Yes Southern those are the dresses. The tangerine one looks a little "ify" to me because I usually dont wear anything that clingy, feel too self conscious the other one is more my style but not sure if it is enough style. I am one that pays more attention to the accessories, thought if the dress was a little plainer I could go with a hat that makes a bigger statement, although I do like the pink dress too.

z, I've sent you an email.

I'm with you Fly on the pink one.
Classic styling with just a little 'flirt' --

Well, I'm going back to Weight Watchers this week --
so maybe in a few months, I could wear it again...

z, re the one you are thinking of from Adrianna Papel: test it for wind resistance, i.e. if breezes blow, what happens to that nice billowy fabric below the empire waist...?

I've never been to the KD, but have watched it on TV.

z, please don't be offended but I don't recall beaded chiffon cocktail dresses on the women there. I do recall Audrey Hepburn/Grace Kelly type dresses with magnificent hats setting the stage for class and elegance.

Here's another you might want to look at.

Here is a link that might be useful: another dress

A cute classic style in a solid is the way to go. Even though i'm not over-weight, i'm short~patterns tend to add weight to even the slimmest of figures. A colorful necklace in a chunky style would also be a nice accent. Find a hat that complements the dress(and your face shape), and if it's too plain, add feathers(and maybe a small nest?) for a little more of a statement. ;o)

I like Kim Kardashian's Kentucky Derby look last year.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kentucky Derby Kim

I'll see if I can find you some links; but what about bridesmaid dresses? I was just looking at the latest Brides magazine; they had some cute not too dressy styles that would work. They were along the lines of Mona's pink dress that she posted.

Just spent time looking at a few sites - Alfred Angelo, Eden Bridal & Badgley Mischka. I saved some pics & uploaded them to my picasa album & am going to post them. Alfred Angelo- the dresses are available in lots of colors, some have 2 colors. I don't know what you could get on short notice if you liked them. You might be able to find something local on the rack.

What I'm reading in the bridal magazine is that rose & sage will be hot colors this year

Eden Bridal
Cocktail Length

Direct link to dress
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Alfred Angelo - dresses come in lots of colors as well as 2 tone

Bridesmaid dresses main link {{gwi:1503953}}From Misc

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Badgley Mischka {{gwi:1503961}}From Misc

Accessories

Sondra Roberts available at Nordstrom -

I love this purse -

These are more Alfred Angelo. If you click on the album link, I also saved the dress number information in case you liked something

These all come in more colors then what I picked to save {{gwi:1503964}}From Misc
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Any feedback on what I posted?

I was at Burlington Coat Factory today; not sure if you have one by you or a Marshalls - TJ Maxx or Ross - I saw similar bags to what I posted above but in neutral colors

Love those bags-perfect for the run for the roses!!!

My favorite one is the black and white with the bow at the waste. I'm picturing it with a white straw hat with lots of black flowers. And some black and white wedge heeled sandals.

I didn't receive the dresses yet, tomorrow they are supposed to arrive, I'm getting anxious. Today I went to Nordstrom's on my lunch-hour an there was absolutely nothing. I did go on the website and saw "clodhoppers" in Louisville and they said the new dresses for 2010 derby is embellishments with stones and chiffon, so I was happy about that, I don't want to look out of place. But at the same time I want to be comfortable and happy with my choice. I'm get more excited about the accessories which I cant get until the dress is picked out. If those dresses dont look nice I will have to go to Lord and Taylor and just pick anything. I do have to get a tote bag for my shoes, etc. and shoes to match the dress, along with jewelry and finally a hat. Gee I might be the one at the derby with nothing to wear!

not that I'm obsessing over this or anything, but I was reading the current House Beautiful mag (good one this issue, btw) and saw a Benjamin Moore ad toward the front...a two-page spread, "Paint with the very best" -- there's a designer on the far right, Amy Lau, in a purple dress that looks just *splendid* for your purpose. Won't billow out on you, has just enough ruffle and drape to be festive, and is still architectural at its base. I'm tiny too (height wise at any rate :)), and the line of the dress would really help you look taller, rather than having an empire waistline or billowy line that makes us tiny folk look like little girls going to their first piano recital, iykwim. The ruffles framing the decollete neckline are perfect. And the color is so wonderful...a deep, rich yet not "dark" aubergine purple. She's wearing metallic wedges of some sort, open toe, as far as I can see. Really worth checking into, if you're still undecided. Maybe take it into a Nordstrom or the like and see if anyone can ID it. Or maybe someone here can?

You might not have anything to wear, but think of Mission Impazable--wouldn't he look beautiful in a rosy shade of red? :)

Here is a link that might be useful: O.K., this race is seriously thrilling...

I watched the video and your horse is amazing!!! What a thrilling finish.
If I knew how to place a bet on your horse, I'd sure be doing it!!

Anything with your outfits yet?

I might be the one at the derby with nothing to wear!

I hope that's not the case; which is why I posted the dresses above that seem like they'd be ok for you to wear there. Do you have any bridal shops locally where you can see if they have anything? I personally wouldn't wait until the last minute because you might not find anything.

Oh Wow! That race was thrilling and I'm not usually even one to get excited about horse races. Now I'll HAVE to watch the Derby this year, and will have good reason to root for your horse. You'll have the GW members rooting for Mission Impazible and looking for you in your fantastic Derby outfit!

We'll girls this is so exciting that you are all excited too. This is one lucky time for us. I never in my lifetime thought this would take place and that I would be this excited. I'm so happy you are sharing this with me. The horse looks amazing and the race Pete saw (which of course I didn't go to) was so exciting especially partying afterwards on Bourbon Street. We just got the news today that Terry Bradshaw will be sitting with our group at the derby. TB is supposed to be speaking about Mission Impazible on the Tonight show, I'll let you know when it airs. WELL ABOUT THE DRESS-- they came in tonight and I absolutely didnt like them. They were just not me too much glitter and they didnt fit that great either, too much showing, not me either. I will now look on this weekend, but I wont order again. Funny my friend told me to go with a dark purple too. You know your right it is about the horse, I will find a simple dress but accent it with a wonderful hat and shoes, I just hope I'll have the time to find something. Thanks so much for sharing all this - You can bet at any OTB, he isnt a favorite but he still is in there. He did run an exciting race.

I will be rooting for your horse and I am sure that you will have a thrilling day.

I am glad that you decided against the Nordstrom dresses as I think they really weren't suitable for the occasion.

Given your time constraints I would do an overnight order from Talbot's Petites. They have two cotton/silk sheath dresses with matching smart jackets available that I think will fit the bill. I would order to fit your bust & ask for a good seamstress to take in the waist or hips as necessary. I prefer the textured sheath, but if you are VERY busty, the v neck is probably preferable. If you wear one of these dresses with an incredible hat I think you will be beautifully and appropriately dressed.

I would choose one of the pretty colors (this is Springtime in Kentucky!) and stay away from the neutrals

You mentioned that you haven't been able to find a hat in your size off the rack. I am concerned about you arriving in Louisville hatless a few days before the derby- especially if you are hard to fit.

In general, remember that this is a daytime affair (no cocktail attire), that the weather is unpredictable (buy the matching jacket, and that when your horse wins you don't want to sink into the soft ground (no stilettos).

I hope I have linked to the v-neck below, but just in case, it is item #A22015

The textured sheath is item #B60013

Here is a link that might be useful: I hope this links to the v-necck

Z - this is such a special time for you, I would definitely buy a dress in person. I'm not loving the dresses you posted from Nordstrom. Also, the other dresses posted with multi-colors aren't really a Derby look. You can google Derby attire or look on You Tube to get some ideas of what these ladies are wearing. They are definitely not waiting till the last moment:).

Do you have access to a Saks, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor or any other upscale dress shop? The kind of places offering one of a kind type classic solid color sheath dresses. Call ahead and get a personal shopper. It will make all the difference having someone working with you to coordinate your outfit. I imagine your head might be spinning by this point!

The look of the Talbots dress is perfect as is the style of the pink dress with the small ruffle in the neckline - posted by mona. Most women attending Derby buy a solid sheath-type dress and the hat is the "main event" so to say.

You need to find a good millinary where you currently live to work with you right away. They can take your measurements and work with the store you've chosen in Kentucky. That way you are assured a hat. Most millinars would love to sell a hat to a potential Derby winner. The exposure they get is priceless. Millinars work similarly to better wedding/prom dress shops. They keep track of what/to whom they've sold to ensure that they don't sell two of a kind for the same event. You definitely don't want to have a similar hat to someone in your box or anyone in general for that matter. As posted previously, most women start the day after Derby Day planning the next year's outfit. Most have custom hats made. Unfortunately, it is a bit late for custom. However, it is not a good idea to wait until you arrive on Thursday before Derby Day. Remember, practically every woman attending will be buying a hat of some sort. The stores in town will not have much to offer to the general public who are coming in for Derby Day as spectators, let alone someone who will be sitting in an owner's box.

I strongly recommend a personal shopper for your dress as it is getting far too close to Derby Day. Also, get hat measurements poste haste. The milliners will work together if you let them know your situation.

Best of luck. Please post pics of what you choose.

z, because of the fact that you'll be in an owner's box, people looking at you will assume you've paid big bucks for a dress even if you haven't. An expensive look is easier to pull off if the dress style is simple. It also helps if you have a good body...and it sounds like you do. Heck, you could buy a dress at Target and with a great pair of shoes and a fabulous hat you'd look like you stepped out of a high fashion shop.

My suggestion at this point would be to go with a simple black dress. It doesn't need to be a pricey designer dress. If you can find one or several online at a store we have in this area (33618) and they're in stock here and not near you, I'd be happy to pick them up and overnight them to your home. Macy's has some pretty dresses; check their simple black dresses in petite sizes.

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Darna's East Angel Harbor Hat Shoppe

I agree about the personal shopper, but Z already struck out at Nordies and she has expressed a desire to minimize her expenses. I just want her to get the dress nailed down so that she can get to work on finding her glorious hat!

Hat first! Hat first! Hat first!

What about a nice suit instead of a dress?

As for dresses, I like something simple that won't compete with a hat. Something universally flattering and not too revealing, in case you're on tv. Also, if you're going to be on tv, possibly, I think you are supposed to avoid small or busy patterns and gravitate toward structure, and color that won't wash you out. These are from the Nordstrom occasion section:

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Did you go into the W*dding Shop part of the Nordstrom site? click on Mothers. Many are too dressy, but there are some nice simple sheaths that would be great under a big old hat. There is a petite section, too.

These are from there:

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Here is a link that might be useful: nordstorm wedding shop/mothers

I'm going to suggest that the poster can get a younger looking, more fashion forward dress. It is a day event so I think the shiny, mother of the bride fabrics might be a bit too formal. I also think the styles will be more sleeveless or strappy. It sounds like the OP has a cute figure so she will be able to pull it off. Anthropology has some cute dresses but it is a popular store so you might see others in the same dress. At least you can see examples of the styles.

I love the majestic cypress toile!

Here is a link that might be useful: Anthropology

Ok friends, I returned those other two dresses in Nordstrom's today and tried to be open when looking for a dress. After all if it looks nice and you're comfortable that is half the battle. GUESS what I found a dress, only 100.00 at Nordstrom's and it looked great on me. My husband liked it too, very colorful--was wondering if I should shorten it a little bit. I think the perfect hat, shoes and purse would be great. Let me know what you think. I dont know how to post - It is a Maggie London, -called soft white multi- It is colorful with a black umpire band. I'm thinking of a black hat with a veil in front with all the colors on the top -maybe soft feathers? Hope you like it. Tomorrow I will go and look more, but this might be the one. One of the partners live in Kentucky and said the shops hold many hats, I dont want something too elaborate, I also heard they have extra bands they put inside to make a snugger fit.

Here's your dress. I like the colors and the cap sleeves and the empire waist. What color are you thinking about for your shoes and purse? The black hat with the various colors sounds good and the veil idea is classy as well.

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Mona you are just so good, wish I was more computer savvy. The dress looks really nice, I initially wanted to be a little more dressed up, and tomorrow I will look further. I show a little cleavage but not too uncomfortably. Should I hem the dress a little? Well I was thinking of black strappy sandals, I saw a Michael Kors dark purple clutch, a black hat with a mixture of green & purple feathers and a small veil. Although the veil might be too dressy for this dress. My hair is short, not sure how to wear it under a hat, maybe I can find a place to get it done, although Pete wants to leave by 10 am. He doesnt want to miss a thing. The material feels pretty nice. What do you think? How can I put my picture on the computer?

The dress is very nice, and with the empire waist and cap sleeves, very flattering I am sure.

I think black shoes and bag would be nice - let the dress shine. But, I would do a hat in one of the colors of the dress, perhaps the purple, and then have a black band and peacock feathers, which will pick up the colors in the dress It will compliment the black empire waistband,but not feel too dark and perhaps heavy for the mood of the dress.

If your head is smaller, don't get too large a brim, regardless of the fit - you don't want to look like a little kid playing dress up in Moms big hats.

I have to say, I've learned more than I ever wanted to know about hats from this thread! Please, L*ord, don't ever make me have to go to a place that I *have* to wear a hat to. I just don't have it in me. You're a better woman than I, z :)

You can download your picture to an online photo site like Photobucket or Picture trail. But as a "quickie" email me your picture as an attachment and I'll post it here.

I like les's suggestions. Black shoes and purse. Then either a purple or turquoise hat with feathers in the accent colors.

I loooove Anthropolog ie, shop there for almost all my dressy needs. My concern is that the hat isn't bought yet, and to me, that's the more important (and more difficult) purchase.

I do like the dress picked, though, and I don't think that will be too difficult to match a hat to.

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Mona, love the dress you posted. There's a lot she can do with it. The black Delmar hat I posted above would go good with it, if she can get herself sized, she can email them the dress photo & have them trim the hat with more colors.

Churchhill Downs Facebook Page

Kentucky Derby Facebook Page

Will you be attending the Taste of Derby

Day at the races fashion - go to the bottom, there's a link for hats.

Heff & his women last year
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Courier Journal - Kentucky Derby. Lots of different articles about clothing & hats

Kentucky Derby Dresses Google image search

Here is a link that might be useful: Delmar hats - derby hats

Oh your beautiful! I'm sure that dress will look great on you. Are those your beautiful children?

Are you sure you're 57? and not 37?

That dress will look wonderful on you. Now that I see your picture, I'm picturing a simple, wide brim black hat with a white band and big silk roses in purple, aqua and chartreuse. Any chance you can find non-black shoes/purse for the event?

I'd concentrate on earrings and bracelet and not wear a necklace. You're small with a larger bust and I think the hat + a necklace will make you look a tad top heavy.

The dress in the picture is lovely. You never considered this as a back up option?

These are the links to the hats I'm going to post at the bottom. I'll also repost your dress so you can see the different hats next to it

link to hat designer - hat is Francais

This has the blue available in 12 colors

Violet Teal Hues

Audrey Goes to Derby

This one is available in 4 colors but it doesn't say what 4 colors. You'd have to call if you liked it Cady did it

Audrina Hat 2 brim sizes - 8 colors Option on flower or feathers.

See me at the Derby 8 colors

Kiwi Girl might match green in dress

See & Be Seen 4 color variations

Contender 2 - can be customized

Black Turks & Feathers

Black & White beauty

Winners hat Black & White or teal

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That's my contribution for the morning. I'm sure I've been sitting here 2 hours. Hope something I posted helps.

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Hmmm, I love the green or teal hats with the dress, IF the colors would be a perfect match.

That last black hat is fabulous, but I think it needs lots of color in order not to look too bland with the colorful dress. There just isn't that much black in the dress for a solid black hat to stand alone in the outfit. Something similar with lots of silk flowers in purple, green and teal, I think, would be perfect.

Feathers have been mentioned, but I tend to think of them as Fall decor, am I wrong? That's why I'm thinking the florals would be much more Spring-like.

Roselvr, lots of work you've done here. Wow!

Mona - I agree about the black hat; I'm pretty sure most of the hats I posted can be customized to her dress. All she'd have to do is email them the dress photo.

I started looking at hats as soon as I woke up; so yeah, I spent a lot of time but was having fun. It's hard to look at the hats in one tab & the dress in the other which is why I figured I'd put them in the post the way I did.

If Z clicks on the hat pictures, it will take her to the album; I also named all of the hats so she knows which ones they are.

I like the white hat I posted in the last row but not with that color flower. The next favorite hats are the 1st set, including the purple. I think if they could add a touch of green/black it would be really pretty.

I can't leave the hat photos linked more then today so hopefully Z will check in & post whether she likes something or not so I know she's seen them.

Just wanted to say you have such a kind, winning smile, you'll look great in whatever you wear. So relax -- all the rest of this stuff is just icing on a wonderful cake :)

Thank you for the compliments. I stayed up last night to learn how to post the picture but was unable to. Then this morning I was able but I forgot to write something. Yes those are my 3 children, one of my daughters just had a baby 2 months ago so she and her husband were unable to attend the wedding. That was at the end of the night of dancing and having fun. The dress remembered only cost me $30.
WELL TO MAKE THINGS MORE DIFFICULT!!! I went to Lord and Taylor this morning and bought another dress, which I think is the one, I cant find it on the computer. It is a Tahari dress, sheath, stretch cotton with a collar like the one above, looked more like a day dress to me. I only wish I could find it on the internet, if not I will take a picture and download it. I was thinking of a medium sized black hat (which I had my heart set on) and dress it up with yellow, which and maybe a hint of red flower on the hat. Just a thought. I just want everyone to know how much you all have helped me. I was looking at the wrong type of dresses, hopefully I can find the dress and see what you all think.

Maybe you should sign up for a free Picasa photo sharing account. Open the photo you want to link to, on the right it says link to this photo, it gives you 2 option, link via email or posting as html. You're also able to pick what size to post it.

I love the black hat matching the black band:

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z - that's great. You sound much more enthused about this newest dress. What color? Solid or print? Is it on Tahari's website?

Can't wait to see it!

BTW, your children are gorgeous and have a very pretty mom as well.

The black hat does nothing for me at all. It's spring, not Halloween. LOL!. Plus, I'm thinking that dress isn't fancy enough. Maybe because I have a dress almost exactly like this one and wear it casually. Love the colorful hats roselvr posted.

Kelly, you are so talented!

OMG that is the funniest thing I ever saw!!! I started looking at that person in the dress and I said to myself gee that looks like me! Oh my it is me! In fact the dress looks exactly like that on me. I think you are right golddust it is very casual and if I put a cami under the dress I could wear it for work. Not sure if it is going back or just keep it for going out to dinner. I wish I could find the Tahari dress, very simple just like most of you thought right from the beginning, I will find it and send a picture, although the picture might be big, sorry. I've decided I want to look nice, classic and comfortable, then I will be happy. I just dont like prints a textured yellow, hope I wont look like bumble bee.

z - don't worry about the size, I think we're all pretty much sitting on our hands waiting to see what you've chosen!

Kelly did a great job putting you 'in' your dress, and it seems perfect. But the black hat is way too heavy in color, overtakes the whole dres,and truly would be too much hat for you. Look for something with much less brim, and a bit more structure. You don't have a lot of hair, and all that hat will make you look bald.

Something styled like this, but either in one of the dress colors, or if you are set on black, with feathers like peacock feathers I had mentioned to bring in the dress colors. It would be even better if you could add a band of the dress fabric, perhaps if it needs to be hemmed?

black hat