And we're off to the races, places.

There are a few activities that I really like over-dressing for. I mean, to be honest I like doing it for almost anything, looking for any occasion to pull together an outfit or don a favorite dress is practically a habit at this point, but there are a few things that I really like to specifically wear something a little extra fun for, and it's most likely to happen if it's a classical summer event.
One of them is visiting the racetrack up in Saratoga. I haven't been terribly often, even though it's not particularly expensive (I guess that part depends on whether or not you wanna bet on horses, or splurge on an inexplicably pricey hot dog) or out of the way but this year and last I was invited to be one of the judges for 'Hat Day', a competition where people get all dressed up with outrageous hats and enter a contest! It's a lot of fun, and of course I use it as an excuse to get a little dressed up. So up I drove, joined by my boyfriend and best friend, for a day at the races! Considering we've spent the better part of two years since Amy moved back to the area listening to Lana del Rey's song of the same occasion, it's baffling that we forgot to put it on in the car. In our defense, it was only a few minutes drive and we know it by heart anyway.

Dress: Dethrose Vintage on Etsy, Shoes: J. Crew Sardinia Wedge Espadrille summer 2012, Bag: Aldo Outlet 2011, Pins: Vintage, Hat: Forever21 years and years ago.

Not that most people do. It's a lot of bringing a blanket and snacks and enjoying the summer weather, but I do like that kind of old-fashioned vision of going to the track that includes a straw hat and something a little bit special, even if casual wear is what most people go with (and honestly, that's okay! It's hot and sweaty and crowded). As usual I just love a good vintage vibe, especially if the activity in question lends itself to such a thing!

My hat isn't anything terribly spectacular--although it is one of my favorites--just enough to keep the sun off my face, vaguely 20s inspired in it's shape, straw with a ribbon. My mom snapped up a few vintage hats at an estate sale earlier this week but of course I ended up in an old standby--I think I've been wearing this one since 2007 or so, one of those mythical forever21 finds that was under 10$ but manages to last longer than anyone ever would have anticipated.

And of course, a white cotton dress. I managed not to spill anything on this one (a slurp of iced coffee almost made it to the skirt while driving, but landed on my arm instead--sigh of relief), even after eating chicken wings (my face was not as fortunate but that's what napkins are for).

I've started the practice of throwing one extra pin on before I leave the house. The snap-decision forces me to choose without over-thinking it, and I kind of like that it's the opposite of that oft-quoted 'take one thing off before you leave' fashion tall-tale. I've been pretty pleased with the results, a kind of mish-mash of jewels that somehow comes off as less precious because of volume.
Now that we've gone once, I'm sure we'll make at least one more effort before the season is over, with functional sun hats and shorts, so we can sit on the ground and gorge ourselves on Shake Shack (oh yeah, we've got one here! but it's only at the track during the summer) and round the corner into the deep days of summer.