Tag: Der Dau

English Western Hybrid

I’ve been stuck between riding disciplines for as long as I’ve been riding. I can’t decide whether or not I prefer the close contact, two hand reins and traditionally preppy attire of the English style, or the saddle security, freedom of having one hand free, and easy to wear (in the barn and after) Western style.

Why choose? I’m not one for limitations, so I like to get a good western trail ride on Cuervo (my cute little leased quarter horse who was Western broke) when I can, and then on other days, when I feel like posting a proper trot, I throw on my little jump saddle and practice patterns in the ring.

I’m pretty much the same when it comes to clothing. Some winter days, I want the clean polished (uptown) look of my non-riding black “breeches” with a slimming black cashmere sweater, black knee high suede boots and small stud earrings. Other days, I throw on my Haute Hippie long horn t-shirt, a pair of embellished skinny jeans, my Tony Lamas and a warm wool southwestern poncho. With regards to actual riding attire, I remember I wore my cowboy boots and jeans with my English tack and it looked equally as awkward as when I wore my tall boots in a western saddle – got lots of looks, but who cares? Cuervo could care less what I’m wearing :).

My pick for a cute hybrid outfit. Maybe this will be my Christmas outfit from Santa –

 

Mixed-discipline for hacking around either Western or English.

 

For sunnier days: Custom Der Daus

Some other fun ideas:

So, whatever your preference, mix it up!

xo

lb

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Report from the American Gold Cup

I had a lovely morning at the American Gold Cup at the pristine Old Salem Farm in Westchester County, NY. I arrived when the booths were just setting up, so I was able to catch some serious jumping before hitting boutique row for some shopping. Great performances from Brianne Goutal to Todd Minikus to Georgina Bloomberg; it was truly wonderful.

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Okay, on to the fashion!

There were so many stand out products, that it was difficult to edit, but here are some of my favorites:

I love, love, love DerDau, and at this show, I got to meet the wonderful Mr. Der. He introduced me to HIS favorite boots (at least for today) and they are truly a piece of art. Completely hand made out of beautiful ostrich and alligator skins, these were beauties. Western in style, Mr. Der assured me he can adapt them for a more English preference, if desired. He’ll put in zippers or change the heel, color or skins. Price on these babies is around $4500, so you better break out the visa black. Other styles and skin combinations are easier on the pocket book, but wow, amazing.

 

Mr. Der himself with his art.
For sunnier days: Custom Der Daus
Even the sole is finely crafted

They have a fun line of men’s ties, I bought my husband this one:

For the Hubby
Assorted Silk Ties

If you haven’t heard of B+ (that’s “B Positive”), you will! It all began 7 years ago when founder Deb Gorman’s husband successfully underwent a stem cell transplant, changing his blood type from A+ to B+! Their first B+ necklace, a simple silver charm on a leather cord, reminded family and friends to BE POSITIVE. Along with Sari Seewald, they have created a line of beautiful, wearable jewelry lovingly named after influences and places they remember in their lives, like “Annie’s Cove”, “Dakota Sky” and “Moonstone”. I purchased a really cute charm bracelet with their signature B+ charm, a sterling silver stirrup and a pretty blue stone. It can worn casual or dressy. Check out their line here.

 

Deb and Sari

I want to shout out to Hunt Limited – they have a beautiful boutique filled with all the latest trends, styles and must-haves. They offer something for the rider to wear after show, and for the non-rider to wear TO the show. I was greeted by Gretchen and Ginny who showed me their favorites:

 

Gretchen modeling the new Vince silhouette – gathered, cuffed-bottom pants
Repeat Reversible Cashmere Wrap

Currently, they sell to only the horsey set who follow the A Circuit, however, they are currently working on their website/facebook page so they can sell their wears online to the masses!

There were so many more, here were some other highlights:

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I urge ANYONE who loves horses or equine fashion, to take the trip to beautiful Old Salem, NY for the festivities. They continue every day until Sunday evening, September the 14th.

I’ll be back Saturday – I have so much more to cover!

xo

lb

Grand Prix Sunday – Glamptons Classic

The last day of the Hampton Classic ends with the Longines Grand Prix. I’m watching it live, as I cannot be there today. I am sad, as I had a great time last year acting as a low-level paparazzi, capturing the celebs in the VIP tent, but I’m sure they will be strolling in their heels through the acres of shopping in the Boutique Garden.

Here are three of my favorite booths, all of whom give meaning to the word Glampton 😉

My first stop was the famed French fashion house Hermès. They were named the Official Technical Riding Apparel Supplier of the United States Equestrian Teams. Hermès has been became the Title Sponsor of the U.S. Show Jumping Team since February, and their designs did not disappoint.

Hermes Team USA Uniform
Hermes Tent

James Sardelli, the equestrian account executive, let me try on the official show jacket, and let me say it was like butter. The fabric was stretchy, soft and breathable, with the added benefit of being machine washable. I’m not convinced that if I was lucky enough to have one of these babies that I would just throw it in the washing machine, but it is a nice option. The tailoring is impeccable and the buttons are made of palladium; they never skimp on quality.  Regular, but well-heeled, riders are able to buy the riding jacket in dark navy blue for a mere $1925 (men’s and women’s both available). The competition red jacket is only for the team members, darn. Absolutely gorgeous.

The breeches were beautiful, of course, and created with the same quality and craftsmanship. I love the tan and black, but are also available in white. $990. Men’s come in black and white.

Inside their award-winning booth, I was also drawn to their warm up jackets, belts and just about everything else they had. The saddles, of course are just a dream.

 

Across the boutique row, and hard to miss, was another favorite designer of mine, Missoni.

Missoni – Christopher Philips, Roxane Mosleh
Missoni mommy and me bath robes
Missoni’s Impeccible Booth Design

They had a gorgeous presentation of their famed chevron print, and set up a mini lounge where tired Classic-goers could kick back and put up their feet….like Dane. I met Roxane Mosleh, COO of Pomme, NY Inc and Christopher Philips, VP of Sales, Missoni The Americas. Mrs Mosleh said her husband is an avid rider so she thought it would be a great idea for Missoni to “show” at the Hampton Classic, I agree. I especially loved their bath towels and robes. Soft and plush, I can see Annalise and I fashionably exiting our evening bath for our evening drink (milk and wine, respectively).

 

Last stop of note (there were so many, I had to edit), was the Der Dau booth.

Der Dau’s Polo with Snakeskin detailing
Der Dau Breeches with Snakeskin Knee Patches
Close up of Snake Skin Knee Patches
More detailing on their breeches.
A gorgeous example of their customized boots
Customized initials at the top of one of their boot designs.

Known for their customization of just about everything, I was not only drawn to their impressive display of boots, but also their breeches. One particular style has real snake skin on the knee patches and detailing around the belt loops. Gorgeous, fun and funky, I loved them. The rep said that she was sure he would even design in fur, if requested. That would be cool. Back to the boot wall – every imaginable color and leather is available, only limited by one’s imagination. Price points are hard to calculate, as different details/customizations cost different amounts of money, but there is a “ready to wear” collection, which are gorgeous and more affordable.

Enjoy some other shots of cute and fashionable people items from the Glamptons Classic:

 

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xo

lb

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