Have you ever stood in your closet needing a little guidance on what to wear with what? Virtual Styling by Amy Giles might be just what you need to help you with your styling dilemmas!
Read moreDerby 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!!
Kicking Off Summer in Style
Ashley and John are ready for the Memorial Day Festivites - Rosemary Beach Style!
We are kicking off Memorial Day Weekend - Rosemary Beach Style! I'm sure everyone will attend at least one BBQ this weekend! You want to look stylish and put together, but comfortable too. Here are some looks that we have chosen to help you look your best at a BBQ - whether it's at the beach, lake or in your backyard. All photography by The Southern Atelier
A flirty dress is always a good choice for the ladies with simple beaded tassel earrings (that everyone must own) and cute lace up flats. The colorful straw bag is the perfect pop of color to make this classic navy & cream dress stand out.
Ashley's look is from Willow Boutique.
John's look is from Mason in Seaside.
A man in khaki shorts and a long sleeve button up with rolled up sleeves is everything Southern. The blue and white check pattern to this Billy Reid shirt is the right choice for a "Beach BBQ" for sure.
Have a safe and super fun weekend with your friends and families! Give thanks for this great country of ours and remember those men and women who died to keep us safe! God Bless!!
30A Wine Festival Fashion at Alys Beach
The 30A Wine Festival is one of the most stylish and chic wine & culinary events on the gulf coast.... due to the breathtaking location at Alys Beach. This year marks the fifth year of this exciting event which benefits Children's Volunteer Health Network, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to health services for children in Walton and Okaloosa counties. I have been involved with CVHN for several years and these people and children hold a special place in my heart.
The weekend festivities are set for March 11 - 13th.
Marta is wearing gray high-low dress by Stateside, red hand bag by Antonello, sandals LeSwim & Krewe du Optic sunnies. Adam is wearing Alys Beach logo popover & shorts -both by Peter Millar
I am super excited to be teaming up with the The Alys Shoppe to help you decide what to wear to all of the weekend festivities! All of the following looks are from the Alys Shoppe.
Ladies and Gents, get ready to take notes...
Kick off the weekend at the Bourbon, Beer & Butts on Friday, March 11th, from 6:00-9:00 pm at Kelly Green. Dress code is casual "southern" chic. These looks are perfect to sip a cocktail, eat some awesome BBQ and enjoy the live music from Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars.
Marta is wearing a jeweled neck gray sweater by Autumn Cashmere, studded bracelet by S Carter & destroyed denim by Paige.
Adam is wearing a sweater vest by Bugatchi & plaid button down by Peter Millar.
Swirl, sip and learn from some of the countries best vintners on Saturday from 1:00-3:30pm at Fonville Park. Then, from 3:30-7:00 join everyone for a wine walkabout at the North Sea Garden Walk at Alys Beach for the Grand Tasting.
Marta is wearing gray high-low dress by Stateside, red hand bag by Antonello, sandals by LeSwim, Krewe du Optic sunnies & studded bracelet by S Carter.
Adam is wearing Alys Beach logo popover & shorts - both by Peter Millar
This is how you take the same look from day to night. Marta is wearing the gray dress by Stateside and I changed her bag to a gorgeous Coastal Road clutch, sexy tassel earrings by Vintage Green and heels to create an evening look with the same dress.
Here's another option for the wine walkabout day event. Marta is wearing a denim romper by Enza Costa, & fringe cardi by Magaschoni.
Another option for the wine walkabout for Adam. He is wearing a plaid shirt by Frank & Eileen.
Be sure to pick up your stylish Swell bottles to hydrate, hydrate hydrate!!!
Finally, Rose and Croquet is a highlight of the 30A Wine Festival on Sunday 11:30-3:30 pm at Kelly Green at Alys Beach. You must wear your traditional croquet whites for this tournament! Enjoy a boozy brunch and biscuit bar prior to the match, complete with elegant Rosés and Bloody Mary bar. This is one of my favorite events during this festival....Super chic!
Marta is wearing white fringe pants by Paige, gray cardi by Charli & sunnies by Krewe du Optic. Adam is wearing white button down by Frank and Eileen, sunnies by Tom Ford and khakis.
Adam is wearing white button down by Frank and Eileen, Tom Ford sunnies & khakis.
Fringe for days with these awesome pants by Paige.
I encourage you to attend the 30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach this year and experience one of the most stylish and unique wine festivals along our gulf coast, while supporting Children's Volunteer Health Network and helping our local community and its uninsured and underinsured children.
Buy your wine festival tickets here. Shop the Alys Shoppe for your weekend attire to be the best dressed of the wine festival! I will see you there!!