what to wear: Mint Julep Jubilee

Ladies and Gentleman,

It is officially derby season. Place your bets -and more importantly get out your best hat. For the second year in a row the Hubs and I are going to the Mint Julep Jubilee. It is a terrific excuse to dress up; drink during the day; and scream "ya'll" without shame.

the only problem -what to wear?!

I've taken this assignment very seriously and laid out several options. The photo below is from last year, if you're interested in hearing my voice after a few mint juleps -there's even video, but you've been warned.

This year, I wanted something a little more fun -and definitely a hat.

The hat is a must

Below are my options, please help me decide!

Say hello to: Ms. "Southern Gothic"

Can't you see a lady like this on the arm of Atticus Finch -swoon

I like how stark and simple this outfit is -without losing it's charm. I think the fedora keeps it modern and less costumey. The rustic-ness from the straw hat and clutch keep the black and white from becoming too formal or stiff.

satin dress -Forever 21, sunglasses -Forever 21, straw fedora -JCrew, straw clutch -vintage, pearl clip-ons -vintage, black pumps -Target

I'm calling this sassy little lady: "Derby Diva"

Oh, hello inner Dynasty fan -I didn't think I would see you so soon, why I'm only twenty-five.

Yes, this outfit is totally over the top -but that's why I like it. It would obviously include serious lipstick, probably a blush or bashful

(see that other Southern reference -come on, keep up!)

It is critical that the Diva wears impossibly high heels, the biggest sunglasses and hat, lots of jewels, and of course -Seersucker. A diva wouldn't derby without Seersucker.

Seersucker dress - Target, heels -BCBG Girls, pearls -K Lou's, Oversize "Coach" Sunglasses & "LV" clutch -Chinatown, Oversize hat -JCrew

And now we're ready to get "Down & Derby"

This is probably the most literal translation of the theme. I mean, the dress has horses on it for cryin' out loud. That being said, I love the pop of color this outfit has. I think the big black hat brings the dress back from becoming too kitchy. Also, I'm dying to wear my new Birthday shoes!

Black hat (with homemade embellishments) -Old Navy, Horse'N'around Dress -Anthropologie, black woven belt -Forever 21, Sunglasses -Forever 21, Oversize stud earrings -Banana Republic, silver clutch -vintage, silver Birthday shoes -JCrew, cocktail ring -Forever 21

You look a little parched, perhaps I could interest you in a little "Sweet Tea, Sweat Pea"??

This could be my favorite dress. I think the candy stripes are too cute, I love the cut, I love the colors, I love this dress. My only reservation -it might have gotten a little too tight.

(What can I say, it was a cold winter?)

My mind isn't made up, so we'll see, but originally this dress was going to be my jam.

Important details to notice:

1. wedges -don't go to a garden party in spiked heels unless you want to be the landscaper(or I guess a diva).

2. Cat eye glasses are my new favorite shape. I feel uber cool in them.

3. the gloves -need I say more?

favorite dress -Topshop, Cat eye glasses -Forever 21, pearls -from K Lou, brown wedges -from K Lou,
straw hat -JCrew, metallic clutch -JCrew, gloves -Modcloth, gold belt -Old Navy

In staying true to our coastal influence, "Beachy Keen."

I'm going to say something pretty bold:

beachy doesn't mean flip-flops for goodness sake. -I hate seeing flip flops at nice (semi-formal) events.

This is the kind of outfit that can pull double duty. It can be worn with Mint Juleps, Margaritas, or beer out of the bottle. It is the least themey option, I would say, but it still fits the bill.

The pineapple earrings and aviators scream seriously southern -like South of the equator Southern. The straw hat and neck scarf bring it back towards the Mason-Dixon line.

Pineapple earrings -Forever 21, Straw hat -JCrew, neck scarf -gift, aviators -Rayban,

dress -Calvin Kline (from Marshalls!), skinny belt -Forever 21, Mary Janes -Island Passage

So, that's it. Those are my choices. Please help. I'm going to need it...