In Full Bloom, A Derby Style Birthday Outing

Derby fashion is what style dreams are made of. Racegoers with eye popping displays of hats in all shapes, colors and sizes atop cute outfits come out to enjoy a day of sporting action and excitement. 

In other words, fashion is a crucial component of a derby. While its not known as 'California Derby' and I by no means live in the south, I chose to have a Derby theme for my birthday outing complete with fancy hats and horses, the two things most visible at a Kentucky Derby.

OFF TO THE RACES

My friends and I looking like models and ‘it’ girls if i say so myself, watched the horse races at the Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, Ca. Even though I’ve lived in the San Francisco bay area for twenty four years, It was my first time there. My friends had never been either. There were nine races but we only saw four because we were errmm, fashionably late, HA! Regardless, we found it exciting, so much so we all plan to go back soon.

THE LOOK

I went for a flamboyant 3D floral lace dress complete with a cape in tune with the theme, however the star of the look and the real treat was my ostentatious hat of choice, a blush pink fascinator perched on my forehead with a tip to the right yet high enough not to veil my perfectly groomed brow. It’s made on a flat pillbox covered with beaded brown and pink fabric and adorned with a silk rose and cherry blossoms. I was ‘In Full Bloom’. 

The very flamboyant and playful ‘Cherry’ naturally became the sartorial statement piece that gave my look a head turning boost. If I got a penny for each compliment I received wearing it, I’d be so rich! Made by the renowned milliner Arturo Rios, this hat is sold along with other fab pieces at the Berkeley Hat company. 

Speaking of the Berkeley Hat Company, this gem is conveniently located on 2510 Telegraph Avenue just blocks from the prestigious UC Berkeley. They carry a huge selection of caps and hats for both men and women from church hats, fascinators, beanies, fedoras and boater hats to name a few. If you’re looking for a piece that will make a bold statement or create a memorable fashion moment especially with the wedding season around the corner, then check them out in person or online at www.berkeleyhat.com.   

Carol, the co owner of the store is a registered nurse. She followed her passion for hats and opened this store in 1980 and it still stands in the same location thirty eight years later. Yup, you heard that right, 38 years in the same spot! She is very helpful with picking out the right piece and fitting them all with a friendly smile on her face. I’ve been in stores where the owner or the associate doesn’t as much as offer a greeting and its a huge turn off for me. 

You?

THE MAKEUP

I did mention a few posts back that one of the things I get asked about a lot is my makeup and who does it. My response stays the same, ‘I do’! When I get my makeup done by other artists, I end up taking it off and doing it over by myself cos I know my face the best. While I am a Nars all day luminous in color Tahoe girl, lately I find it making me look lighter than I really am. That and the lighting from the camera, have me looking many shades lighter than I really am. 

I did something different for this look.

 I prepped my face with Fresh Rose Floral Toner, and primed with Too Faced Hangover Primer followed by a mix of two shades of a different Nars product. I mixed the Nars Natural Radiant foundation in Tahoe and Caracas.  I baked and set it with Cover Fx matte setting powder and spray set with the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray. I have Anastasia Beverley Hills Sad Girl on my lips and used Summer from the ABH sun dipped glow kit for my inner corners, cupid's bow and highlight. 

DINNER

We enjoyed dinner at the HS Lordships restaurant at the Berkeley marina with unbeatable views of the San Francisco bay, the SF skyline and the prestigious Golden Gate bridge looming in the background. The service was ok and I say ok just because all our meals didn’t come out at the same time. I was also not a huge fan of the decor. Other than that, we enjoyed our meals and HUGE DOSES of fun and laughter. It was a truly great evening. 
When it comes to celebrating me, I leave no stone unturned like here and here. I truly appreciate these amazing gals that came out to enjoy a fun day with me. 

Fash'D

I'm also celebrating the lunch of Fash'D by Fashionably Idu, a capsule collection of my clothing line. I'm excited and looking forward to doing more with it soon. 

Stay tuned!

Deets

Dress - Custom Made (email for orders)

Hat - Arturo Rios (here) (here)

Sandals - Old 

Clutch - Old

Thank you for stopping by, keep thinking the purple thoughts. Xx...