Pink and Green Taj!

Two's Company has made the Taj Mahal shine in true Indian colors!!!

Pink and Green Hats

I am getting SO excited for Saturday's festivities. I have had my dress altered and pressed and my hat is sitting in my closet ready to be worn on a fabulous Dallas Derby celebration. I searched and searched for the perfect hat and somehow lucked out with a marvelous (and huge) magenta one that matches my dress just perfectly! In fact it is so perfect you would think they were made by the same person- ohh, I am EXCITED! Anyway, today I got to looking at more hats (just for fun this time) and came across so many wonderful options in our favorite colors and I could not resist sharing; enjoy!

Both the above and below are from Hat-a-tude. I LOVE the bows, especially the HUGE coral one!
I love how this Hat-atude hat has a tickle of preppy grosgrain! Darling and it would look pretty cute with lots of Lilly!

This is not my ideal hat (I like to go big!), but the colors and ribbon are spot on and just as preppy as can be!

Another pink and green delight. The Mitford is however, much more sophisticated than most. In fact, I can totally see my mother wearing this one!

This Hat is my favorite of all the fun pink ones I found. I just love the shape and the big bow (it has lots of height too!) and the shades of pink used are extremely appealing!

Though on a smaller scale this hat is a fantastic magenta! Again, the size would allow you to wear it more often...get your money's worth!

I was though lime green hats were hard to come by, but apparently I was wrong. Yet another elegant one to add to the collection. I wonder if I could request to have a pink feather used instead of the white....hmmm!

This is just full of pink and green dreams, don't you think? It is a BIG statement hate, but I love everything about it (with the exception of the earrings that were paired with it...just a tad much). The colors and the extravagance are fantastic!

Now, what hat will you be wearing on Saturday??

WASP Wednesday: THE Derby

It is time to grab your best dress (or St. John's suit), put on your hat and polish your mint julep cups fellow WASPs because this week Muffy and I are taking you to THE derby!

On Saturday millions will watch and even more will celebrate as the first leg of the Triple Crown takes place. For two minutes hearts race as the best horses run the famed track at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby is rich in history and traditional (something WASPs love!) so grab a mint julep and sit back and take in a mini lesson of the early years of Kentucky racing!

Horse racing in Kentucky is rich in history, dating back to 1789 when the first race course was laid out in Lexington. However, it was almost 100 years later, in 1875, that Churchill Downs officially opened and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby." In 1787, The Commons, a park-like block near Lexington's Race Street was used by horsemen for racing. By 1789, complaints by "safety minded" citizens led to the formal development of a race meet at The Commons. The men who organized this race meet, including Kentucky Statesman Henry Clay, also formed the Commonwealth's first Jockey Club. The organization later was named the Kentucky Jockey Club in 1809.
Racing in Louisville dates back to 1783 when local sources reported that races were held on Market Street in the downtown area. To alleviate the problems associated with racing on the busy city thoroughfare, a course was developed at the now abandoned Shippingport Island in 1805. Racing was cond1ucted on the island in the Ohio River at what was called the Elm Tree Gardens.
By 1827, a new track, known as the Hope Distillery Course, was laid out on what is presently Main and 16th Streets. Racing was also held on a number of private tracks located on farms throughout the local area. One of the more prominent of these was Peter Funk's Beargrass Track which was located in an area now bordered by Hurstbourne Lane and Taylorsville Road. The Oakland Race Course was opened in the fall of 1833 and brought racing back to a formal site with the track, complete with clubhouse, located at what is now Seventh and Magnolia Streets in "Old Louisville". This was followed in 1858 by the opening of the Woodlawn Course on the Louisville and Lexington railroad lines just outside of today's St. Matthews, east of Louisville. The site closed in 1870, but the Woodlawn Vase, the track's premier trophy, has been used in the presentation to the winner of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico since 1917.
Harness racing was also a significant part of Louisville's early racing history with a number of tracks in existence. One of the most prominent was Greeneland, a racecourse for trotters was built just east of Churchill Downs in 1868.

The Founding of Churchill Downs While traveling in England and France in 1872-1873, 26-year-old Col. M. Lewis Clark, devised the idea of a Louisville Jockey Club for conducting race meets. Clark toured and visited with a number of prominent racing leaders, including England's Admiral Rous and France's Vicompte Darn, vice president of the French Jockey Club.
Upon his return from Europe, Clark began development of his racetrack which would serve to showcase the Kentucky breeding industry. The track would eventually become known as "Churchill Downs." The first reference of the name Churchill Downs came in an 1883 Kentucky Derby article reported by the former Louisville Commercial.
"The crowd in the grand stand sent out a volume of voice, and the crowd in the field took it up and carried it from boundary to boundary of Churchill Downs."
The track was incorporated as Churchill Downs in 1937.
The first public notice of establishment of the track was reported in the May 27, 1874 edition of the Courier-Journal. The notice was met with some objections because another track had already been proposed by the Falls City Racing Association for a site near the river just east of downtown Louisville. Clark and a group of prominent Louisville gentlemen met at the Galt House on June 18, 1874 to prepare articles of incorporation with the actual filing for the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association taking place on June 20.
To fund the construction of the track, Clark raised $32,000 by selling 320 membership subscriptions to the track at $100 each. Eighty acres of land, approximately three miles south of downtown were leased from Clark's uncles, John and Henry Churchill. A clubhouse, grandstand, porter's lodge and six stables were all eventually constructed on the site for the opening of the track.
For his inaugural race meet, Clark designed his three major stakes races, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap, after the three premier races in England, the Epsom Derby, Epsom Oaks and St. Leger Stakes, respectively. These events have each been held continuosly at Churchill since their debut in 1875. However, in 1953, the Clark was moved from the spring to the fall meet. The Falls City was also offered during the inaugural meet and after four interruptions, the race continues to be held.
The track formally opened May 17, 1875 with four races scheduled. The winner of the first race was Bonaventure, however the winner of the day's featured race, the Kentucky Derby, was a three-year-old chestnut colt, Aristides. Owned by H.P. McGrath, Aristides was trained by and ridden by two African-Americans, Ansel Williamson and Oliver Lewis, respectively.
Despite the success of the first Kentucky Derby, the track was not financially successful and on November 24, 1894 the New Louisville Jockey Club was incorporated. William F. Schulte was appointed president and Clark was retained as presiding judge for the track.
Under Schulte, a new grandstand was constructed during fall 1894 - spring 1895 on the opposite side of the track for a reported cost of $100,000. The grandstand was complemented by two spires constructed atop the roof. The twin spires, a simple architectural element, would become the symbol of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

For more on the history of the Kentucky Derby visit the official site.

Etsy

It is a MAJOR work in progress (the banner will not properly display and only three items are up), but Chixie is on Etsy!!

We have quite a bit more to add (all LOVELY jewelry and maybe a few memo boards too), but for the time being feel free to browse the belts and aprons! Of course so let Cassie and I know if you have any questions or need assistance!

The Pink Dog

A few weeks ago I entered a FABULOUS giveaway that Maryland Pink and Green was hosting. Well, luck was on my side because I ended up winning and not just one, but TWO DARLING Pink Dog bags!

The Pink Dog makes the CUTEST canvas tote bags! I received both a large and small signature pink dog tote and they are such wonderful quality and just as cute as can be! The company offers several other "critter" totes (bees and dragonflies), but of course this classic combo is my favorite....I love my pink and green and my dogs! If you are in the market for a gift (or another extra preppy tote for yourself) be sure to check out The Pink Dog!!

Pink & Green Inspiration

Don't you want to grab a glass of iced tea and put your feet up here?

I'll meet you at 6pm sharp!

Image from Fine Living

Round Two

I think most of us have had a Sex and the City obsession, or rather a phase, at some point over the past ten years. In high school (much to my mother's dismay I might add) we would all sit and watch VHS tapes (until we got our hands on the DVDs junior year) during our free periods or before study hall. I think it was the friendships and the NYC life (OK... and the clothes) that drew us all in. Of course like the rest of the world I am also anxiously awaiting the release of the sequel to the first movie. I was therefor just thrilled to see the extended trailer while watching TV on Tuesday...did anyone else know Aiden was back!?

Succotash

With warm weather comes the time to BBQ, or just enjoy a meal outside for that matter. When having an outdoor meal if become difficult to plan what sides to serve. Of course you want fresh picks, but also the classics. One of my favorite summer sides is succotash! It is a perfect combination of fresh items and can be served hot, cold or at room temperature. It also does not take too long to prepare and can be made in advance...therefore it is a perfect choice for summer entertaining!

Epicurious Succotash

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cups chopped onion
Kosher salt
1 large garlic clove, minced
3 cups chopped red tomatoes

2 1/4 cups corn kernels cut from 4 ears of corn

2 cups fresh lima beans (from about 2 pounds pods) or 10 to 11 ounces frozen lima beans or baby butter beans, thawed

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sprinkle with salt. Sauté until soft and translucent. Add in garlic; stir until fragrant. Add tomatoes, corn, and lima beans. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until corn and lima beans are tender and tomatoes are soft, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I actually serve this at room temperature, but it is great hot or cold. It can be made in advance and kept in the fridge overnight. It is a perfectly colorful dish that is simply delicious!

WASP Wednesday: Going Clubbing!

Welcome to WASP Wednesday! Today Muffy and I are going clubbing!!

Clubbing you might ask? Yes, COUNTRY CLUBBING!

With the arrival of warmer weather country clubs all over the country are opening up their outdoor areas and WASPs are flocking to them! The golf clubs have been cleaned and polished and the croquet court is ready for a friendly game too.

The outdoor tables have been set with the clubs' signature china and WASPs enjoy afternoon tea (because they just cannot get enough of all things British!) or a pre-dinner drink. Now, there are still about six more weeks until the pool opens, but what WASP is actually counting?
It is Spring and it is time to go clubbing....WASP clubbing!

Let's Get Together...in Dallas!

Let's Get together...what do say?

We could have a swingin' time!

I cannot believe it has been SO long since we had a Dallas blog gathering, but the time has come yet again! Now, of course the most important details is the LOCATION. Since NorthPark is so central to most of us I thought La Duni NP would be perfect (plus they have AMAZING food too!). Of course we could also do Cibus if the majority of attendees like that- I am open! The second most important detail of all: the date we shall meet! The gathering will be held during the first two weeks of May and it will be on a week night around 6:30pm/7pm. Should you wish to attend you MUST leave your email address and if you do not have a blog you name as well (I will not publish comments with names). All further gathering information will be sent via email.

I SO hope you can join us as it should be a FABULOUS evening filled with wonderful fellowship, divine food and lots and lots of fun, fun, fun! I also plan to bring some treats and of course there will numerous photo opts!

Polish Colors

Recently, I have had several inquiries about my favorite nail polish colors. I did a a post quiet some time ago about this and have spiffed it up for you all! Old readers be warned, I am boring and have not changed my favorite colors!!

When it comes to most things in life you know I am a pink girl so of course I only wear pink polish. I tried red a few years ago around Christmas and it just looked off....very off. So pink is it! However, there are just so many pinks to choose from especially now that Spring and Summer are in the air. I have several favorite pinks that I rotate. They are all so divine that is is hard to choose just one favorite.

Castaway by Essie

This is my summer color. I usually wear it on my toes, but if I am tan enough I also use it on my hands. Unlike a number of bright pinks this is not too purple or too red. It is simply just pink! This color matches all Lilly wonderfully too!

Need a Vacation by Essie
This is a fabulous color for hands in the Spring and Summer. You can wear it no matter how much you have been out in the sun. It is a paler version of Castaway. This is my go to color most of the time; in fact I will be using it tonight!
A True Romantic- OPI for Sephora
This color is a marvelous year round color. It is a pale pink, but you can still tell it is a pink. If you cannot get a manicure every seven days I highly recommend this color as you cannot tell if it slightly chips.

Great Cause!

I have included a post from my mother's blog below. She and several other expats have started a fundraising effort in New Delhi, India. They are making fabulous shirts and the FABULOUS Annechovie has kindly offered to help them design their next shirt! Be sure to check the Fading Ladies out...they ship to the US!!!

PS- this is my 800th post; I cannot believe it!!!

Samples from Jaipur Foot

A group of 7 expat and diplomatic wives were chatting one morning at the club. We were talking about different slogans that reflect life in Delhi. One of us said that our ideas would be great on t-shirts and VOILA, "The Fading Ladies" was established. Our goal is strictly to raise money for charity. We each made an initial investment and everything we make after expenses goes to our chosen charity. Our first charity was Jaipur Foot. They make new legs and feet for people that cost about US $35.00 each. You can see them above.
Shirts to Wear

Our first shirt is on the right and says in Hindi, "I am not a tourist, I live here!" It always gets a positive response and very often a smile or laugh. The red shirt says, "I'm with sir." Sir gets all of the respect here and you really must have your husband sign to do almost anything as an expat in Delhi if you are here due to his job. The household employees also call your husband sir and of course, we are madam.

Our next shirt is absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! Anne Harwell of Annechovie, designed it gratis and we are also going to sell tote bags with her design. The 7 of us at Fading Ladies are completely thrilled and honored that Anne was more that generous. Isn't the blog world great?

Please check out our website at: http://www.fadingladies.blogspot.com/

WE CAN SHIP TO THE U.S.

Daphne

I am trying to veer away from buying any more Lilly shifts this season (if I told you how many I owned you would understand why....and you would judge me). I want to expand my closet, but still try and keep it a bit more classic. I love empire waisted dresses (they camouflage my hips!) and I hit a home run when I spotted the Lilly Pulitzer Daphne. I LOVE the style and the available colors. The fit is divine as it is very flattering, but also fun. It will be perfect with a sweater for Spring and then as is for dinner during our HOT summer evenings!

Style One: CHECK, it has been purchased and is in my closet!
Style Two: CHECK, it has been pre-ordered!
You cannot beat a great style!

You're Coming Up Like a Flower

I adore the TV show American Dreams. I just love, love, love it!

I think it is because it takes place in the 1960's which I find to be such a fascinating recent decade. The older Pryor daughter, Meg (I LOVED Meg, Beth and Patty!) dances on American Bandstand...I love all the clothing and the set! JJ Pryon, the family's oldest son, is a high school football star that goes on to enlist in the Marines. The American Dreams cast is amazing and they create the perfect family dynamics (which we can very easily relate to). Also, as an oldies fan you cannot beat the music! I loved listening to all the old songs and seeing present day celebrities "recreate" them!

It was a SAD day when I watched the series finale of American Dreams (I tried to save the show...yes, I was one of those lame people that signed a petition AND sent emails) and I would pay big bucks to see the alternate ending (I am obsessed!)! If you have never watched the show you had better run over to Netflix and order season one today, you will become hooked and never look back!

One Kings Lane: Jaye's

Well, unless you have never read Monograms and Manicures before you know I LOVE One Kings Lane! I was so excited on Sunday evening when I read my beloved Jaye's would be back this week. I made sure to log on at 10am this morning to check on the amazing deals and stock up! Today's sale was NOT a let down.... in fact I racked up!

I got the entire Safari Monkey set (it will look SO cute in my blue and white and pink bathroom!!). The wastebasket was $39 and Tissue Box was $16.
The darling vanity tray (which could easily be used for something else!) was just $19. I think these trays would make the perfect gift!

Today, I had a great debate about which Magazine Holder ($59) to buy....you know for the hundreds of subscriptions I get. I finally decided on the Brush Stripe (in gold), but my heart is VERY fond of this blue and white too!

I LOVE the Garden Gate pattern too! This wastebasket ($39) would be perfect in a desk nook or bathroom!

We all need and Umbrella Stand ($59) to keep things organized by the front door!

Isn't this Bayshore Stripe Ottoman Tray ($59) darling? I scooped up an ottoman tray in February and have gotten so many compliments on it. They are practical and fun!

Now, can't you see why I am addicted?! Head on over and become a member today!

WASP Wednesday: The Neurotic WASP

It is that time of the week again! WASP Wednesday has arrived for Muffy and I!This weekend a dear friend send me a fun link to an article on WASPs from the 1990's. If you are familiar with Ivy Style you are sure to have already read it, but it is always a great re-read! Like the majority of pieces on WASPs this too is very cheeky, but true in parts. I have to admit that the photo of the three prep school boys looks pretty familiar. Enjoy and of course, have a very WASPy Wednesday!

All scans from Ivy Style: Protestant Deformation: Neurotic WASPs, 1990

True Prep

Who is getting excited??

Hopsy can hardly wait for September to arrive!!!

The Brunch Bunch!

Yesterday a bunch of my JLD bffs and I got together for our new monthly brunch group. For the kickoff we went to the wonderful Screen Door down in the Arts District. Southern food always hits the spot, especially when you are in great Southern company! I scored far too many boxes of the Lilly animal crackers (soon I will be on that show Hoarders buried alive under all my Lilly) so I brought one for everyone. They are the perfect little treat to brighten a day I think! What a wonderful time had by all!

A Little More Preppy Than That

Well, I love Lady Antebellum, I love preppy things, I love country music, I love to laugh (at myself too!) and I LOVE a good spoof....

so this is a winner in my book!

NEW Winner!

Well, it has been a week, but the original winner has not claimed her prize....so a NEW winner has been selected.

The Roslyn skirt has been awarded to comment 39, mFw! CONGRATS and again, thank you to all who entered!!

Ginger Jars

I have been meaning to post this AMAZING House Beautiful spread since I first saw it back in February on my way to MPLS. While flipping through the March 2010 issue I stopped to gaze at the beauty of two things I love: blue and white and ginger jars!

Isn't it all divine?

I especially love the bud vases and the lovely embroidered pillow, but would gladly take it all (wouldn't we all?)!

Wordless WASP Wednesday

Chixie Booth!

Time flies when you are having fun (and you are busy)! I have been meaning to post the photo of our Chixie booth, but lost track of the time. Anyway, here it is......if you cannot tell we love out pink and green! Cassie and I have been tossing around the idea of an etsy store, but we have not yet decided on anything for sure. We were SO thrilled with how wonderfully last Wednesday went and look forward to participating in other area shows in the coming year. Thank you for all your support and I will of course keep you updated!

Wonderful Day!

I hope you had a WONDERFUL Easter!

Mine started off with a call to India, then a BEAUTIFUL church service and a delicious brunch with friends and their families! Nick & Sam's was nothing short of divine...we were given given pink cotton candy on our way out and got to visit with the Easter bunny! The rest of the day was spent reading, watching a movie and getting my room ready for SPRING!

Wishes for a wonderful week to all!

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER!

HE IS RISEN!

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Matthew 28:1-10

WINNER!

Thank you all for taking the time to celebrate my two year anniversary with with me! I loved all your post ideas and will be sure to incorporate them in to upcoming posts. It is so fun to hear what ideas others have!!

Now on to announcing the winner.... CONGRATS to comment 238, Mint Juleps and Magnolias! You have won a Roslyn of your choice. Please contact me to work out the details!!

Again, thank you to all who entered. I love sharing my thoughts, finds and life with you and look forward to lots more fun in the years to come!