Closing Day Style Guide presented by Zen Fashionista Sonya Berg

The most important day of the polo season is right around the corner on Sunday, September 28, 2014…  Closing Day & USPA Spreckles Cup Finals!

Polo is a fashionable affair and packed with family-friendly fun! Polo’s elite and luxury lifestyle makes it the perfect venue to see and be seen in your most elegant styles and chic fashions.

Right about now your probably thinking decisions…decisions…. what to wear for Closing Day of Polo? Sonya Berg, also known as the Zen Fashionista, has prepared the Ultimate Style Guide for how to dress for Closing Day.

Zen Fashionista’s 8 Style Tips for Closing Day of Polo:

           

 Wear Something In Any Shade Of Red

Red is the color of the day on Closing Day and will match the beautiful scarlet red roses that fill the Spreckles Cup trophy and coats of the lead fox huntsman. Think true red, raspberry, ruby, burgundy, brick red, crimson, cherry, candy apple red and any shade in between.

ACCESSORIZE: Feel free to get creative and playful here. Can’t find the perfect red dress? Try a jacket, hat, ring, shoe, pocket square, sunglasses, clutch or any other accessory. You can even paint your nails red and wear a matching red lipstick. I love Dior Rouge 999 and Pandore 754 for a classic red lip and nail. Silver, black and white are other suggested colors to mix with your red on Closing Day of Polo.

 It could get chilly at dusk when your dancing the night away with the talented DJ Beatnick who will be spinning the beats. Don’t forget to bring a wrap like this versace scarf or any other lightweight cashmere wrap, sweater or elegant jacket to throw over your shoulders. The after party is a perfect ending to perfect day of action packed fun and thrilling polo adventure!  Enjoy a refreshing cocktail while dancing on the grass.  You’ll even have a chance to mix and mingle with the professional polo players and patrons to complete your Closing Day of Polo experience.

 Wear A Fabulous Hat Or a Fun Fascinator  

Closing Day, September 28^th is also Hat Day! If you’ve been searching for the perfect occasion to wear your favorite hat, this is it. Ladies can wear elegant wide brimmed hats embellished with feathers and organza silk to provide sun protection and make a unique fashion statement. Fascinators are whimsical, fun and easy to wear. Like this little black fascinator trimmed with ruby red feathers.

There’s still enough time for last minute shopping to find a beautiful hat or fascinator to wear to Closing Day. All of the hats and fascinators pictured are designed by the amazing Jill Courtemanche Millinery.

Gentlemen grab your fedoras for an added touch of class and style to your Closing Day Polo attire.

Wear Wedges or Flat Sandals  

Remember ladies, you’ll be sipping champagne and stomping divots at half time, so leave those stilettos at home! Not only are stilettos a fashion faux pas at polo, they can also make half time divot stomping very complicated. For comfort and style while enjoying a fun day on the grass try a red or metallic wedge or an elegant crystal embellished flat sandal instead.

Wear Simple Flowing And Elegant Sundresses and Skirts

A sundress that’s simple, feminine and elegant is perfect for viewing a polo match on a sunny afternoon. A body conscious knit dress that’s cool and breathable in crimson red is a perfect choice for the red theme on Closing Day.

Can’t find a red dress? Opt for a dress in neutral hues like cream, pearl, silver, black or white for a classic and timeless look. This elegant hand beaded shift dress in white is perfect for Closing Day when paired with a lipstick red Chanel clutch, hat and nails.

Scott Copeland Talent

Feeling feminine? This intricate lace shift dress does best paired with metallic wedges and accented with a bright red hat.

Men Wear Sport coats, Patterned Shirts and Bowties

A crisp collared shirt and slacks will work just fine for the men. If you want to dress to impress, try a sports coat in any shade of red like this crimson sports coat and matching tie.

You can also wear a classic black and white checked sports coat accented with a scarlet pocket square, shoes and belt. Slim fit suits, bowties and other preppy attire are always stylish for men to wear to Closing Day.

Tailgater Style Is More Casual And Relaxed

If you’ve decided to enjoy Closing Day of Polo tailgating from the back of your car and picnicking with family and friends, the attire is much more casual and relaxed here. Women often wear casual sundresses in light and breezy fabrics with straw hats for sun protection and simple leather sandals or flip-flops.

Want to stay with the red theme for Closing Day? Choose a red sundress or accent your attire with any red accessory. Casual khakis with a red t-shirt and cotton or linen shorts in any shade of red worn with boat shoes or flip-flops are a good option for men tailgaters. Jeans are also an option for casual tailgating.

Children Dress To Impress

Pull out those comfortable party dresses in shades of red, silver, black and/or white. Boys will look dapper in chinos or a red colored cotton slacks with a patterned crisp collared shirt with red accents or in any shade of red. Girls and boys should wear comfortable dressy casual shoes. Think pretty sandals, flats in red or neutral hues and boat shoes for boys.

Wear Big Sunglasses

What’s more glamorous than a pair of oversized sunglasses? Big sunglasses give your face a mysterious movie-star look while providing extra protection from the sun. For show-stopping style, choose an oversized crystal embellished sunglass in red. Men, smaller stylish glasses are on trend and dress up any outfit.

Most of all, have fun and get ready to watch the finals of the USPA Spreckels Cup!

Get your tickets to Closing Day & USPA Spreckels Cup

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ABOUT ZEN FASHIONISTA

Zen Fashionista-Sonya Berg-is the leading Fashion, Healthy Lifestyle and Beauty Blogger of ZenFashionista.com Her mission is to transform and empower peoples lives through daily tips on healthy living, fashion, beauty, dating, relationships, esteem building, goal setting, communication skills, raising children and the law of attraction.Zen Fashionista, Sonya Berg a fashion show producer and designer, branding partner and inspirational speaker. She brings together charity and fashion through event planning, promotion and branding partnerships. Sonya Berg, Zen Fashionista is also a philanthropist, a certified yoga instructor, a fung shui expert, reiki master and avid polo player.

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Womens Clothing: Matti D, Del Mar CA (exceptions: scarf by Versace, black satin dress by Maggi B)

Mens Clothing: Mister B’s, Del Mar CA

Hats and Fascinators:  Jill Courtemanche Millnery

Hair and Makeup Artist: Mua Rene Gonzales 

Photographer- Quentin Anderson 619-796-1010 (exception: last photo by Topher Riley)

What to Wear to Polo

San Diego Polo Opening Day, one of Southern California’s most highly anticipated social, fashion, and athletic events of the year is right around the corner, June 1st, 2014!  This Opening Day, whether you are enjoying the game from the VIP white tent or the front lawn, you will undoubtedly want to be dressed to the nines, polo style.  Ladies, are you wondering what to wear to Polo Opening Day?  Need not worry, Nubry, San Diego’s #1 Fashion and Style Website, has put together The Official San Diego Polo Style Guide to answer all of your fashion and style queries!

Your Opening Day polo outfit should consist of a a feminine dress that’s accessorized with your most extravagant sunglasses.  

 

Wide brimmed hats or fedoras are optional for polo, unlike Opening Day at The Del Mar Racetrack where they are almost mandatory!  A hat can be a nice option, as it provides sun protection to those who are lawn spectators or tailgaters.  Nevertheless, hats make a chic fashion statement even to those who are viewing from the tent all afternoon.  

 

Please do not arrive in stilettos as you will pierce the grass and hate your fashion faux pas decision all day.  Wear wedges or fabulous jewel-encrusted sandals for a day of fun on the grass.

Bright colored dresses are vibrant and catch the eye of other pologoers during the sunny afternoon.  Opt for beautiful summer colors like coral, hot pink, teal, and kelly green or a floral or printed dress with a variety of these hues.  Pastels are always welcome and our favorites include mint, pale pink, baby blue, yellow and orchid.  

 

Not feeling a colorful dress?  Choose neutrals like snow white, nude, or cream for a classic combination.  Wondering what styles of dresses are on trend for the summer 2014 season?  Look for cutouts and sheer lace details, knit dresses that are cool and breathable, or fit and flare dresses that are comfortable, yet stylish.  Below, get inspiration and outfit ideas for this year’s Opening Day at The San Diego Polo Club.  Can’t wait to see you all on Opening Day!

For more style advice, fashion tips, and recommendations for what to wear to polo, visit www.Nubry.com, San Diego’s #1 Fashion and Style blog.

Follow San Diego Polo Club on Instagram here: @sdpolo and follow Nubry on Instagram here: @nubry  | Be sure to post pics of your outfits on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using hashtag #SDPolo and #Nubry.

 

Shop the Citrus “Fit and Flare” Dress | Shop the Powder Blue Shift Dress

 

Shop the Coral Knit Dress |Shop the Pale Pink Knit Dress

 

Shop the Hot Pink Bodycon Dress | Shop the Teal “Fit and Flare” Dress

 

Shop the Pink and White Floral Maxi Dress | Shop the Yellow Garden Floral Dress

 

Shop the Cream Lace Top Shift Dress | Shop the Boat Neck Shift Dress

 

Shop the Coral High Front Low Back Midi Dress | Shop the Cutout Shift Dress

 

Shop the Printed Pastel Dress | Shop the Printed Orange Dress

 

Shop the Drop Waist Navy/White Combo Dress | Shop the Drop Waist Periwinkle/Cream Dress

 

Shop the Pleated Maxi Skirt | Shop the White Sleeveless Top | Shop the Crochet Maxi Skirt & Top

USPA Spreckels Cup Finals & Closing Day

Doesn’t it seem like Opening Day was just yesterday?  Time flies when you’re having fun!

On Friday, September 27, Twin Palms/San Fernando played Starmeadow/Monteverde for the chance to play on Sunday in the Spreckels Cup Finals.  Starmeadow/Monteverde beat Twin Palms/San Fernando 12 to 9 and confirmed their match against Hanalei Bay the following Sunday.

The 2013 San Diego Polo Summer Season came to an end on Sunday, September 29, 2013 with the USPA Spreckels Cup Finals.  In addition to the USPA Spreckels Finals, over 1,000 attendees enjoyed equestrian entertainment, an opportunity drawing to benefit Prince Harry’s charity, Sentebale, and After Party presented by Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.

We started the day with the Sundance Hills Drill Team, a group of six dedicated riders who put hours into meeting, practicing and perfecting their patterns and routines.

The Santa Fe Hunt/West Hills Hounds is a Masters of Fox Hounds Association, MFHA, recognized Hunt located in Temecula, in southern California. They are a diverse group of riders, brought together by love of horses, open spaces, country values and riding with a fine pack of foxhounds as they work a scent.  They came out with about a dozen riders and hounds.

Land Rover of San Diego and Porsche of San Diego had a fleet of luxury automobiles, including the 2014 Porsche Panamera.  Last Closing Day, president Ron Bonaguidi purchased a 2013 Range Rover from Land Rover of San Diego.  Ron said Jason Puga, owner of Land Rover of San Diego, is a great business man and he’ll never purchase another Range Rover from any other dealership.  His service is incredible and affordable.

Danielle Pizorni, San Diego opera singer, blew us away with her rendition of the National Anthem.

Joe Allis of Porsche of San Diego threw in the ceremonial first ball.  In the history of Spreckels Cup finals, there has never been a match so exciting and evenly matched as Sunday’s.  With 8 chukkers and at least 5 broken mallets, the competition was one of the best we’ve ever seen here in San Diego.

Hanalei Bay                 vs.              Starmeadow/Monteverde

Krista Bonaguidi (-1)                       Ellen Greenhill (-1)
Ashton Wolf (3)                               Colton Bancroft (0)
Mariano Fassetta (6)                       Martin Ravina (5)
David Samaniego (0)                      Graham Bray (4)

Sunday afternoon was the perfect San Diego summer day with 75 degree weather and slight ocean breeze.  Hanalei Bay and Starmeadow/Monteverde took the field, as Owner of Porsche of San Diego, Joe Allis threw in the ceremonial first ball.

Graham Bray started the first chukker by scoring the first point on the afternoon for Starmeadow/Monteverde.  David Samaniego also took a great shot and scored one for Hanalei in the first chukker.  Teammate, Mariano Fassetta also scored two beautiful shots.  Martin Ravina scored 2 (one penalty) and Bray scored another for Starmeadow/Monteverde, bringing the score to 4 to 3.

Things heated up for Starmeadow/Monteverde in the second chukker, as Martin Ravina scored an additional 3 goals for his team.  Krista Bonaguidi, first lady and owner of Hanalei Bay took a penalty shot for the team and scored!

In the third chukker, goals went back and forth, 3 for Hanalei Bay, 2 for Starmeadow/Monteverde, bringing the score to 9 to 7, Starmeadow/Monteverde in the lead.

As if the tension wasn’t enough, during the first minute of fourth chukker, Martin Ravina was given a red flag and pulled out of the game for the remainder of the chukker.  Colton Bancroft scored one, but opposing team, Hanalei Bay used this time to catch up and Mariano Fassetta scored two for his team.

Hanalei Bay should have been able to dominate the scoreboard, but with fouls called, and time running out in the chukker, Starmeadow was able to hold on to the narrow margin, going into the 5th chukker with a full squad of players.  The time on the bench gave Ravina that extra push needed to make the game competitive going into the remaining chukkers.

In the 5th chukker, Mariano Fassetta scored one for Hanalei and Martin Ravina scored one for Starmeadow/Monteverde.  The finals of the USPA Spreckels Cup couldn’t have been more exciting and all the guests were on the edge of their seats, some standing in the VIP tent, tense with anticipation.

In the 6th chukker, Martin Ravina scored another for his team, bringing them ahead by one point.  With 30 seconds left in the match, Mariano Fassetta put one through, tying the game and taking it into over time.

The 7th chukker was a tough one.  Hanalei Bay’s Ashton Wolf had to call a time out due to lack of feeling in his hand and severe cramping.  At this point in the game, the horses were exhausted, the players just as tired.  At the beginning of the match, the players came on to the field, ready to fight for the win and prepared to expend every ounce of energy.  That energy was running out.  The play resumed and each team was able to defend their goals.  With less than a minute left in the 7th chukker, Colton Bancroft made a beautiful break away and, unfortunately, overshot a cut shot that would have been the most glorious win for Starmeadow/Monteverde. The 7th chukker ended, the match still tied.

In the beginning of the 8th chukker, Colton made a second break away and all eyes were on him.  The ball went over the line and out of play.  Shortly after, eyes fell on his teammate, Graham Bray, who was on the ground.  Not many saw it happen, but Bray’s horse clipped the back of Ashton Wolf‘s horse and fell, exhausted, throwing Graham Bray to the ground, knocking the wind out of him.  Graham is one of the toughest players in San Diego, and when he’s on the ground for more than a few seconds, it’s serious.  Bray stayed on the ground for a few minutes, barely moving his legs.  After consultation from the EMT and fellow players, Graham Bray slowly rose, walked around, and mounted a fresh horse.  The play went back and forth for a minute and the ball was left in a cluster right near the Starmeadow/Monteverde goal mouth.  Mariano Fassetta’s horse started dancing around and they should have gotten out of there immediately.  A foul was called on Hanalei Bay’s David Samaniego and Martin Ravina took an undefended penalty shot, winning the USPA Spreckels Cup Finals for Starmeadow/Monteverde.  Both teams played an unbelievable game and made Spreckels Cup history as one of the most competitive games of all.

Winners of the USPA Spreckels Cup Tournament: Starmeadow/Monteverde

Member, Joe Cuillo and his daughter.

Gatsby-inspired guests stomp divots during the Korbel California Champagne Divot Stomp!

 

The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach presented the After Party and guests rocked out to Crush Effect DJ and live trombone and drums.

Player, Mercedes Mafara and her friends celebrate the end of the season.  Mercedes won Most Improved Player, and her group won Gastby Best Dressed!

Thank you to our sponsors, players, members, fans, and staff for an amazing Closing Day and 2013 Summer Polo Season!  We’ll see you in June 2014.

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!