CasaSugar

Inspired: Secretariat's Equestrian Elegance

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:00:16 PDT

I'll admit that I'm rather excited about the upcoming October release of Secretariat (this will be no surprise to my family, which was plagued by horse movie screenings throughout my childhood). While I'll be happy to indulge in some equus eye candy, I'm also pretty taken with Diane Lane's wardrobe in the film. Lane portrays housewife and mother Penny Chenery, who helped to create the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. And while the early '70s never struck me as a time of particular elegance, Lane's wardrobe throughout the film is just that. I was particularly inspired by her party dress in this scene, and set about creating a space that reflected her love of Thoroughbreds as well as her thoughtful wardrobe.

Of course, any prize-winning household needs to decorate with a trophy or two: I'd choose this Yellow Owl Workshop Trophy ($60) to start my collection, and add a racehorse to the living room with the Thomaspaul Thoroughbred Throw ($350). To shop the rest of the look, just click on each product.

Trend Alert: Equestrian Belts

FabSugar — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:50:22 PST

Let me tell you why Mary-Kate Olsen is so unapologetically amazing. While out with her sis for an interview with Good Morning America, she dressed up her double-breasted pea coat with a sharp equestrian belt. It's simple, but the sleek cut makes all the difference in the fashion world. Notice how she complemented it with a wooly texture and dark hue for maximum contrast. You better believe I'm trying out this trend - stat.

Trend Alert: High-End Equestrian

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:00:01 PST

In a recent New York Times article, Hermès and Gucci were noted for reviving their horsey heritages. Hermès recently sponsored the Grand Palais in Paris, and announced that the Saut Hermès (Hermès jumping), would take place on April 3-4, 2010. Gucci, meanwhile, has been imprinting its bar-and-bit symbol on products since 1921. To follow up on these fashion houses' return to history, I've decided to take you on a tour of some aspirational horsey items for upscale homes. Granted, most of these items will never be purchased by those of us who don't own a string of polo ponies or a riding stable, but still, it's fun to dream!

Netherlands Takes Gold in Equestrian Dressage Freestyle

PetSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:00:51 PDT

If you haven't been keeping up with the Olympics, you can check out all of the goodies here. But one of my favorite events (naturally) is Equestrian Dressage Freestyle. Anky van Grunsven, and her beautiful 14-year-old horse Salinero took home the gold in the event that was completed on Tuesday.

What is Dressage? It's a form of performance that shows the horse's athletic ability, grace, and form. Often described as a "Horse Ballet" it truly is a joy to watch. Horse and rider must perform tasks like trot, canter, half pass, and canter pirouettes (a full 360 degree turn) with minimal directional aids, and do it all choreographed to music. Sorta like So You Think You Can Dance, but with horses! I was able to TiVo the broadcast, and was totally taken by the beauty of the winning team. Congrats to the winners!

Source

New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Carolina Herrera

FabSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:42:46 PST

Today was a good day for a ride in the countryside . . . for Carolina Herrera. While Ralph Lauren has equestrian chic down pat, Herrera is giving him a run for his money.

Colors were borrowed from a fall landscape: oatmeal brown, China blue, lemon drop yellow and russet red. Masculine tweeds are layered over chiffon print shirts, vests and riding pants. There wasn't much in the evening category; Herrera opted to create dramatic daywear instead. And succeed she did. Opulent materials like fur and feather were omnipresent - the long feathers that stemmed from the dramatic fedoras had a life all their own. Puffy eyed models (late night girls?) also donned plaids, brocade and corduroy.

Cape? Check. Riding gloves? Check. Whip? Check!

For more Carolina Herrera, plus a video,

View 14 Photos ›

Source

Trend Alert: Equestrian Accents

CasaSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:01:55 PST

I think many of us may have had horsey obsessions growing up. I, for one, was hooked on Elizabeth Taylor in her role as Velvet Brown in the fabulous '40s film National Velvet. The good news is, we don't have to give up the horse love just because we've grown up. In fact, the design world has been inundated with equestrian-inspired accents and décor.

Lately, I've been seeing equestrian accents popping up on everything, from snaffle bit-enhanced purses to horsehead lamps. Check out my favorite home picks for this trend.

Source

DIY: How to Add Elbow Patches to a Sweater

Allison McNamara — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:00:00 PDT

In today's DIY, we're showing you how to spruce up an old blazer, sweater, or jacket with cool, equestrian-inspired elbow patches. It's really simple, and will instantly add personality to any item in your closet. Watch this quick and fun DIY to see how it's done. On Allison: StyleMint top, House of Harlow necklace.

In Honor of the Kentucky Derby, Shop 14 Statement Pieces Inspired by the Horse

Noria Morales — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:48:52 PDT

Saturday's Kentucky Derby is an occasion to celebrate one of Earth's most revered animals - the horse - and we're paying homage with 10 equestrian-inspired pieces that promise to add strength and whimsy to any room. The horse will never go out of style, and whether you choose a statement-making bust to display on your mantel, or an oversized print hung above a bed, these items will bring beauty and timelessness to your home style. Click through to start shopping.

In Honor of the Kentucky Derby, 4 Exercises That Celebrate the Horse

Leta Shy — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:45:36 PDT

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, which means lots of Southern-style celebrations surrounding a horse race that'll be over before you can blink. But donning a wide-brimmed, fully decked out hat and imbibing mint juleps isn't the only way to pay homage to the all-American event. Why not celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a few equine exercises too? Here are four exercises that are inspired by the horse!

Horse stance: This basic martial arts pose is called the horse stance because it mimics the position you get into when you ride a horse. Holding the wide stance while bending your knees works your quads, so it's the perfect simple exercise to strengthen your legs (try this slight variation if you want to incorporate it into a yoga sequence).
Horse-riding pose: Also called a high lunge or equestrian, this straightforward yoga pose is perfect for the beginner. The pose stretches your legs and arms as you move into a lunge and hold, which makes it a great hip-opening and leg-strengthening exercise.
Horse pose: For a more challenging yoga pose, try horse pose, also called Vatayanasana. This intermediate-to-advanced yoga pose involves moving from standing and other positions with one leg in lotus, so it helps open your hips and strengthen your legs.
Horse biting tail: This kneeling twist exercise works your abs and torso. Begin on all fours and twist from one side to the other, like you're going after your own tail.

Source: Flickr User si_si_ay

First Look! Over 45 Photos From Banana Republic's City-Meets-Country Fall Holiday Preview

Chi Diem Chau — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:55:56 PDT

Banana Republic took us on a luxurious spin for its Fall Holiday 2012 collection, showcasing its signature classic Americana style with an elegant twist. Equestrian-inspired details via gray flannel, horse bit embellishments, and thoughtful elbow batches emoted a refined English feel, while the brand's iconic tailored trenches were brought up a notch with sleek leather trim. An array of capes and leather pencil skirts also added a refined touch to the city-meets-country collection. For accessories, Banana Republic offered up a covetable array of chic leather satchels, metal-tipped pumps, lace-up ankle boots, and gorgeous snake-print clutches. Click the slideshow to see over 45 photos of the new collection, including up close accessory shots, now.