The time is upon us all to commit to our Derby dresses. I sent my best fashion reporter, Mishka (a.k.a. stylist Michele Beam), out to canvass the greater Kentucky and Indiana areas looking for the best picks for you.
Michele:
Here we are again, ladies … ‘Tis the season for blowing your budget and stressing over your Derby Pick. And no, it’s not about the horse; it’s about your outfit!
So, while everyone else is asking who’s in your bracket, I want to know what are you wearing to Derby? Who cares about what teams are in the NCAA Tourney (with the exception of the CARDS, of course), when we have important decisions to make and many choices in front of us. There are so many amazing looks out there there and I have narrowed it down to my Elite 8. No pressure, mind you. Though, if you notice yourself pitting out a little or feel a hot flash coming on, that’s totally normal. Grab a little paper bag, breathe, and just keep reading.
I went around town (and out-of-town) in search of some fun and chic Derby looks. Most designers have once again taken inspiration from the classic designs of the 1960’s and have given us all kinds of fun fashions with vivid prints, stripes, and geometric prints. As far as color goes this spring, black and white are the favorites on the runway, but we are also seeing many soft shades of neutrals and whites, as well as all of the predictable pastels on the racks right now. My favorite are the bold, unexpected pops of neon. Remember, it’s easy and fun to accessorize all these outfits.
And so, without further ado here are Mishka’s Elite 8 Derby Picks:
Loving this cheery yellow Issa number. Who says you can’t ROCK a Kate Middleton look? This is an easy pick for the Elite 8. Available locally at Blink Boutique or online through Polyvore.
Dress by Issa, $506 at Blink Boutique.
Show your classic fashion sense with this ladylike dress from Shoshanna. Available locally at Blink Boutique or online at Lyst.
Pink Ombre Tweed Dress by Shoshana, $396 at Blink Boutique.
A DVF A-line mini with silver ball embellishments is definitely a Mishka-Derby-do! Available locally at Circe Boutique or online at Shopbop.
Dress by DVF, $498 at Circe.
This Rebecca Taylor Chanel look-alike is designed with rich leather panels and soft tweed–a timeless look with an edge. Available regionally at Saks Fifth Avenue – Indianapolis or online at Rebecca Taylor.
White V-neck Tweed Shift Dress by Rebecca Taylor, $475 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Indianapolis.
A great look for any figure, this Annie Griffin dress is a perfect mod-style dress with a back cutout detail. Available locally at Boutique Serendipity or online at Plaza Suite.
Margaret Dress by Annie Griffin, $286 at Serendipity.
As the first of my Final Four, I’m sporting the hottest trend for spring: black and white. This one’s by Talulah. Available locally at Circe Boutique or online at Neiman Marcus.
Black and White Wizard Music Dress by Talulah, $229.
I LOVE GREEN and this super affordable dress is so flattering with its Jackie O. bodice. Available locally at Boutique Serendipity or online at Beth Bowley.
Dress by Beth Bowley, $275 at Serendipity.
Tibi, Tibi, Tibi and your neon make a MAJ statement this spring. Available locally at Circe Boutique or online at Tibi.
Simona Sleeveless Dress by Tibi, $440
And, if it just happens to be a bit chilly, add this tailored and edgy SMYTHE jacket. (Jacket available at Circe Boutique).
Smythe White Fringe Coat is $695 at Circe.
Only 29 days left …
Grab your plastic and bolt!
Thanks, Michele!
All looks styled by Michele Beam. Michele is a fashion stylist and home furnishings consultant. Visit Michele’s blog at www.mishkasmusings.com. Appointments available through email at michelebeam8
