Derby Days | Fiesta Nights

Julep magic (with a side of Barbour). Via Pinterest.

I've been waiting for this day for 4. solid. months. How could two of my favorite events occur on the same exact day? Throw in the super moon, and you've got yourselves a day for the books. Cinco de Derby is here, and it's like waking up on a Lilly Pulitzer fiesta morning... it's almost everything I love about life, rolled into one day. I. AM SO EXCITED! Mint julep? Margarita? Mojito? Decisions, decisions. And if you need a little help with what to wear for the occasion, Garden & Gun's got ya covered with a Derby cheat sheet. Happy celebrating!

D A Y

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Via Caroline Fontenot.

N I G H T

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Best of both worlds? Via Tumblr.

Keep Calm and Dress Like Cary Grant. :)

The WSJ knows me so well. Master your margarita recipe.

Derby Days

mint julep | dress, Anthropologie | perfect derby hat (via Tumblr).Mine will be monogrammed and from Marley Lilly |
Fornash anchor earrings | J. Crew striped peep-toe pumps

I'm early, I know; I've already picked out my Easter frock, remember? So naturally the next step is to pick out the perfect Kentucky Derby outfit for sipping on mint juleps (my favorite cocktail) at Dram. I've always loved the Derby. Watching with my family is literally one of the earliest memories I have. My grandaddy and mother would have their "bets" placed, and the loser would have to pay up-- it was all very serious, can't you tell? Mint simple syrup would be cooling on the stove, awaiting the sterling julep cups filled with bourbon and ice. It was exciting, and it was a tradition. Fast forward to now, when I'm able to have more than sweet tea and mint syrup in my julep cup, and the Derby is just as exciting; it's a break from the books and a chance to have fun with friends. In a few short months, the bets will be placed, the horses will race, and the juleps will be free flowing. Make sure you have your hat ready.

Update: The Kentucky Derby will be on May 5th. That's right, y'all, this will be an epic day of fun. Juleps in the morning & afternoon, margaritas at night. Cinco de Derby?