BREEDERS CUP STYLE GUIDE Breeders Cup comes to the Bluegrass for the first time the last weekend in October. Gear up with what to wear, where to eat, and more!
FOOD
Eat. Drink. Lex. Bri Mott gives you her insider knowledge of the stylish places to eat, drink, & party in the Bluegrass.
The best part about Lex is it is a small city, but gives you a big city feel. You can park anywhere downtown, and then walk to pretty much every restaurant or bar you need. There are a couple that you would need to drive to and we will cover those further down below. My list of downtown favorites for food are as follows: Tony's (Victorian Square across from Rupp Arena) Pricey but if you have it and want it, it is totally worth it. Amazing and filling steaks and seafood, sides to share, salads to die for and of course just a trendy atmosphere. Reservations are required the Breeders Cup nights, but if you want, stop in a grab a drink there. This is where you will find me Saturday night after the races. $$$ Distilled at Gratz Park (Second St. up a block from Short St.) More of quiet atmosphere and intimate. Small bar but if you have a seat there you might never want to leave. Yummy brunch on Sundays (nurse that racing hang-over) but of course great meals for Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Head chef is a friend of mine and he will not steer you wrong! $$ Village Idiot (Short St.) This is for the beer fan. Lots of fantastic beers from all over the world here. Gives you a kind of London feel with upscale pub food. Grease included, of course, but still some yummy salad options as well. I go here for a cold beer and an appetizer to catch up with friends but it is a GREAT spot to hang out, chit chat, eat, drink and unwind after the crazy day. $
THE DEFINITION
Not in walking distance:
We are only a few weeks away from Breeders Cup Weekend here in Lexington, Kentucky. Pretty excited to have these festivities right where I live, eat, and drink all the time. Good news for you?? I've got all the insider deets on where to go, what to eat, what to drink (how many is up to you) and where to shop!
Don't get me wrong, the occasional Olive Garden lunch deal is great too but to walk into a restaurant with chic design detail and an eclectic menu - now that's my type of spot.
I have become a bit of a foodie in the last few years and love to go to unique privately owned spots.
Downtown Lexington has really developed in the past 2 years. New restaurants and bars have come in and taken over the bottom floor of the old buildings.
Photograph by LymanDVM Photo
Oh, and of course being in a spot where heels and a dress doesn't seem too dressy? Sold.
Cole's- This is out of town about 4 miles on Richmond Road. Smaller intimate restaurant with great service and great food. Steaks, seafood, and just comforting American cuisine. Reservations are required so definitely call ahead and check availability- you will have to drive to a different spot as nothing is in walking distance. You feel like you are at your hip friends' house having a private chef serve you a meal. Can't beat that feeling... nope. $$
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There's too much bourbon at this Party!!!" -Said no one ever. "
Jefferson St. - Small bunch of restaurants on this street that are always safe to take a seat. Grey Goose- pizza and burger typecrab cakes spot with full bar (and great wine) $ . Blue Heron- fantastic food (get the crabcakes) and great cocktail list, dark interior gives it an intimate setting $$. AnoteccaTapas spot with great red wine choices, laid back uptown atmosphere (service sometimes eh) but still a great spot to socialize and unwind $. National Ave- National Provisions and the Beer Hall are worth the drive to just get a drink at (or hopefully dinner). This is a new neighborhood with an industrial feel with great privately own businesses. The staff are very proud of their workplace which provides fantastic service. Call ahead and take the short drive. $$ Malone's Family RestaurantsIncludes Malones, Sals, Harry's, and OBC. All of these are amazing- yes they are a 'chain' but only here in Lexington. OBC is their newest creation and it is my favorite spot. If you like Bourbon- stop here for a drink but make sure you stop out of the busiest time because it is a small space with lots of demand.
Not your typical bbq spot, but they do have the most delicious wings. Bacon and Peanut Butter is an actual appetizer...and it is greeeaaat. I've tried almost everything on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. Might find me here on Friday ;)
Above, Specialty cocktail from Woodford Reserve at Distilled. Below, Yummy crabcake can never steer you wrong. Photography by LymanDVM
Where to Drink: Parlay: Great spot to drink and dance. You will pay cover here which is not the norm in Lexington. Worth it? Probably. Belles:Upstairs and Down, sometimes gets waaay too busy but if you can steal a sit against the wall with your group you are in good shape. McCarthys: Irish Bar with lots of horse photos and drunk irish ;) Hugos/SkyBar are Dance Spots and you should be a bit liquored up before heading here. Loud, busy, hot, but fabulous people watching spots. Seen some crazy stuff!
There are plenty of other spots but these are the places that I would want to take my friends or family which is why I share with you. There are spots that I would say Don't Gobut I won't list them, if you have any questions- ask on Twitter and I'll answer you there! (@fashionatraces) Be sure to tag FATR in your out and about photos!
Bigg Blue Martini: I do not go to this place enough- they have LARGE martinis that are delicious. Very laid back and a bit more quiet.
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What to Wear. Bella Rose Boutique has got you covered!
Bluegrass Chic. Lose the boots and sundresses and gear up with fall styles from Bella Rose.
Dress, Bella Rose Pony Purse, Fashion at the Races Hat, Karen Morris Millinery
RUNNYMEAD FARM
Dress, Bella Rose Hat, Studio 910
BELLA ROSE: BIG CITY FASHION, SMALL TOWN CHARM by Bri Mott Photos by LymanDVM
When people think of Kentucky they think of Bourbon and horses. Rarely does fashion cross their mind. But Bella Rose is bringing high fashion to the forefront of Lexington and of course Fashion at the Races needed to get involved! Bella Rose, an award winning boutique located in the heart of the bluegrass, has been dressing Lexington women for over 30 years. Carrying designers such as Milli, Yoana Baraschi, Nicole Miller, Raoul and more, this store brings fashions found in New York to central Kentucky.
A small boutique with more than enough to choose from in dresses, coats, accessories, and everyday wear. Bella Rose's owner, Betty Spain and her daughter Haley will help you put together the perfect Breeders Cup outfit. Whether you are going for comfort in a sweater dress, or going all out for the Longines Elegance Competition, these gals will get you suited up. The store layout makes shopping easy for you with color coordinated racks. Already in the past two weeks, Bella Rose has sold out of many styles in preparation for the big event October 30th + 31st. Get in there quick to pick out your perfect outfit!
It's no longer just about the hat and dress. The fashion focus will incorporate your coat and accessories. Shop Bella Rose for the best selection.
“Hands down best dress shop in Lexington. Thanks for Jumpsuit the& Shrug, Bell last 5 DerbyHat, Karen Morris Mi Dresses..� FASHION AT THE RACES | 7
"I love watching women get excited over an outfit! If someone leaves Bella Rose feeling and looking great in a new outfit, I've done my job. I also have some great girls who help me out. We have fun at the Bella Rose!" -Owner, Bella Rose, Betty Spain
Dress and Coat, Bella Rose Hat, Karen Morris Millinery
Jumpsuit & Shrug, Bella Rose Hat, Karen Morris Millinery
Top & Pants, Bella Rose Shoes, Valentino Hat, Karen Morris Millinery
Dress & Coat, Bella Rose Hat, Karen Morris Millinery
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OCTOBER 2015
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TIPS
HOW TO SURVIVE THE COLD RACEDAY Dressing for colder weather on a daily basis is very different than dressing for a stylish day at the races. Is it harder to do? Yes, but definitely not impossible. by Bri Mott
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BE PREPARED Check The Weather Channel frequently to see what the temperature might be. Two weeks out, it looks to be in the low sixties. If yo u have ever been to KY, the sun changes everything. You can be in a tank as long as your in the sun but in a sweater as soon as you hit shade.
BRING REINFORCEMENTS If you don't think you will need to wear stockings or tights, bring them in your bag anyways. They will hardly take up any space, and if you are cold, you will be thankful you have them. Slip in the ladies room, make a change and voila!
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Leave your sandals and open-toe shoes in their summer bin. You will not want to have cold toes in heels- it becomes painful! Booties are your best bet, but even a pump will make your toesies happy and your boyfriend since he won't have to piggy back you late in the day.
ACCESSORIZE SMART If you think that you can't wear gloves or a scarf and be stylish- oh how wrong you are! Find a lined pair of leather gloves to match your outfit, and accessorize with faux furs to keep your neck warm.
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CAMP OUT Depending on where your tickets take you, if you do not have reserved seating, you may need to find a spot on track that will block out the wind and give you a break from the chill. Once you do find-make camp.
ALL ABOUT THE COAT If you are not inside and will have to endure the elements of mother nature a bit more- your fashion focus should be your coat. Most likely your coat will stay on all day- so picking one that stands out and makes the statement is crucial. I am loving some of the prints out there-play with it and have fun!
SMOKEY DRINKS
Of course a cocktail or two can always help warm up the body but also ask your bartender about making a hot cocktail, for example, hot cocoa with baileys, a spicy apple cider, or a hot toddy. If they go out of their way for you- give them a big tip to say thanks, and get them ready to do it again!
HELPFUL HEELS
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KEEP IT MOVING Standing still on a cold day only makes it worse. Move around! Go to the paddock to see the horses, walk to the track rail to watch a few of the races, and go make a bet. A body at rest is a cold one...or something like that. ;)
Thanks for reading! Be sure to shop
for your perfect Breeders Cup hat!