Derby Fashion

So, you have tickets to Derby. What’s your next step? A great hat, of course!

Some gals come into town with their hats in tow. They know what they’re wearing and are ready! Just hang around the airport later this week and you’ll see the ladies with hat boxes in hand. It’s quite a site.

But, say you’re from the area and you need to score a hat from a local establishment. Or, you received a last minute invitation, you’re coming to Louisville and would like to shop for one here. Where do you go? One of the best places to go is Dee’s Crafts. Dee’s is primarily a craft and gift shop, but around Derby time, they create the most beautiful hats. You can purchase a really inexpensive chapeau at a local department store and then take it to Dee’s to be all dolled up. If you already have an outfit purchased, bring it with you. The ladies at Dee’s can help coordinate the right colors to match your dress perfectly.

Another growing trend you’ll likely see at the Oaks and Derby this year is the “Fascinator,” a smaller headpiece for women who would rather not don the wide-brimmed hat (see above).

If money is no object, then go after the “hats made by the big daddies” – Philip Treacy and Frank Olive – which are available locally at Objects of Desire Gallery, the Peacock Boutique, Rodes, and Rodeo Drive, among others.

So, what if you need to buy a dress and you want to hit some of Louisville’s shops? You can’t go wrong with Rodes (which also carries great men’s clothes), Circe, Peacock Boutique, Clodhoppers or Blink, as well as the Peppermint Palm, should you prefer to wear Lilly on the big day. There are many options for great dresses in town, so you really can’t go wrong.

And where do you go for great accessories? In addition to these shops, I highly recommend Luna Boutique (which also carries hats by fabulous milliner Christine A. Moore) in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood. And, if the weather is nice, after you’ve shopped at Luna, head next door to Avalon, which has one of the best dining patios in town, and enjoy a cocktail. Or, head to the east end of town to Westport Village to accessory shop at Croquis Boutique. Then, if you need a break from shopping, venture across the village to Napa River Grill, which also has a great outdoor dining space.

So, those are few suggestions I have for Derby attire. Local ladies (and the out-of-towners who have attended Derby), chime in with your recommendations as well. Tomorrow, I’ll feature some of my favorite local eateries and great places to go for a cocktail or two while in the Derby City.
Images courtesy of Her Scene Magazine and Dee's Crafts