Derby Day Chic

You may not be traveling to Churchill Downs for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.... but it's always good to be prepared for a fun Derby party with friends... and know what to wear!  It isn't all about the horses, right?!?  When I think of the Derby..... Big hats and Mint Juleps come to mind.  Kentucky Derby fashion has become as much about the race event as the horse racing.  And.... HATS ARE DEFINITELY A MUST!!! 

Below, I put together 3 Kentucky Derby outfits for the Ladies and 1 bonus outfit for the Guys to help inspire you to dress your best for the race weekend! 

Hat:  Haute Hats (local hat designer found at Alys Shoppe, Kiki Risa & Dip Swimwear)             Dress:  Diane Von Furstenberg    Bag: Coastal Road (found locally at Alys Shoppe, Kiki Risa, & Ophelia)    Shoes:  Vince

The Derby Hat. 

Like I said, it's a MUST!  Whether simple or extravagant, you must make sure you have one perched atop your head!  Fascinators are the hot new trend from across the pond - smaller headpieces worn on a headband or a comb.  Princess Kate made this unique style "chic" a few years ago.  If you choose a simple large brimmed hat.... consider adding fresh flowers, feathers, or netting... to make it your own.

Dress:  Alexis (available at Alys Shoppe)    Wedges:  Matt Bernson                                              Handbag:  Gigi NYC       Hat:  Dillards

The Dress.

In my opinion, all ladies need to be in a dress.  I feel like it's a Southern Lady TRADITION!  Feel free to Show your unique style, but try to keep the silhouette simple and ladylike.... you would never want to distract from the  THE HAT.  If choosing a floral dress or print, keep your hat simple by choosing one color.  If your dress is a solid color, feel free to go wild with several different colors!

The Accessories. 

Keep it simple.  Your Hat needs to be the "STAR" of your outfit.  Stay away from big statement pieces and choose understated and delicate pieces instead, ie:  simple cross or diamond necklace, or classic pearls and dainty earrings like studs or simple hoops.   Also, your handbag needs to be small and simple - like a clutch.  Make sure it can hold the following:  phone, ID, credit cards, lipstick and lots of cash for placing those bets!!

Fascinator:  Ebay      Dress:  Carolina Herrera       Bag:  Rachel Zoe       Shoes:  Calypso St Barths

The Shoes.

Chic summer open toe sandals, mules, classic wedges or an espadrille will be perfect with any dress.  Make sure they are comfortable!!   Even though the race is quick, the entire Derby event you attend might be an all day affair! 

The Guys.

Think classic preppy attire for the men.  Traditional seersucker suits, or pants in different eye catching colors with a crisp white button up on top.  Or classic khaki or navy pants and beautiful bright colored shirts.  If your guy doesn't mind neck wear.... you can pull it all together with a bright colored necktie.  Also, don't be afraid to let him don a 1920s style fedora style hat as well.... just as long as it doesn't take away from yours!   

Hat:  Haute Hats

I hope this has inspired you to wear your "Derby Best" with confidence on May 5th!!  Don't forget to place your bets!!

Watersound Ladies Soiree Event

A few weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to co-host a late afternoon soiree with St. Joe Club & Resorts for a group of lovely ladies at the Watersound Origins Cafe.  Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while enjoying a non-traditional fashion show.  We were lucky to have two local boutiques there, Willow and Beachfolly,  showing off their latest summer fashions. Two models from each boutique dressed in a beautiful day time look, floating around the room discussing their outfit details with the guests.  We also had the honor of having Shelly Brown Jewelry there, showcasing her beautiful line of bohemian chic inspired cuffs and gorgeous jewels.  

This event would not have been possible without many many people making it all come together and beautiful!  I would like to thank the following people: Photography by Jacqueline Ward Images,  Morgan King (makeup) and Rachel King (hair), Flowers by Milk and Honey (gorgeous arrangements of flowers), Willow Boutique,  Beachfolly, St. Joe Club & Resorts staff (Carly, Carolyn and Curtis) at Origins and my loved ones (my husband)! 

Wagma (Willow model) having her makeup done by Morgan King.

Of course, fashion shows require hair and make up!!!  What fun to host all of the models in my home pre-event!   We had two amazing & talented ladies doing hair and makeup... Rachel Nelson on hair and Morgan King doing makeup.  We were so blessed to have these ladies helping us to look event ready!  

Anne Hunter (Willow model) having her hair done by Rachel Nelson.

Making sure everything is in the right place before show time

Flowers by Milk and Honey

Flowers by Milk and Honey

My sweet mother n law, Dana Giles, has ALWAYS been supportive of my passion and new business

Shelly Brown jewels

The goods at Willow.

(L to R)  me, Shelly Brown, Anne Hunter and Allyson Longshore of STYLE STUDIO.

I had the opportunity talk to our guests about my business, Wardrobe Made Simple, as well as discuss how we turned the model's day outfits into evening! 

Winner of my two hour evaluation giveaway, Chandra Whittington.

My gracious, beautiful models.  L to R -- Rachel Klager, Kathy Zellner, me, Wagma Permyakov and Anne Hunter.

Willow girls.  L to R - Mary Kane Hawkins, Wagma Permyakov, Cindy Krutz (co-owner), Anne Hunter & me

Rachel Klager (Beachfolly model) of The Southern Atelier

Scenes from the Memorial Day weekend...

The Memorial Day weekend along 30A was filled with beautiful weather, family & friends fun on the beach and fashion for a cause.  I was honored to have the opportunity to co-host a two day event with the beautiful girls of The Southern Atelier and Beachfolly, a precious little boutique located in Watercolor.   We celebrated & talked about fashion in the south surrounded by gorgeous clothes & accessories, by Fine & Funky Jewelry.  Also, since May is Lyme Disease Awareness month, we were raising awareness and taking the Lyme disease challenge.  Did you know?  Lyme disease is a world wide infectious disease and has been reported in all 50 states.  Typically, Lyme disease is transmitted through a bite from an infected tick and only 50% of people will develop the bull's eye rash.  Other common symptoms include fatigue, neck stiffness, pain, memory loss, headaches, joint pain and arthritis & jaw discomfort.  To find out more information and raise awareness and hope, visit www.lymelightfoundation.org. 

During the weekend of festivities, I had the chance to meet some special people that photographed our event at Beachfolly.  Jeremy & Amanda Jackson, with The Jacksons Photography.  They are a precious husband and wife team based in the MidWest, (Columbus, Ohio).  Call them if you are getting married in Columbus....or down here at the beach!! 

Amanda & Jeremy Jackson taking the Lyme Disease challenge. 

Picture of me pulling clothing for customers during the weekend.  I'm wearing head to toe Chan Luu and Fine & Funky Jewels all from Beachfolly! 

My girls stopped by the photobooth at the event to be silly.   Riley (left) & Cooper (right) - wearing Well Dressed Wolf dresses. 

Our sweet cousins came to visit us from Signal Mountain, TN.  (L to R -- Hale, Rees, Cooper & Riley).  My girls are wearing Old Navy Denim Shirt Dresses (they are sold out of this particular dress, but check out this precious Girls Denim romper from Old Navy.)  and Mini Melissa  + Capana Gold Jellies.

We had a crew in town for the holiday weekend.....The Hamiltons (John's sister and her husband and kids) from Signal Mountain, TN., my parents (aka, Nana & Buddy) came in from Ozark, AL. and we also had John's parents who live here (aka, DeeCee & Granddaddy).  We spent a lot of our time on the beach playing with the kids, drinking beach drinks and eating good food (it was beautiful, but very windy).  I'm sad I didn't get a picture of all of us this weekend, though. 

John and me on the beach -- holding onto my hat!  Wearing Tom Ford sunnies and Jenessa Leone hat- both from Willow Boutique.   John wearing Maui Jim sunnies and his own Corestruction hat. 

Holly Williams (Hank Williams,  Jr. Daughter) on stage jamming with her husband Chris Coleman, of Kings of Leon. 

The weekend still kept going.... we got to see Holly Williams & her husband, Chris Coleman, in concert at Grayton Beer Brewery (very cool event) with The Hamiltons.  We also had our dear friends, The Baynes, and their crew from Birmingham join us at the concert. 

Gulf Coast Sinfonia in Alys Beach. 

Cousins marching and honoring those fallen heros. 

Lastly we finished off the weekend with a beautiful concert under the stars in Alys Beach with the Gulf Coast Sinfonia.....remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom.  Thank you and God Bless.