If, in spring, as Tennyson wrote, a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of love, surely a young woman's fancy turns to hats. For that has seemed to be the recurring theme of recent parties, particularly those revolving around equine-related events. Hats, hats and more hats have peppered the fashion landscape from the hip Club Mercer to Houston Polo Club.
The Kentucky Derby was reason enough for the Rose Ribbon Foundation to take over Club Mercer Saturday afternoon with its annual "Run for the Roses" benefit. Chyra Blackellar, Jordan V. Smith, Catherine de los Santos, Jessy Cope, Edward Sanchez and Enid Sanchez chaired the mint julep and derby-tini bash for which many of the ladies created their own derby-inspired chapeaus. The betting was hot and heavy for the race with part of those funds going to the charity and part going to the wining bettor.
It was a playful, raucous crowd that raised funds to help provide free reconstructive surgery for cancer patients while at the same time bringing this nighttime venue to life in broad daylight.
Sunday afternoon, the scene was more genteel at the Houston Polo grounds where the Health Museum's Professionals Circle held its second annual "Triple Crown Polo Fundraiser."
Sharon Aboussleman and Errol McLaughlin chaired the event that featured fast competition on the polo field, the traditional divot stomp and loads of grand people-watching. Big hats, summer frocks, seersucker suits, bow ties — all the fashion fun associated with a spring fete — kept us gazing in all directions all afternoon.
Quattro, the Strip House, Ruggles Green, Brio and Sheriee Mariee Boutique Baking (best cakes ever) provided yummy taste treats for the crowd.
Health Museum Triple Crown Polo event
