowen, Mirabella Creative Director. “When the four Faerie products are paired together the result is a soft, beautiful look that’s universally flattering. Faerie features a neutral palette of pinks and browns that is accentuated with subtle shimmer and sheen for eyes, face and lips to create a youthful glow. Plus, the colors and formulas were developed with those hectic days of work, shopping and holiday parties in mind. They are long-lasting for day to night wear.”

Myth Visionary Long-wearing Eyeshadow features a bronze hue with reddish brown undertones that flatters all skin tones. Its creamy, silky texture sets to a satin matte powder finish for easy application and rich, buildable color. Formulated with a high volatile elastomer gel network, Myth Visionary Long-wearing Eyeshadow moisturizes while absorbing excess oils to keep eyes looking flawless all day long. High elastomeric powders help mask wrinkles with an optical blurring effect.

Back by popular demand, Mirabella Beauty is relaunching Swirling Pearl Brilliant, a mineral-based highlighter with Prismatech technology -- combining all the best features of baked, fluid and cream products for a soft, long-lasting texture that gives skin the perfect highlight. Two new Colour Luxe Lip Gloss shades Gossamer (soft pink) and Luminosity (clear sparkle) offer three-dimensional, light reflecting pearls and a moisturizing, vitamin-enriched formula with anti-aging peptides.

Faerie will be available at professional salons and on mirabellabeauty.com beginning November 2014.  Myth Visionary Long-wearing Eyeshadow retails for $29, Swirling Pearl Brilliant for $40 and Color Luxe Lip Gloss in Gossamer and Luminosity for $26 each.

Mirabella Beauty is the leading line of cosmetics used by salon and spa professionals, offering high-quality, mineral-based prestige cosmetics that are talc-free and paraben-free. With over 200 contemporary products for face, eyes and lips, as well as professional tools, Mirabella Beauty is best known for its wide range of shades with modern colors, quality formulas, the use of innovative technology, and a strong emphasis on education.  Mirabella Beauty defines makeup as the power to transform. For women who wake up feeling girly one day and glam the next, Mirabella truly offers makeup with personality.

For more information, please visit www.mirabellabeauty.com. Follow Mirabella Beauty on Twitter and Instagram @MirabellaBeauty and become a Facebook fan!

Saratoga Race Course with America's Best Racing

Fashion, Food, and Fun at the Saratoga Race Course!

This year we were invited back to the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs New York as the guests of America's Best Racing. an organization initiated by The Jockey Club to promote awareness of the sport of thoroughbred horse racing in North America to a new generation.

America's Best Racing's emphasis and focus is on the fun and fashionable lifestyle associated with American horse racing.

This isn't your grandfather's day at the horse track with a cigar and a racing form!

This is a day of sport spent with fun loving enthusiasts enjoying the magnificent thoroughbreds, smart wagering, and, of course, fashion at the races!

Our hosts from America's Best Racing for the day were the lovely Victoria and the ever dapper Dan who made us feel welcome, helped us with questions about the race course and wagering, and encouraged us to have a fun-filled day!

Pre-race I explored the grounds and found a wonderful vendor, Hatsational, who sets up shop on the grounds at Saratoga selling stylish hats and fascinators to race course fashion enthusiasts! If you don't come to the races with your own hat, I promise you you'll find one that matches your outfit at this fabulous outlet.

I had a great time trying on various hats and fascinators and chatting with the sales staff. They have several locations in  the greater Saratoga Springs area besides their on-track location. If it weren't for the fact that purchasing a hat would mean carrying the one I was wearing for the remainder of the day, I would have purchased one. Or two. And of course a fascinator too! Yes, they were all that beautiful!

Here are some other fashion shots from the races...

Beautiful hats

And it's not just the women who get into the fashion act...here's a father son duo in pastels

...and some pretty madcap pants!

Or maybe this is more your style?

I guess there's something for everyone at the race course!

For more race course fashion follow Twitter's #AmericasBestFashion or Instagram's #AmericasBestFashion

The Saratoga Race Course is also family friendly - just look at the playground perfect for the wee ones to enjoy!

Last year's visit to Saratoga, also sponsored by America's Best Racing was spent in the Carousel Restaurant (Read about it HERE). This year's visit was a bit different as we enjoyed an alternate aspect of a day at Saratoga with a picnic lunch on the pastoral grounds of the race course.

Yes, that's right! Saratoga Race Course allows patrons to bring in their own food and drink to enjoy on their beautiful premises, so long as everything is packed in plastic. No glass is allowed in the picnic areas - a wonderful safety precaution.

The great folks at America's Best Racing provided us with some great food and spirit! Our picnic lunch was catered by the Putnam Market of Saratoga Springs and consisted of artisan sandwiches and specialty salads and sides.

And our spirits were courtesy of Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Because, after all, what's a horse race without some good Kentucky bourbon.

Andrea, the NJ Market Manager for Buffalo Trace, whipped up two vats of bourbon favorites for us all to enjoy. A Bourbon Spiked Lemonade  and a Mint Julep, both made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Here's a little known fact, in order to be bottled as "bourbon" the spirits must be made in the United States!  And what's more, Buffalo Trace Bourbon has the distinction of being the the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes".

I have to say that even though I'm not a Bourbon lover...Buffalo Trace was so velvety smooth that even I became a big fan of the brand. Buffalo Trace notes that its taste is "rich and complex, with hints of vanilla, toffee and candied fruit". I couldn't agree more.

After eating we strolled down to the paddock to see the race horses up close with special entry passes furnished by America's Best Racing.

And then see the jockeys being escorted to the race track.

After our visit to the paddock it was time to place our bets! We had a lot of fun pouring over the race form finding favorite names, checking out the odds, and playing our favorite name and number combinations.

In the end the cowboy came out ahead...ever so slightly...and it was a fun day at the races!

We loved standing track side and watching the post be put in place and the horses trot out to position.

Finally, before leaving, we headed into the Saratoga Pavilion where Fashion Saturday with Lord & Taylor was taking place. I even got to pose paparazzi style on the red carpet! What fun!

Our thanks to Victoria, Dan, and everyone on the ABR Tour for a fun and fashionable day at the beautiful and historic Saratoga Race Course.

Will we be back next year? You can #BetOnIt!

Saratoga Race Course 

267 Union Avenue

Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866

Find America's Best Racing on the web at http://www.americasbestracing.net/
Follow them on twitter @ABRLive and @ABRVTour
Like them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AmericasBestRacing
Watch them on Instagram @AmericasBestRacing


Disclaimer:  We were invited to the Saratoga Race Course by America's Best Racing. All opinions are our own.