Prêt-à-Porter: Not Made to Measure: May 9, 2011

The Trend: The Portfolio Bags

What accessory should you update your closet with for Fall 2011? The accessory of the season:
The Portfolio Bag & Patterned Clutches

It doesn't hurt to be prepared for Fall. Yes, it's only but if you know what's coming ahead you can get a big start in front of others. Which means you can find great deals. Know what's coming for Fall 2011 now and keep your eyes open for key pieces.

Fendi
Photo: Courtesy of Fendi

Celine
Photo: Courtesy of Celine

Givenchy
photo: Courtesy of Givenchy

Valentino
Photo: Laurent Harbulot

Valextra
Photo: Courtesy of Valextra

Salvatore Ferragamo
Photo: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo

Roger Vivier
Photo: Courtesy of Roger Vivier

Looking for ones that are a bit...

Down to Earth? How about these clutches...

Aldo basenji, sale $19.95

Aldo zembower, $29.98

Global Elements Cylinder Shell Clutch, $29.60 from eBag

BCBG Generation Aztec Clutch, $62.40, from Zappos

The Know: Hats & Celebrities of the Kentucky Derby

Did you know that The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest Thoroughbred horse races in the USA? The oldest being Phoenix Stakes.

After traveling and visiting some of best horse races in England and France, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. (the grandson of William Clark of the Lewis & Clark expedition) created the Louisville Jockey Club to help raise money for a racing facility outside of the city. This eventually lead to the establishment of Churchill Downs and The Kentucky Derby. It was coined Churchill Downs (incorporated in 1937) because Meriwether's relative (John & Henry Churchill) provided the land to which the track now sits.

There are many traditions that play great importance to The Kentucky Derby. There's the Mint Julep: a mixture of bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup. The burgoo stew of pork, chicken, beef and vegetables is the fave of Kentuckians and a must have dish. And then the lavishly, grand large hats adorned by well to do ladies now is a must for all who visit the Derby. For the gents? Well, seersucker suits.

Photo: Sam English

Photo: Andrew Kung

Photo: Dan Dry

Photo: Kinetic

Photo: Andrew Kung

Photo: Dan Dry

Photo: Andrew Kung

This lavender wonder has got to be the favorite for me. It is just so Scarlett from Gone with the Wind!

Photo: Kinetic

These hats are definitely BIG with great emphasis on flowers and feathers. A sure unique looks to the Derby and quite different than what we saw at the Royal Wedding. The shapes are more romantic and that of a Southern Belle. Would you wear one of these? I know I would. Either the lavender one above or this little modern number right below (the blue one).

Photo: Dan Dry

Photo: Sam English

The Celebrities...

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell. Photo: Kinetic

Marissa Miller. Photo: Kinetic

Jaime Pressly. Photo: Kinetic

Terrell Owens. Photo: Kinetic

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo. Photo: Kinetic

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz. Photo: Kinetic

Maria Menounos. Photo: Kinetic

Diane Lane. Photo: Kinetic

Kim Kardashian. Photo: Kinetic

And the real star of the show goes to...

Animal Kingdom

Photo: Weasie Gaines

Source: The Kentucky Derby

The Looks: Animal Kingdom Takes the Win

The Kentucky Derby

No, this is not Churchill Downs and nor was it even close. But the spirit of the Kentucky Derby was big this weekend and to help it along all of Portland was celebrating this 137 years old tradition.

The day was not planned as one would readying themselves to go to a horse race. You look every where and all you see are ladies in big hats. So, why shouldn't I to wear one and join in on the celebration? The problem was where to find a hat at the very last minute. Off to our favorite vintage double decker bus / dress shop: Lodekka. Found this amazing black & white straw hat, it was love at first sight.

What's even better? Across the street was Eat! Oyster Bar and they were having their monthly crawfish boil along with one of the town's biggest Kentucky Derby party. Serving Mint Julep and Oak's Lilly from the yin yang. Perfect spot to settle ourselves and watch as Animal Kingdom takes the win.