Sumptuous Standout Style: San Diego Tribune:

SUMPTUOUS, STANDOUT STYLE BY ALLISON KELTNER | FASHION

What is it about horse racing that gets people to don fancy hats and their sharpest outfits? Who cares? We just love when an event like the Breeders’ Cup gives us the excuse to trade our flip-flops for slides and find the most fabulous fascinator.

“It has an old-fashioned romance about it,” said Carson

Kressley, style ambassador for the Breeders’ Cup. When the world championships of

horse racing gallop through Del Mar, you can bet San Diego’s best-dressed will be ready to show their style alongside fans from around the world.

Being in DelMar “lends a little bit more of the California cool” to the fashion, Kressley said. But because it’s the Breeders’ Cup, “it’s a much more international crowd.”

Want to fit in— and stand out? Start at the Bottom ...

Christina Lombardi, luxury footwear designer and official partner of the Breeders’ Cup, knows about the special challenges women face on race day: “As an avid racetrack attendee, I’m very aware of the important of comfort at the races and have firsthand experience of what works,” she said.

Her latest collection, which will be all over the Breeders’ Cup, is all about luxe materials, fun prints and unexpected embellishments— without sacrificing comfort. She said that, while she’ll likely turn to a pair of pumps or high-heeled sandals for the races, she’ll bring a pair of embellished Aria slide sandals for walking around. ... Then Top It Off

“Breeders’ Cup style is ‘couture classic,’ ” said Christine Moore, official milliner of the Breeders’ Cup. “Every time it goes to a track, it takes on the flavor of that track and that region. In DelMar, I call it sexy elegance mixed with classic couture.” You’ll see Moore’s designs gracing the heads of many at the track.

Whether it’s a delicate fascinator or an extravagant hat, the headpiece is part of horse racing fashion that can’t be overlooked ...

literally. All of Moore’s hats and fascinators are made by hand, and if you order in advance, you can request custom colors (maybe represent the horse you’re supporting)— or even get a completely custom creation. Her hats will also be available at the track during the Breeders’ Cup. FOOD

Some of San Diego’s top chefs will be feeding the crowds at the Breeders’ Cup. Brian Malarkey (Herb& Wood, Little Italy) is representing the U.S. at “A Taste of the World,” a party hosted by Bobby Flay that features 15 chefs from countries around the world. “We’re going to make a dish that’ll be mind-blowing,” Malarkey said. The dish will feature seafood from Seattle, Maine, San Diego and Florida, plus trout roe representing freshwater, with local produce.

“It’ll be a melting pot of beautiful seafood.”

Guests at the Trophy Lounge and Trackside Chalet will enjoy meals prepared by Jeffrey Strauss (Pamplemousse Grill, Solana Beach).

He’s putting together unique menus for each day of racing, including breakfast and buffets that will satisfy every craving.

“It might only be a two-day event, but it’s taken me a solid three months to put it together,” Strauss said.

Malarkey and Strauss both have long histories with horse racing— growing up around the sport, attending Kentucky Derbys, even buying into horses over the years. Both are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the Breeders’ Cup at DelMar.

“It’s the World Cup of horse racing,” Strauss said. “To see all the big names, the jockeys, trainers, owners, it’s really special.”

Allison Keltner is a freelance writer in San Diego.

“Dante” shoes from custom footware designer Christina Lombardi make an eye-catching statement.