Sarah Jessica Puts the "Ass" in Royal Ascot

I’m always a little embarrassed when American’s go ape shit over British 'Ascot hats.' (Unlike the 300 year old Royal Ascot tradition of donning flamboyant hats on race day, the only thing we American’s don at sports events are giant foam fingers. Go figure!) So, to see an American in an Ascot hat is a little bit of a shock to the collective Yankee system. (Bear with us. We’re still a little behind on these things.)

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of Sarah Jessica Parker's style, but she seems to be taking far too much heat for her acorn hat stunt at the London premiere of Sex In The City. This ‘tragic fashion faux pas’ was probably more of a nod to her British fans – sort of a ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans’ gesture that unfortunately backfired on this side of the pond. (It’s pretty customary to show respect by wearing local attire when in a foreign country. Just look at George Bush during a trip to China last year. Such a looker!)

Here’s what gets me. The Royal Ascot, arguably the most important event on the British social calendar, is steeped in centuries of history and tradition. (Sort of an esteemed fashion show for the rich and famous that is uniquely British.) If Sarah Jessica Parker should be embarrassed about anything, it’s that she assumed the opening of her MILF movie was worthy of wearing such a hat. (Hey, at least she didn’t bust out with one of these bad boys!)