The jonquils have burst forth from the frozen ground, the redbuds and forsythia bushes are coming into their own, and that can mean only one thing…it’s time for the spring race meet at Keeneland! Nothing trumpets the arrival of spring more than the 22 days of the world’s finest thoroughbred racing set against the backdrop of a beautiful Kentucky landscape. As native Lexingtonians, we may take this annual pilgrimage to the track for granted, but it is truly unique. And if you’re going to take in the beauty of the flowers and trees and the thrills of the track, you can’t do so in just your average duds. You need something very special, the perfect Keeneland dress.
Just as you turn to expert handicappers like our friend Ed DeRosa of Churchill Downs to help you make the right choices when it comes to putting your hard-earned money down on the ponies, you need an expert in the field of attire to assist you in putting together the appropriate ensemble. Shonda Rose at Dillard’s fits the bill and can have you looking spiffy in no time and without breaking the bank.
We went to Dillard’s and had a little fun playing dress up while getting hot tips on what’s popular for spring.
Classic black and white – This combination of black-and-white polka dots never goes out of style. Shonda is wearing a Tommy Hilfiger dress that she paired with a red hat, a Dillard’s-exclusive red Rebecca Minkoff handbag, and red vampy heels. So sophisticated!
Long – Don’t be afraid to go with a long dress, especially if you are high-styling it in the Clubhouse. This jacquard floral fabric by Badgley Mischka looks perfect on Amanda. The giant blush roses set against the periwinkle is a bright color combo for spring. The periwinkle bucket bag by Furla is large enough to carry your racing form and makeup essentials without weighing you down.
Pastel floral – The pastel floral dress by Alex Marie that Madeline is wearing has a beautiful full skirt that is very ladylike. You don’t want to sink into the grass, so wedges are always a good idea. These Michael Kors sandals with the zipper up the front pair perfectly with the Aigner straw bag. If you are opposed to a big hat, go with a fun fascinator like this one by Kate Landry in yellow, the quintessential color of spring. They come in a variety of shapes and styles sure to pull the whole look together.
One shoulder or off the shoulder – warmer temps means it’s time to show some skin, but you need to do so tastefully like Jessica is in this Eliza J dress in beautiful lilac. The one shoulder detail shows off her beautiful skin tone. With a solid, more simple dress, you need to rock out the accessories. How about these multi-colored snakeskin shoes by Steve Madden? Killer! The white clutch by Hammitt (another Dillard’s exclusive) is the perfect size, and the nice wide brim of the Kate Landry hat will keep the sun from burning your face.
With these tips in mind, let Shonda, Alex and the gang at Dillard’s take the stress out of shopping by putting you in the brightest spring fashion sure to make you a winner! And Lady Luck is on your side as they are having their Keeneland and Ky Derby Dress Bash this Saturday, March 30, from 10-9. With the purchase of a Girl Meets Glam dress, you will receive a free gift while they last, and everyone who purchases a dress will be entered to win a deluxe facial from Beautiful You. Light refreshments will make for a very enjoyable day, and extra stylists will be on hand to assist you. Don't miss out and come in last place, get there early to take advantage of this super fun spring event!