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!!

A Weekend of Wine & Fashion

The 7th Annual 30A Wine Festival was an amazing event at Alys Beach!  The weather thankfully cooperated and it was a beautiful weekend filled with wine, spirits, food, fashion & beautiful people!  It is always a special event, especially to me, because of the beneficiary, Children's Volunteer Health Network.  I have been involved with this wonderful local nonprofit organization for many years.  It is heartwarming to see so many locals and out of towners support them and their cause to provide access to health services for children in Walton & Okaloosa counties in Florida. 

The fashion at the event is always on point, and I felt so perfectly dressed in everything I was wearing from The Alys Shoppe.  It was the perfect place to find beautiful pieces for the entire weekend of festivities!  

I am sharing the highlights below from this fabulous fashion and wine filled weekend.  Enjoy!

The beautiful storefront of The Alys Shoppe.

We kicked off our Friday evening February 23rd, at Bourbon, Beer and Butts and enjoyed live music, yummy food and.... obviously lots of delicious beer and bourbon! 

I think I have the best looking date - my sweet husband, John.  Sweater, black denim, necklace, bracelets & handbag all available at The Alys Shoppe

Yummy Bourbon!!  (please excuse the lipstick marks on glass)

I stopped by to see the lovely ladies at The Alys Shoppe before the Grand Wine Tasting on Saturday, February 24th.  These sweet, stylish women are always super helpful and ready to help find the perfect pieces for you!

Let the tasting begin!!

It was a glorious day to stroll the quaint streets of Alys Beach, tasting wine and food.  My Dress, jewelry and handbag all from The Alys Shoppe.

One of my favorites I tried that day!

There is no other place quite like Alys Beach. 

Not a great quality photo.... but wanted you see these two parents had a fabulous time.... and I felt super stylish with my handsome date!!

Love this display of the glasses when you walked into Rosè and Croquet. 

Lastly, Sunday, February 25th was Rosè and Croquet in the afternoon.  This is such a classic, chic & stylish event.  Everyone wore shades of white (the traditional color for croquet) and enjoyed a delicious brunch accompanied by rosè, champagne and creative cocktails . 

My entire outfit is from Alys Shoppe (including my hubby's hat too)

Who knew South Africa could make such delicious wines??

Stylish people playing croquèt

The place to see and be seen on 30A is Rosè and Croquet on Sunday!

Feeling blessed to have been part of such a wonderful, chic event benefiting Children's Volunteer Heath Network... in such a breathtaking place, Alys Beach.  Thanks again to The Alys Shoppe for making be feel super stylish and confident during all of the weekend festivities!

Until next year..... Cheers everyone! 

Kicking Off Summer in 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!! 

Grand Opening of Mason in Seaside

The chic town square of Seaside, Florida is lined with beautiful boutiques, delicious eateries & those famous airstream restaurants.  It's a special place where locals and tourists mingle together.   What better place than this to open a new men's store..... Mason- Goods for Men.  The talented, "Willow Girls" (as they are locally known), Celia Tucker and Cindy Krutz, have done it again with this cool, beach side shop.  

(L to R) Cindy Krutz (co-owner), me & Celia Tucker (co-owner).  We are all wearing apparel and heels from Willow. 

I was excited to attend the grand opening party this week of Mason, the new addition to the Willow family.  I always love celebrating my friends' accomplishments and talents! 

Photo provided by Willow.  Interior of Mason.

Mason carries men's goods, ie, apparel & accessories, swimwear, shoes, sunglasses, bar ware, shaving kits and more!  Lines include Billy Reid, Vince, Original Penguin, Vela & Krewe, Peter Millar, Collard Greens, Hudson Denim, Rodd & Gunn.... just to name a few. 

Photo provided by Willow. 

Photo provided by Willow.  Chic Interior of Mason.

This space is so cozy and chic!

Photo provided by Willow. Interior of Mason.

Jami Ray of 30A Street Style and me at the grand opening.

Loved mingling with our local, chic friends also.   Jami Ray, of 30A Street Style and Christie Casillo & Megan Trent of Coastal Road leather goods, were also celebrating Cindy and Celia's new addition to the Willow family. 

(L to R) Megan Trent (Brand Manager for Coastal Road), me & Christie Casillo (Designer & Founder of Coastal Road).  I'm wearing my Metallic Bolinas Leather tassel necklace by Coastal Road.

John and me at Mason.

I had to bring "my Man" to this grand opening of course!  What a fun night!

Mason is located at 2236 East County Hwy 30A, Seaside, FL 32459, opens tomorrow at Noon until 7pm in Seaside, FL.  Mason will open seven days a week, from 10am-9pm this spring and summer.

Valerie & Matt's Santa Rosa Beach Wedding

Weddings are one of my favorite events to style!  I was thrilled to be able to celebrate with our friends Valerie & Matt Walker yesterday at Celebration Hall in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  I was excited to wear my new Joie suede heels (available at Willow Boutique).  Also, my new Coastal Road Sundance clutch was perfect with my dress!   

(L to R) Misty Parenzan, me & Jennifer Moffatt - my beautiful friends. 

A beautiful day in Santa Rosa Beach for a wedding..... catching up with sweet friends.  I'm wearing a BCBG dress from last year's collection from Willow Boutique.  This dress always puts me in a good mood because of the fun, bright color!  My jewels are my own LOVE necklace from Willow Boutique, druzy and gold layering necklaces. 

Jennifer Moffatt and me.....whew it was a hot day!

The groom, Matt Walker, and his beautiful bride, Valerie Walker.

Weddings are always a good reminder of how blessed I am to have been married to this handsome guy for fifteen years!

Celebration Hall in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Congratulations to Valerie and Matt Walker!  Thank you for sharing your special day with us in such a beautiful place.  Cheers!