Guest Post: Sonya Berg Zen Fashionista’s What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo

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Hey all you fashionista, socialite, A-list, people watching, adrenaline junkies out there…the day you’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Mark your calendars for the 30th Annual Opening Day of Polo on Sunday, June 5th, 2016!

San Diego Polo What to Wear to Openign Day by Sonya Berg

You may be wondering, but what’s so amazing about Opening Day of Polo? Well, I’m here to tell you, it’s by far one of San Diego’s most attended, fashionable and captivating extravaganzas of the summer! With over 4000 spectators in attendance, the Player’s Lounge styled by Modern Luxury and VIP tent will be swarming with beautiful people including jet setters and some of San Diego’s most elite socialites, dashing hipsters and celebrities.

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There’s always a soul-buzzing vibe created by the horses charging down the field, the solid click of mallets on the ball and the clinking of champagne glasses and divot stomping at half time (yes, that’s right, just like Julia Roberts did in “Pretty Woman”). Of course, there’s plenty of food and libations for glamorous guest to enjoy while they’re busy socializing and taking selfies. If laid back is more your style, join friends in the general admission area with picnic tables, craft cocktails and giant jenga! No matter where you sit, Opening Day of Polo has something for everyone. It’s a place where new friends meet and old friends and family reconnect and celebrate.

Now, how are we going to get you looking chic and on point for Opening Day of Polo? Let’s start with the basics….

Sonya Berg Zen Fashionista| 6 tips for Her| Opening Day of Polo/ Polo Attire

San Diego Polo What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo-hats
Fedoras: Black Band- Hat Attack (online) Colored Band-Tobi Blatt Del Mar Colored Hats: Carol Bader Design Dresses: Floral Dress: Alice & Olivia; Pink Dress, Blue Romper, Yellow Dress and Orange Dress: Nicole Miller
  1. Wear Hats.Wide brimmed straw hats and fedoras! Opening Day of Polo tends to be a bit more relaxed in style than Opening Day at the Races. Hats help to provide protection from the sun and add a more polished look to your attire. For a sophisticated and classic polo style, stick with unembellished and simple less structured wide brimmed straw hats and fedora.
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    Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Toe Ring Sandal, Christian Louboutin Floral Wedge, Guiseppe Zanotti Nuvorock, gold leather embellished, Christian Louboutin Mandarin Orange Wedge Blue Dress: Nicole Miller

     

  2. Wedges, espadrilles, chunky heels or flat sandals.

    Remember ladies; half time divot stomping is a polo tradition and a ton of fun to boot! If you don’t want to turn you champagne sipping, selfie taking, divot stomping escapade into a perilous experience…then wear wedges or flat sandals and leave those stilettos at home!

    San Diego Polo What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo-trends
    Ministry of Style Lace Romper: SHOPBOP; Patterned Top & Skirt, Blue Romper, Patterned Maxi, Jumpsuit: Nicole Miller Hats: Carol Bader & Jill Courtemanche Millnery Bag: Tobi Blatt
  3. Stay on trend: dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, palazzo pants and rompers.Ladies remember if your watching polo from the Player’s Lounge styled by Modern Luxury  or the VIP tent, dress in refined and classy styles.This Nicole Miller lace jumpsuit is the perfect VIP fresh and feminine silhouette. Micro pleats were all the rage on the spring 2016 NY fashion week runway. Look in vogue while keeping your cool wearing flowing styles like this ivory pallazo pant combined with a green micro pleat strapless top.San Diego Polo What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo-white
  4. Lighten it up with various shades of white, or go bold with bright colors, prints or patterns!Monochromatic ensembles in shades of crisp white and crème look sophisticated and elegant for polo and they keep you cool in the sunlight. If you want to look in vogue in monochromatic hues then choose one of spring and summers current fashions like this trendy, powder white eyelet romper; notice the statement bell sleeves! Both of these other looks are perfect for Opening Day and very fashionable. Keep it classy with a touch of sass, this pearl white lace jumpsuit with plunging neckline is a must! Looking for a romantic twist? Try this romantic eggshell lace dress with a beautiful open back.Go bold or go home! Opening Day of Polo is the day to sport those vibrant, jewel toned colors that look great when you’re striking a pose with your girlfriends.
    San Diego Polo What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo-patterns
    Hats: Tobacco Fedora-Hat Attack; Black wide brimmed hat-Carol Bader Designs Dresses: Floral Printed-Alice + Olivia Amara dress-SHOPBOP; Jumpsuit, Maxi & backless print top and skirt – Nicole Miller

    Feeling flirty? Try a playful patterns, which are a fun alternative to solid colored attire. If Boho Chic is your style, this whimsical floral print dress is flowy and looks hip with a trend setting suede fringe hobo bag and a fedora. Other prints to try for your Opening Day of polo look are oversized bright graphic prints, colorful tropical prints and polka dots.

    San Diego Polo What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo-fabric
    White Dress, Blue Lace Dress, Palazzo Pant & Emerald Top and Lace Jumpsuit: Nicole Miller
  5. Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk and linen that are breathable.Your choice of fabric is just as important as the color, shape, style and accessories of your summertime polo viewing outfit. You want to stay cool while looking chic and protecting your skin from too much direct sunlight.Organic or natural fibers absorb moisture from the skin and allow it to evaporate. In contrast, synthetic fibers are water repellent, which results in evaporation reduction, unsightly perspiration rings, discomfort and irritation. Cotton, linen, silk and even rayon are all excellent choices because they’re lightweight and breathable fabrics and help to keep you cool. For additional comfort on a hot sunny day at Opening Day of Polo choose a summer outfit with cut outs or a large open weave, like eyelet or lace. Flared skirts; billowy dresses, skirts and pants; halter dresses; strapless dresses and other sleeveless options are other styles that will keep you cool while looking fashion forward.
    San Diego Polo What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo-accessories
    Lace backless dress: For Love & Lemons-SHOPBOP (online) Lace Romper: Ministry of Style Wilderness Romper –SHOPBOP (online) Palazzo Pant & Emerald Top and Lace Jumpsuit: Nicole Miller @ the Forum Carlsbad Cork & Pony hair clutch: Tobi Blatt Del Mar Accessories: Gentle Monster sunglasses, Ted Baker Debbie Pink Floral Scarf, Yves St Laurent Love Pink Nail Polish, Fairchild Baldwin collar necklace Marbleized White

     

  6. Don’t forget to accessorize with trendy sunglasses, playful color coordinating accessories, a wrap, stylish hair, manicured nails and pared down radiant makeup.
    We talked about hats and shoes, but there’s so much more to play with. Want to create instant movie star mystery, intrigue and glamour? Start by donning a pair of trendy oversized, mirrored lenses or embellished sunglasses and voila! Add a chic chunky collar necklace with streamlined leather straps and crafted from shimmering resin beads; they’re versatile enough to go from day to night and casual to dressy. It could get a little chilly at dusk so don’t forget to bring a pretty summer wrap, shawl, sweater or jacket, in a complementary print or monochromatic color, to throw over your shoulders when the sun is setting and your dancing the night away at the 7th Chukker After Party! And last, but definitely not least, make sure your hair, nails and make-up leaves you feeling fresh and beautiful out in the sun on Opening Day! Beautiful fresh skin and minimalist makeup with a natural luminous base is trending for summer.

Now that all of your stunning polo viewing sirens have the look down, go throw on your Louboutins and flaunt your beautiful self at Opening Day of Polo on June 5th!

Can’t wait to see you there!

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International and Local Polo Players Kick Off 2014 Season with Opening Day at the San Diego Polo Club

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Opening Day at the San Diego Polo Club reached a record breaking 3,200 attendees on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Polo fans and San Diego socialites flocked to Rancho Santa Fe for two thrilling polo matches, a fashion show, live DJ and plenty of people watching.

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Land Rover of San Diego brought in a fleet of gorgeous 2014 Range Rover Evoques and Range Rover Sports, which was the main focal point during the fashion show & presenting ceremonies.

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The well-dressed attendees enjoyed mingling in the Polo Pavilion presented by Riviera Magazine, watching the match from the VIP tent, toasting champagne glasses in the garden section and bumping into friends in the general admission area.

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We had a few craft cocktails on draft, including a strawberry rhubarb Woodford Reserve julep and Herradura Tequila Flor de Paloma, two of our favorites. Guests also enjoyed an assortment of spirits, local craft beer, hand selected wines, and of course, champagne!

chef-dawn-parks-wild-thyme-company-opening-day-polo Our Sunday Polo Kitchen is presented by The Wild Thyme Company, offered plates to share (their cheese plate is delicious) or more traditional sandwiches, salads (another favorite is the beet caprese salad) and daily specials.

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Their food is both classic and trendsetting while maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence with an emphasis on seasonal options. The full menu can be seen online here.

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Land Rover of San Diego’s Sales Guide, Matt Deep threw in the ceremonial first ball to kick off the 7-goal polo match. Team Rancho Santa Fe battled it out against team Del Mar.

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Mia Bray (subbing for Colton Bancroft), Kimo Huddleston (subbing for Ashton Wolf), Graham Bray and Mike Manno made up team Rancho Santa Fe (6-goal team). New to SDPC, Emma Stachowitz, Jennifer Alexy, and John Eicher joined resident player Diego Cossio to make up team Del Mar (7-goal team). Because team Rancho Santa Fe is 1-goal lower than team Del Mar, a point is put on the board in favor or the lesser team.

Things started off slowly in the first half with two points for each team. Both Kimo Huddleston and Mia Bray scored for Rancho Santa Fe. John Eicher and Diego Cossio scored for Del Mar. Mia Bray and Graham Bray both scored  in the second half, pushing their team into the lead. Jennifer Alexy scored one in the 4th chukker and Diego Cossio scored two more in the 5th and 6th chukkers. Although each team scored the same amount of points, Team Rancho Santa Fe was crowned victorious due to the lesser handicap.

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During intermission, Raina Leon Style & Design presented the 2014 Opening Day Fashion show, featuring local boutique, Van de Vort. Sunglasses were provided by another locally owned brand, RAEN. Men’s fashion was sponsored by J.Hillborn.

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After the fashion show, the feature match began with the parade of teams led by Matt and Patrick of Land Rover San Diego. Nationally acclaimed and Grammy Nominated Songtress, Sacha Boutros sang our National Anthem.

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Sacha impressed the crowd with her amazing vocals.

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Riviera Magazine’s partners threw in the first ball to kick off the 3pm match.

The 3pm match was between sponsors Woodford Reserve and Herradura Tequila. Ellen Greenhill, David Samaniego, Christopher Collins Jr, and SDPC president, Chris Collins made up team Woodford Reserve. Ramon Richard, Roberto Estudillo, Diego Velarde and Topo Mendez made up team Herradura Tequila.

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The first chukker started off hot with 3 goals on the board for Woodford Reserve, scored by David Samaniego (2) and Christopher Collins Jr (1). Both Ramon Richard and Diego Velarde scored for team Herradura. Christopher Collins Jr. kept up the momentum by scoring an additional two in the second chukker. Topo Mendez scored 1 for his team. By the 3rd chukker, the score was 6 to 4 in favor of Woodford Reserve.

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During half time, guests were encouraged to step onto the grass for the traditional champagne divot stomp presented by Korbel California Champagne.

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Flutes of Korbel Brut Champagne and Korbel Rose Champagne were served from the backs of four beautiful Land Rover Evoques by our Van de Vort models.

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Team Herradura Tequila increased their defensive strategy and didn’t allow team Woodford Reserve to score any in the 4th chukker, while Diego Velarde put one through the goal posts. In fact, their defense was so effective, team Woodford Reserve was not able to score for the remainder of the game. Team Herradura Tequila kept posession of the ball. Ramon Richard scored another goal and Diego Velarde scored two more for his team. Diego Velarde had the most goals on the afternoon: 5. Team Herradura Tequila beat Woodford Reserve 8 to 6.

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Publisher of Riviera Magazine, Jessica Cline, joins winning team Herradura Tequila on the trophy deck to present trophies.

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Sponsor, Armando Flores of Charco Design & Build poses with team Herradura Tequila before giving away an authentic Woodford Reserve polo jersey to a lucky fan.

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2014-Opening-Day-San-Diego-Polo-Club-Men-womens-Fashion 2014-Opening-Day-San-Diego-Polo-Club-Women-FashionWith a San Diego’s beautiful people, it’s no wonder Opening Day at the San Diego Polo Club is such a fashionable affair.

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DJ Here kept the party going by spinning beats until dusk.

Although we celebrated Opening Day at the San Diego Polo Club on June 1, the fun doesn’t stop. Join us every Sunday until the end of September for action-packed polo and family-friendly fun! See the schedule for more details.

Best Dressed Contest

Believe it or not, one of the most common questions we get asked at the San Diego Polo Club is – “What do I wear to the matches?!” For anyone new to Sunday Polo choosing an outfit can be quite a daunting task. No one wants to show up completely overdressed and by the same token you don’t want to come looking like a complete schlub!

However, at the San Diego Polo Club, anything goes! We want you to be comfortable, we want you to be yourself, we want you to select an outfit that reflects who you are, whether that be a dainty sundress, an over-sized hat, some strappy sandals, a searsucker suit, a casual polo shirt or linen pants. Really, anything goes! Consult our Fashion Section in the San Diego Polo Magazine to get more ideas on what to wear and to find local stores where you can purchase some great items for Sunday Polo!

And as an added incentive to dress to the nines this summer, we’ll be selecting a “Best Dressed Attendee” every Sunday who will receive 2 Free VIP passes for Sunday Polo and 2 tickets to the Del Mar Racetrack. Our staff is going to be on the look out for fashion trend setters, so dress to impress!

Our winner from Antique Cars and Cigars / Father’s Day Sunday was Dr. Steven Bernick. He definitely turned eyes with this hip summer suit and tan fedora.
So remember, anything goes for Sunday Polo but remember ladies – don’t wear heels!