Black-Eyed Susans & Belmont Jewels

- Sarah

If this spring had a theme, it might’ve been…horse racing?? I somehow ended up at both a Preakness watching party and then at the actual Belmont Stakes to watch the first Triple Crown winner in decades!

In May, my friend Jasmine and I were lucky enough to attend Preakness at the Piazza. It’s one of my favorite nights in the spring — a horse race, good food, good drinks (I’m a sucker for vodka cocktails), good music, all for a good cause (this year’s Preakness at the Piazza raised over $110,000 for the National MS Society!). Plus, Jasmine and I got to dress up and wear hats. (We both bought ours at Burlington last-minute!)

Here are some iPhone pictures from throughout the night:

imagejpeg_0
Preakness at the Piazza outfit

My dress and clutch are old from Target, and my sandals are old from Payless.

Preakness at the Piazza outfit

Preakness at the Piazza

The big screen at the Piazza!

Preakness at the Piazza

Dancing in the rain — so refreshing!

A couple weeks later, as in days before the Belmont Stakes, my friend Lizzy suggested that we go see the race…in person. Tickets were $20 for standing room, and there was a potential Triple Crown at stake (ha!), so I went for it. Good thing I bought two hats at Burlington for the Preakness (it was a hard decision, okay?) because we road tripped out to Long Island that Saturday.

Belmont Park was interesting. Everyone was either really over dressed or really casual, which was strange. There’s also some picnicking on the grounds throughout the day, plus concession stands with really long lines. Lizzy and I paid $20 for Belmont Jewels (the race’s official cocktail) that wasn’t even that strong, but I guess it’s better than spending a grand on a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby.

Belmont Jewel

Oh, and we could barely see anything from the grandstand.

Belmont Stakes grandstand

But we were there!

Belmont Stakes
Belmont Stakes

Dress – H&M; Hat – BCBG via Burlington; Wedges – Payless.

So I wouldn’t go back to the Belmont Stakes, but I’m definitely glad I got to experience it, especially since it was such a historic race! And you know I’ll definitely be ready to dance (and eat!) at next May’s Preakness at the Piazza!

Anyone else go to any horse races? Or love derby style? Let me know!

~ Sarah

Thanks to Philly PR Girl for the Preakness at the Piazza tickets!