Derby outfit

Anyone have a recommendation on where to get an outfit for the Derby? I will be in the stands (not the infield) so I'm guessing a dress would be most appropriate. I keep seeing ads for places like Clodhoppers, Luna Boutique, Rhodes, etc... I shopped at Rhodes last year and felt like Betty Davis as Apple Annie when I entered the store.

Ideally I'd like to hit as few stores as possible for my outfit (yeah, I guess I should get a hat too). I'd like to support a local business. And I'd like for the staff/store to be warm and inviting.

Suggestions?

you might try Karen of Course on Brownsboro Road.

I have had great luck w/ derby outfits (including hats) at Judy's Consignment's in Middletown on Main street. They are very nice & helpful. Good luck.

It's kinda hard to give you any advice without knowing exactly what you are looking for...
A lot of the better boutiques that you have already mentioned are pretty much age specific.... Are you young and hip or looking for something more conservative?

My wife goes through this same scenario every year for Oak's(By the way she walks that fine line of trying to look hip and conservative at the same time very well)

It depends on how adventurous you are. Try Pricillas on Hurstbourne!!

Yeah, I guess the Betty Davis reference sounds like I’m 80 years old. I should have said I was treated like Julia Robert’s character in “Pretty Woman” but feared sounding like a … hooker . And that would lead folks to recommend… Priscillas. Thanks, Bob.

So, Dan. Here is some information that might help you, and others, to recommend a shop. I’m 39 which probably no longer qualifies me for “young” status, but I feel young. I’m not “hip” either. However, when looking for dresses for special events, I’m adventurous and try on a large variety of outfits (for me that’s half the fun). I would love to find something hip that is made for a near-40 year-old (but hits at least just above-the-knee or is longer – no Minis - thanks). And I want to be comfortable in the outfit since I’ll be wearing it all day.

I don’t know what “average” is nowadays but… as far as my size, I would consider myself “average” – size 8 or 10 - in your average store. But I’m not looking for your average dress. I think in your hipper boutiques (where size 0 seems so common), I’d be an above-average size. I’d like to think I could find a dress in my size at those places.

Finally, I want to look like a million bucks, not spend a million bucks. But, don’t get me wrong, I am willing to splurge for the ideal dress (hat, shoes and sunglasses, too).

I want to be sophisticatedly unique. Is that asking too much?

I feel your pain about the boutique sizes. I purchase my jeans from Clodhoppers, but they always have to special order me other things because nothing else ever fits.

I would look at Macys for your outfit. I should really practice what I preach because I tend to have a difficult time shopping in department stores so I usually stick to specialty stores because all the clothes are already color coordinated and you really can't go wrong. My mom says that I'm an extreme shopper. One day, I'll spend at paycheck on a Cashmere cardigan from Banana Republic and the next day, I'll spend $20 on a skirt from Target.

Anyhow, try the Macys section that's inside the entrance from the Shelbyville Road side parking lot. The only problem is that you may see other women wearing your outfit.

Another thought is SteinMart. I went in their recently and they have completely changed everything. I saw some really cute stuff for women of all ages that I haven't seen anywhere else.

Derby time for clothes is probably the most challenging things a girl needs to shop for in this town! I am again plugging Judy's as they only take high end labels, the know what you need, and will help you pull it all together. I have gotten several outfits for derby's past that would have retailed over $600-, for under $200. Depending on where your seats are, should also be a consideration of clothing. The weather has no relevance if you are in the 4th floor & up,or jockey club suites. If you are on the 3rd floor clubhouse, see if you are under cover, or not. Ky weather being what it is, could snow, could be 90. Churchill doesn't allow umbrellas, so if it rains, keep that in mind. Am I rambling?

By far wear the most comfortable, but stylish shoes you can, it always amazes me how many people end up walking out barefoot carrying their shoes. As far as hats go-- i would go for an outrageously great hat, and if you just wear a plain dress, no one looks past the hat anyway.

Good luck!

I would check out:
Clay & Cotton-Bardstown Road
Spree-Bardstown Rd
My Ephinay-St. Matthews
All the above have pretty good price points with good selection for us over 35...

This may sound like a novel idea, but you may want to try Sugarbaker's consignment on Shelbyville Rd. They usually have some very nice things there, for a very fair price. It's definitely worth checking out.

Thanks for all the recommendations. Clodhoppers had the winning dress (after only hitting two other places so I was happy). There are so many other places that I wanted to try like all the places that Caroline K. suggested, but I figured I would grab the dress at Clodhoppers and call it good.

Paula, you were not rambling... those were great tips. And I did make it to Judy's. Great place that I will certainly keep in mind for anytime I need more clothes - dressy or casual.

A friend recommended Dee's for hats (and gave me the number for her "hat lady"). At Dee's, a really nice lady - Mary Ann, helped me find a hat in no time, at a fraction of the cost that I was seeing at the boutiques. Mary Ann also mentioned that they can dress up the hat if I choose... something I'm considering once I have the shoes and purse. That way Dee's (or my friend's hat lady) can add those colors into the design.

Again, thanks for all the recommendations.

Glad you found your dress and the gals of Clodhoppers are wonderful! Check out the other stores, they really do have some great buys and great fashions.