Susan Blackburn Photography

Earning their place in the sun - the Pink Paddock celebrates 20 years of colorful style on Broadway.

Cheery, brightly-printed apparel burst on the Saratoga scene when Kim Burton opened the Pink Paddock in 2005.

Originally called Sunshine on Broadway, the store carried sunny resort clothing with playful prints that appealed to Saratoga’s summer visitors.

In their second year, they changed their name to the Pink Paddock. Kim’s husband, Steve Snyder, thought up the new name, one that describes both the creative clothing and the confident spirit behind what has now become the area’s premier destination for signature resort wear.

In 2008, the Pink Paddock became a privately-owned signature Lily Pulitzer store and quickly outgrew their space. Finally, in 2010, Kim heard a storefront rental was available down the block. She immediately left her shop and ran down the street to see it. Getting it, she said, was “magic!”

Sewn into the Fabric of the City

The Pink Paddock, now at 358 Broadway, is three times as large as their first store. In addition to their Lilly Pulitzer collection, they offer custom Saratoga apparel including sweaters, embroidered Lilly Pulitzer sweatshirts and tees from Vineyard Vines, they also carry apparel by Trina Turk, Tyler Boe, Sail to Sable, and Dubarry of Ireland.   

Meeting Lilly Pulitzer in Palm Beach has been a major highlight of Kim’s career.

“Lilly Pulitzer is the true original resort brand,” said Kim. Worn by style icons including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lilly Pulitzer’s pretty dresses, tops, and more, were the star of SPAC fashion shows. Lilly regularly spent the season in the Phipps’ grand summer cottage at 717 North Broadway. Lilly’s stepfather, Ogden Phipps, a Thoroughbred owner, breeder and founding member of the New York Racing Association, was considered one of the forefathers of horse racing.

To celebrate the occasion of becoming a signature store, the Pink Paddock threw a massive party at The Gideon Putnam with lavish product giveaways. It was also fun, remembers Kim, when the Pink Paddock sponsored the Whitney Cup at Saratoga Polo for several years. Lilly Pulitzer corporate artists were in attendance and decked out the Saratoga Polo Club House with original artwork, linens, and more!

Striking the Right Chord

Lilly Pulitzer once said, “If you haven’t any charity in your heart, then you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” Kim proudly continues the tradition of giving through the Pink Paddock’s ongoing philanthropic efforts.

“When you’re a small business owner in a town like this, you need to be involved in the community,” said Kim. The Pink Paddock has helped support area charities including the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, LifePath, the Palamountain Scholarship Fund, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, National Museum of Racing, Saratoga Dance Museum, Old Friends of Cabin Creek, and Little Brook Farm, among others.   

Kim also recently retired from a 30-year teaching career. In addition to her time at the Albany Boys Academy and the Gloversville School District, Kim, a skilled trumpet player, studied with an adjunct professor at the Julliard School. She and Steve, a drummer, played together in their band, 2 of Hearts, later renamed Heart to Soul, for over a decade. They also spend a great deal of time adopting senior, special needs, and hospice dogs.

Lilly Pulitzer and Kim Burton, owner of the Pink Paddock.

Celebrating a Confident Spirit

Five years after their expansion, the Pink Paddock refreshed with a major renovation; changing the furniture, wallpaper, hanging system, and lighting fixtures.

A second renovation was planned for 2020, but the pandemic delayed the project. They still hope to remove cabinetry to create more open space and build a new fitting room. Kim said while she’s not sure exactly what the future holds, she does have some advice for her younger self.

“Rely on your intrinsic work ethic. Always love what you do. Recognize that your desire to succeed is a part of you and be true to your faith.”

On May 17th, celebrate Pink Paddock’s 20th Anniversary with sips and sweets. Receive a free bouquet from Nicole Borisenok, owner of Old Tavern Farm (with qualifying purchase).

For more information, follow @thepinkpaddock on Facebook and Instagram.
Shop their styles at www.pinkpaddock.com