Q&A With Lifestyle and Fashion Blogger Kate Melican
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Kate Melican is a marketing student at the University of Louisville who currently lives in New York City, where she is interning for Alice & Trixie. Melican also operates a fashion and lifestyle blog, She’s A Southern Belle, which is every bit a full-time job. (Photos courtesy of Kate Melican)
How and when I was introduced to Thoroughbred racing: I was first introduced to Thoroughbred racing in 2002, when I attended the Kentucky Oaks with my dad. A few days before the race, he took me to the mall and let me pick out whatever dress and hat I wanted. I still remember my first day at the races like it was yesterday.
My personal best moment in the sport of Thoroughbred racing: The walkover for the Kentucky Derby. I have been lucky enough to get to do the walk over with the Romans family twice, and it is without a doubt one of the coolest things I have gotten to do.
My favorite racetrack: Saratoga Race Course
My favorite Thoroughbred racing event: Kentucky Derby
Other sports/teams I follow: The American Saddlebred show circuit; I grew up riding American Saddlebreds.
What I would like to see more of in Thoroughbred racing: I would like to see a greater emphasis on the social aspect of racing. I think a great way to bring outsiders into the sport is to make them feel a part of the game and give them an event to look forward to. The Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup are great events that people love because they can see and be seen. There need to me more days like this, your typical Tuesday at the races needs to become THE Tuesday at the races.
Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me: Excitement, challenge, and tradition
First Thoroughbred track I ever attended was: Churchill Downs
Favorite all-time Thoroughbred: Molly Morgan
Best racetrack food can be found at: Pie On Wheels at Saratoga
My favorite jockey: Tammy Fox
My favorite trainer: Dale Romans
My heroes: Princess Diana, George Bush Sr. and Diane Sawyer
Person in Thoroughbred racing I’d like to have dinner with: Marylou Whitney
My philosophy on life: One thing at a time.
Favorite animal other than a horse: Manatee
Favorite non-Thoroughbred racing sports event I have attended: Kentucky basketball games
Favorite food: Fresh green juices and anything Jacob Romans cooks. He is quite the chef.
Favorite vacation spot: Sea Island, Georgia
Favorite city: Louisville, followed by Charleston and New York City
Favorite musician/band: Lana Del Ray, The Dixie Chicks and Elton John
Favorite all-time movie(s): “Titanic”
Favorite TV show: “The Today Show”
Favorite hotel: Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Websites I visit daily: My website, www.shesasouthernbelle.com and Facebook
What I drive: BMW
Pet peeve: Excessive cursing
Favorite movie about horse racing: “Dreamer”
Which actor would play me in a movie: Anne Hathaway
Alma mater: Soon to be the University of Louisville
Favorite radio shows/channels: The local country stations of whatever city I am in
Best book I recently read: I wish I had time to read.
Favorite memento: My horse show ribbons
Favorite dessert: Tammy Fox’s bread pudding
Favorite drink: Water, water, water and fresh carrot and spinach juice
Favorite scent: The barn
What I like about my job: I get to work in the fashion hub of the world and be hands on with beautiful garments
Favorite tech gadget: My iPhone
Instagram: instagram.com/shesasouthernbelle
People I follow on Instagram: Friends, family and fellow fashion bloggers
What kind of blog is She’s A Southern Belle: She’s A Southern Belle is a fashion-focused lifestyle blog that serves as a source of fashion and beauty inspiration. It includes many blurbs about the exciting journeys life takes me on, including Kentucky Derby weekend, mornings on the backside at Gulfstream Park and weekends in Lexington at Keeneland Race Course. You can check out my blog at www.shesasoutherbelle.com.
What does your race-day outfit include: Dependent on the day — a great dress, a large-brimmed hat that I have made, a small clutch for my phone, money and protein bar and sandals or flats ALWAYS (I walk to much to wear heals).
No. 1 Bucket-List item: Win a world championship