Thank you so much to everyone who participated and helped make this event a success!
Although Kentucky weather didn’t feel like cooperating on this Fabulous Saturday, we still had a great turn out of contestants and spectators for the inaugural Lexus Fashions on the Field at Keeneland Race Track.
The Maker’s Mark Contestants Lounge had everything you could need. Couches to rest your high heel feet, para-mutuels to keep your bets on the fantastic horses, fabulous cocktails from Maker’s Mark, gorgeous hats from Polly Singer, and Forme’ Millinery, and of course the Sephora Pamper Point where you could get your make-up done, and get your hair styled by the pro’s from Alure Salon and Day Spa.
When contestants weren’t hanging out in the lounge, they were strutting their stuff on the stage!! The competition first lined up the stylish ladies heats. First heat seemed to be a bit nervous, but soon the girls seemed to loosen up and strike the winning poses! As the judges were picking out the finalist, the men were watching having a few cocktails, not even realizing…it was soon their turn.
As soon as the ladies heats wrapped up, our emcee, Kristen Pflum, announced it was the guys turn! As I rounded them all up in the hall way for the walk to the back of the stage, they all gave me the “psh” I don’t care about this competition type attitude, but so quickly did that change when they got under those bright lights of the stage! The men went out with the gloves off, some dancing, some imitating winning jockeys, and some just strutting their stuff like a man has never strut before. Regardless of their fun yet risque entertainment, we had some fabulous menswear on the stage. The Men’s Racewear Winner Marc Coley, was definitely dressed for success. The combination of his pants, and jacket, with the added value of his great vest, and his pattern shirt, and red bow-tie, he did everything right for the weather, and the racetrack. Just to top it off and really secure his spot in the Keeneland Winner’s Circle, Mark wore a fashionable scarf for added style…and of course warmth!
Our first runner up, Joseph Clay, one of Lexington’s socialites, Joseph dressed himself in a hunter green ensemble. He didn’t go with a bow tie this time, but rather a light green tie to match his jacket and pants. Offsetting the greens with a stand out red vest and with the added touch of the hunter green fedora. Joe did a fabulous job in his outfit, and of course on stage as he taught the crowd the proper way to ride a race horse
Moving on to the third runner up brings us to Emery Buterbaugh, he rocked both his outfit and his mustache! His personality shown through as well as his eye for style. His outfit proved that the layered looks were in for Fall. A light gray jacket with navy trim, over a dark navy vest, and pants, with diplomatic offsetting white shirt and red bow tie, he pulled his look together perfectly. Who knows if he could have done it as well without the barber mustache! What are your thoughts?
After the guys competition finished up with the presentation of the winning sash, the crowd and presenters took a quick ten minute break to prepare for the grand finale known as the Women’s FOTF Final!
As the eleven finalists lined up, the stakes were high. With a Shelia Bayes $1,145.00 necklace at stake, the women knew what their walks meant and really worked it this time! After much deliberation from our four judges, the winner’s were finally chosen and the Lexus Fashions on the Field Keeneland 2012 Ladies Racewear Winner was chosen. 
The winner, Anne-Tyler Morgan, wore a fantastic black over coat with a pop over color in her yellow canary skirt. Her black stockings and booties prepared her for the cold chill in the air and also tied whole outfit together. Both stylish and practical, she then tied everything together perfectly with her gold buttons on top, to her gold chain on the purse and then to her gold pieces in her black felt hat. Well done Anne-Tyler!
Our first runner-up went for the reliable yet always fabulous LBD. She added pizzazz to the simple dress with some faux fur, long black gloves, gem style necklace and of course a great hat. Although there were no sleeves, she had black tights, and tall boots to get her through the chill.
Lastly our second runner up, combined black and brown to create her great outfit. With a fascinator, longer dress with a skinny belt, brown sweater, and our course some kitten heels she deserved some recognition!
For the first Fashions on the Field in the United States of America, I think we did alright! We are no Spring Carnival (yet!) but we are heading in the right direction. When April rolls around, there will be more fashion, fun, and competitive spirits!! We look forward to seeing the Melbourne Cup Fashion!! Bring it on! 