Fashion

from TOPS in Lexington: April 2022

Pro to Know

HEAD over HEELS

NEW TWISTS ON EQUINE TRADITION

April brings the start of Kentucky's unofficial social season... including all of the equestrian events that demand fresh style, fancy parties and fabulous evenings out on the town. While we're big fans of all the tried-and-true traditions that come running with the ponies – think mint juleps, Croakies, huge hats and unforgettable Derby Eve galas – we're also not afraid to mix it up once in a while. From unique trackside looks to new recipes to try, we're flipping tradition on its head this month!

PARTY P FECTION: Mixitup! Before you holler "heresy," hear us out. No one's denying that the mint julep is a Kentucky icon. We'd even argue that the fi rst Saturday in May wouldn't be complete without a little silver cup fi lled with mint, crushed ice, simple syrup and Bourbon. But – if we're being honest – we don't know anyone who particularly craves this classic concoction. While we respect the traditional julep, we acknowledge that most guests to a Derby party or Keeneland tailgate would probably prefer something else to sip. And so we're offering this alternative recipe: The Offi cial Drink of the Kentucky Oaks!

Finlandia® Oaks ly®

1 part Finlandia® Vodka 1 part Sweet and Sour Mix 1/4 part Triple Sec 3 parts Cranberry Juice

Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice Add in the ingredients and stir Add a straw and garnish with blackberries and a lemon wedge (recipe courtesy of: kentuckyderby.com)

Servethis:

Starters

• Benedictine sandwiches • Pimiento cheese + crackers • Mini hot browns • Cucumber canapes • Deviled eggs • Crudités

Drinks

• Pink lemonade • Southern sweet tea • Finlandia® Oaks Lily® • Ale-8 Bourbon slush • Mint julep

Main course

• Smoked brisket • Black eyed pea sliders • Fried green tomatoes • Buttermilk biscuits • Corn pudding • Mixed green salad with Bourbon vinaigrette • Burgoo

Dessert

• Kern's Derby-Pie® • Butter cake • Bourbon pecan ice cream • Lemon chess bars • Banana pudding

Gir ls THG3551($570thehatgirls.com) Ha t e T h

Lafonn Pointed Front Wide Cuff ($119.97 nordstromrack.com)

FRESH OKS: Bright IDEA

Lele Sadoughi Mother of Pearl Crystal Lily Earrings ($160 lelesadoughi.com)

Lilly Pulitzer St. Barts Cane Clutch ($148 lillypulitzer.com) Lilly Pulitzer Kay Babydoll Dress Lilly Pulitzer Kay Babydoll Dress ($228 lillypulitzer.com) ($228 lillypulitzer.com)

Steve Madden Steve Madden Gracey Heeled Sandal ($76.87 zappos.com)

House of Want We Sashay Vegan Leather Clutch ($68 nordstrom.com)

FRESH OKS: inBloom

Geisha Designs Floral Geisha Designs Floral Maxi Dress ($360 anthropologie.com) anthropologie.com)

Stone Collection Citrine Ring ($28 madewell.com)

The Pink Reef Floral Fields Drop Earrings ($150 nordstrom.com)

Gir ls THG30681($390thehatgirls.com) Ha t e T h

Sam Edelman Clare Ankle Strap Sandal ($170 samedelman.com)

Des ign “Renee ”($175bigdayhatdesign.com) Ha t Day B i g

FRESH OKS: Gimme SUGAR

Cult Gaia Eos Beaded Acrylic Box Clutch ($328 nordstrom.com)

Badgley Mischka “Kim” ($197.95 zappos.com) 9AM Hydrangea Ring ($130.50 Ring ($130.50 goodafternine.com) goodafternine.com)

Selkie My So Called Selkie My So Called Life French Corset Life French Corset Puff Dress ($325 Puff Dress ($325 selkiecollection.com) selkiecollection.com)

Bold Pearl Drop Earrings ($65 mejuri.com)

Parker Pearl Necklace ($75 gorjana.com)