Derby Drivel

Today was the 136th Kentucky Derby. We never miss it. The Kentucky Derby is always a big deal at our house and I think it goes back to when Jim was a musician playing in Lexington. He and his band became acquainted with Penny Chenery and her husband. (There's a movie coming out about her in the fall.) They'd come to the club and listen to their group and they'd talk with them between sets. Penny invited them all to Claybourn Farms in Lexington for a tour....which she gave herself and it was there that Jim met and got his picture taken with her horse, Secretariat, he also saw the grave of Man O' War. Rieva Ridge was there also and I think he has a picture of that champion also. Jim was in horse heaven!

During this time he spent a little time at the track learning how the pros decide how they'll place their bets. Handicapping is quite an art and Jim enjoyed giving it a whirl. Getting to the know the jockeys is important. The winner always has a great jockey.

This year we were very interested because a local businessman and his son had a horse (Mission Impazable) running in the race. Their horse started strong, but fell further and further back. We were a little disappointed that he didn't place, but he ran a good race.....well, at least the first half anyway.

Now you can probably tell by now that my interest in the Kentucky Derby has nothing to do with horses. No, I am fascinated by the hats not horses. There are all styles and I enjoy seeing the southern belles and the hats they choose. Many choose their hats first and then try to find a frock to complement the hat....clothes are just accessories to the hats of the Kentucky Derby.

Now I must say that most are overkill for my taste, but I like seeing them all the same. I wonder what sorta of hat I will wear WHEN I go to the Kentucky Derby...hahaha. Hey, I can dream can't I? While watching ESPN this morning I saw some women in the cheap seats with hats easily found at any Walmart. Some of them even added things to their hats. One had a flamingo standing on top. I tried to find a picture of it....flamingos just make everything better, even obscure blogs written by women who dream of one day wearing a big fat hat to THE derby. I will keep looking.

Some of the hats are so large you can barely see the women's face. That sounds like a winner to me. I have always had an affinity for hats even though I always look ridiculous wearing them. And what is up with that? Some women can put on a hat and it will look fabulous regardless of the hat. I used to believe it was because they were so gorgeous it wouldn't matter what they wore, but I have seen some women who are certainly not gorgeous wearing all sorts of hats and they just look great....so I have revised my idea. I think part of what makes for successful hat wearing is confidence. If you don't feel confident in your hat it isn't going to matter if you are Audrey Hepburn, you are not going to look as fetching as someone who knows they look fabulous, darling.

I like this huge hat pretty well....black and white is always a good bet..... ]but not my fav.

This hat with the polka dots is decidedly my favorite. I can see it with a pretty suit or linen dress to highlight the hat. Maybe I would add some strappy black patent leather sandals and a clutch to match.....yep, yep, this is the hat I am drawn to. Whatever dress you'd wear with this should be plain so that hat stands out.

This hat would be boring to a lot of the derby dolls. I saw a lot of BIG hats and feathers piled high, high, HIGH! I need to know how the hat thing started.

I like this peach hat, too..... I guess I don't like anything too bizarre.

.....and how about this one. I think it is lovely as well. I saw a similar one with black and aqua....thought I saved it, but can't find it now.

Now this lady had the confidence to wear a hat ....perfection! This must be Chanel.

But when push come to shove this is the type of hat I feel most comfortable wearing. Sad I know. Picking out clothes to match would be a pain though.

Another attraction to the derby is the horses' names. I am always trying to name my imaginary derby horse. The names are just so bizarre sometimes. Last year "Mine that Bird" won and I thought it was such a bizarre name. In 1932 Burgoo King won the derby... haha. I think he sired Hamburgler or was it Wannaburger?

Seriously, If I had one.... my derby horse would be named, "Frazier's Wave".