Spring Accessories: Show Ring to VIP Tent

Do you ever feel lost when trying to appropriately accessorize during horse show circuits or even at the barn? There is a fine balance between appropriate and excessive.  When I visit my best friend’s full service hunter/jumper barn, Morning Shadows Farm (MSF), in Scottsdale Arizona, I am literally in awe as to how perfectly turned out her clients always arrive.  The women in this fashionable desert town have a put together look, even at the local Starbucks! 

I rarely defer much from my base accessories at the barn and shows. They include:  

• Watch: Cartier stainless Tank or Santo and recently a black Swatch with gold numbers
• Earrings: tiny rose gold diamond hoops 
• Ring: my wedding band.
• Bracelet: leather cuff or wrap   

Luckily, one of Becky's long time clients at Morning Shadows Farm, Janet Salas Knight, is a stylist and she provides excellent advice to freshening all of our looks. Janet is well trusted because prior to moving to Arizona, she had a successful career in Hollywood and she also has the experience of riding on the AA circuit since her junior years. She knows what is both appropriate and on trend, yet assists her clients on how to enhance their own personal style. I now even wear a leather bracelet with some fine colorful beading (thank you, Becky!) with my base accessories.

As I type, the Scottsdale “A” Circuit is currently kicking off.  Janet graciously agreed to guest post about how to properly accessorize for this Spring.  She has included the looks of her clients in action in the sunshine of Arizona on location at Morning Shadows Farm.

Salut!

Spring is in the air!  Here is your jewelry & accessories update for the hunters & equitation rings.  

These styles will keep you fashion forward, while still being appropriate for the conservative environment.  Don’t worry; I have made sure to take these pieces for a “test ride” before recommending them to you.  

LAYERED BRACELETS

Who doesn’t love a personalized touch?  New for Spring from Stella & Dot, is the sterling silver "Engraved Cuff".  I had my mare’s name, Coco (as in Chanel), engraved on this piece.

Go ahead and layer the cuff for an irresistible look.  The "Cady Wrap" in beige, the "Inspiration Bangle" & and the "Signature Link Charm Bracelet" all work well with the cuff for a winning combination.  The arm stack is a hot trend this year!

NECKLACES

There is no need to stop at your wrist. Why add a personalized necklace? The "Engraved Bar" is super cute peaking out of your show shirt.  I have my initials on my bar necklace. 

This look is fabulous for all ages. Here it is worn by one of the younger junior hunter riders at Morning Shadows Farm, Ava Williams .

EARRINGS

Hair should always be pulled back neatly with a hairnet and earrings are the finishing touch under your hunt cap.

For those of you that prefer gold, a nice polished look includes these adorable crystal and gold "Nancy" stud earrings.  They provide a feminine touch and they have just the right about of impact, while still being appropriate.

Amateur rider, Suzanne Hoffman, wears the Nancy Stud earrings showing her amateur hunter and open derby horse, Gavi di Gavi.

You may also incorporate the tones in your show shirt with a subtle pop of pastel.  I love the periwinkle stud in the "Crescent Ear Jackets" trio – a steal at $49 because you can wear them four different ways!  

PULLING IT TOGETHER

Layer your gold or silver bar with one strand of the "Chevron" necklace (available in gold and silver).  The versatility of this piece is fantastic– the strands are removable, providing you with multiple looks in one necklace! I prefer subtle bling at the collarbone. 

For my gold loving ladies, stack the "Alice Bracelet", "Remy Wrap", and "Inspiration Bangle" (in gold or rose gold) together.  Again don’t be shy about a pop of pastel for Spring – go ahead and layer on the "Color Block Cuff".  Below, Ava shows off her complete layered look from neck to wrist. 

The details of Suzanne's "gold" style- appropriate from schooling to showing and finishing at the VIP Tent!  

First Impressions

I include a “pouf” in my tack trunk to keep my hairnets & other small accessories organized.  I am a stickler about tidy hair, lip-gloss and polished boots.  Your turnout is just as important as your horses!

CONNECT

Need your very own personal Spring update or a gift for that special equestrian in your life?  I am happy to assist! Contact me for a personal styling session or visit my WEBSITE.

MEET THE STYLIST

Janet Salas Knight has ridden competitively since the age of twelve in the hunters & equitation, and has just started a new partnership with her beautiful five-year-old bay Westphalian mare with the appropriate barn name of “CoCo”. 

After spending many years working as an executive in the trenches of Hollywood, she now resides in the markedly more peaceful Scottsdale, Arizona, where she enjoys spending time with her family, styling women in Stella & Dot, and spending time with her horse, of course.