I’ve had this draft in my posts for weeks yet somehow forgot to add the finalizing touches and actually publish! I reached out to the Denver Mini Derby again this spring and was so excited to get to attend the unique Derby party for a second year in a row. While this year’s event was originally going to take place at the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus downtown, a last-minute conflict meant the event had to be moved to the Stanley Marketplace—a much better location, in my opinion! I invited my boyfriend this go around, and we both had a blast.

As much fun as I had at the Denver Mini Derby last year, I think this year’s event was even better, largely due to the location. The Stanley Marketplace has a big green lawn out back, perfect for photo-ops and setting up all the fun activities of the party. Whereas, last year’s event was held in a field off a busy road, where the grass hadn’t yet grown in… so by the end of the five-hour event, everyone’s feet and shoes were covered in dirt and absolutely disgusting.

Another improvement made this year was additional tents for shade. Aside from some wind, we lucked out with beautiful, sunny weather, and the option for shade when it got too hot made all the difference.

Just like last year, the event had cute photo-ops, an open bar (drinks were better this year!), vendors, and a live band, who were really fun. Of course, there were also mini horses and cute little corgis running around, which are the signature of the Denver Mini Derby! I didn’t get a chance to pet any horses this year, but I did get this dapper little corgi to pose for me.

There were also Best Dressed contests, including Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Couple, and Best Hat. I decided to enter this year—because why the hell not?!—and got to strut across the stage with several other kind and stylish gals. While it was fun to have my moment and show off my perfectly matching ensemble, it made it hard for me to see everyone else’s outfits—and boy, were they fabulous. The people watching might be my favorite part of the Denver Mini Derby! There were so many beautiful headpieces and dresses.

My only complaint this year was the timing of events—the corgi races started while the Best Dressed contests were still going on, so my boyfriend and I missed the first couple of races. Thankfully, this year, they broadcasted the corgi races on the big screen, so even if you didn’t line up soon enough for a firsthand view, you could still witness the doggy cuteness. I had a front row seat of the corgi races last year, so I couldn’t be too mad about missing them this time—it just would have been nice if a loud announcement had been made a few minutes before the races began.

Of course, this post wouldn’t be complete without talking about my Derby outfit. I went back and forth about what to wear SO many times and didn’t actually decide until the night before, which is very unlike me (you can see all the options I considered in this Reel). I knew I didn’t want to wear the same, rather boring beige fascinator that I styled last year, so I asked my aunt if I could borrow one of her headpieces—she has some really beautiful options! I had so much fun brainstorming different outfits for each of her over-the-top fascinators. I had also recently been sent the cutest oversized pink bow headband from QueenMee Accessories, which I thought was another fun option for the Derby.

My second choice was the navy gingham dress that I recently wore to my brother’s graduation, which is one of my favorite dresses of all time and would have been the best option if considering cost per wear alone. But I ultimately decided on the pink and green dress that I got for $22 at a Marshall’s while in Puerto Rico, which seemed to be everyone’s favorite in my Reel.

It was the first time I wore the dress, and I had to do some last-minute stitching (as-in, the morning of!) to bring up the neckline a little bit—the dress just didn’t fit me properly. But I think the tailoring I did helped and made me a little less self-conscience about the low cut. I know Stacy and Clinton of “What Not to Wear” always used to say that matching accessories aged you, but I just love how the fascinator and statement necklace match, as do the clutch and shoes. I think the pink, green, and orange color combo is SO cute for the summer! At first I thought the dress might be a little too tropical for the old money Derby vibes, but I’m so glad I ended up wearing this option—and I scored countless compliments. Thank goodness I wore athletic shorts underneath because they really came in handy when the wind picked up!

Did you watch the Kentucky Derby or attend a Derby party this year? While the race itself is so short, it was very exciting to watch such a close one with hundreds of other people, hearing everyone cheer and hold their breaths. I left the party without knowing which horse actually won! As for the mini horse race around the perimeter of the party area, a couple of horses had other ideas and decided to make a break for it…

All in all, it was a very fun day, and I hope I get to attend the event again next year.

 

Miles of smiles,
Grace

 

Dress: Marshall’s, $22 ($22 per wear) | Orange Wedges: Thrifted, $13 ($4.33 per wear), last worn here | Sunglasses: Charming Charlie, $7 ($0.19 per wear), last worn here | Orange Beaded Clutch: Airport gift shop, $40 ($2.50 per wear), last worn here