Derby Day Blues

My friend, Jen, and I both had the Kentucky Derby blues on Saturday, but it had nothing to do with the fact that neither one of us picked California Chrome as the winner.  Rather, on the hooves of the annual Kentucky Oaks "Pink Out," we both went in the opposite direction for our Derby day attire.  Rose-colored hues for Friday's filly races were a given, but our color-coordinated ensembles on Saturday were a happy accident.

Dress and hat (Nine West); Shoes (Bass); Necklace (Steinmart)

This was Jen's first Derby experience, and I have to say she got it right from hat to toe.  I would wear this outfit in a heartbeat.  The pockets on her sundress are perfect for the racetrack - all the better to keep hands free for juggling mint juleps and wager tickets.  The striped hat is crushable, which makes it much easier to pack for a roadtrip (my own hats took up a lot of room in the car).  And I don't think I would have thought to pair lace up oxfords with a sundress, but the choice was an inspired blend of Southern style prep and all-day walking comfort.  I also love that she switched out the standard laces for bright blue!  

Dress (Jessica Howard); Hat (Macy's, embellished with laser cut acrylic monogram from Etsy and grosgrain ribbon from Hobby Lobby); Beaded horse handbag (Mary Frances); Kitten heel switchflops (Lindsay Phillips, embellished with removable monogram clips from Etsy)

My own navy and lime color scheme highlighted my love of all things monogrammed.  I may be a born and bred Hoosier, but I've got a Southern soul in that regard.  If you're a regular follower, you  may recognize the navy and white hat.  Last week, I embellished it with bright yellow grosgrain ribbon for a TV spot to promote the IMA's upcoming Hats Off luncheon (see it here).  Creating a new look for Derby day was as simple as switching out the ribbon.  It may not be as wild as the Mad Hatter look I crafted for the Oaks, but the versatility of this hat makes it one of my favorites.

Another great Derby weekend in the books, and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

  

Linked up with Style Crone's Hat Attack!