This past Tuesday I was at Churchhill Downs participating in a Morning Line Radio Network. I was interviewed by several regional radio stations about Derby Fashions and Derby Hats.
What I found interesting is the "awe" that out of town folks experience when seeing the beautiful women at Derby. Louisville takes center stage this weekend with the running of the Oaks and Derby but the women's fashion and hats get as much commentary as the horses.
Derby 2009 will see an explosion of color. Fushia, tangerine, (those two colors combined) yellow, pink, and aqua top the list. You will see more dresses than suits however, suits are always a sure bet. It is the year of the tiny hat and tall heels. You will see hats called "fastenators". These are small hats attached to the head with an elastic strap - perfect for the car, elevators and ladies room. I personally love the large brim hats - they give a chic, sophisticated look to any ensemble. You will see checks, dots and stripes in interesting combinations. You might even see a few "Barbies" in the crowd. Mattel came out with the 135 Kentucky Derby Barbie. Hat desinger Christine Moore has replicated Barbies hat - can't wait to see who is wearing one.
The Bluegrass state does produce beautiful women. Not only an outer beauty but an inner beauty as well. Women all across the state are opening their homes to guests, party goers, and everyone who wants to be a "Kentuckian" for a day.
No one comes close to being as stylish as Kentuckians, and on Derby Day - everyone is a Kentuckian, regardless of where they live. Kentucky has a rich legacy of horses, food, and bourbon - a real Southern charm oozing with warmth and character. I'm proud to be part of Kentucky's rich tradition.
Happy Derby,
Chris
Friday, May 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Pretty Impressed
In January a girlfriend attended the Miss America pageant and purchased a book for me called Pretty Smart by Penny Pearlman. Penny is a former Miss America. Her book has insights from twenty-two former Miss America's she interviewed. I didn't take the time to read the book until a couple of weeks ago when I was on spring break with my family. It is a wonderful book and I recommend it to everyone. I just wanted to share a few things I took away from the book.
1. Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000) and Phyllis George (Miss America 1971) have both commentated fashion shows for me that I produced. After working with both of them I walked away wondering how they could be so nice. They were approachable, genuine, basically as sweet and nice as they could be. There was nothing forced about being nice. In her book, Penny explains that there is a power to being nice. The power and influence of a Miss America is truly to enforce positive change in others and our society. Be Nice!
2. It is amazing how intelligent the Miss America's are and have to be to wear the crown. They are outspoken about the issues that matter to them and aware of everything else going on around them. Reading and life long learning is a theme in this book. Readers are Leaders!
3. I've never thought about the thick skin these gals must have. Fox and Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson (Miss America 1989) talked about people feeling like they have a right to say anything about them because they are in the public eye. It seems to be a form of entertainment today to put people down. I can think of several television shows that have high ratings because of blunt, negative, mean statements that are made. I don't think I want to participate in that. Be Positive!
4. Most Miss America's didn't grow up on easy street. Many of them have overcome personal struggles. Make the best of whatever does occur. Be Resilient!
There are so many other lessons I learned from this book. The words that I read over and over were words such as focused, disciplined, integrity, detemination, perseverance, authentic, genuine, compassionate, kind, honorable, committed, responsible, ... you get the picture.
As soon as I finished the book I went back to my hotel room to email Penny. Of course she promplty responded and seems as nice as Heather French and Phyllis George. You can purchase her book on her website www.pennypearlman.com
This Pretty Smart book is pretty impressive. Let me know what lessons you learn from it.
Joyfully,
Chris
1. Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000) and Phyllis George (Miss America 1971) have both commentated fashion shows for me that I produced. After working with both of them I walked away wondering how they could be so nice. They were approachable, genuine, basically as sweet and nice as they could be. There was nothing forced about being nice. In her book, Penny explains that there is a power to being nice. The power and influence of a Miss America is truly to enforce positive change in others and our society. Be Nice!
2. It is amazing how intelligent the Miss America's are and have to be to wear the crown. They are outspoken about the issues that matter to them and aware of everything else going on around them. Reading and life long learning is a theme in this book. Readers are Leaders!
3. I've never thought about the thick skin these gals must have. Fox and Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson (Miss America 1989) talked about people feeling like they have a right to say anything about them because they are in the public eye. It seems to be a form of entertainment today to put people down. I can think of several television shows that have high ratings because of blunt, negative, mean statements that are made. I don't think I want to participate in that. Be Positive!
4. Most Miss America's didn't grow up on easy street. Many of them have overcome personal struggles. Make the best of whatever does occur. Be Resilient!
There are so many other lessons I learned from this book. The words that I read over and over were words such as focused, disciplined, integrity, detemination, perseverance, authentic, genuine, compassionate, kind, honorable, committed, responsible, ... you get the picture.
As soon as I finished the book I went back to my hotel room to email Penny. Of course she promplty responded and seems as nice as Heather French and Phyllis George. You can purchase her book on her website www.pennypearlman.com
This Pretty Smart book is pretty impressive. Let me know what lessons you learn from it.
Joyfully,
Chris
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