Tom Wolfe once said, “One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” After landing in New York on Friday night, the Big Apple engulfed us into its unbound energy. And if that wasn’t enough, New York re-confirmed its commitment to us as a part of its ecosystem by providing the most flawless weather for the 12th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC – a sunny, 75-degree day.
The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC did not disappoint. It never has, and it never will.
As Veuve’s signature orangish hue saturated the lush lawns at Liberty State Park, Bob and I sipped champagne and took in the sights, sounds, and style of the day. If heaven were a place on earth, this was it. Pink velvet roses covered the walls of the cheery Rosé Garden as posh picnic blankets and umbrellas were strewn across the General Admission lawn.
Everywhere we turned, there were chiffon floral dresses blowing in the wind, straw boater hats within eyesight, and giggly gaggles of groups stomping the divots in the ground at half-time. Oh, and there’s Nacho Figueras (who basically embodies the spirit, and sport, of the day).
Best Outfits of the Day
James Nord of Fohr once said, “the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is THE fashion event of the summer for New York City.” Vogue even proclaimed, “There are a handful of sacred calendar days every year that you simply don’t mess with—the first Monday in May is for the Met Gala, and, as in-the-know New Yorkers have come to learn, the first Saturday June is reserved for one thing: Veuve Clicquot’s annual Polo Classic.”
From the the décor to the drinks, there’s countless reasons why the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is added to the calendars of New York’s finest. Plus, the people (and outfit) watching is unmatched, and guests brought it this year.
Here were some of my fave outfits of the day….
Our Experience at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC
This year, we were delighted to receive an invitation for VCPC’s VIP tent. In many ways, the invitation process feels like something out of the era of Downtown Abbey…. while invites are sent digitally, once you receive one, it feels as if you’ve been hand delivered a gold-foil stamped, wax-embossed invite with doves flying out the minute you open the envelope.
For those readers who have followed Style Charade for some time, you’ll remember the VIP section is a “don’t call us, we’ll call you” type of situation. While we had VIP tickets for VCPC LA in 2018, this was the first year we’ve were invited to the tent in NYC.
The VIP tent is just beyond. It’s everything you’d expect (and more). The food includes an endless buffet of delicious lunch dishes like salmon, Thai noodle cups, burrata with pesto infuser, shrimp and grits, and seaweed wraps. The bubbly flows from an open bar with guests sipping an array of champagne delights – Veuve Clicquot Rich (my fave), Yellow Label, Rosé.
The décor is also on another level – cascading flowers, beautiful table set-ups, ethereal white tents, modern chandeliers, and larger-than-life umbrellas.
We were lucky enough to arrive fairly early, so we made sure to snag a table large enough for our friends. The event gets packed incredibly quickly, so a place to sit and relax is definitely essential. It was so wonderful to catch up with Grace, Krystal, Jess, Amy, Patricia, Leo, and so many others. Given how perfect the weather was, everyone was having such a blast! The energy was one of sheer joy!
My Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic NYC Outfit
While dresses are always a go-to, and the most natural extension of my personal style, I wanted to switch it up this year and (GASP!) wear PANTS.
Top: CH Carolina Herrera Cache Coeur Top {c/o} // Pants: CH Carolina Herrera Floral Pants {c/o}
Bag: CH Carolina Herrera Pink Victoria Bag {c/o} // Shoes: Pink Suede Block Heel Sandals
Headband: Lele Sadoughi Pink Crystal // Earrings: Kate Spade New York Heart Stud Earrings
Necklace: Van Cleef & Arpels // Eyewear: Céline White Sunglasses // Bracelets: Julie Vos Cuffs
Last fall, one of my favorite brands, Carolina Herrera, dressed me for VCPC LA. Originally, I considered wearing a style from their main collection. However, after reviewing the lookbook for their sister brand, CH Carolina Herrera – I fell head over heels for this pink floral print. When I first saw Grace on the ferry ride to the event, she said my look was “Palm Beach grandma chic,” and I couldn’t have been happier – lol!
From this stunning yellow taffeta shirt dress to pink plaid maxi dress, this darling jacquard dress to this bow front stripe blouse, CH Carolina Herrera has the most incredible pieces!
The brand was kind enough to host me for an in-store shopping experience complete with champagne, styling, and try-on session. After combing the racks of their newest collection in-store, I stumbled upon on this fabulous floral top and pants. Voila! I was set. Additionally, the brand was also kind enough to gift me the pink Victoria Insignia Satchel.
I paired the pink + green floral look with a crystal-embellished pink headband by Lele Sadoughi (the black version has been a go-to of mine since last year). Given the warm weather, I decided to go with an updo for the day. As in years past, I scheduled a Glamsquad appointment for the morning. I still cannot get over the convenience of their service! Two members of their team arrived at my hotel, and I had a fresh mani and perfectly coifed hair before I even finished my second cup of coffee!
Post-Polo
Towards the end of the event, Bob and I sat for a moment and took in the views of Lady Liberty standing in all her glory amidst the scenic Manhattan skyline. With champagne in hand and a day full of memories, we both felt so blessed to take part in such an iconic experience.
We made our way back to the ferry and immediately texted our friends Allie, Dana, and Elle to meet up somewhere for dinner in the Financial District. Elle recommended Seamore’s at Brookfield Place, which turned out to be the most perfect restaurant! We sat outside drinking cocktails, eating lobster mac n’ cheese and fish tacos all the while laughing about the memories from the day.
In fact, we literally shut the place down! I haven’t laughed that hard in awhile. We always have the best time with them. It was the perfect finish to an incredible day!
After dinner, we walked back to our hotel, smiles abound and memories bottled for life.
As the sun set on Manhattan later that night, I changed out of my floral outfit into comfy pajamas. I drifted into a beautiful, blissful (and bubbly) slumber only to wake up the next morning to think, “can we do it all over again?”
And next year, we shall!
Special thanks to Veuve Clicquot for inviting me to this year’s Polo Classic in New York. It’s partnerships like these that make Style Charade possible.