Tuesday, April 27, 2010

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

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great stuff!! Man, I wish I were going to the Derby! Can't wait to hear all about it! xoxo

Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle said...

Ooohh thanks so much for the tips!!! I already purchased my dress and hat though. I didn't even think about getting them IN Louisville!! I bet I could have found a much more dazzling hat in Louisville...boo. Well, a girl can never have too many hats right? I may just give those shops a try!!

ALR said...

I love all the hats! I am not going but I will be watching. Thanks for the great resources.

the pink prep said...

hat's off to you for this gorgeous and timely post! i have YET to get my derby hat -- where does one go in the northeast? i am going to have to do some major embellishments once i find one. Big party saturday. I can't wait!

Mise said...

Oh I need more hat-wearing opportunities! Where I live, the Galway Races are a big social event, and the Dublin - Galway flights are always wonderful during that week - I never see so many women flying with hat-boxes and perfect eyebrows.

LPC said...

Oh, I wish we had something equivalent here in Northern California. The only gathering the people I know attend is, um, Burning Man. Where if they wear hats that's all they wear...Come to think of it, a Derby Hat at Burning Man would be the kind of oxymoronic statement I'd want to make:).

Trish {Pink Preppy Lilly Lover} said...

What a fun post! I am in love with that black and white hat, so pretty! I'd never heard of the "Fascinator," but it's really cute! :) I would love to see all those pretty ladies carrying their hat boxes at the airport!

I so wish I could be there! :)

Anastasia Schembri said...

Fantastic post, such beautiful hats you picked. What a great opportunity being able to attend, can't wait to hear all about it!

Henley on the Horn said...

I would LOVE to go to the Derby with a native Kentuckian. I love the hats!

Town and Country House said...

Great hats! Wonder how the tradition of amazing hats and horse racing came to be? Girls and ladies around here wear beautiful hats to the Camden Cup, which is no Derby, but it's still fun.

Jo said...

What a fun post ~ the hats are amazing. I could spend hours just hat watching :)

Jo

Elizabeth said...

i love Dee's! i love derby time

bevy said...

What amazing hats! Wish we ALL had events to wear such chapeaux! Our steeplechase allows for some, but not like Derby!

myletterstoemily said...

such a fun post on hats and dresses for
the derby.

i've enjoyed living vicariously through
you.

Karena said...

Brings back the memories of opening day of the races at Delmar!!

Karena
Art by Karena